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.

Volunteers with rabbit experience are preferred, but we can train novices. The important thing is that our foster homes follow the SDHRS Guidelines for rabbit care (please read our Rabbit Care section on this website). We do expect our foster homes to follow our direction in the care of the rabbit(s), especially with regard to housing, food, and exercise time. Foster homes must agree to bring their rabbit to the Adoption Center for adoption appointments and health checks or once the SDHRS foster coordinator decides the rabbit can be moved permanently to the Center. Foster homes must also be able to transport their foster rabbits to vet appointments upon request of the foster coordinator. Foster home applicants who are new to rabbits must attend our House Rabbit Fundamentals class. If a foster home's rabbit experience has been in a very different environment than how SDHRS cares for its rabbits, they will also be asked to attend the self guided House Rabbit Fundamentals class. The class link will be emailed to you as soon as you complete a foster application.

Apply to be a foster Home

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.

Apply now to become a San Diego House Rabbit Society Foster home!

Become a Foster Volunteer!

Application Process as a volunteer:

Online application - We are currently in the process of working on how to re-open our volunteer program. In the meantime, click here to apply.
Online Orientation - Once you apply, complete our online orientation from home. Sign up here.
Virtual Meet and Greet - Meet the San Diego House Rabbit Society staff and learn more about the volunteer roles available.
After the interview, the SDHRS team will let you know which positions are available and your assignment. Once you have received your volunteer offer, you will be instructed on your next steps.

This entire application process typically takes 3-5 weeks after applying depending on when the volunteer information session is.

Volunteer FAQs

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!
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.
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.
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.
You will pick up animals from the San Diego House Rabbit Society’
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.