How to Adopt a Rabbit in the United States | PetzLover
To adopt a rabbit in the United States, contact a rabbit rescue, a House Rabbit Society chapter or your local shelter, fill in an application, meet the rabbits and pay an adoption fee that usually includes spay or neuter surgery. Fees vary: the House Rabbit Society's own adoption center lists $50 for a single rabbit and $75 for a bonded pair, and other chapters commonly charge up to about $150.
Adopting suits people who want an adult rabbit with a known personality and its surgery already done. This guide explains where to look, what the process involves, what the fee covers and how to help your new bunny settle in.
Key points
- Rabbit rescues and many shelters spay or neuter, and often vaccinate and microchip, before adoption.
- Expect an application, a meeting and sometimes a care class or home check.
- Many rescues place bonded pairs together, often for a lower fee per rabbit.
- Set up an indoor pen, hay and a litter box before day one, and book a rabbit-savvy vet.
Where can you adopt a rabbit in the US?
- Rabbit-only rescues and House Rabbit Society chapters: foster-based groups that know each rabbit's personality and usually require spay or neuter before adoption.
- City and county shelters: many take in rabbits, especially in the months after Easter, when some rescues report more unwanted bunnies.
- General animal rescues: some foster rabbits alongside cats and dogs.
- Owners listing a rabbit for adoption: families who want an adoption-style match with an application and a fee.
On PetzLover you can browse rabbits for adoption, filter by location and save the search for alerts. Message the poster through PetzLover to ask about the rabbit and how their process works.
Should you adopt from a rescue or a shelter?
| Point | Rabbit rescue | Public shelter | Private owner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where rabbits live | Foster homes | Shelter building | The owner's home |
| Spay or neuter | Almost always done | Often done or arranged | Ask; often not done |
| Personality known | Well known from fostering | Some notes | Well known |
| Process | Application, meeting, often a class | Short application | Varies |
| Fee | House Rabbit Society chapters commonly about $50 to $150 | Varies by shelter | Set by the owner |
A rescue is often the best start for a first-time owner, because volunteers can match you with a rabbit that suits your home and teach you basic care. If you want a baby or a specific breed instead, see how to buy a rabbit.
What is the rabbit adoption process?
- Research: read about rabbit care and check your lease or HOA allows rabbits.
- Apply: fill in the rescue's questionnaire about your home, schedule, children and other pets.
- Learn: some groups ask you to take a care class first; the House Rabbit Society's adoption center uses an online Rabbit Care 101 class.
- Meet: visit the rabbits or foster homes. If you already have a spayed or neutered rabbit, many rescues will host a bonding date.
- Home check: some rescues review photos of your setup or visit your home.
- Sign and pay: sign the adoption contract and pay the fee.
- Take home: bring a carrier, and ask for the rabbit's current food and hay.
Do not be put off by the questions. Rescues ask them because rabbits are easy to get and hard to keep; the House Rabbit Society describes a rabbit as a 10-plus year commitment.
What does a rabbit adoption fee usually include?
- Spay or neuter surgery, which a vet-reviewed 2026 US cost guide from Chewy puts at about $500 to $1,200 if you pay for it yourself
- Often an RHDV2 vaccination; the San Diego House Rabbit Society estimates $90 to $160 for a yearly shot at a Southern California exotic vet
- Often a microchip
- A health check, and support or advice after adoption
That is why an adopted rabbit can cost less than a free or bought one. If you are offered a free rabbit instead, read how to get a free rabbit safely first.
What do rescues look for in a rabbit adopter?
- An indoor home with a pen or room where the rabbit can run every day
- Unlimited grass hay as the main food, plus greens and a small amount of pellets
- A vet who treats rabbits
- A plan for children: the House Rabbit Society typically recommends rabbits for older children
- Calm introductions with dogs and cats, and supervision
- A long-term plan, including what happens if you move
How do you help an adopted rabbit settle in?
- Set up the pen before pickup: litter box with hay, water bowl, a hide box and chew toys.
- Keep the first days quiet. Sit on the floor and let the rabbit come to you rather than picking it up.
