Adopt a pocket pet
Adopting a pocket pet is a life-changing experience that not only brings joy and companionship but also saves a life. By adopting one of our pocket pets you create space for another kill-listed life to come into our care. Adopt a cat today and make a difference in both your lives!
The Adoption Process
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Finding the perfect match
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When it comes to choosing a pocket pet, take your time to consider what type of animal is the best fit for you, your lifestyle, and your household. Be sure to involve everyone in the home in the decision—bringing a small animal into your life is a team effort!
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Adopting a rabbit, guinea pig, rat, mouse, or bird is not only rewarding—it’s truly life-saving when you adopt from Strong Hearts Bun Rescue. Many of the animals in our care have been saved from euthanasia lists in pounds and shelters. By adopting through us, you’re giving a little life a second chance.
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Pocket pets are intelligent, affectionate companions with unique personalities. While they may be small in size, their needs are just as important as those of larger animals. Each species has its own care requirements, and it’s important to understand these before applying to adopt.
Strong Hearts Bun Rescue takes in animals of all ages and backgrounds—from baby bunnies to senior guinea pigs. Our adoption profiles include detailed descriptions of each animal’s personality and needs, but we’re always happy to answer questions or help guide you toward the right match.
Welcoming a pocket pet into your home is a commitment—but one full of joy, love, and tiny paws (or claws) that will leave a big impact on your heart.
Applying for a pocket pet
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The next step in the adoption process is to complete an adoption application form. This form asks for information about you, your household, your lifestyle, and any current or past pets you’ve cared for.
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Our adoption coordinators carefully review each application as soon as possible. If we believe your home is a good match for the specific small animal you’ve enquired about, we’ll be in touch.
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If we think the pet you’ve applied for might not be the best match, don’t worry—we’ll discuss other animals in our care that might be better suited to your home and lifestyle.
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Please keep in mind that our rescue is run entirely by volunteers. While we aim to respond quickly, it might take a couple of days for us to get back to you. Thanks for your patience and understanding!
​​Meet & Greets
The final step before officially adopting one of our pocket pets is a Meet & Greet. At Strong Hearts Bun Rescue, it’s our policy to arrange a Meet & Greet with the prospective adopter and the animal before the adoption is finalised. The adoption coordinator will work with the foster carer to arrange a suitable time for you to visit and meet your potential new companion.
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Meet & Greets are hosted at the foster carer’s home. Don’t worry—they’re all lovely people who are just as passionate about animals as you are! You'll have the chance to interact with the rabbit, guinea pig, rat, or other small animal in a relaxed setting, and see how they respond to you.
We encourage you to spend some time observing their behaviour. The foster carer will tell you all about the animal’s personality, routine, preferences, and quirks they've noticed while caring for them.
Feel free to ask any and all questions—what they eat, what housing or bedding they’re used to, whether they enjoy cuddles or need a bit of time to warm up, and anything else you’d like to know. If there’s something the carer can’t answer, your adoption coordinator will be happy to follow up.
If everything goes well and you'd like to take your new friend home that day, this can be discussed with your adoption coordinator.