Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS) is seeking people willing to adopt rabbits after the agency received a record number of rabbits at once.
On Friday, April 5, 2024, LCAS received 43 rabbits, ranging from two days to two years old, from a Loudoun resident. The resident had initially acquired just three rabbits as pets, but their numbers grew rapidly in a short period of time. “Rabbits really can multiply incredibly quickly, and they start reproducing at just four months of age. In addition to significant health and behavioral benefits, this really demonstrates why spay and neuter of all pets, including rabbits, is so important,” says Animal Shelter Operations Manager Melissa Heard.
With this influx of rabbits, LCAS is in immediate need of adoptive homes. All rabbits are in the process of being spayed or neutered and will soon become available for adoption. To help prospective adopters learn more about rabbit care, LCAS is hosting a free “Rabbits 101” course on Thursday April 18, 2024, 6:00 - 07:00 p.m., where attendees will learn all about rabbit care and leave with a voucher to adopt a rabbit at no charge. For those who do not attend the class, the rabbit adoption fee is temporarily $25, and rabbits are “adopt one, receive a second free!”
In addition to adoptive homes, the LCAS shelter wish list has been updated to reflect the current needs of the animal care team in regard to the influx of rabbits.
Available rabbits can be seen online at loudoun.gov/animals. Those interested in adopting should visit the Animal Shelter during adoption hours, which are daily between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. More information about the services and programs of LCAS may be found online at loudoun.gov/animals.
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