FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact Suzanne Trayhan, suzanne@rabbitnetwork.org

May 18, 2026, Westford MA – The House Rabbit Network (HRN), a non-profit dedicated to rescuing homeless rabbits and educating the public about rabbits and their care, is proud to announce it has received a 2026 grant from the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) “I’m Animal Friendly” Pet Plate Program. This grant will help HRN spay and neuter rabbits before they are adopted, helping alleviate overpopulation and improve rabbits’ long-term health.

Suzanne Trayhan, President of the House Rabbit Network, said “We are incredibly grateful to MAC for helping HRN spay and neuter our rabbits prior to adoption. We consider this to be essential to our mission and rabbit health. High-quality veterinary care represents a substantial portion of our expenses. Because of this grant, we will be able to help many more rabbits throughout our community.”

HRN takes in around 400 rabbits each year. Spaying and neutering helps prevent unexpected litters as well as behavioral issues such as aggression and serious reproductive diseases such as uterine cancer.

Administered by MAC, the Pet Plate Program provides critical funding each year to organizations that demonstrate the ability to deliver accessible spay and neuter services. To date, MAC has distributed more than $3.5 million to support these efforts across Massachusetts.

Beyond this grant from MAC, HRN is seeking volunteers and donations to support ongoing veterinary care and operations. Community members interested in getting involved are encouraged to visit rabbitnetwork.org/support. 

About the House Rabbit Network

The House Rabbit Network is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, primarily volunteer organization. We are dedicated to saving and adopting out bunnies in need and educating the public about rabbits, placing an average of 400 rabbits each year into loving indoor homes. Donations of any amount are always welcome and are used to support our efforts to find loving, forever homes for each and every bunny. Volunteers are needed too. Thank you for your continued support. You can connect with our rabbit community by visiting www.rabbitnetwork.org or following us on Facebook, Instagram or X.

About the Massachusetts Animal Coalition and the Pet Plate Program

The Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) is a statewide nonprofit organization comprised of animal welfare professionals and dedicated volunteers. MAC works to strengthen the animal welfare community by providing informational and financial resources, as well as opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and networking – all with the goal of improving the lives of companion animals throughout Massachusetts.

A cornerstone of this work is the Pet Plate Program, which funds spay and neuter initiatives statewide. These charitable license plates are available through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), and contributions are tax-deductible. Every Pet Plate purchase helps reduce pet overpopulation and supports animals and families in need.

Learn more at www.petplate.org.

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Bernice E. “Bunny” Downs
July 18, 1930 – July 3, 2025

HRN is honored to have received a donation in memory of Bernice E. “Bunny” Downs, 94, of Andover, who passed away peacefully in New Hampshire on July 3, 2025. Born in Lawrence, MA, she was the daughter of Harry and Ida (Heinz) Bryant.

A lifelong Andover resident, Bunny dedicated many years to the Town of Andover after working for the telephone company and raising her family. She was a longtime parishioner of Free Christian Church, where her faith was a guiding force in her life. Deeply involved in her community, Bunny was a founding member of the Ladies Auxiliary for the Andover Firemen’s Relief Association as well as a board member at the Andover Home for the Aged.

Bunny was married for 68 years to her beloved husband, William T. Downs, whom she met at the Andover Spa. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and cherished family moments. Bunny’s happiest days were spent on camping trips to Bar Harbor, enjoying big band music, and dancing in the arms of her husband.

She is survived by her loving daughters and sons-in-law: Kathleen and Robert Wisecarver, Jr. of Atkinson, NH; Barbara and Robert Morache of Hampstead, NH; and Lesley and Mark Hewett of Brentwood, NH. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A Punchard High School graduate and former drum major, Bunny will be remembered for her grace, warmth, and unwavering devotion to family and community.

Thank you to Bunny’s family for reaching out to us to help honor her memory.

