Rabbit Event at PetSmart

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

I work at PetSmart, and my bosses asked me to do an event for my rabbit rescue there, which I quickly agreed to. Exposure + showing off adoptable bunnies + getting paid? Yes pls. However, the one part of the event I don’t like is the main part– kids get pictures with one of the bunnies. I’d see no problem as long as I was able to warn the kids+parents first, “hey, she’s very sweet, but any bunny might randomly kick or scratch,” and I’m in charge of the event, so I believe I’d be able to do that. However, I don’t have any adult bunnies I feel comfortable putting in that situation. I have a couple that would do wonderfully for the kids, but they’d stay still purely out of fear, and I don’t want to put them through that.
I do, though, have baby bunnies that looooove attention. They’ll be nine days old the day of the event. I’m not too worried about their safety in terms of kids dropping or squeezing or hurting them– I’ve gotten good at things like this with the hamsters we sell. I am worried about their immune systems, though. At nine days old, can they handle a bunch of kids touching them? There will, of course, be GermEx before and after anyone gets to touch the bunnies, but is that enough?

[Boston's Mama]

I think that would send the wrong message personally – a lot of people by young bunnies to young , also even if they buy them at 8weeks old it’s common to see them being rehomed again as they get bigger in a few weeks as they no longer match the tiny babies that fit in teacups seen in images over the Internet..
I think the point would be to show them how wonderful adult bunnies can be (?)
That they shouldn’t buy a baby too young etc etc
Could you work in conjunction with another rescue? Who have bunnies that are older and well handled ?
Or could you have pens set up with fun toys and step stools etc ( perhaps products your store sells?) so they can see them run and play as apposed to hold a scared bunny??
If photos are a must as part of the deal then maybe you could explain to him how that is not the correct message to send as bunnies don’t like being held as they are prey animals and instead compromise in a way that is better for the bunny and have a “stage” set up with a wee seat for the child to sit on and a willow basket in front of the seat where you yourself can place the bunny in for the photo – or perhaps you could convince him watching the bunnies play is better and more the message to send but they can have colouring pictures of bunnies to take away

[Boston's Mama]

I think doing it is only beneficial if the point is to teach proper bunny care, correct ages , to discourage purchasing for Easter or for a children’s cuddly toy , that it’s a 10years commitment , that it’s teaching what is best for the bunnies.
Your boss can def take advantage of the situation by advertising big cages , his stores toys , step stools ( I don’t live there so not sure what they sell sorry) but in a way that still gets the message across that bunnies are a life, with needs and feelings not a teddy bear

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

That is by far the ideal situation. However, it won’t happen:/ I’m the only rabbit rescue in the area, and all of my adult bunnies have been through some tough stuff and don’t trust people. I was thinking of bringing my personal rabbit in, but I know for sure she wouldn’t be nearly as sweet and awesome as I know she can be in that stressful environment.
I’m going to do my best to convey the message a baby bunny isn’t always the best bunny– actually, my boss is letting me make my main point be, “Bunnies ARE NOT Easter gifts.” And he’s letting me put whatever info I want up, so I get to push my “Bunnies live up to 15 years and require as much care as a puppy” agenda– mwhahaha!!
My store’s PetSmart doesn’t carry many rabbit-friendly items(er, items I personally consider rabbit-friendly.)
Unfortunately, having a photo shoot is part of the deal. I consider it worth it, as it will spread awareness about my rescue and ultimately probably save more bunnies. I just have to deal with the fact that some people may not get my message that baby bunnies aren’t the best bunnies, but ultimately that is the message I’ll try to push (even though it seems a bit contradictory to what I’d be doing.)
The babies are just the only ones that I’d be comfortable letting people hold.

[Mikey]

I dont think this is a good idea. It will be very stressful on the rabbits with all of the grabbing and poking. Whichever bunny has to be the one for pictures is going to be terrified the whole time. The babies will be at a higher risk of getting sick, not only from the grabbing at by many but because of the stress of moving them around since everyone will want to see them. Given that it is Easter month, parents might decide that bunnies are a good Easter gift, regardless of any warnings you put up. Also with the store not having very many rabbit friendly items, it just doesnt sound like a good idea.

