A rabbit rescue in western Washington will groom your bunny, board it while you travel, and send you home with a truckload of compost. That is a lot of services from one quiet spot out in the woods.
The whole operation runs by appointment. Its doors open for just a few hours on Saturday mornings, so planning ahead really matters here.
At the center of it all is one woman who has spent decades caring for rabbits. Her work has helped countless bunnies find homes around the South Sound.
I like how personal it feels, more like a friend’s place than a big agency.
Families thinking about a pet rabbit can learn a lot here before committing. I can’t imagine a better place to start that conversation.
So who runs it, and what happens once you book a visit?
A Bunny Rescue Hiding Among The Gig Harbor Trees
Rabbit Haven is a dedicated rabbit rescue on the Gig Harbor peninsula in Washington. It’s listed as an animal rescue service, and rabbits are the clear stars of the show.
The setting is quiet and rural, the kind of place you reach by winding roads rather than busy highways. One longtime fan jokingly described it as being out in the boonies.
That distance from town is part of the calm appeal for the animals.
So what exactly happens here? Rabbits get rescued, cared for, and matched with new families who are ready for them.
The sanctuary also offers a surprising list of extra services for bunny owners.
Think of it as part shelter, part bunny spa, and part classroom for curious families. Each role connects back to one goal, which is better lives for rabbits.
It’s a refreshingly focused mission in a world of do-everything pet stores.
The place holds a 4.8-star rating across 66 Google reviews. For a small rescue running on limited hours, that’s a strong showing.
Families across the South Sound often treat it as their go-to rabbit resource. Once you see the full picture, that reputation starts making a lot of sense.
The Woman Behind Thousands Of Second Chances
Sue Brennan founded Rabbit Haven and still serves as its director. Her name comes up again and again whenever people talk about this place.
Her commitment stretches back decades. One supporter has known her since 1997 and calls her a rabbit care mentor.
Another remembers meeting her on Wollochet Heights back in 1975.
That kind of history doesn’t happen by accident. Running a rescue takes money, time, and a whole lot of patience.
Supporters point out that she isn’t in it for profit, and the work likely costs her plenty.
Her soft spot isn’t limited to rabbits either. People have brought injured squirrels to the sanctuary and left feeling the animals were in caring hands.
Apparently no small creature gets turned away without a little kindness.
She’s also known as a passionate advocate for proper rabbit care. That means education matters as much as rescue here.
Families leave knowing more than when they arrived.
A small team and volunteers help keep things running. Still, the heart of Rabbit Haven clearly beats with Sue.
It’s rare to find a place so closely tied to one person’s lifelong passion.
Spotless Pens That Feel Like Bunny Apartments
One fan called Rabbit Haven the finest Hilton hotel for bunnies. That’s a big compliment for a place full of hay and long ears.
The pens are described as spotless and spacious. They’re also designed so rabbits feel safe and comfortable.
Rabbits are prey animals, so a secure space really matters to their happiness.
Healthy rabbits show up again and again in descriptions of the sanctuary. Bunnies here come across as sweet, relaxed, and well cared for.
That reflects the daily work happening behind the scenes.
Diet gets attention too. The same Hilton fan joked that the rabbits eat better than most of us.
Honestly, that might make a few parents a little jealous.
First-timers often mention how impressive the whole setup feels. For kids, seeing rabbits in roomy, thoughtful spaces is a great lesson in good pet care.
It shows that a bunny needs more than a tiny cage in the corner.
Families planning to adopt can pick up real ideas for their own home setup. Watching how the pros do it beats guessing from a pet store box.
Bring your questions and your notebook.
Adoption That Starts With Homework, Not Impulse
Adopting a rabbit is the main event at Rabbit Haven. It’s also a process that rewards a little preparation.
The sanctuary shares plenty of rabbit care information for families to read beforehand. Starting there helps you understand what bunny life really involves.
Rabbits live for years, so that homework pays off.
Once you’re ready, you schedule an appointment to meet the rabbits. That means no crowds and no rushing.
