Rabbit Friendly Clinic
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We are very proud to be a Rabbit Friendly Clinic.
We were awarded a SILVER Rabbit Friendly accreditation by the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund in October 2022 and were the first RWAF Rabbit Friendly accredited clinic in Torbay and the surrounding area.
The RWAF are a UK based organisation that is massively passionate about the welfare of domestic rabbits. Their sole aim is to make sure rabbits across the UK are living their best lives, with a solemate and recommended vets.
Quarry House Vets have been awarded this accreditation by proving to have a greater knowledge of rabbit care. RWAF’s specialist vet has assessed our staff, veterinary practice, standard procedures and continued training to award us as Rabbit Friendly Clinic.
This accreditation is only awarded to clinics that adhere to the RWAF’s high standards of rabbit veterinary care. We are committed to providing your rabbit with the best care possible and hope to reassure you of this by investing in the RWAF’s annual membership and assessments.
To find out more about the RWAF or for guidance on how to look after a rabbit, please visit www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk.
BRINGING YOUR RABBIT TO THE CLINIC
It can be stressful for both rabbit and owner when visiting the vets and we strive to minimise stress as much as possible. Our rabbit advocate Jo Weir is available for any advice or questions you may have regarding your rabbits visit to us. Jo is our Head Veterinary Nurse and has an in-depth knowledge on rabbit welfare and care.
We recommend:
Bringing your rabbit in with their rabbit companion. This is important as not only does it minimises stress for the rabbit that is seeing the vet, it also avoids the possibility of one coming home smelling different and potentially causing a fall out.
Using a strong, secure plastic top opening carrier for transporting your rabbits to us. A carrier that your rabbit can be easily lifted out of without their legs splaying and getting caught will lessen the stress for all.
Sitting in our rabbit waiting area. We have a separate seating area for our rabbit visitors. This is a quiet area away from our larger 4 legged friends! We recommend safely placing your rabbit’s carrier on a chair or the units provided. This will make them feel safe away from visual and physical contact with dogs and other animals.
Call us on 01803 324341 to book an appointment for your rabbit.
Travelling tips...
- Get your rabbits used to the carrier. Place the open carrier in their area for a few days before travelling and put their favourite food or treats in there. Let them hop in and out freely so that they get used to it and feel happy to be in it.
- Feed Them. Make sure your rabbits have eaten before they travel. Provide food (herbs, greens, hay and grass) in their carrier, too. This might help reduce the chances of a stasis. Offer water before and after travelling, not whilst to avoid the risk of injury or spillage.
- Provide a non-slip base. A towel, vet bed or newspaper with hay would be suitable. Your rabbits should be able to turn around in their carrier, however they do prefer to be in a small, secure space to travel so don’t use too large a carry case.
- Keep them warm. Your rabbits should travel in a well-ventilated vehicle and be kept at a temperature of between 18-22c. Protect your rabbits from extremes of heat, cold, dry and damp air, and excess draughts. Stressed rabbits and those with respiratory disease, in particular, should not be overheated. However, rabbits that are ill and unable to keep themselves warm may need supplementary heat supplied directly to them, such as a snuggle pad.
- Use calming products. It may be helpful to spray a towel or blanket with products such as Pet Remedy and Rabbit Appeasing Pheromone (Secure Bunny or Rabbit Comfort) and drape it over the carrier. This could help to calm your rabbits or mask the smell of predators and vehicles.
- Don’t transport other pets at the same time. If you have other pets, it is best not to transport them at the same time. Rabbits should not have a direct line of sight, be able to smell or hear predators.
- Secure their carrier safely into the vehicle. Strap your rabbits carrier in and secure using a seat belt through the handle. Never put the carrier in the boot. Rabbits should always be transported facing towards or backwards the direction of travel. Do not place the carrier sideways in the vehicle.
- Play gentle music. It might be helpful to play low-level, gentle, mid-tone music to help mask some predator noises.
IF YOUR RABBIT HAS TO STAY WITH US
Your poorly or recovering rabbit will need their rabbit companion to stay too! Both rabbits will stay together where possible, if this is not possible they will be kept within sight and smell of each other to reduce stress.
Rabbits have a seperate ward away from dogs and the chaos of a busy surgery. The ward is warm, quiet, well-ventilated and has natural lighting.
We ask that you provide us with any special blankets or toys they are fond of to make them as comfortable as possible. We also ask that you bring some of their food in for their stay with us.
