Is it worth volunteering at a rescue?

[RosemaryBunny]

There's a rabbit rescue near me that I'm thinking of volunteering at. However, I read somewhere that it is the worst experience, that the person would never do that again. But then so many people say it is totally worth it! I personally would be excited to volunteer this summer and do my best to help the homeless rabbits, but is it actually a good idea?

 

[Graciee]

There's a rabbit rescue near me that I'm thinking of volunteering at. However, I read somewhere that it is the worst experience, that the person would never do that again. But then so many people say it is totally worth it! I personally would be excited to volunteer this summer and do my best to help the homeless rabbits, but is it actually a good idea?

Go for it, you won't know unless you try, right?

Saying yes to new experiences like this is always a good idea imo, even if it doesn't work out, you learn so much

 

[InspectorMorse]

I agree with Graciee, it is very rewarding but it can be emotionally draining. You get to see the good and the very bad with regards to Rabbit Welfare.

Before become chronically sick I was actively involved in helping my local Rescue and other Rescue situations. I have seen some truly awful cases of neglect and abuse. BUT, I was able to help the Rabbits involved. That gave me a sense of having a purpose in life, that I could make a positive difference. Not for every single Rabbit in need, there are simply too many for anyone to help them all. But I knew I had helped some.

Rescues in the UK are absolutely on their knees with the Rabbit Welfare crisis now. I expect it’s the same in the USA.There are just too many Rabbits and not enough homes. People think Rabbits are easy pets to care for, good pets for kids and cheap to look after. All 100% false ! Rescues have waiting lists to take in unwanted Pets, having to prioritise cases where the Rabbit’s life is in danger.
So Fostering for a Rescue is another way you could help. Giving a temporary home to a Rabbit until the Rescue find them a forever home. Often this might involve rehabilitating the Rabbit, treating health problems or previously untreated injuries etc.

Hands on help is also usually very welcome, cleaning out housing, grooming, socialising Rabbits.

Fundraising, so helping out at Car Boot Sales, arranging Fund Raising events such as cake sales, Sponsored walks/runs, online auctions etc.

Volunteering to help a Rescue will give you great insight into the reality of the dire Rabbit Welfare situation and you will be able to make a positive contribution to helping whilst acquiring a lot of knowledge about Rabbits as you do so

 

[Shimmer]

Rescues tend to need different help, not just the mucking out / feeding / watering bit - that's most likely to be covered as it absolutely has to be done every day. Quite often it's things like transporting animals, taking photos and keeping the web site up to date that gets left behind. Fundraising is also essential. I've helped out on stalls at summer fetes and quite enjoyed it. It raises the profile of the rescue, and people can be incredibly generous when you talk to them.

 

[bunniemum]

I have done this in the past, and never ever regretted it. It was good for myself; the welfare of the animals, and a great way of meeting like minded animal lovers. The only draw back (if you can call it that!) you want to bring them all home and give them the best life. I ended up adopting two very special little bunnies who had previously come from an accidental and unwanted litter.

 

[RosemaryBunny]

It seems to sound like a rewarding experience, and I would sure like to do all I can to help the rabbit homelessness crisis!

Thanks for the info, guys!

 

[a reader of books]

It seems to sound like a rewarding experience, and I would sure like to do all I can to help the rabbit homelessness crisis!

Thanks for the info, guys!

I've certainly found volunteering very rewarding. I've never volunteered at a rabbit rescue, but I volunteered at a wildlife rescue for a few years that rescued stray tame bunnies as well, and the last year I volunteered there I tended to do their weekly checkups and grooming, though caring for the wild animals was really wonderful as well. You get to do some good in the world, meet some nice people, and learn a lot!

To be completely honest with you, if you would like to do all you can to help the rabbit homelessness crisis, the very best, most helpful thing you can do is to stop breeding your bunnies. Instead of bringing more bunnies into the world, who might someday end up in rescues when they've escaped or been abandoned, the homes your baby bunnies would go to could be homes for homeless bunnies instead. Wouldn't that be better?