Politics & Government

Emergency Adoption of "Refugee" Rabbits Begins Friday by Fairfax County

Families needed because recent floods caused rabbit influx at animal shelter

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is hosting a special adoption Friday (today) after it received an influx of rabbits following floods that overtook a Fairfax County home.

The rabbits’ cages filled with water and the owner could no longer care for the animals. Currently, there are 15 rabbits up for adoption at the shelter, according to a press release from the county.

The special rabbit adoption goes from Oct. 7 – 14. Each rabbit will come with its own habitat including a cage and water bottle. New adopters will also receive a voucher for a free spay or neuter for their new pet (a value of up to $250),  the county release said.

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Before adopting a rabbit, make sure to do some research about owning rabbits as pets. Here's the advice from the folks who run the county shelter:

Rabbits are social creatures and require love, attention and play.

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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.

“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,” says Dr. Karen Diviney, director of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.

“We want to find homes for these animals and let people know they can make wonderful pets.”

Want to see the animals ready for adoption, visit the shelter Tuesdays through Fridays 12-7pm and Saturdays 10am-5pm. or click here.


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