Volume 5, Issue 2 - May 2005

Questions to Ask a Potential Bunny Sitter

With summer fast approaching and summer vacations planned, you may be looking for someone to care for your bunnies in your absence. We have interviewed some of our best bunny sitters and compiled a list of questions that you should ask your potential caretaker.

When looking for a bunny sitter, you should ask the following questions:

  1. What "bunny experience" do they have? How long have they been bunny sitting?
  2. Have they read the Colorado HRS Rabbit Information Packet? Have they been to a Colorado HRS bunny tune-up training class? (If not, arrange for them to attend a tune-up class. Contact Nancy at co-hrs@comcast.net for more information.)
  3. Would they provide references?
  4. Can you visit the bunny sitter’s home prior to scheduling their services? Has the area been bunny-proofed?
  5. Will they be able to feed the bunnies twice a day and at the same time each day?
  6. If you will not be providing the rabbit’s food, ask the following: (a) exactly what will the bunnies’ diet be; (b) will the bunnies get fresh vegetables and fruit; and (c) what quantity of food will the bunnies get?
  7. Will my rabbits be caged? Penned? If so, what are the dimensions of the enclosure?
  8. Will the bunnies have time out of the cage? If yes, how much time and how much space?
  9. How often do the cages and litter boxes get cleaned? What kind of litter will be used?
  10. Do they know the warning signs of a sick bunny? What kinds of things, other than injury, would require emergency care (i.e. head tilt, GI stasis, diarrhea)?
  11. What veterinarian would they take the bunnies to if one gets sick? Where would they take the rabbit if s/he needed emergency care when the regular vet isn't available?
  12. Who will be handling your bunnies (i.e. the bunny sitter’s children, the children’s friends)?
  13. Does anyone in the house smoke?
  14. What other animals will be around (i.e. dogs, cats)? What are the temperaments of any other animals?
  15. Will your bunnies be exposed to any other bunnies? What is the nature of this exposure (i.e. physical contact, air shared)?

Planning and Emergency Advice

  1. Call your bunny sitter at least a month in advance to reserve a spot.
  2. Leave the bunny sitter with as much emergency contact information as possible. Include your itinerary, a local contact person’s name and phone number, and the name and phone number of your regular veterinarian.
  3. Make arrangements in advance with the sitter and the veterinarian about how medical decisions and expenses will be handled should an emergency arise. This is especially important if you cannot be readily contacted while away. The sitter should have some guidelines from you about what type of medical treatments you will authorize. The veterinarian and the sitter should be assured that you will pay for all medical care that is administered in your absence.
  4. If your bunny requires a special diet or medication, notify the sitter in advance. Make sure that the sitter is willing and capable of providing the extra care required. Give the sitter detailed information about your bunny’s special needs.

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