April 11, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact Suzanne Trayhan, suzanne@rabbitnetwork.org

April 11, 2025, Westford MA – The House Rabbit Network is happy to announce they are the recipient of a 2025 grant from the MA “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate program. Funds will be used towards the House Rabbit Network’s spay and neuter expenses. Suzanne Trayhan, President of the House Rabbit Network said “MAC has been critical to HRN’s ability to spay and neuter our rabbits prior to adoption. Our veterinary expenses are a large part of our budget. We consider spaying and neutering to be essential to our mission and rabbit health”.

The “I’m Animal Friendly” license plates are a program of the Massachusetts Animal Coalition. Funds are granted annually to organizations that demonstrate the need for funding and provide low-cost spay/neuter services. Through this year MAC has awarded almost $3,300,000 to many deserving organizations.

About the House Rabbit Network:
The House Rabbit Network is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, primarily volunteer organization. We are dedicated to saving and adopting out bunnies in need and educating the public about rabbits, placing an average of 400 rabbits each year into loving indoor homes. Donations of any amount are always welcome and are used to support our efforts to find loving, forever homes for each and every bunny. Volunteers are needed too. Thank you for your continued support. You can connect with our rabbit community by visiting www.rabbitnetwork.org or following us on Facebook, Instagram or X.

About the Massachusetts Animal Coalition and the “I’m Animal Friendly” License Plate Program:
Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) is a statewide, non-profit organization comprised of animal professionals and individual volunteers dedicated to working together to decrease the number of homeless, neglected, displaced and abused animals in Massachusetts. MAC’s “I’m Animal Friendly” License Plate program helps fund spay and neuter programs across the state. These charitable plates are available through Massachusetts RMV and are tax deductible. www.petplate.org

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May 1, 2024
House Rabbit Network Receives 15K from MAC’s “I’m Animal Friendly” License Plate Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact Suzanne Trayhan, suzanne@rabbitnetwork.org

‘May 1, 2024 Westford, MA – The House Rabbit Network is pleased to announce that it received $15,000 from the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC). The funds will allow HRN to spay/neuter approximately 100 rabbits.

The funds are made possible by MAC’s “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate program. These license plates can be obtained through the Massachusetts RMV.

All of HRN’s rabbits are spayed and neutered before being adopted. “HRN has been experiencing an influx of surrenders of litters. Working to get rabbits spayed/neutered is important to reducing the overpopulation problem” said president, Suzanne Trayhan.

HRN recently launched a “Constructing our Future” capital campaign to reconstruct the Westford shelter to house more rabbits and add a clinic space to perform spays and neuters on-site.

About the House Rabbit Network:
The House Rabbit Network is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization. We are dedicated to saving and adopting out bunnies in need and educating the public about rabbits, placing an average of 400-500 rabbits each year into loving indoor homes. Donations of any amount are always welcome and are used to support our efforts to find loving, forever homes for each and every bunny. Volunteers are needed too. Thank you for your continued support. You can connect with our rabbit community by visiting www.rabbitnetwork.org or following us on Facebook, Instagram or X.

About the Massachusetts Animal Coalition and the “I’m Animal Friendly” License Plate Program:
Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) is a statewide, non-profit organization comprised of animal professionals and individual volunteers dedicated to working together to decrease the number of homeless, neglected, displaced and abused animals in Massachusetts. MAC’s “I’m Animal Friendly” License Plate program helps fund spay and neuter programs across the state. These charitable plates are available through Massachusetts RMV and are tax deductible. www.petplate.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact Suzanne Trayhan, suzanne@rabbitnetwork.org

 

‘Feb 15, 2024 Westford, MA – House Rabbit Network is pleased to announce that it was awarded $20,000 by the Felicia Rose Grant Program to assist with general operating costs of food, bedding and enrichment at the shelter located in Westford, MA. 

“We are thrilled to have been selected as a recipient of these funds to help us cover the costs required to care for the more than 80 adoptable rabbits currently in our care.” said Suzanne Trayhan, president. 

