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Rescue & Surrender

IMPORTANT:
WE DO NOT ACCEPT DROP-BY SURRENDERS.
Please do not come to the shelter with an animal you want to surrender.

Have you found an animal in need or do you need to surrender a pet?

Pet Surrender

We are currently unable to take in any more pet surrenders. Here are some recommendations:

  • If you are having an issue with allergies, you might not need to surrender your animal after all. Often, people are not actually allergic to a bunny but rather the hay they eat. You can try switching to another type of hay. Talk to your vet about options to try before you jump to surrendering a pet you love.
  • If you need to surrender a zoo-grade exotic animal, we may be able to help you with placement. We have contacts at zoos and aquariums across the country. They typically cannot take in animals such as bunnies, guinea pigs, and bearded dragons. But if you are trying to surrender a more unusual pet, email us at info@thebunnyhutch.org with details.
  • If you are trying to surrender a chinchilla, there is a rescue in the Richmond area that you can check out: https://www.whimsysmenagerie.com/adopt
  • If you are trying to surrender a ferret, there is a rescue with locations throughout Virginia that you can check out: https://www.nirvanaridge.org/
  • If you are trying to surrender a reptile, there is a rescue in Hampton Roads that you can check out: http://www.viperincrescue.com
  • If you need to surrender an animal quickly, your local city-run shelter may be your best bet. Because they receive funding, they typically are required to take in any animal with proof of your residency. Yes, they shelters are forced to euthanize animals that are not adopted. However, in our experiences, the shelter employees always do their very best to avoid this. They are not your enemy. They are trying their best to help. Your local SPCA is also a good options, but does not always have space.

Wildlife Rescue

We are currently not taking in sick or injured wildlife. (Please do NOT come to our facility with any animal.) We focus purely on exotic pets.

  • For wildlife rescue in Virginia, the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries maintains a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitates. Click here to view that list.
  • If you are located in another state, this link from the Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association has information for all 50 states.
  • If you find a domestic animal that you believe is a pet that was “released to the wild” by an irresponsible owner, please call us at 757-321-1551.

IMPORTANT! Before you “rescue” any wild animal, make sure the animal really needs your help. Often, mothers leave babies in order to forage, and well-meaning Good Samaritans try to “save” them when they were actually in no danger. Unless the animal is in immediate danger, please don’t attempt to approach it. Remember, some diseases can be passed from animals to humans. Call right away if you are not sure what to do.

Keep in mind also… the circle of life can be hard to experience, but ALL wildlife deserves to thrive, including predators such as snakes and hawks. It’s a great teaching moment for kids to talk about the food chain/web.

If there is wildlife in your home, call your city’s non-emergency number or animal control number for help. Remove yourself from the house/room and call 911 if you are in danger.