Kids get a calmer, more personal introduction to their potential new friend.
Some adopters say this was the first rabbit rescue they visited and the last one they needed. The level of care made further searching feel unnecessary.
That’s a nice time saver for busy parents.
There’s another perk worth knowing. Adopted rabbits may come with their shots already handled, which removes one more item from your to-do list.
Fair warning for soft-hearted families, though. Animal lovers may struggle to leave without a furry companion.
Plan the talk with your kids before you head out to Gig Harbor, Washington, or you might come home with two.
Matchmaking For Rabbits Who Need A Buddy
Rabbits are social creatures, but they can be surprisingly picky about roommates. That’s where bonding comes in, and Rabbit Haven has real experience with it.
Bonding means helping two rabbits accept each other as companions. It can take patience and know-how.
Many owners find it tricky to manage at home.
One owner left two unbonded rabbits with Sue. Within about a week, the pair was bonded.
That’s the kind of result that turns a stressful situation into a happy one.
Families can also adopt rabbits that are already bonded. Bringing home a ready-made pair skips the awkward introduction phase entirely.
Two bunnies snuggling from day one is pretty hard to resist.
Why does this matter so much? Rabbits with a buddy often have more company while you’re at work or school.
It can make life richer for them and more fun to watch for you.
Ask about bonding when you book your appointment. The team can explain how it works and whether it fits your situation.
Sometimes the best gift for your bunny is a friend with matching floppy enthusiasm.
Grooming Help For Bunnies Who Hate The Brush
Some rabbits treat a brush like a personal insult. Owners of those dramatic bunnies will appreciate the grooming service at Rabbit Haven.
Sue handles grooming for rabbits brought in by their families. One owner said it was well worth the cost because his bun strongly dislikes being brushed out.
Sue simply gets the job done.
Grooming isn’t just about looking cute. Rabbits shed, and keeping their coats in good shape supports their comfort.
Long-haired breeds especially need regular attention.
Several local owners bring their bunnies back for grooming again and again. That repeat trust says something about the gentle handling here.
Nobody returns to a groomer they don’t believe in.
For first-time rabbit families, this service takes away a common worry. You don’t need special tools or skills to keep your pet tidy.
Just book an appointment and let an experienced hand take over.
Exact grooming costs aren’t something to guess at, so ask when you call. Rates can vary by rabbit and need.
Either way, your bunny comes home neater, and your arms stay free of scratches.
Bunny Boarding While Your Family Takes A Trip
Vacations get complicated when the family pet has long ears and a strict hay schedule. Rabbit Haven offers boarding, which solves that headache neatly.
Owners bring their rabbits here while they travel. One family boards their bunny, Ozzy, during vacations and has him groomed too.
That’s a two-for-one errand parents can appreciate.
Few places specialize in rabbit boarding. Many kennels focus on dogs and cats, leaving bunny owners scrambling.
A rabbit-focused spot brings real peace of mind.
Remember those spotless, spacious pens? Boarded rabbits benefit from the same thoughtful setup.
They’re in hands that know rabbit needs inside and out.
Adopters who got their rabbits here often love that boarding is available too. Having one trusted place for adoption, care, and travel coverage keeps things simple.
It’s a relationship, not just a transaction.
Book well ahead, especially around holidays. Since business runs by appointment, last-minute plans may not work out.
A quick call before your trip saves a lot of scrambling and keeps your bunny happily munching while you explore Washington or beyond.
A Quick Vaccine With A Sticker Bonus
Here’s a service many bunny owners don’t expect from a rescue. Rabbit Haven has offered RHDV2 vaccinations for rabbits.
RHDV2 is a serious rabbit disease that has worried owners across the region. Getting pets protected became a big priority during outbreaks.
Having a trusted local option made that much easier.
One owner brought two rabbits in for their shots. The whole visit took less than five minutes, and the rabbits stayed calm afterward.
Short, smooth, and stress-free is exactly what nervous owners want.
Then came the fun part. The family got an adorable sticker for their carrier announcing the vaccination.
