New OHS Program Gives Homeless Rabbits Second Chances with Teens
March 27, 2024 —The OHS recently launched a brand new program that gives Ottawa’s youth the experience of caring for OHS rabbits in their homes as foster volunteers, while earning community service hours required to graduate from high school.
Nine rabbits went home with eager teens last weekend for the launch of the Youth Foster Program. Before meeting their foster bunnies, the youth participated in an in-depth educational workshop where they learned all the basics of caring for rabbits. They were sent home with all the supplies they need to take care of their foster rabbits, who will stay with them for up to 40 days.
“This is truly a win-win program,” said Heather Hunter, director: outreach & community services at the OHS. “Our rabbits get a break from the shelter environment and teens get the chance to learn about rabbits while benefiting from the companionship of a furry friend,” she said. “For the OHS, the opportunity to reach youth with messaging about responsible pet ownership through this program is amazing. We know that pets offer many benefits to our lives, including emotional support and reduced stress levels – being able to share that with our future generation of pet owners is fantastic.”
Youth will earn hours towards their Ontario Community Involvement graduation requirement – one hour per day to account for the care and enrichment they provide. While parents provide oversight, the daily animal care and reporting requirements are the youth’s responsibility.
The program comes at a critical time: the OHS has seen a steady rise in rabbit admissions over the past few years and has been struggling to provide for their daily care needs. There are more than 25 rabbits currently in the care of the OHS, most of whom are ready for adoption but just haven’t met their match yet. “At the same time,” says Hunter, “we have teens calling all the time looking for a way to be involved with the OHS. So this program helps the bunnies, it helps the kids – truly a win-win.”
The program, in its pilot phase, is not currently recruiting new volunteers, but interested youth are welcome to learn more about the program and put their name on a waitlist for the next opening.
Photos are available upon request.
Media Contact
Ottawa Humane Society
Gillian Lemieux, Acting Manager: Communications
marketing@ottawahumane.ca
www.ottawahumane.ca