If you’re looking for a pet that’s smart and playful, but you don’t want a dog or cat, a rabbit could help you fill your need.
And if you stop in at the Delta Community Animal Shelter you’ll be able to choose from 11 of the cute critters now looking for a home.
The shelter is currently at capacity for such animals, said manager Ryan Voutilainen.
“They’re very smart and they all have their own individual personalities,” he said. “They’re very inquisitive and they love to play and that sort of thing. They’re fun pets to have, but they do require some care and attention as well.”
A major factor to keep in mind is a rabbit’s lifespan – which is about a decade.
If you’re buying a rabbit for your 10-year old, beware your rabbit still will be around when he or she goes to university, Voutilainen said.
Usually the shelter adopts out four or five rabbits a year. At that rate, it will be two years before the current residents find homes.
With no more room for the furry creatures, the shelter has a waitlist for people who want to surrender their pets.
Voutilainen said people should do some research before making a decision to get a pet.
People often abandon what used to be their pets in public parks, which can lead to over population in those parks, because rabbits, breed like rabbits.
If left outdoors, the domestic rabbits become prey – to wily coyotes, house cats, raccoons or sharp-eyed eagles who will swoop down from above. And because they’re not used to being outdoors, they can also be killed by cars.
Workers at the shelter try to recover them if they’re outdoors.
Disease, such as rabbit hemorrhagic disease, is another threat.
“We’re trying our best, but it’s getting to the scenario where we are running out of space here and it’s the same in other municipalities,” Voutilainen said. “If you were considering a rabbit and understand the specialized care they require, now is the time.”
Instead of giving up their pets to a shelter, owners can first ask family or friends, or post an accurate description online or at local veterinarians or businesses. There’s also a pet-friendly housing guide for those looking for a place to live. Pet ownership transfer forms must also be filled out if your pet is registered with the BC Pet Registry at: https://spca.bc.ca/faqs/can-rehome-animal/
The adoption fee for a rabbit at the Delta Community Animal Shelter is $70. That includes spaying of the animals, as well as vaccines and microchip.
The shelter notes that in Delta, rabbits can only be bought spayed and neutered from animal rescue shelters.
