B.U.N.S. Program
Jan 2024: The B.U.N.S Program has been TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED.
Spays and Neuters cannot currently be scheduled. We will update this page when this has changed.
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Bunnies United for Neuter and Spay
If you cannot afford the cost of spaying / neutering your rabbit, Gainesville Rabbit Rescue (GRR) may be able to help. Through its BUNS voucher program you can purchase a low cost spay/neuter voucher from GRR and present it to a participating veterinary clinic. Pricing for each clinic is listed next to their name.
About the Program
The B.U.N.S. program was created by Gainesville Rabbit Rescue to curb the number of unwanted domesticated rabbits in the areas we serve. When GRR must take rabbit litters from families who did not spay or neuter their pets, rabbits in shelters who may have been taken in face euthanasia. For every rabbit litter curbed, a rabbit in need of GRR’s care is saved.
How it works:
To purchase your low cost spay/ neuter voucher send your voucher request form along with payment to BUNS and a voucher will be sent to you. To redeem your voucher make an appointment for surgery at one of our participating clinics and submit your voucher as payment at the time of your appointment. Be sure to mention the BUNS program when you call to make your appointment!
B.U.N.S Program Facts
• Male rabbits can be neutered at 8 weeks of age provided both testicles have descended. It is recommended that female rabbits are 6 months of age before spaying but must be at least 4 months of age to be eligible for surgery. It is important to properly identify your rabbit’s gender prior to scheduling surgery.
• Voucher cost is $90.00.
• Rabbit owner is responsible for making appointment for surgery.
• 24-hour notice is required to cancel surgery.
• Rabbit owner is responsible for payment in the event that a spay is halted due to pregnancy.
For a voucher in the Gainesville area, please email:
Contact:
GRR B.U.N.S Program
Participating Veterinarians
West End Animal Hospital [$90]
15318 W. Newberry Rd
Newberry, FL 32669
352.472.7626
http://westendanimalhospital.com/
* Includes take home medication
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.Why Spay or Neuter Your Rabbit?
• Altered rabbits are healthier and typically live longer than unaltered rabbits; the risk of reproductive cancers is significantly reduced and virtually eliminated.
• Altered rabbits make better companions. They are calmer, more loving and dependable once the undeniable urge to mate has been removed. In addition, rabbits are less prone to destructive (chewing, digging) and aggressive (biting, lunging, circling, growling) behavior after surgery.
• Avoidance of obnoxious behavior. Un-altered male rabbits spray and both males and females are much easier to litter train, and much more reliably trained, after they have been altered.
• Altered rabbits won’t contribute to the problem of overpopulation of rabbits. Over 15 million adorable dogs, cats and rabbits are killed in animal shelters each year. In addition, unwanted rabbits are often abandoned in fields, parks or on city streets to fend for themselves, where they suffer from starvation, sickness and are easy prey to other animals or traffic accidents. Rabbits sold in pet stores don’t necessarily fare any better, as pet stores sell pets to anyone with the money to buy, and don’t check on what kind of home they will go to. Many of these rabbits will be sold as snake food, or a pet for some small child who will soon “outgrow” the rabbit.
• Altered rabbits can safely have a friend to play with. Rabbits are social animals and enjoy the company of other rabbits. But unless your rabbit is altered, he or she cannot have a friend, either of the opposite or same sex, due to sexual and aggressive behaviors triggered by hormones.
• Spaying and neutering for rabbits has become a safe procedure when performed by experienced rabbit veterinarians. A knowledgeable veterinarian can spay or neuter your rabbit with very little risk to a healthy rabbit.