- Keep the same food at first and change gradually over a couple of weeks.
- Rabbit-proof the room: cover cables, block gaps behind furniture and remove toxic houseplants.
- Watch eating and droppings closely. A rabbit that stops eating or pooping needs a vet the same day.
- Book a check-up with a rabbit-savvy vet in the first weeks and keep up the RHDV2 vaccine.
If the rabbit came from a private home, ask the owner for its history; taking in a rehomed rabbit lists the questions. Owners who want to place a rabbit can read how to list a rabbit for adoption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to adopt a rabbit?
It varies by group. The House Rabbit Society's adoption center lists $50 for a single rabbit and $75 for a bonded pair, and other chapters commonly charge up to about $150. The fee usually covers spay or neuter and often a vaccine and microchip.
Can I adopt a rabbit if I have young children?
Some rescues will, with conditions, but the House Rabbit Society typically recommends rabbits for older children. Most rabbits dislike being picked up and may scratch or bite when scared. Adults should be the main carers, and a larger, calm adult rabbit is often the best match.
Should I adopt one rabbit or a bonded pair?
Rabbits are social and many are happiest with a companion. Adopting an already bonded pair saves you the slow work of bonding two strangers, and many rescues charge less per rabbit for pairs. Ask the rescue which rabbits are bonded.
Do adopted rabbits come vaccinated against RHDV2?
Many rescues now include the vaccine, but ask. USDA reports outbreaks are ongoing in numerous states and the virus kills 50 to 100 percent of infected rabbits. Boosters are given by your vet.
Can I adopt a rabbit if I rent?
Usually, if your lease allows pets. Rescues may ask for landlord approval. Rabbits are quiet, but they chew, so plan to protect cords, baseboards and furniture.
How do I find rabbits for adoption near me?
Contact local rabbit rescues and shelters, and search rabbits for adoption on the site by location. Save your search to get alerts when new rabbits are listed, and message posters through the site to ask about their process.
Helpful guides
Pet for AdoptionHow to List a Rabbit for Adoption in the United StatesList a rabbit for adoption in the US with clear adopter criteria, a fair fee, an application and meeting, a written contract and a check-in after the rabbit goes home.
Pet for SaleHow to Buy a Rabbit in the United StatesBuy a rabbit in the US by meeting it in person, confirming it is at least 8 weeks old and healthy, and budgeting for spay or neuter, a rabbit-savvy vet and an RHDV2 vaccine.
Pet for SaleHow to Sell Rabbits in the United StatesSell rabbits in the US by following state age rules, selling only healthy rabbits 8 weeks or older, writing an honest ad, screening buyers and taking payment in person at handover.
Pet for FreeHow to Get a Free Rabbit Safely in the United StatesA free rabbit is rarely free: check age, sex and health, never pay a shipping fee to a stranger, and budget for spay or neuter, a rabbit vet and an RHDV2 vaccine.
Pet for FreeHow to Give Away a Rabbit for Free Without Risk in the United StatesGive away a rabbit safely in the US by being honest about its health, screening every applicant, signing a simple rehoming agreement and handing it over in person.
Pet for RehomingHow to Take In a Rehomed Rabbit in the United StatesTake in a rehomed rabbit in the US by asking about its history, health and habits, meeting it at home, getting its records and food, and giving it a quiet few weeks to settle.
Pet for RehomingHow to Rehome Your Rabbit Responsibly in the United StatesRehome your rabbit in the US with an honest listing, full health and behavior disclosure, a fair fee, careful screening and an in-person handover with records and food.
Pet WantedHow to Respond to a "Rabbit Wanted" Ad in the United StatesReply to a rabbit wanted ad in the US by checking the request fits your rabbit, describing it honestly, asking the requester about their home, and handing over in person only.
Pet WantedHow to Post a "Rabbit Wanted" Ad and Get Replies in the United StatesPost a rabbit wanted ad in the US that says what rabbit you want, your budget, your area and your home, then check replies carefully and never pay before you meet the rabbit.