Intake Procedure

[Tamsin]

Each new intake should be given a reference number. Whilst it may seem odd to issue rabbits with reference numbers it will become an essential way to track records as you take in more rabbits and find you have cared for multiple animals with the same name.

[Tamsin]

When taking in a rabbit ask the owner to bring with them any equipment they have such as water bottles, food bowls, litter trays and toys. These can be cleaned and used for the rescue or sold on to new owners to raise funds.

In can be useful to ask for hutches/cages to be be brought as well. Where these are to small for use with rabbits they can be destroyed preventing the owner refilling them. Accommodation suitable for reuse can be used by the rescue, fosters or refurbished and sold on to new adopters.

[Sooz]

Having quarantine procedures in place for new rescues is essential. Two weeks is considered an appropriate lenght of time.

No equiptment, toys or food should be shared during this time (including cleaning apparatus) and care must be taken with handling. It is a good idea to keep a box of disposable latex gloves.

Each rabbit should have its own bottle and bowl and these should be used in the cage and run. You may need to label these for reference as juggling 20 bottles and bowls is hard work!

Should runs be used on rotation one or two should be put aside for 'newbies' placed on concrete and swept then washed down with bleach and rinsed between rabbits.

[Tamsin]

Check the sex of all new rabbits - don't just rely on what the owner tells you.