About Us
Who We Are
Active in Missouri for over 27 years, House Rabbit Society of Missouri is a 501c3 all-volunteer organization doing business as Missouri House Rabbit Rescue. Our purpose is two-fold: rescuing abandoned domesticated rabbits and educating adopters and the public about rabbits and their care. We have a 4-acre facility located in Fenton, MO, and to date, we have rescued over 7,000 rabbits.
Before they are adopted, our rabbits are spayed or neutered, examined by a veterinarian specifically trained in rabbit medical care, receive medication for parasites, and are fully vaccinated for RHDV2 (a deadly and highly contagious rabbit virus). After their spay or neuter surgery, the rabbits in our care receive socialization and start learning litter box habits.
All adopters attend a free two-plus hour class on rabbit care and behavior. This class helps potential adopters determine whether a rabbit is the right pet for them. If so, this class provides the tools to care for their rabbit confidently.
The House Rabbit Rescue of Missouri (or Missouri House Rabbit Rescue) educates the public in various ways. In addition to our education classes, we provide training for local groups, including scouts and student groups. We participate in an annual educational event at the veterinary student open house at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Other forms of community outreach include events at the St. Louis Science Center and Missouri Botanical Gardens. Volunteers share their love of rabbits with members of retirement communities and individuals from TASK. Finally, we participate in advocacy at the government level by participating in Humane Day at the Missouri State Capitol
If you want to learn more about domesticated rabbits, check out our yearly events. Watch our calendar for updates and follow us on social media.
Our Shelter
Our shelter/headquarters sits on 4 acres in southwest St. Louis County. The rabbits in our care are housed in spacious indoor cages or pens designed for comfort in our 6,600 sq. ft. shelter. We are not open to the public for walk-in traffic. First, you must attend our educational classes, and then potential adopters can make an appointment to meet the rabbits. Our volunteers have morning and evening shifts at the shelter to help care for the rabbits. They give daily medical care, provide socialization and exercise, and transport our rabbits to and from our veterinarian for check-ups and other medical needs.
Our Store
Our members can find everything for bunnies and bunny people at our Bun Fun store. The store has all the supplies adopters need such as housing, safe foods, hay, litter pellets, and enrichment toys. We even have fun items to decorate your home or show your love of bunnies. This is available to members only. Please see our membership information to learn about all the things our members receive.
Special Events
We hold special events at our shelter or nearby locations including:
- Spring Bunny Experience
- Fundraisers
- Halloween for the Children
- Hoppy Hours
- Holiday Bunny Boutique
Watch our website for updates.
In the Community
MO HRR has a long history of participating in community activities. Our amazing volunteers include high school and college students completing their community service hours. Many students stay long after their hours are completed because they enjoy coming. The following is just a partial list of the community activities we are involved in.
- Grade school, high school, and college visits
- Retirement home visits
- Missouri Botanical Gardens Spring event
- Veterinarian students Open House University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
- Great Forest Park Hot Air Balloon Glow and Race
- Events for special needs children and adults
Board of Directors
Joy Gioia – President, co-shelter manager
Bobbie Shewmaker – Vice-President, co-shelter manager
Cheryl Mill – Treasurer, CFO
Mary Stillman – board director
Vickie Loveall – board director
Bruno Nojima – board director
Courtney Krebs – board director
Gabbie Flanigan – board director
Amy Greenwald - board member
What We Do
Rescue
We take in rabbits via surrender, from other shelters and most often our rescue team captures rabbits who have been released outside by former owners and breeders.
Rehabilitate
We evaluate the health of all the rabbits coming into our shelter. Not only do they need to be vaccinated, spayed, and neutered, but many need treatment for parasites and other injuries.
Educate
We educate anyone who wants to know more about rabbits with an orientation on rabbit care. We do this for all who adopt from us, but also for people who already own rabbits and our volunteers.