Potential Rabbit boarding?

[ALELC4]

We converted our shed with a large run attached with a tunnel that comes out onto the lawn for our 2 bunnies.

Sadly I have recently lost them . They were outdoor rabbits. 9 year old mini lops.

We have discussed possibly rehoming a couple of rescue bunnies. Though we have always wanted a dog, which we still wouldn't be getting for another couple of years but we are unsure if we should commit to more bunnies just yet as we won't want them around at the same time. I know some people can bond them but I wouldn't want to cause the bunnies any stress.

We've thought about the idea of using our rabbit shed for boarding outdoor rabbits only. As I know there are a few sites you can advertise yourself as a sitter and boarder etc. There aren't many in our area either.

I was wondering what people would think of this idea. We would only be able to take 2 outdoor bunnies at a time but we would do it as a side job, so the income isn't too important. We could also possibly take on outdoor guinea pigs (at separate times).

What are people's thoughts on this idea? Would you be happy with your outdoor bunnies staying there.

 

[Shimmer]

Have you thought about offering yourselves as fosterers for a rabbit rescue? You would be helping needy rabbits without having to commit for another 9 years or so. Vet bills would also be covered by the rescue.

As for running a boarding establishment, there's a lot of paperwork in running a small business, and it may not be worth it for such a small scale. You would need insurance (for the rabbits in your care, public liability, etc), possibly a council inspection, accounts to keep, increased security (padlocks on the accommodation and gates, cameras, etc), increased biosecurity to prevent the spread of disease between visiting bunnies (especially as it will include a grass area, which is very difficult to disinfect- EC is spread by rabbit urine). Are you allowed to run a business from your home? What about the neighbours?

Looking after someone else's pets is a huge responsibility and fraught with things that can go wrong, and you would need to look at all the risks. There's also the time you need be around - both day to day to keep an eye on things, and the inevitable busy period when everyone wants to go on holiday and you can't.