[Mikey]

I dont think this is a good idea. It will be very stressful on the rabbits with all of the grabbing and poking. Whichever bunny has to be the one for pictures is going to be terrified the whole time. The babies will be at a higher risk of getting sick, not only from the grabbing at by many but because of the stress of moving them around since everyone will want to see them. Given that it is Easter month, parents might decide that bunnies are a good Easter gift, regardless of any warnings you put up. Also with the store not having very many rabbit friendly items, it just doesnt sound like a good idea.

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

I’m at a crossroads here, because I 100% agree with both of you and would be giving the same advice if I weren’t the one in the situation. However, there’s no other way I can reach an audience like this with this important info, especially that my PetSmart doesn’t carry many good rabbit items. It’s info that could potentially save a lot of bunny lives this upcoming Easter.
At this point, my main concern truly is just the babies getting sick/hurt/scared.
I like the basket idea; that could possibly work out well, with the kids holding the basket instead of the actual bunny.

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

I forgot to mention it’s either my rescue or the local pet store with baby rabbits for sale that gets to do the event, and I know for certain mine would have a better impact. The pet store doesn’t even think you can spay or neuter rabbits, and warns customers that two bunnies can’t grow up together without fighting. They’re super nice guys that run the store, but they stick to their beliefs firmly despite other evidence. They’re fun to talk to about reptiles, though.
I truly do believe that the information that will be up will be impactful and is important. And ideally I really don’t want any actual rabbit in the store. But I think I might have the basket and get one of the calmer adult bunnies who’s good with stressful situations for the pictures, which for PetSmart, is the whole point of the event.

[Mikey]

The way I see it, there is one positive (getting the word about the rescue out) with many, many negatives (read: previous posts). It is not worth putting the bunnies through all of the stress and possible illness just to get the word of the rescue out there. Putting up a pannel with some stuffed toy rabbits and pictures of your rescue buns would be a good compromise. You get to spread bunny information, information on your rescue, and the all of your bunnies are safe from harm.

I know you dont have much of a choice, but having any live rabbits, you or the pet store, is only going to impact the rabbits negatively. There is also a high chance the majority of parents/families will ignore anything you have to say on bunny safety and care, and your rescue will be having a higher income of buns in the next coming months.

[Azerane]

Is there any way you can organise the photo shoot so that the bunny is already sitting on a surface or in a basket or something and then the child is just sitting next to the bunny? That way there’s still a photo up but no unnecessary handling and you can be the one to handle the bunnies (swap them out if one is getting restless) or popping them back in the basket if they hop out etc. If the bunny is in a basket also then the child can hold the basket with the bunny in it, which saves them directly handling the rabbit too

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

Of course I’d rather no live rabbits be involved, with me or the pet store, but I have literally no impact on whether that happens or not. I also don’t have a choice to compromise.
I don’t really care as much for advertising about the rescue, but rather information on how to care for rabbits and why rabbits shouldn’t be Easter gifts. I do care a lot about getting that info out.
I do like the basket idea. And the event is only 30 minutes long, which I do have a bunny that can handle snugglin in a basket for that long.
The original question though! Should lil babies be handled? And I’ve gotten the clear answer of no, which I was pretty much expecting, I just couldn’t think of anything not as terrible.

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

I realize it’s not an awesome situation. Truly, I normally wouldn’t even condone something like this. But I think the information is very important to share in order to deter unprepared people from getting live Easter gifts and bring those who are prepared in, but not to a pet store, but a shelter or rescue. And, the big thing: if I don’t do it, the pet store will, with 7-week-old bunnies and 0 information and only advertising for anyone to get Easter bunnies.
So I just need to find a way to make the best of a not great situation. Which I think I have!