House Rabbit Network appreciates this recognition as a testament to the impact the organization has in helping rabbits in need. House Rabbit Network provides shelter, food, medical care and pre-adoption spaying and neutering for rabbits awaiting permanent adoption.

 

About the House Rabbit Network:

The House Rabbit Network is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization. We are dedicated to saving and adopting out bunnies in need and educating the public about rabbits, placing an average of 400-500 rabbits each year into loving indoor homes. Donations of any amount are always welcome and are used to support our efforts to find loving, forever homes for each and every bunny. Volunteers are needed too. Thank you for your continued support. You can connect with our rabbit community by visiting www.rabbitnetwork.org or following us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

About the Felicia Rose Grant Program:
The Felicia Rose Grant Program is a program available through the Cummings Foundation with a mission to support animal welfare nonprofits that work to strengthen the human-animal bond, promote respect for and kindness toward animals and help animals in need through sheltering, adoption, education and medical care. 

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact Suzanne Trayhan, suzanne@rabbitnetwork.org

‘Jan 16, 2024 Westford, MA – House Rabbit Network is pleased to announce that it has begun hosting vaccine clinics to protect rabbits from Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD), a highly contagious and fatal virus that can affect both wild and domestic rabbits. RHD is spread through direct or indirect contact with an infected rabbit, or through contaminated food, water, and insects that may have interacted with an infected rabbit.

At this time there has not been a reported case of RHD in Massachusetts, but there have been two confirmed cases in domestic rabbits in nearby states. “We expect local cases to increase as the disease spreads in wild populations and were relieved to learn of the vaccine’s authorization recently granted in Massachusetts” said Suzanne Trayhan, Executive Director of the House Rabbit Network; “We recommend all rabbits receive the vaccination as soon as possible to prevent spread of the disease.” To schedule an appointment to have your rabbit vaccinated, please visit the House Rabbit Network website.

Besides vaccination, the risk of contracting RHD can be reduced by limiting exposure of domestic rabbits to sources of infection including other domestic or wild rabbits, rabbit excrement or items other rabbits have used such as toys, bowls, food and water.

Symptoms of RHD may include loss of appetite, lethargy, high fever, seizures, jaundice, bleeding from the nose, mouth, or rectum, difficulty breathing, and sudden death. If you suspect a case of RHD in a domestic rabbit, please notify your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. Do not bring your rabbit into their office, wait for their instructions.  If you suspect a case of RHD in a wild rabbit, please notify your veterinarian and your state wildlife officials (Massachusetts- http://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-fish-and-game).  

About the vaccine:

The RHDV2 vaccine made by Medgene is still classified as experimental but was granted Emergency Use Authorization by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) in September 2021. That Emergency Use Authorization has now been granted in Massachusetts to combat the likely possibility of the disease spreading. To achieve maximum protection, rabbits should receive two doses of the vaccine, including a booster administered 21 days following the initial dose. 

About the House Rabbit Network:

The House Rabbit Network is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization. We are dedicated to saving and adopting out bunnies in need and educating the public about rabbits, placing an average of 400-500 rabbits each year into loving indoor homes. Donations of any amount are always welcome and are used to support our efforts to find loving, forever homes for each and every bunny. Volunteers are needed too. Thank you for your continued support. You can connect with our rabbit community by visiting www.rabbitnetwork.org or following us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

About Medgene Labs:

Medgene Labs is the world’s leading Immunological Services ProviderTM. As an Immunological Services Provider, Medgene Labs monitors the production environment for new viruses, continuously updates its virus sequence and vaccine construct bank to rapidly address health risks, and serologically monitors animals for vaccine effectiveness. Medgene Labs provides these immunological services to its ISPRIME® community of animal owners and their veterinarians in support of delivering consistent and reliable health management tools. 

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact Suzanne Trayhan, suzanne@rabbitnetwork.org.

