SAN ANTONIO ā The Retired Rabbit Sanctuary was foundedĀ in August of 1998 by Kyle and Kay Hendricks to provide homes for abandoned, endangeredĀ and abused rabbits.Ā
Common reasons for sending your rabbit to a sanctuary include having a retired show rabbit or realizing that rabbits aren't quite like cats and dogs as pets. Whatever reason individuals may have for giving up their fluffy friend, the Retired Rabbit Sanctuary makes sure they provide adequate safety, shelter, and care for every rabbit that hops through their doors.Ā
The HendricksesĀ were inspired to build their sanctuary after visiting a local breeder that had less than acceptable living conditions for their rabbits. ThatĀ very day, they bought as many rabbits from the breeder as they could. Now twenty years later, they can't believe they've been able to rescue more thanĀ 6,000 animals.Ā
In addition to rabbits, the Retired Rabbit Sanctuary provides services forĀ roosters, chickens, and even a few cats andĀ dogs. Currently, they house nearly 200 rabbits, with a maximum capacity of 380 rabbits.
As new rabbits come into their facility, they begin the process of rehoming orĀ transferringĀ them to one of their other locations.Ā
The Retired Rabbit Sanctuary, a division of Cheyenne Rescue & Sanctuary,Ā Inc., is the only sanctuary nationwide that has room to expand, with a totalĀ ofĀ about 15 acres that they can use to grow their refuge.Ā
Rabbits come into the sanctuary from all over the U.S.Ā and for a variety of reasons. After three days of quarantine, the newly arrived rabbitsĀ are sent to theirĀ main facility where they receive health checks indicating they are ready for adoption.
In the future, the Hendrickes hope to build a barn in the back of their sanctuary that will hold a clinic, a classroomĀ and 500 more animals. The classroom is of utmost importance to them as it will allow them to educate the public on the care, mistreatment, and endangerment of rabbits.Ā
The Retired Rabbit Sanctuary appreciates all the help they can get. If you're interested in volunteering, donating, or adoptingĀ an animal, hop on overĀ to their website.Ā