[Mikey]

The few day old bunnies should not be handled. They could get stressed out, they could get sick, they could get hurt, ect. If you already have an adult bunny who would be comfortable in a basket, then do that instead

[Boston's Mama]

I hear your point of ” it’s me or the petstore will do it anyway ” but I wouldn’t let that influence you to sacrifice on what is best for the bunnies in your care.
You won’t be able to stop the negative from others – but you control your own input if you get what I mean ? I’m not trying to be rude or diss your attempt to raise awareness on rabbit health and welfare as I know your intentions are good – but stressing your rabbits, having young bunnies which will ( even though you don’t mean it to be) be feeding the attraction to cute underage bunnies – and at potential risk to your babies – is not going to be sending a good message which is the whole point in the first place

[Boston's Mama]

If you can’t do it without people handling the adult bunnies ( ie in a staged photo situation where the bunnies aren’t picked up by people) and you can’t do it without the underage bunnies – then personally I feel it’s sending the same message as a lot of petshops and breeders who are just in for the sale do ( not intentionally I know – not at all meaning you want to do that and I hope this comes across right )
I totally hear you have great intentions – but it’s at detriment to the buns and a lot people coming through and picking them up etc just wouldn’t be good for them

If your boss isn’t prepared to send only the right message as apposed to some right some wrong – then let him do it through the petstore then if that’s is the alternative and maybe do your own day not with work?? Somewhere you can set it up like rescue centres do and explain how they don’t like being picked up – have pens set up so they can see how it should be – spread the correct message
I know you are saying the target audience will be bigger at the store but do you really want to be associate as a rescue with the wrong message / mixed message just to meet the non negotiables of doing it there ??

[Love4Bunny]

I found out Crysta was carried in a basket for a promo at the shelter, so yeah, a calm bunny in a REALLY, REALLY pretty, decorated basket with fake eggs, massive bows, so that the basket is irresistible to the kids – I second. Even a decorated table, like I think was mentioned. I’d be SUPER wary of a child dropping my rabbit, risking it’s health, so I personally wouldn’t let any person or child hold my rabbit. I do agree with setting up stuff like a rescue, as Oakley & Boston mentioned, perhaps even seeing if that could work for pics? I don’t think you should bring the babies as they’re too young. There are some situations we’ll never have complete freedom in, or control over, and you may have to put your foot down and say no to some things if they ask you to come back the following year. And I think that once we set a precedent, it can be harder to change in the future. But I do understand the opportunity you’ve been given is a big one. I’ve been in work situations where they give ultimatums, and I was the one who suffered, not the company. You gotta do what’s right for you and your bunny clan.

[sarahthegemini]

No way would I take my rabbits to be handled by little brats, and I certainly wouldn’t take buns that are only 9 days old! Stasis brought on by stress can be deadly and I personally wouldn’t risk it for a bit of exposure.

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

I have a bunny who just goes right to sleep when she’s snuggled up in a basket, and since none of the kids would actually be touching her I feel a lot more comfortable about it. I think the other reason I’m alright with this is, it’s for thirty minutes. From watching past events, my guess is ten kids will be holding the basket, max.

And I don’t think you’re being rude at all, Oakley! I truly appreciate the input. I know you’re just worried about my bunnies, and I can’t hate on that at all.

It kind of sounds like I’ve been making excuses just to be able to still do this thing, but I’m really not. I wouldn’t have even considered still doing it, quite honestly, if any of my adult bunnies had to be held by the kids (like, touched and picked up.) I would’ve cancelled and let the pet store do their thing. And it’s pretty clear that baby bunnies couldn’t handle it, so if nobody had brought up the basket idea, I absolutely would’ve cancelled. It would kill me if a baby bunny got sick or too stressed out.

Thank you for the input everyone! It was helpful.

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

As for future events with no strings attached– that’s actually in progress! And then I can do adoption events that go my way and won’t send any mixed messages. But right now we’re trying to work with PetSmart Charities to allow rabbit events, so it’ll be a few months (long after Easter, and I really want to get the “bunnies are bad Easter gifts and here’s why” info out before then).
Nobody gets to hold a bunny there! And for that, I’m pretty excited.

