Foster rabbits - Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare

Why become a rabbit foster carer?

We have many rabbits who come into Raystede who would benefit from foster care whilst we find them their forever home.

Becoming a foster carer provides rabbits with extra care in a home environment.

Fostering will also free up space on-site at Raystede so we can support more rabbits in need.

We also need people to foster animals who are on our Break Away scheme. Break Away is a vital service that supports people who are fleeing domestic abuse or facing short-term hospitalisation by temporarily fostering their animals. You can read more about our Break Away scheme here. Owing to the nature of this scheme, Break Away foster carers are often called upon to help with little advanced notice and so we are looking for fosterers who don’t mind looking after an animal under these circumstances.

You’ll have the opportunity to get to know our wonderful rabbits and be part of the fantastic team at Raystede. Fostering rabbits allows them to socialise and be more confident around people, preparing to live in a home environment when they’re adopted. The team at Raystede will also be there for all behavioural and medical support.

What will Raystede provide?

Raystede will provide you with all the equipment, enclosures, food, substrate and veterinary care.

For outdoor rabbits, we will supply and assemble a secure hutch with connecting run. This will need to go on a patio or similar and will measure 10ft x 6ft x 3ft.

Indoor rabbits will need their own space of measurements of at least 10ft x 6ft x 3ft. This could be in the form of free-roaming rabbit proof room/s or providing a secure pen.

All you’ll need is a suitable space for the enclosure to go, along with a calm and caring environment for the rabbits!

We will also offer ongoing support and resources for you to care for the rabbits to a high standard.

Could you be a foster carer?

A few things to consider – you could join our fantastic team of rabbit foster carers if:

You live 45 minutes from Raystede in Ringmer and have access to a vehicle.
You are 18 or over.
Having other animals in your home may limit your opportunities to foster, but we will review every application individually and wouldn’t rule you out entirely if you own other animals.

Please read the volunteer role description for more information:

Rabbit foster carer role Apply

Please complete the foster application form, in the first instance, giving us as much information you can about your experience, home and what you can offer as a rabbit foster carer. If you have any questions or need help completing the form, please contact the Rehoming team on 01825 880468, or email rehoming@raystede.org.

Meet Albert, who is one of our most heartwarming transformations.

When Albert arrived at Raystede, he was nervous, underweight and suffering with painful patches of dry skin and sore joints.

At Raystede, we don’t just rehome animals, we rehabilitate them first, giving the best chance at a happy and healthy life. From healthcare to behavioural therapy, every step of their journey is carefully guided so they can trust again.

You can make a difference. A gift today will help make sure we can continue to care for all our animals, giving them the love and care they deserve.

Donate