‘Dec 1, 2023 Westford, MA – House Rabbit Network is pleased to announce that it was selected by Oxbow Animal Health to receive a 2023 Rescue Grant. $5,000 in grant funds was awarded to assist with general operating costs of food, bedding, and enrichment at the shelter located in Westford, MA. 

“Winning this Oxbow grant will allow us to provide our shelter rabbits with high-quality pellets to improve the health of our bunnies.” said Suzanne Trayhan, president. 

House Rabbit Network was one of twelve organizations nationally that received funding from Oxbow and the only New England-based organization to be awarded.

House Rabbit Network provides shelter, food, medical care, and pre-adoption spaying and neutering for rabbits awaiting permanent adoption.

 

About the House Rabbit Network:

The House Rabbit Network is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization. We are dedicated to saving and adopting out bunnies in need and educating the public about rabbits, placing an average of 400-500 rabbits each year into loving indoor homes. Donations of any amount are always welcome and are used to support our efforts to find loving, forever homes for each and every bunny. Volunteers are needed too. Thank you for your continued support. You can connect with our rabbit community by visiting www.rabbitnetwork.org or following us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

About Oxbow’s KINDSWELL Rescue Program:
Through our KINDSWELL Rescue Program and Rescue Grant Program, we help organizations that rescue, rehabilitate, and home small animals. We provide emergency and disaster relief. We donate free and discounted products. And we sponsor education, capital improvements, and operating expenses to support rescues on a limited budget. We do what we can to ensure that small pets receive the care they deserve and live happy, healthy lives.

About Oxbow Animal Health
For more than 30 years, Oxbow Animal Health has dedicated each day to growing good in the lives of small pets and the people who love them.  Oxbow Animal Health’s mission is to celebrate and inspire the love and care of small animals with quality products, sound education, a supportive network, and a groundswell of good deeds.  Learn more about how we are growing the good.

House Rabbit Network Receives Nearly 20K in Grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact Suzanne Trayhan, suzanne@rabbitnetwork.org

Aug 9, 2023 Westford, MA – The House Rabbit Network is pleased to announce that it received two grants that will support efforts to establish spay and neuter services and purchase additional cages to expand their ability to shelter rabbits while they await permanent adoption.

HRN received $10,000 from the Marion & Richard Graham Foundation which will be used to purchase easy to clean, mobile, ultralight cages to be placed in the new shelter space opened last summer in Westford, MA.

HRN received $9,430 from the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) which will be used to pay for spay and neuter services for rabbits onsite at the shelter in Westford. The funds are made possible by MAC’s “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate program. These license plates can be obtained through the Massachusetts RMV. All of HRN’s rabbits are spayed and neutered before being adopted.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded both of these grants which will help us in our mission to permanently place rabbits into loving homes” said Suzanne Trayhan, president.

About the House Rabbit Network:
The House Rabbit Network is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization. We are dedicated to saving and adopting out bunnies in need and educating the public about rabbits, placing an average of 400-500 rabbits each year into loving indoor homes. Donations of any amount are always welcome and are used to support our efforts to find loving, forever homes for each and every bunny. Volunteers are needed too. Thank you for your continued support. You can connect with our rabbit community by visiting www.rabbitnetwork.org or following us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

About the Marion & Richard Graham Foundation:
The Marion & Richard Graham Foundation is a charitable 501(c)3 organization founded in 2022 to prevent cruelty to animals and to enhance their lives. www.the-graham-foundation.org

About the Massachusetts Animal Coalition and the “I’m Animal Friendly” License Plate Program:
Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) is a statewide, non-profit organization comprised of animal professionals and individual volunteers dedicated to working together to decrease the number of homeless, neglected, displaced and abused animals in Massachusetts. MAC’s “I’m Animal Friendly” License Plate program helps fund spay and neuter programs across the state. These charitable plates are available through Massachusetts RMV and are tax deductible. www.petplate.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact Suzanne Trayhan, suzanne@rabbitnetwork.org

Oct 1, 2021, Woburn, MA – The House Rabbit Network has received a $500 grant from the Walmart Community Grants. Grants are awarded to address local needs in the communities of Walmart stores. The House Rabbit Network is thankful to have been chosen to receive one of these grants. Medical and spay/neuter expenses have grown during the pandemic, and these funds can help defray those costs.