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

I also guess I didn’t really specify that it’s likely going to be six-ten kids. It’s not some big huge event that was advertised where a bunch of kids get to pick my rabbits up. I didn’t even think of mentioning that.
No, if I knew these things were bigger, I wouldn’t do it.

[sarahthegemini]

Well you know the personalities of your bunnies best but personally I still wouldn’t do it.

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

That’s probably the advice I would give to another person if they were to do it, and I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t think this one bunny could handle it, or if I didn’t have her. But she’s so chill and sleepy when she’s in a box or basket, even if it’s being held. I do reserve the right to tell a child I didn’t think was calm enough to safely handle the basket no (even if it was against policy, I’d do that anyway.) So for this very, very specific situation, I think this will be alright, and give me a chance to educate the customers in the store who don’t want a picture.

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

Obviously, in most situations this setup would not work, and wouldn’t be safe for the rabbits. And their safety is #1 priority, above “exposure” and information.

[Love4Bunny]

Six to ten kids is totally doable. Congrats on the open door in Petsmart, SSP. I wonder if you could also do 2 merchandise displays: soft-toy bunnies (or teddy bears) on one side, and the other, easter-related (human/ pet) snacks on the other side of the upcoming 30 minute event. That would be enticing to little kids, and would maybe divert attention to sales elsewhere and help make your point. Also, you could make some additional kid-friendly info sheets into colouring-in pages (with bunnies and eggs), so kids can colour in and learn at the same time.

[Deleted User]

I personally think that you should push your hard work with your rabbit rescue though other avenues and keep it separate from your work. It’s completely understandable that you want to raise awareness but like you have said you don’t believe the store you work for is very good in promoting good rabbit care. So to me this might have negative consequences for your rescue. You are trying to promote positive and responsible rabbit care but this will be done in a place that doesn’t promote this. I just think your boss is using this as a way to sell more products and there is no good intention towards the rabbits here. If there was he would let you promote this on your terms and taking up his offer on his terms is not worth it. Considering the timing of this event it is clear that it’s to push for Easter sales and like you say some of these rabbits have had tough times and if they get adopted through this event with all the good intentions and advice you have given it could still end up with these rabbits being unwanted again.

With all due respect I 100% don’t think it’s worth it. Although it’s clear your heart is in the right place.

[sarahthegemini]

Tbh it sounds as though you’re mind was already made up before you made this post. Do what you want but I don’t think it will promote the message you want to promote.

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

So good news! The event went wonderfully. I told the kids they could pet bunny (she loves attention), but not hold her. And the manager wasn’t watching over me to care. We ended up staying three hours, not thirty minutes, but the lil bun sure did love the attention!

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

I think PetSmart is a great place to give out proper bun info, because that’s where people will go to get it. And if someone isn’t there promoting it, those people will instead take PetSmart’s false bun info. My managers have nothing against me telling people the truth. I personally think it’s a great fit!

[Mikey]

Glad it went well!

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

My mind was made up that I wanted to do the event if possible without hurting any bunnies, that wasn’t the original question. I was wondering if babies were too young to go. I see nothing wrong or hypocritical with what I posted.

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

And I clearly didn’t have my mind made up about the babies going; I didn’t bring any as to not risk anything. I quickly realized it was a dumb question. I made sure I brought who I knew was a friendly and adoptable bunny who would love some attention, as she doesn’t get much at the shelter. As I predicted, around nine kids pet her in the span of four hours. This individual bun wasn’t overwhelmed, though I could see how many buns could be. But like you said, I know the bunnies.
I do appreciate people caring about the bunnies, though. It’s reassuring to know there are people who are looking out for bunnies.

[sarahthegemini]

I wasn’t trying to call you out, I just thought maybe you wanted some reassurance for your decision. I’m glad it went well though and I’m glad you knew which bunny would be okay at the event

[Author]

Messages