"Wild" animals are indigenous to the area in which they live and are adapted to that area's environment. In Southern Alberta, you will find Cottontails (aka "bush bunnies"), White-tailed Jack Rabbits (which are actually hares, not rabbits), and Snowshoe Hares. Cottontails are quite small, retain their fur color year-round, and don't dig holes. Hares are larger than rabbits, with longer ears and legs, and change colors between the seasons. Domestic rabbits are native to Europe and not well suited for most Canadian climates. Feral rabbits are domestic rabbits that are born "in the wild" to parents who have only known "the wild." Feral colonies are a plague to urban environments—the rabbits proliferate at an alarming rate and cause damage to lawns and gardens, as well as drawing in predators, such as coyotes. Colonies can only be avoided by neutering your pet rabbit and not abandoning pet rabbits outside. While some wild and domestic rabbits look similar (brown), the easiest way to tell the difference is if the fur is black, full white (especially with red eyes), gray, orange, spotted, or striped.

Many people wonder why domestic rabbits need to be "rescued" from outside when they seem to be surviving just fine. Domestic rabbits come from Europe and are an entirely different species from our native wild rabbits/hares. Since domestic rabbits are 1) bred as domesticated pets, and 2) not native to this continent, they do not have the same instincts as wild rabbits and cannot survive long-term in the wild, even if that "wild" is your local neighborhood. Bunnies who have been dumped/abandoned or have gotten loose from an outdoor set-up are subject to the following dangers: Predators, including domestic dogs and cats Teasing/torture by humans Moldy or poisonous plants Being hit by cars Toxic pesticides or fertilizers Exposure to sun, heat, wind, wet, or extreme cold Dehydration Bacteria contained in dirt Diseases spread by flies and mosquitoes Worms, ticks, fleas, mites, and flystrike Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease virus (RHDV & RHDV2) ​ Rabbits who have been dumped outside also tend to find each other and proliferate at an alarming rate! The saying "multiply like rabbits" exists for a reason. Females can produce a litter of, on average, 1-14 babies every 28 days! It does not take long to develop a feral colony that wreaks havoc on lawns and gardens and draws in predators that are also dangerous to humans, such as coyotes. Archie's Rescue encourages domestic rabbits to be kept as indoor house pets only. This ensures that they live longer, healthier, and happier lives with you. (Secure, outdoor exercise is okay with supervision only.)

It is illegal to capture and/or contain wild animals; however, if you find an injured wild rabbit, you can contact us through Facebook Messenger, Instagram, or our contact form, as we are familiar with City procedure.

Archie's Exotic Pet Rescue is based in Lethbridge, Alberta and supports exotic pet foster and adoption activity within Southern Alberta as far as Calgary. Other rescues that we know of and/or have had dealings with can be found here (link coming soon).

First time rabbit owners: We can provide all supplies necessary for starting up with a rabbit: Exercise pen (x-pen) This pen can be returned at the end of the transition/foster-to-adopt period if, for example, the rabbit is free-roaming. Litter box Food and water dishes Wood pellets for the litter box Large bag of hay Food pellets We recommend that you talk with us prior to purchasing any new supplies on your own. People often purchase litter boxes that are too small or cages promoted by pet stores. We will help you to make informed purchase decisions. Veteran rabbit owners: If you already have all supplies necessary for a rabbit, then that's okay, too! We still offer everything that is necessary—the choice is yours as to what supplies you take with your new bunny.

After applying for an adoptee and being approved, we will transition the animal to your home for a foster-to-adopt period of 1-3 months. This period of time is to determine the suitability of the selected adoptee in the home and to be sure you wish to proceed with the adoption process. To make the adoption official, we will send the digital contract to you via text or email. Payment is prompted at that time via credit card; however, you can arrange in advance for payment via etransfer or cash. Rabbits that are adopted through the bonding process do not have a foster-to-adopt period. Adoption contract and payment are expected at the time of transition back into the home. Again, the contract and checkout process will be sent via text or email.

Bunnies are sensitive animals that require a fairly strict diet and careful consideration of toys/accommodations. There is a lot of misinformation on the web, so we recommend becoming familiar with our Rabbit Care Info here:

Yes! For the most part, rabbits are easily litter-trained for urine, sometimes only after being neutered. This is why it is advised to keep hay in/at the litter box: rabbits like to munch on hay while doing their business. This does not mean that every poop ends up in the litter box. Rabbits have two kinds of poop: 1) round, dried-hay balls and 2) cecotropes. The first kind is mostly deposited into litter boxes; however, rabbits always seem to leave a few about as they hop around. These are easily picked up and thrown in the litter box, compost, or make excellent garden fertilizer. The second kind, cecotropes, are the mushy, smelly kind of poop that most people would expect. You should never see this type of poop, as rabbits eat them right from their bottom! Cecotropes are full of important nutrients for their digestive process. Exception: Rabbits may have difficulties using the litter box if they are having urinary/kidney or mobility issues, such as in the elderly, or if they are in a group of rabbits in which one or more are not using the litter box. It is possible to "re-train" the majority of rabbits.

Yes, with qualifiers. Outdoor or feral cats can be dangerous to rabbits; however, household cats and rabbits generally regard each other as non-threatening. Some rabbits are startled by unfamiliar cats but become accustomed to them within a few days. Some cats are afraid of rabbits and keep their distance. For the most part, cats and rabbits are buddies! Rabbits may ask their cat friends for grooming—cats may or may not grant this request.

This all depends on the dog. Some dogs, such as hounds, have extremely high "prey drives" and will immediately kill a rabbit. Other dogs are unpredictably playful and/or undisciplined, which might be considered a danger to a rabbit. Yet other dogs will adore pet rabbits! Size doesn't really matter, just temperament. You know your dog best! We have seen rabbits that groom dogs! We have also heard of several cases where rabbits were killed by dogs.

Unneutered rabbits can spray, which is quite smelly. Neutered rabbits, however, are virtually odorless. Just as with cats, rabbits spend a good part of their days grooming themselves (and each other). As prey animals, it behooves them to be odorless! Rabbit litter boxes that are constructed with wood litter pellets (and hay) need to be cleaned once or twice a week in order to prevent urine odors.

Yes. Rabbits are considered exotic pets; therefore, most vets have very little training with them. Exotic vets tend to be more expensive. Our vets are in Cardston (typically not taking new patients outside their area) and Pincher Creek. We have some tips on finding a rabbit-savvy vet in our website's Rabbit Care Info.