where can I buy a rabbit outside Boston?

August 19, 2007 7:11 AM

Where can I buy a pet rabbit near Newton, MA? I can't believe I have to come here to find out.

We decided that we want a new pet rabbit yesterday. My local Petco is one of two in the state that sells rabbits, but they only have those ridiculous tiny ones with even tinier ears and we want a full-sized rabbit with normal ears.

I don't want to adopt someone else's rabbit. I want to purchase a rabbit.

I've contacted a few people via Craigslist ads, but they've not responded to the emails that I sent last night and I'm tired of waiting for them. So there must be places I can go locally to hand someone money and walk away with a rabbit-- besides that smelly, cramped place on Harvard Ave in Allston. I'm having no luck finding anything via google.

posted by Mayor Curley to pets & animals (17 comments total)

I think Debbie's Pet Land at the Solomon Pond Mall only sells the tiny midget rabbits (why don't you want a mini one! are you buying this rabbit to eat it or something? little bunnies need love too, Mister Mayor), but you could try calling just in case.
posted by lizzicide at 7:15 AM on August 19, 2007

There's also Pet World in Framingham - It's a smaller, non-chain store, and I'm fairly certain I've seen larger rabbits there.
posted by lizzicide at 7:16 AM on August 19, 2007

(why don't you want a mini one! are you buying this rabbit to eat it or something? little bunnies need love too, Mister Mayor)

I believe they lack, let's say, a certain dignity. Which is not to say that you shouldn't love them!

BTW, Debbie's claims to have some rabbits that will be about 8 pounds full grown, so we might head out there if nothing closer shows up! thanks!

on preview: Pet World only has one rabbit right now (a dutch rabbit named "Dutchess" who is 3 years old), and she looks and acts too much like our previous rabbit for us to feel good about getting her.
posted by Mayor Curley at 7:22 AM on August 19, 2007

Not sure if they sell rabbits, but Newtonville Pet may be helpful.
posted by jdl at 7:42 AM on August 19, 2007

Try Petfinder.com
posted by BoscosMom at 8:27 AM on August 19, 2007 [1 favorite]

Have you got a car? You could get one directly from a breeder. I had gotten a great breed of rabbit (a mini Rex, which grows to be 5 lbs, about the size of a year-old cat) from a breeder at a Maine state fair. She lived more than 7 years. The rabbit came from a Rex breeder (Rexes also come in full-size) in Hopkinton, MA. State agricultural fairs are a fun way to pick out a rabbit, and there's one this weekend in Westfield (near Springfield).
posted by xo at 8:29 AM on August 19, 2007

Oh, and you can also adopt, but with the interview process it might take longer than you prefer.
posted by xo at 8:30 AM on August 19, 2007

Seconding Debbies - I'm almost certain I've seen some big ones there.

On a somewhat related side note, I've noticed that wild rabbits abound in Newton lately. Truly bizarre. I don't remember them at all while growing up there, but I see at least two every time I go visit my Dad in the Chestnut Hill area, and it's not uncommon to see them bolting across the street in front of my car when I drive around BC. Suppose if you wanted a cheap, yet infuriating adventure you could always try to catch your own.
posted by Rewind at 8:31 AM on August 19, 2007

If you are willing to drive to Concord on a whim, there's a house on Sudbury Rd (near Verrill Farms) that seems to always have a "rabbits for sale" sign. It's only about a half hour away. No guarantees though.

Here's a map.
posted by nekton at 9:18 AM on August 19, 2007

Check out animal shelters.

You won't be adopting 'someone else's' rabbit, as it's now the property of the animal shelter. Plus, you may save one from possible euthanization.
posted by spinifex23 at 10:37 AM on August 19, 2007 [3 favorites]

We went to Deb's and got this little guy.

Thanks everyone.
posted by Mayor Curley at 2:41 PM on August 19, 2007

hm.

You should name him Horace!
posted by By The Grace of God at 2:57 PM on August 19, 2007

You may keep in mind for next time the Animal Rescue League of Boston. I got my kitty about two weeks ago there, and they had a substantial number of rabbits as well -- large rabbits, with much charm and dignity! Save a bunny from the shelter!

The adoption staff and associated veterinary clinic are kind and well informed as well.
posted by weatherworn at 3:35 PM on August 19, 2007

You may keep in mind for next time the Animal Rescue League of Boston. I got my kitty about two weeks ago there, and they had a substantial number of rabbits as well -- large rabbits, with much charm and dignity! Save a bunny from the shelter!

We get cats and dogs from shelters. Rabbits don't live terribly long as it is, so it seems rough to get one that's already a few years old. More importantly, their early socialization is important to making them a decent pet. I feel for the rabbits in the shelter, but that's not for me right now.
posted by Mayor Curley at 4:19 PM on August 19, 2007

Mayor Curley - House rabbits, if well taken care of, typically live 10+ years.

Please check out the House Rabbit Society with regards to care and The Language of Lagomorphs. The wire cage bottom is not good for your bunny's feet. :( They are easily litter trained so no need for that wire floor.

//bunny lover and owner here
posted by pinksoftsoap at 7:19 PM on August 19, 2007

Awww, what a cutie. For future reference, there is a sad, sad pet store in Somerville called Big Fish Little Fish on Elm Street that usually has at least one full-size rabbit hanging out in a too-small cage. It's a pretty decrepit store, but you'd probably make a bunny really happy by taking it away from that place.
posted by banjo_and_the_pork at 6:48 AM on August 20, 2007

House rabbits, if well taken care of, typically live 10+ years.

Please check out the House Rabbit Society with regards to care and The Language of Lagomorphs. The wire cage bottom is not good for your bunny's feet. :( They are easily litter trained so no need for that wire floor.

The floor is partially covered, and he's going to spend the bulk of his time roaming free in the living room once he litter trains. So he can stand on a grate to go to the bathroom. I've doen this before. Fuck it, I should have known better than to post a pet question, and definitely should have known better than to post a photo.
posted by Mayor Curley at 3:19 PM on August 20, 2007