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Need to Rehome a Domestic Rabbit or Guinea Pig?

  • Writer: Briggitte Dix
    Briggitte Dix
  • Jul 19
  • 5 min read

Resources, Advice, and Support for Pet Owners in New York & Connecticut



At Cottontail Cottage, we specialize in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wild rabbits and other native wildlife. While we love all animals, we are not equipped to accept domestic animals into our rehabilitation program.


If you're looking for help rehoming a beloved pet rabbit or guinea pig, we hope this guide points you in the right direction.

Before You Decide to Rehome Your Rabbit


We know that life doesn't always go according to plan. People move, finances change, families grow, health issues arise, and unexpected circumstances happen.


Sometimes rehoming truly is the only option.


But before making that decision, we encourage you to explore every possible solution to keep the commitment you made when you welcomed your rabbit into your family.


Rabbit rescues across the country are in the middle of a crisis. There are far more rabbits needing homes than there are adopters, and many rescues have waiting lists or are forced to stop accepting new rabbits because they're already at capacity.


Your rabbit already has a home. They already know you. They trust you. If there's a way to safely keep them with your family, that's almost always the best outcome.

Let's Talk About the Most Common Reasons People Rehome Rabbits


"I don't have enough time."


This is one of the most common reasons we hear.

But it's important to remember that surrendering your rabbit to a rescue or shelter doesn't make those daily responsibilities disappear. It simply transfers them to volunteers and shelter staff who are already caring for dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of animals while balancing jobs, families, and their own pets.

If time is the challenge, think about ways to simplify your routine instead.

A large exercise pen instead of full free-roam, automatic water bowls, larger litter boxes, hay feeders, and a consistent cleaning schedule can all make rabbit care much more manageable without sacrificing your rabbit's quality of life.

Even if life is busier than it used to be, your rabbit would almost always rather stay with the family they know than lose everything familiar.


"My rabbit isn't getting enough attention."


Most of us go through busy seasons.

Your rabbit doesn't need a perfect owner. They need someone who loves them, keeps them safe, feeds them well, provides enrichment, and spends time with them when they can.

A stable home with a family they already trust is often far less stressful than moving through shelters, foster homes, or waiting months for adoption.


"I'm allergic."


One of the biggest misconceptions we see is that people think they're allergic to their rabbit.


In many cases, it's actually the timothy hay that's causing the reaction, not the rabbit.


Before making the difficult decision to surrender your pet, consider trying:

  • Switching from timothy hay to orchard grass hay

  • Using a HEPA air purifier

  • Vacuuming more frequently

  • Washing your hands after handling hay

  • Storing hay in a well-ventilated area


While these changes won't solve every allergy, they've helped many families continue living comfortably with the rabbit they love.


"I'm moving."


Many apartments and rental homes allow rabbits, especially when landlords understand that rabbits are quiet, litter trained, and live indoors.

Finding pet-friendly housing may take extra effort, but it's often possible with a little planning.


"My child lost interest."


Rabbits commonly live 8–12 years, and many live even longer.

While children often help care for rabbits, the responsibility ultimately belongs to the adults who chose to bring them home.


Just like dogs and cats, rabbits deserve a lifetime commitment.


If Rehoming Truly Is Your Only Option


If you've exhausted every reasonable solution and truly cannot keep your rabbit, please don't feel ashamed for asking for help.


Life happens.


The kindest thing you can do is make sure your rabbit ends up in a safe, loving, permanent home.


If possible, begin contacting rescues before your situation becomes an emergency. Many organizations have waiting lists, and giving them more notice greatly increases the chances they'll be able to help.

When reaching out to a rescue, include:

  • Recent photos

  • Age

  • Sex (if known)

  • Whether your rabbit is spayed or neutered

  • Medical history

  • Personality

  • The reason you need to rehome them


Providing this information helps rescues determine how they may be able to assist.


Domestic Rabbit Rescues


We recommend contacting these organizations directly. Including photos and a brief description of your rabbit often helps speed up the process.


Reenie's Rabbit Rescue

Salisbury Mills, NY


Bunnies & Beyond

New York City


Hop Along Hollow

Norwalk, CT


All About Rabbits Rescue

Forest Hills, NY


Rabbit Rescue & Rehab (NYC Metro House Rabbit Society)

New York City

Even if they can't accept your rabbit, they're an excellent resource for rabbit care and medical guidance.


Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group

Long Island, NY


My Hope Is In You Rescue

LaGrangeville, NY


Cottontails Rabbit Rescue

Rockland County, NY


Blue Barn Rescue

Northvale, NJ


Guinea Pig Rescues

Porcellus Place Guinea Pig Rescue NY Inc.

Long Island, NY


For The Love of Guinea Pigs Rescue


Serenity Guinea Pig & Friends Rescue


Wheeks & Squeaks


Shelters That May Be Able to Help

If rescues are unable to accept your rabbit, these organizations may also be able to assist.


Humane Society of Westchester


SPCA Westchester


NYC Animal Care Centers (ACC) (Last Resort Only)


Please note that municipal shelters are often extremely overcrowded. Because of limited space, healthy animals may sometimes be euthanized. Whenever possible, we recommend contacting rabbit-specific rescues before considering this option.

Never Release a Pet Rabbit or Guinea Pig Outdoors


Every year we receive heartbreaking calls about domestic rabbits that have been abandoned in parks, neighborhoods, apartment complexes, and wooded areas because someone believed they would "be happier in the wild."

Unfortunately, the opposite is true.


Domestic rabbits are not wild rabbits. They have been selectively bred by humans for thousands of years and no longer have the instincts, camouflage, or survival skills needed to live outdoors. Most abandoned rabbits die from predators, starvation, dehydration, disease, parasites, injury, or exposure.

Guinea pigs are even more vulnerable. They are completely dependent on human care and cannot survive outside.


Releasing a pet isn't giving them freedom. It's leaving them to suffer.


Don't Give Animals Away for Free Online


We also strongly discourage giving rabbits or guinea pigs away for free on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or similar websites.


While many people have good intentions, free animals are sometimes obtained for inhumane purposes, including use as snake food, dog bait, backyard breeding, or resale.


Working with a reputable rescue or carefully screening potential adopters yourself helps ensure your pet is placed in a safe, loving, lifelong home.


Looking for Help With a Wild Rabbit?


If you've found an injured or orphaned wild cottontail rabbit, we're here to help.

Cottontail Cottage Wildlife Rehab specializes in native wildlife and can determine whether a baby rabbit truly needs rehabilitation or simply needs to be reunited with their mother.


Text our hotline at (914) 933-7559 for help with wild rabbits.


Thank you for doing everything you can to give your rabbit or guinea pig the safe, happy future they deserve.

 
 
 

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