Busting the Top 5 Myths about Rabbits

By Alexandra League, HSSV Volunteer

February is National Adopt-a-Rabbit month and if you’re thinking about adopting a floppy-eared friend, I thought I’d bust the top five myths about rabbits.

1. Rabbits are Outdoor Pets

A common misconception of visitors is that rabbits should live outside in a cage or hutch. In a recent article for Rabbits USA 2011, Laura Fulda, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for HSSV, explained that rabbits should be indoors. There are many fun and easy pen options available for house rabbits. Most bunny enthusiasts have gone beyond cage living to give their rabbits amazing inside habitats.

2. Rabbits are Messy

Did you know that rabbits can be litter trained, just like cats? They also groom themselves like cats and do not need baths. Rabbits can be interior designers at heart and love to redecorate. The bigger space they are provided the more they will focus on their own appropriate toys and leave your stuff alone.

3. Rabbits Prefer to be Alone

Companion rabbits are social creatures who love to be with their people. When it comes to adding a second rabbit to the home, Allison Tally, HSSV’s Director of Behavior and Training suggests not rushing into romance. All relationships take time and if the right steps are taken in the beginning your rabbits could become best friends.

4. Rabbits Only Eat Pellets

Sounds pretty bland to me and thankfully for rabbits, a diet of hay varieties and fresh, leafy veggies in addition to pellets can keep rabbits at a healthy weight.

5. Rabbits are Sedentary

Far from it! Rabbits enjoy all kinds of activities. With proper training, rabbits can even learn to walk on a leash outside! They also enjoy playing with toys and exploring bunny-safe environments.

Are you interested in adopting a rabbit? Click here to see adoptable rabbits at HSSV!

Happy Tail: Dottie

By Jamie Emming, Satellite Adoption Manager

Ever so often while picking up animals for our Satellite Adoption Centers, I come across something so cute I can’t help myself and make one of those high pitched squeals of delight. The kind of noise only heard from excited little girls, not seasoned managers. At just under 2 lbs and only 2 months old, Dottie, a double dwarf rabbit we had rescued from another shelter was squeal worthy. In short, she was adorable. Even though I had only stopped in to pick up cats that day, I decided that Dottie was coming back to our Saratoga Adoption Center with me.

In just shy of a week, Dottie met Vy, who had been considering rabbits after having a hamster. As hamsters and rabbits do not have a lot in common, our adoption counselors showed the first-time rabbit parent everything from basic rabbit care and handling to the importance of keeping Dottie in the home where she could be part of the family.

It turned out Dottie’s looks and sweet disposition made her the perfect model bunny for her new Mom, who sent us photos from Dottie’s “Welcome Home” photo shoot. The new family tells us that Dottie continues to be playful and from the looks of these photos, quite the inspiration.


Looking for more animals inspired art? Celebrate the magic of the human-animal bond at our Second Annual “Animal Arts” Craft Faire this Saturday and Sunday.

All photos courtesy of and credit to Vy Hoang