About the House Rabbit Network

The House Rabbit Network is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization. We are dedicated to saving and adopting out bunnies in need and educating the public about rabbits, placing about 500 rabbits each year into loving indoor homes. Donations of any amount are always welcome and are used to support our efforts to find loving, forever homes for each and every bunny. Volunteers are needed too. Thank you for your continued support. You can connect with our rabbit community by following us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact Suzanne Trayhan, suzanne@rabbitnetwork.org

June 15, 2021, Woburn, MA – The House Rabbit Network has received a $1642 donation from the Whole Foods Market Community Giving Program. The Whole Foods Market Community Giving Program provides financial support for community based programs that address needs in their local communities.

“We are thrilled to be supported by Whole Foods and their Community Giving Program. These funds will help us in our efforts to address the rabbit overpopulation problem by providing funds to care for the rabbits in our care.” said Suzanne Trayhan, president. “Last year the House Rabbit Network had 671 adoptions. Most people underestimate the need for rabbit rescue”.

About the House Rabbit Network

The House Rabbit Network is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization. We are dedicated to saving and adopting out bunnies in need and educating the public about rabbits, placing about 500 rabbits each year into loving indoor homes. Donations of any amount are always welcome and are used to support our efforts to find loving, forever homes for each and every bunny. Volunteers are needed too. Thank you for your continued support. You can connect with our rabbit community by following us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact Suzanne Trayhan, suzanne@rabbitnetwork.org

June 5, 2021, Woburn, MA – The House Rabbit Network is pleased to announce that it received a $22,500 grant from the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) through their “I am Animal Friendly” license plate program. The grant is to be used towards HRN’s spay and neuter services. Because Covid-19 has significantly impacted the availability of spay/neuter services, this has resulted in long waiting lists for cats, dogs and rabbits across Massachusetts. MAC has offered this Emergency Covid-19 Spay/Neuter Grant funding to shelters, rescues, municipal animal control organizations and high volume spay/neuter providers. 

Suzanne Trayhan,  president of tHRN said: “To date, the House Rabbit Network has fixed more than 20 rabbits in the first few weeks since receiving the grant. The support from the Massachusetts Animal Coalition and the public who supports the “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate is crucial. Thank you!” This grant award has been critical in allowing the House Rabbit Network to cover the increased spay and neuter costs incurred due to covid.

 

About the House Rabbit Network

The House Rabbit Network is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization. We are dedicated to saving and adopting out bunnies in need and educating the public about rabbits, placing about 500 rabbits each year into loving indoor homes. Donations of any amount are always welcome and are used to support our efforts to find loving, forever homes for each and every bunny. Volunteers are needed too. Thank you for your continued support. You can connect with our rabbit community by visiting www.rabbitnetwork.org or following us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

About the Massachusetts Animal Coalition and the “I’m Animal Friendly” License Plate Program:

Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) is a statewide, non-profit organization comprised of animal professionals and individual volunteers dedicated to working together to decrease the number of homeless, neglected, displaced and abused animals in Massachusetts. MAC’s “I’m Animal Friendly” License Plate program helps fund spay and neuter programs across the state. These charitable plates are available through Massachusetts RMV and are tax deductible. www.petplate.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Suzanne Trayhan, House Rabbit Network, 781-431-1211, suzanne@rabbitnetwork.org
Jennifer Perez, Petco Love, media@petcolove.org

Newly Named Petco Love Invests in Lifesaving Work of the House Rabbit Network Grant of $5,000 will help save more rabbit lives in Massachusetts

Woburn, MA (May 14, 2021) — The House Rabbit Network announced today a $5,000 grant investment from the newly named, Petco Love, to support their lifesaving work for animals in Massachusetts.

