URGENT INFORMATION FOR RABBIT PARENTS!The deadly and highly contagious outbreak in North America of RHDV (Rabbit Hemorragic Disease Virus) is spreading quickly and has now been found in parts of Southern California. This virus only affects rabbits and is NOT transmitted to humans or other pets. Until a vaccine is readily available, keep all rabbits INDOORS with absolutely no outside playtime Tap/Click the flyer to learn more on how to keep your bunny safe.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2) is lethal to both wild and domestic rabbits (including hares and pikas). It is IMPERATIVE your rabbits be kept indoors. This virus can exist for long periods of time in the environment. If you have gone hiking and have seen a dead rabbit, do not approach. Footwear and equipment should be disinfected when returning home by washing in household bleach diluted 1:10 with water for 10 minutes before rinsing.
HOW TO REPORT: Please report deceased rabbits who have blood on their mouth or nose to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife lab at (916) 358-2790 or file an “online mortality report” through their website at https://wildlife.ca.gov/…/Wildl…/Monitoring/Mortality-Report.
If you are unable to keep your rabbit, here is some helpful information:
Options for rehoming a rabbit.Find a home on your own: You can advertise on Nextdoor, Facebook, Craigslist, flyers at your vet's office, etc. It's best to charge a small adoption fee, $25-$40, to dissuade people with ill intentions as some bunnies may be sought out for food for reptiles, birds of prey, or even humans. Check out this posting for helpful ideas: http://rabbit.org/rabbit-center/rehoming-your-rabbit/. This gives you the greatest control for interviewing families. We strongly advise screening and educating to ensure your rabbit gets a loving, safe, indoor home with proper care. You can swing by the shelter to pick up some rabbit care handouts to pass along to their new family. We also have helpful care information on our VCAS Bunny Brigade Facebook page so you can ensure your bunny receives proper care in their new home as people have many misconceptions about how to care for these little creatures:
·Diet: https://www.facebook.com/notes/vcas-bunny-brigade/feeding-your-rabbit/227318384101788.
·Housing: https://www.facebook.com/notes/vcas-bunny-brigade/living-arrangements/1346940155472933/
·The Importance of Spaying and Neutering: https://www.facebook.com/notes/vcas-bunny-brigade/spaying-and-neutering/1346759152157700/
Relinquish to Ventura County Animal Services: If you live in areas serviced by VCAS and have been unsuccessful in rehoming your bunny you can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for additional support or to schedule a time and day (based on space and availability) to bring in your bunny. There is a $15 relinquish fee per rabbit. We do not euthanize rabbits for space or length-of-stay, but please know it can take a while to find the right home for them.
The VCAS Bunny Brigade is an all volunteer-run organization that provides care and enrichment for all of the Ventura County Animal Services' homeless rabbits, works to place VCAS rabbits in loving forever homes, educates the public about proper rabbit care, raises funds for medical treatments and supplies, and promotes rabbit welfare and spaying/neutering throughout the county.
Bunny Adoption Hours:
| Monday | Shelters Closed |
| Tuesday | 1:00pm - 5:00pm |
| Wednesday | 2:00pm - 6:00pm |
| Thursday | 4:00pm - 5:30pm |
| Friday | 4:00pm - 6:00pm |
| Saturday | 11:00am - 4:00pm |
| Sunday | 11:00am - 4:00pm |
*Adoption hours are subject to change. Please message the VCAS Bunny Brigade to confirm current hours.
How to adopt a VCAS bunny:1. Learn about rabbits and their care. Stop by our Camarillo Adoption Center during bunny adoption hours to fill out an adoption application and talk to a VCAS Bunny Brigade Adoption Counselor to help you determine if a rabbit is the right fit for your home. Rabbits are an 8-12 year commitment and adding a pet to your family should be given plenty of thought and consideration.
Watch this informative video BEFORE you go shopping for your new rabbit...
2. Visit with the rabbits. Bring everyone in the family/household and plan to spend at least an hour or two meeting our shelter rabbits and going through the adoption counseling. Each bunny has a unique personality so the VCAS Bunny Brigade works diligently to find the best fit for your whole family. Please bring photographs and/or video showing your bunny housing/setup. If you are looking for a companion for your current rabbit, you can schedule a bunny date with the VCAS Bunny Brigade to help find the perfect match.
3. Adopt. Once you have determined that a rabbit is a good fit for your home, ask yourself if you are ready to commit to providing daily love and care for the next 8-12 years. Be sure to watch the video above or consult us and purchase all the necessary supplies your new rabbit will need, and select the right bunny for your whole family! The adoption fee is $50 and each rabbit is spayed/neutered prior to adoption. Your bunny will also be eligible for a free wellness visit with a rabbit savvy veterinarian and will receive a free bag of hay and a chewable grass mat upon adoption!
CLICK HERE to view our cuddly rabbits online!
Other services provided by the VCAS Bunny Brigade:
- Fresh Timothy and Orchard hay for sale ($5 per bag)
- Bunny Store where you can buy rabbit toys, treats, supplements, food and supplies (open during bunny adoption hours).
- Nail Trims ($5 per bunny)
- Grooming ($5-$10 bunny)
- Bunny Dates - Bunnies participating in Bunny Dates must be spayed/neutered and in good health.
- (Must schedule Bunny Dates beforehand by emailing the VCAS Bunny Brigade at
- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..)
- Bunny Savvy Veterinarian Recommendations
- Bunny Sitting and Boarding Recommendations
- And much more!
Follow the VCAS Bunny Brigade online at:
www.Facebook.com/VCASBunnyBrigadewww.Instagram.com/VCASBunnyBrigade
www.Twitter.com/BunnyBrigade
www.Pinterest.com/VCASbunnybrigade