Richmond’s House Rabbit Society still hopping amid pandemic

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Richmond-based House Rabbit Society still hopping during COVID-19
The House Rabbit Society is located at 148 Broadway in Richmond. (Photos by Kathy Chouteau)

By Kathy Chouteau

The shelter-in-place order has caused many businesses to adjust operations and Richmond’s House Rabbit Society is no different. However, in its case, it’s hopping into a new game plan.

Located at 148 Broadway in Richmond, the national rabbit welfare and education nonprofit has had to change its regular operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Executive Director Anne Martin, PhD in a blog post.   

The society—which has been in operation since 1988 and in Richmond for the last 20 years—knows a thing or two about protecting the welfare of rabbits. Adoptions and fostering play a pivotal role at the society and both offerings are continuing under the shelter-in-place order.

Adoptions are only available by appointment during this time and are being facilitated remotely by scheduling the pickup of adopted rabbits from the society’s front porch. But first, those who are adopting bunnies must watch an educational video and submit an application via email.

Similarly, bunny fostering is also being conducted by appointment for pickup/drop-off on the society’s front porch.

Also moving forward during the shelter-in-place order is the organization’s rabbit rescue operation.

Richmond-based House Rabbit Society still hopping during COVID-19“Our work to save the lives of rabbits, who would be at risk of euthanasia, and to help the rabbits at House Rabbit Society will not stop, and will be undertaken with care,” said Martin. “Staff will continue working at House Rabbit Society to care for the rabbits.”  

Rabbit food and supplies—sold through the society’s adorably named “Hop Shop”—are still available at this time by ordering online. Bay Area locals can schedule a pickup time (Tuesday through Sunday between 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) for goods or anyone nationwide can receive their order via shipment.

The society’s boarding and grooming services are currently unavailable, while its volunteering program has also been paused, per Martin.

For more info about the House Rabbit Society and its diverse offerings, click here or call 510-970-7575. To become a member of its monthly giving club, the “Bunny Brigade,” click here.