Services MCRS Can Provide for Shelter and Animal Control Professionals

MCRS is an all-volunteer, member-supported, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of companion rabbits. This page details many of the ways MCRS can assist animal organizations that deal with rabbits. Please contact MCRS about working together to improve the lives of companion rabbits.

Education

The foundation of virtually all Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society (MCRS) activities is education, since it alone has the power to truly change the behaviors & attitudes that will improve the lives of companion rabbits in the community. MCRS offers a variety of educational services specifically for animal shelters and animal control organizations:

• Training: MCRS Educators can provide training oriented to the specific needs of animal care staff, customer service staff, adoption counselors, volunteers, etc.
• Public classes: Pre-adoption and/or post-adoption classes can be presented at your facility by experienced MCRS representatives, or your staff can be trained to present classes for the public.
• Newsletter: Keep up on the latest news, events and activities in the local area! A subscription to this publication is available complimentary to any animal welfare organization requesting one.
• Living with a House Rabbit brochures: A general brochure that covers introductory level rabbit information.
• Rabbit info sheets: Reproducible handouts covering a variety of specific topics, including behavior, care, diet, health, etc.
• Product consulting: MCRS can help select products & supplies appropriate for rabbits for you to use and/or sell at your organization.
• Rabbits & kids: MCRS has fun, rabbit-focused teacher guides and educational materials for kids K-8.
• Special events: Volunteers and ambassador rabbits may be available to have a booth at your event.

Adoption

MCRS can also help facilitate adoptions in a variety of ways:

• Volunteers & Adoption Counselors: MCRS Educators can train existing volunteers & work with your Volunteer Coordinator to develop a program to help draw attention to the special qualities of each rabbit available for adoption.
• Adoption kits: MCRS will review your facility's adoption process for rabbits & provide feedback on how to best incorporate essential rabbit information to help ensure prepared families and lifelong commitments.
• Introduction Chaperones: People with a rabbit at home often look to add a second rabbit to their family. Too often, they pick out a rabbit, bring him or her home, and put them with their resident rabbit immediately-often with disastrous results. For two rabbits to be successfully "bonded," it is critical for the resident rabbit to be involved in the process of selecting the new companion. Many unhappy results as well as numerous returns could be prevented by requiring the rabbits to meet before the adoption. MCRS volunteers, experienced with rabbit introductions, can supervise these interactions to help adopters find the best possible match for their rabbit.
• Adoption follow-up service: MCRS volunteers can contact rabbit adopters to answer any questions the individual may have about their new companion.
• Tune-up services: Volunteers can trim nails, clean scent glands, and provide grooming services for incoming rabbits or at a public event. MCRS can also provide short-term fostering if needed while a specific "tune-up" is completed.

Resources

MCRS also provides resources that can be used by your organization or to which you can refer others:

• Individual consultation: Any individual may contact MCRS, via email or phone, with questions about rabbit behavior & care. Inquiries are answered by volunteers within 3 days.
• Private consultation: For a donation, Educators will work one-on-one to resolve an individual's rabbit issues.
• Veterinary referrals: MCRS maintains a list of veterinarians with special interest in & experience with rabbits.
• Websites: For information on local events, activities, & news, visit the MCRS website often.
• A wealth of educational information about behavior, diet, health, and more is available on the House Rabbit Society website.
• House Rabbit Handbook: This book by Marinell Harriman is an excellent resource covering a wide variety of rabbit topics. Individuals can purchase at most major bookstores or through MCRS. If your organization would like to sell this book, MCRS can provide copies to you at a special discount.
• Rabbit Health in the 21st Century: This publication by Kathy Smith covers medical conditions common in rabbits in terms most people will easily understand. This spiral-bound book is available exclusively through MCRS.

Wow! Sign me up!

Can't wait to take advantage of one or more of these helpful services? All you have to do to get started is contact Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society via phone or email! MCRS will schedule a time to meet with your group to determine how to help & where to get started.

Other Services

• Overflow: MCRS can take in adoptable rabbits who are due to be euthanized due to space or time issues, on a space available basis.
• Special Needs Rabbits: MCRS has some ability to take in rabbits from other animal organizations who have needs difficult to accommodate. MCRS specializes in behavior modification. MCRS also accepts rabbits with treatable medical conditions, on a space-available basis.
  Please note: The Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society accepts rabbits solely from other animal organizations. MCRS does not take in rabbits directly from the public.
• Supply sales: MCRS sells several kinds of hay, rabbit-safe litter, and food pellets. Proceeds from these sales support MCRS public education and rabbit adoption efforts.
• Bunny Lover's Picnic: An annual public event held at Hidden Falls Regional Park in St. Paul. All bunny lovers are welcome to attend, socialize, learn and have fun!
• Easter education: Each year, as you well know, too many people impulsively get a rabbit for the Easter holiday. MCRS has an annual education campaign to educate the public about the realities of companion rabbits, so families can make informed choices-and ultimately reduce the number of rabbits who end up unwanted when Easter is over.
  If you'd like more information on this year's "Perfect Easter Bunny" campaign, please contact MCRS!