PET PEOPLE:
You've researched for months and talked with the family, and you've decided that a rabbit is the pet you want to add to your family. Now comes the hard part . . . finding an available rabbit near you.
There are a couple options; you can purchase a rabbit from a breeder, shelter, or pet store. This post is going to be on how to find a breeder, since that is the place I usually recommend to those looking for a sweet, friendly, family pet.
TIP #1: Facebook is your friend. Facebook groups are really revolutionary in helping people find anything they are looking for . . . whether it's a couch, baby toys, or any pet animal. Almost everyone in the US uses Facebook, so you're bound to find at least one rabbit breeder through these Facebook groups near you.
There are so many Facebook groups available to help you find a rabbit. I'm going to list several below. These are all oriented towards everyone in the US, Canada and beyond, but I'm sure there are several for whatever breed you want just within your state. Most of the ones I'm listing below are exclusively Holland Lops, but I've listed some that are all breeds as well.
Join one or more of the groups below, and ask if anyone has what you're looking for in your state. I bet you'll find one within a week.
Holland Lop Rabbit Showroom
Holland Lop Pets
District 1 ARBA (all breeds - but won't be helpful to you if you live outside Dist. 1)
Holland Lop Rabbitry Websites
Rabbit Show Listings
Rabbitry Websites/FB Pages for All Breeds in the US
If you aren't a part of the Facebooking world, there are still other ways you can find a breeder in your state.
TIP #2: Breeders know other breeders. If you have found a breeder that you like, but they don't live anywhere near you, ask them if they can help you find a breeder in your state. Most breeders know other breeders all around the country, and even if they can't think of someone off the top of their head from your state, chances are they can find one easily. Us rabbit breeders make friends easily. However, not all breeders have the time to help you find a breeder near you. Most of us have full time jobs outside of the home or are busy in school, and we just don't have the time. I know this sounds selfish, but it's true. In your job or situation, would you give a free handout to someone you have never met before if you barely have enough time to enjoy life with family? Those that will help you find a breeder near you need to be appreciated, because many won't.
TIP #3: There are websites solely devoted to helping you find a breeder near you. Rabbitbreeders.us is filled with rabbit breeders in every state, and it's quite popular. My friend Emma has also started a website, and although it is not very popular yet (there are not very many breeders listed), you can help it increase in popularity. Click HERE to view the website. It's for breeders in Canada and the US, unlike rabbitbreeders.us, which is just the US.
Just recently I helped a woman find a breeder near her in New Mexico. She had found me on Instagram and had been looking for a rabbit near her for a long time, but she hadn't found one. After emailing me and asking me to help her find a breeder in NM, I found one in about three days through a Facebook group. Many breeders don't have websites or their rabbitries online for privacy purposes, but Facebook is very useful because they can find their buyers through that service. I have also helped several other people find breeders near them, so if you've tried everything above and still can't find a breeder, I might be able to help!