Victorians who spent a lonely Valentine's Day need look no further, RSPCA Victoria says 'find some bunny to love' and adopt a rabbit or guinea pig during the small animal adoption drive - Small Animal Big Love.
With 138 rabbits and guinea pigs in care, RSPCA Victoria is aiming to rehome as many small animals as possible. From 22nd - 28th February, the adoption fees for rabbits and guinea pigs will be reduced from $68 to $20 at RSPCA Victoria's Burwood and Pearcedale shelters.
RSPCA Victoria's Acting Head of Customer Experiences and Services, Tanya Drakopoulos, says there is more to rabbits and guinea pigs than people might think.
"They may be small, but rabbits and guinea pigs are colourful characters with big personalities. They have just as much love to give as cats and dogs, if their owners focus on building a strong bond and caring for them properly by giving them all they need for an abundant life," said Ms Drakopoulos.
"Sadly, many people buy rabbits and guinea pigs under the guise that they are low maintenance pets, which is simply not true. They are naturally active, social, curious and intelligent animals who require the same level of care as a cat or a dog.
In the 2019/20 financial year, 466 rabbits and 236 guinea pigs were surrendered to RSPCA Victoria Animal Care Centres. The most common reason reported by owners for surrender was not having enough time to care for the animal.
"We see a lot of rabbits and guinea pigs come through our Inspectorate because people do not invest the time or energy that is needed for a pet. Just because they are little doesn't mean they deserve any less love.
"Spending quality time with your rabbit or guinea pig is one of the best ways to build bonds and have a meaningful relationship with these special animals. Equally important is ensuring they have all of the fundamental freedoms to live a happy and healthy life including adequate space, food, enrichment, and the company of other desexed rabbits or guinea pigs."
In 2020, only eight rabbits and guinea pigs that came into RSPCA Victoria shelters were reclaimed by their owners. The Small Animal, Big Love campaign encourages people to learn more about these curious creatures and appreciate them as wonderful pets.
Not only do rabbits and guinea pigs provide valuable companionship and make wonderful pets, they are the perfect option for those who live in an apartment or home with little or no yard space.
Did you know?
• Rabbits love to play with toys
• Rabbits can be litter trained, just like cats.
• Rabbits thrive on an indoor lifestyle
• While rabbits are incredibly social they are most active during the morning and evening, which makes them the perfect pet for those who maintain a busy lifestyle during the day
• Guinea pigs are friendly and easily tamed
• Guinea pigs require companionship from other guinea pigs
• Guinea pigs need covered sleeping areas with privacy from other animals
• Guinea pigs cannot make Vitamin C and need to eat fresh greens every day.
All rabbits and guinea pigs adopted from RSPCA Victoria are health checked, microchipped, vaccinated and desexed.
