Adoption Event Seeks Good Homes for Homeless Bunnies

Looking for a special animal companion? The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is holding an adoption event for 15 rabbits left homeless following recent flooding.

The animals were brought to the shelter after their cages filled with water and the owner could no longer provide for them, said officer Tawny Wright, spokeswoman for the Fairfax County Police.

“The rabbits need a good home,” Wright said. “They got flooded out of theirs, and the owner is no longer able to care for them. They’re cute and cuddly.”

The adoption event will run through Oct. 14. Each rabbit that is adopted will come with its own cage and water bottle. New adopters will also receive a voucher for a free spay or neuter for their pet, a value of up to $250.

“Most people know that our shelter has cats and dogs available for adoption, but many don’t know that we also have small mammals available too,” Dr. Karen Diviney, director of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, said in a statement. “We want to find homes for these animals and let people know they can make wonderful pets.”

Animal shelter officials advise that before adopting a rabbit, do some research about owning them as pets. In particular, keep the following advice in mind:

• Rabbits are social creatures and require love, attention and play.
• Rabbits frighten easily and should be provided a safe place to live with a hiding place in their living space.
• Rabbits need plenty of food (pellets), fresh water and regular exercise.
• Rabbits love to chew, and therefore should be watched closely if allowed to roam freely in the home.

The shelter also has other small animals, such as guinea pigs, reptiles and birds, available for adoption.

To view animals available for adoption, visit the shelter between 12 and 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays or from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Or, view animals online here.

For more information, call the Fairfax County Animal Shelter at 703-830-1100.