Foster Volunteer
Fostering a rescued rabbit*** is a great way to save a life. If you are not able to make a lifetime commitment to a rabbit at this time, then fostering may be good for you.
Foster homes are needed for those rabbits*** not yet ready for the adoption center floor or when space is not currently available. Newly received rabbits may need some medical treatment before becoming available or more socialization. Foster homes are also needed to care for mothers and newborns until they are old enough to become adopted.
Additionally, we sometimes have rabbits*** who need a break from the adoption center. These rabbits can become depressed, frustrated, or angry, and aggressive when they have to wait so long for a home. Getting these bunnies into a foster home for a period of time can give them the one-on-one time and attention they deserve and help to turn their outlook into a positive one.
Foster parents work directly with the Foster coordinator regarding all aspects of their foster rabbit's care. We will occasionally allow a foster home to adopt their own foster rabbit but this is discouraged after one or two instances, as it creates an overload on the foster home and reduces our ability to take in rabbits needing to be saved.
Our foster homes must follow the SDHRS Guidelines for rabbit care (please review the Rabbit Care section of this website). Foster homes are expected to follow SDHRS direction in the care of the rabbit(s), particularly regarding housing, diet, and daily exercise.
Foster homes must agree to bring their foster rabbit(s) to the Adoption Center for adoption appointments, health checks, or when the SDHRS Foster Coordinator determines that the rabbit can be moved permanently to the Center. Foster homes must also be able to transport their foster rabbit(s) to veterinary appointments upon request of the Foster Coordinator.
Applicants who are new to rabbits are required to attend our House Rabbit Fundamentals class. If a foster home’s prior rabbit experience differs significantly from SDHRS care standards, they will also be asked to complete the self-guided House Rabbit Fundamentals class. The class link will be emailed once a foster application has been submitted.
All rabbits placed in foster homes are selected by SDHRS. Foster homes are not able to choose their foster rabbit. Please note that there may be times when foster rabbits need to be switched, at the sole discretion of SDHRS, based on the needs of the rabbits and the organization.
We also have a need for Sanctuary homes. These are foster homes that keep the rabbit for its lifetime. The rabbit remains with SDHRS but lives with the volunteer for the remainder of its lifetime. Many sanctuary homes fall in love with their sanctuary fosters and end up adopting them, but this is not at all expected. We also need sanctuary homes that can care for special needs (disabled) rabbits.
*** Any rabbit taken in by a foster home "without prior written permission of the Executive Direcotr" becomes the personal property of that individual. SDHRS will not accept responsibility for that rabbit and will not cover any costs or medical treatment for the rabbit.
***All foster rabbits are chosen for the foster by SDHRS. Foster homes are not able to pick the rabbit they want to foster.
Apply now to become a San Diego House Rabbit Society Foster home!
Application Process as a volunteer:
Complete our online application here.
You will receive a link to our self-guided volunteer information session.
Fill out the form at the end of the session.
Schedule a virtual one on one appointment with a SDHRS staff member to go over our requirements and to schedule your first training day.
Volunteer FAQs
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The main volunteer contact for the family must be at least 21 years old (have this person complete the application).
Online training courses must be completed prior to fostering
Reliable transportation for transporting animal(s) to vet appointments or evacuating them in case of an emergency.
A schedule that allows you to meet the needs of foster animals in your care - there are many options!
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YES! Foster volunteers often fall in love with a pet they are fostering and it is indeed acceptable to adopt your foster pet if you have found that perfect match for your family.
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Yes it is. Fosters definitely need the ability to say goodbye, but rest assured our Foster team will help you through it. Please remember that fostering is a temporary situation and letting go of one foster pet enables you to help another in need. Although each adoption saves a life, a great foster parent can save many lives by socializing and rehabilitating pets that need a little extra time and care.
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The length of foster assignments varies based on the needs of the animal. You will receive an approximate duration before you commit to an animal. We will match you with a foster assignment that works with your schedule, availability and interests.
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You will pick up animals from the San Diego House Rabbit Society’
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San Diego House Rabbit Society is proud to provide the training and support you will need to care for your foster rabbit. Supplies are a shared responsibility of San Diego House Rabbit Society and the foster home; specific needs will be discussed for each foster case.