Petco Love is a nonprofit leading change for pets nationally by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since their founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, they’ve empowered organizations with $300 million invested to date in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And, they’ve helped find loving homes for more than 6.5 million pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations, like ours, nationwide.

“Today Petco Love announces an investment in the House Rabbit Network and hundreds of other organizations as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love. “Our local investments are only one component. This month, we also launched the first of our national tools to empower all animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us.”

“This grant investment will be a great support for our medical fund, allowing us to provide care for incoming rabbits with medical needs. We pride ourselves on healing sick rabbits and finding them good homes once they are well,” said Suzanne Trayhan, President of House Rabbit Network

The House Rabbit Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing rabbits, spaying and neutering them and finding them loving indoor homes. They also believe in educating the public about rabbits and their care as a means to help reduce the overpopulation problem. Serving Massachusetts since 2000, the House Rabbit Network has placed over 1,000 spayed/neutered rabbits into indoor homes in the last two years along with providing much needed medical care for rabbits.

For more information about the House Rabbit Network, visit rabbitnetwork.org. To learn more about Petco Love, visit petcolove.org.

About the House Rabbit Network

The House Rabbit Network is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization. We are dedicated to saving and adopting out bunnies in need and educating the public about rabbits, placing about 500 rabbits each year into loving indoor homes. Donations of any amount are always welcome and are used to support our efforts to find loving, forever homes for each and every bunny. Volunteers are needed too. Thank you for your continued support. You can connect with our rabbit community by visiting www.rabbitnetwork.org or following us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

About Petco Love (Formerly Petco Foundation)

Petco Love is a nonprofit changing lives by making communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since our founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, we’ve empowered animal welfare organizations by investing $300 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. We’ve helped find loving homes for more than 6.5 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide. Today, our love for pets drives us to lead with innovation, creating tools animal lovers need to reunite lost pets, and lead with passion, inspiring and mobilizing communities and our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners to drive lifesaving change alongside us. Is love calling you? Visit petcolove.org or follow at Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn to be part of the lifesaving work we’re leading every day.

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https://www.friendsofhrn.org/product-page/a-plush-is-enough

Contact: Rachel Minnie, rachel@rabbitnetwork.org

This Easter, House Rabbit Network launches a new campaign, A Plush Is Enough, to bring awareness to the realities of pet rabbit ownership and the problem of rabbit overpopulation in shelters. For a $20 donation (plus $6 shipping), a donor can virtually adopt a rabbit and receive a 7″ plush rabbit with a House Rabbit Network bandana as well as a printable adoption certificate. Orders are being taken on our member website, www.friendsofhrn.org, from now until the end of March. Plushies will be received in time for Easter gifting.

Every year, thousands of rabbits are purchased as Easter gifts by well-intentioned, yet ill-informed people. While some of them are loved, lifelong family pets, the majority are rehomed or, worse, put outside, where they won’t survive. Rabbits make wonderful pets, if one has the right expectations. Rabbits can be skittish, aggressive of their food and space, and panicky when held. They chew, dig, and require specialized veterinary care, including an expensive spay/neuter surgery.

The baby bunny someone purchases on a whim at a pet store won’t always be a baby. And when that rabbit hits adolescence and begins exhibiting unwanted and unexpected behavior, such as spraying, lunging, and biting, the rabbit is rehomed. Rabbits are the third-most euthanized pet in the United States. And when animal shelters can take them, they can stay in foster care for sometimes years, waiting for a forever home and getting passed over for the baby bunnies in pet stores and sold by backyard breeders.

Funds raised from the A Plush Is Enough campaign go toward spaying and neutering the hundreds of rabbits taken in by House Rabbit Network, a 501(c)3 charity based in Woburn, MA, but serving the entire New England area. This spring, we are encouraging people to virtually adopt a plush bunny rather than contributing to the homeless rabbit population. A Plush Is Enough!