RABBIT OWNERS: PLEASE BE AWARE OF RHDV2 - A FATAL VIRUS TO RABBITS THAT IS GETTING CLOSER TO LOUISIANA
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Foster Home Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Magic Happens is a foster network based primarily in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana
What are one of the main ways you can help out any shelter? Be a Foster Parent! Whether taking in a bunny/guinea pig that is already here at the rescue (especially when there are more bunnies/guinea pigs than we have cages and pens!) or just hanging on to your own bunny/guinea pig that you'd like to find another home for, fostering is a major help to both the rescue and pet in foster care. It helps ease the load of caring for multiple rabbits at the main house, and the foster pet gets more one-on-one attention and care. Also, the pet’s personality blossoms and helps us get to know him better so that we can better match him or her to a new adopting family. It's a win-win for all!
All foster pets MUST be housed INDOORS. Rabbits must be housed in exercise pens (4x4ft or 2x6ft or larger). Guinea Pigs must be housed in pairs and habitat wise must be in in 2x3 C&C or 4x2 C&C (size is 28"x 56") cage. Habitat and supplies are provided - See below for more info.
If you're looking to foster with the intent of hopeful adoption, click here to learn more about fostering to adopt.
If you'd like to welcome an adoptable bunny, we have our foster parent application available to fill out online.
* You provide shelter, feeding, and general care in your home for as long as you are able OR until the pet find a permanent home. * The rabbit will need at least an hour of exercise time (out of the cage) each day in a rabbit-proofed area of your home (ex: a kitchen or hallway with blocked-off exits that has no electrical cords or other dangers that the rabbit can reach). Guinea pigs do not need as much out-time as rabbits since we provide a large habitat - but socialization is important. * Keep MHRR updated with any personality, behavior, or health changes. A quick e-mail or text once a week with an update is sufficient. If there are ANY health changes let us know ASAP so we can direct to a vet if needed - Foster pet vet care COVERED by Magic Happens at our contracted vets. * Be available to bring the fostered rabbit/guinea pig to adoption days when requested or back to the main house to meet with potential adopters (unless you are fostering as a test-run to adopt). This is done by appointment and will be arranged with your schedule in mind.
Please Note: Foster rabbits CANNOT be housed with your current rabbit. If you are looking to adopt to find a friend for your rabbit, we do offer the option to foster to adopt! Just make a note on your adoption application.
You do not have to do other types of volunteering, we accept all types of help!
You do not have to live in a specific area, but you MUST be able to bring the rabbit or guinea pig to Baton Rouge when needed - Ideally fosters should be within a 2 hour drive.
Absolutely nothing unless you want to help - MHRR will supply any items that you do not already have or are able to provide, including a cage, litterbox, food bowls & water bottles, litter, hay, and pellets. If you choose to provide your own food, please check with us to make sure you are getting the correct food. For rabbits, it is typically Oxbow Adult Essentials.
We'll make sure you take home an "easy keeper" that doesn't have personality issues like cage aggression or special medications. We are here for you no matter what questions you have. We were all beginners once also, and we help beginners all the time to get set up for their first pet rabbit or guinea pig. It's what we do!
Yes! As long as the rabbit you want is not already in a foster home or not yet spayed or neutered, you can take whichever rabbit you prefer. Guinea pigs it is the same - long as they are not already in another foster home or pending adoption. If you aren't sure which one you might like, you may come to the main house and meet them before you choose (guinea pigs and rabbits are primarily housed at two different locations). Of course we can help you decide based on your schedule and space available, as well as previous rabbit-keeping experience and personality-type desired. Be aware that if you choose a particularly cute or very sweet rabbit, it may not be long before it finds a potential home, and you may be asked to bring it to adoption day often. :)
Probably not but it depends on the pet. Many rabbits get along great with cats and gentle dogs, and guinea pigs don't usually mind too much. Rabbits and cats typically do not bother one another, though sometimes the rabbit will chase the cat or ask it to groom him or her! If your dog is fine with a cat, he or she will likely be fine with a rabbit that is not afraid of dogs. You will need to use your best judgment about introducing two animals, and be able to keep the rabbit in a room isolated and safe from taunting or attack by other household pets if need be. If you have another pet rabbit, we recommend not housing them together as we wouldn't want to separate a bonded pair as well as prevent any injury due to fights.
Absolutely! Providing foster care is a significant service. * Fostering allows the rabbit more exercise time than it would receive at the main house. * Being under the supervision of the same individual or family long-term allows a bunny/guinea pig's personality to truly be observed, which helps when posting it's profile online and finding it the best matching home. * For our waiting list pets, it helps rabbits/guinea pigs get out of their situation faster so they can be spayed/neutered and into a new home sooner! Fostering allows you to do a wonderful deed for an abandoned animal without a long-term commitment.