All it takes is a few dedicated rabbit-people, in many cases volunteers, to begin the process of opening people's eyes and hearts to rabbits. Because most shelters are struggling to keep up with the flood of unwanted cats and dogs, it's understandable that rabbits, quiet and for the most part unknown, may get lost in the shuffle. Bear in mind that 15 million cats and dogs are euthanized at shelters in the U.S. every year and you will get a sense of why rabbits need someone to speak up for them in order to be heard above the din. For years they had been housed in outdoor hutches. By bringing them indoors and giving them litterboxes and toys, the shelter's education of the public began.
Many shelters charge much lower adoption fees for rabbits than for cats and dogs.
If the fee is only a few dollars, the risk increases of impulse adoptions. In Austin,Texas adopters must come back the next day to pick up the rabbit. This helps to prevent impulse adoptions, which can be a particular problem with rabbits simply because many people are unaware that rabbits are even available for adoption at shelters. Shelter workers hear such remarks frequently and know that it means the chances of a good permanent home are slim. Volunteers also bring a portable playpen that is used to give the rabbits some exercise and play time.