The Richmond-based House Rabbit Society is calling on the community to forego traditional holiday purchases like chocolate bunnies and jelly beans to support its monthly rabbit essentials pantry. This nonprofit provides food and supplies to hundreds of local families who are currently at risk of surrendering their pets to overcrowded shelters. Executive Director Amber Tadena reports that Bay Area housing costs and economic pressures are forcing more residents to choose between their pets and basic needs. The HRS pantry acts as a vital bridge to keep these animals in their original homes.
Tadena notes that by keeping the cost of rabbit care manageable, the organization helps families stay together and prevents more animals from entering shelters where they may be at risk of euthanasia. The program is now 100 percent reliant on public donations after losing grant funding. Demand for these services is rising rapidly as the pantry supported 736 rabbits in 2025 alone. This represents a 28 percent increase in households served over the previous year.
While the headquarters is located in Richmond, the organization supports residents throughout Alameda, Napa, and San Francisco counties. The pantry operates at the Richmond facility every first Saturday of the month from noon to 3 p.m. and does not require proof of income to receive pellets, hay, and litter. Organization data shows that the program costs only $30.76 per rabbit annually. One participant shared that the pantry was the only reason they could keep their pet following a recent job loss.
Supporters can contribute by purchasing e-gift cards from Amazon, Chewy, or Pet Food Express and sending them to rabbit-center@houserabbit.org. Items can also be purchased directly from the wish lists found at houserabbit.org/donate. The society accepts unopened food and litter along with gently used items such as bowls, carriers, blankets, and towels. Monetary donations can be made online by specifying “pantry” in the comments section.
The next pantry event takes place this Saturday, April 4. Since 1988, the House Rabbit Society has worked to rescue at-risk rabbits and educate the public on their care.