Kids will probably love that tiny badge of honor more than the rabbit does.
Because of disease concerns, the sanctuary has asked visitors not to bring outside bunnies on regular visits. That protects the resident rabbits from anything contagious.
It’s a smart rule that shows how seriously they take health.
Always call ahead about current vaccine availability. Services can change over time.
A quick check keeps your trip worthwhile and your bunny on the right schedule.
Hay Worth Hauling And Compost Gardeners Crave
Lots of rabbits means lots of, well, garden gold. Rabbit Haven sells compost, and local gardeners have noticed.
One family picked up an entire truckload during a grooming visit. Another simply called it a great place to get compost.
That’s a bonus errand most pet shelters can’t offer.
Gardeners often prize rabbit-based compost for their beds. Bringing some home turns a bunny outing into a backyard project.
Kids can even help spread it and watch the garden grow.
Hay is on the menu too. The sanctuary sells hay that one owner described as very good quality at a fair price.
Since rabbits eat hay constantly, a reliable source matters a lot.
Buying supplies here also supports the rescue’s mission. Every purchase helps keep the lights on and the bunnies fed.
It’s shopping with a feel-good side effect.
Bring a truck or sturdy containers if compost is on your list. Ask about availability when you schedule your appointment.
Your vegetable patch and your rabbit will both thank you in their own quiet ways.
Calm Visits That Suit Kids And Grandparents
No loud crowds, no ticket lines, and no flashing lights. Rabbit Haven offers a quieter kind of family outing.
Because everything runs by appointment, visits stay small and personal. That calm pace suits young kids who get overwhelmed easily.
It also works well for grandparents who prefer a relaxed outing.
Children learn real lessons here about responsibility and gentle care. Seeing healthy rabbits in proper homes beats any picture book.
Questions get answered by people who truly know their stuff.
The sanctuary is also a working rescue, not an amusement park. Families should keep voices soft and follow staff guidance around the animals.
Rabbits startle easily, and good manners help everyone.
For families on a budget, a visit can be a meaningful way to spend a Saturday morning. Just confirm any costs or donation expectations when you book.
Clear expectations make the day smoother.
Animal-loving kids may leave dreaming about their own bunny. That’s a perfect opening for a family talk about pet care.
Few outings in Washington spark that kind of thoughtful conversation so naturally.
Ways To Pitch In With Volunteering, Fostering, And Donations
A rescue this busy always welcomes extra hands. Rabbit Haven offers several ways for big-hearted families to help.
Volunteering is one option. Sue can always use support keeping up with the daily work.
Some people arrive simply curious and leave planning to come back and help.
Fostering is another path. Temporarily caring for a rabbit at home frees up space at the sanctuary.
It’s also a gentle test run for families unsure about adoption.
Donations make a real difference too. Running a rescue costs plenty, and supporters describe giving here as a top priority.
Even small gifts help cover food, hay, and care.
The sanctuary can also help with responsibly rehoming a rabbit. Life changes happen, and sometimes a pet needs a new family.
A caring rescue beats releasing a bunny outdoors every time.
Older kids and teens might find volunteering especially rewarding. Ask about age guidelines and current needs when you reach out.
Helping here could become a family tradition worth keeping for years.
Saturday Mornings Only, So Plan Ahead
Mark your calendar carefully, because the window is small. Rabbit Haven lists hours on Saturdays from 10 AM to 1:30 PM.
The rest of the week, it’s listed as closed. And remember, all business runs by appointment only.
Showing up unannounced could mean a wasted drive.
You’ll find the sanctuary at 6022 Ray Nash Dr NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335. It sits in a rural area on the Gig Harbor side of the Narrows.
Families from Tacoma and the wider South Sound can reach it without a huge trek.
Leave your own rabbits at home unless staff specifically say otherwise. The sanctuary has asked visitors not to bring bunnies, to protect the residents’ health.
Grooming, boarding, and vaccine visits are arranged separately.
Prices for services aren’t something to assume. Grooming, boarding, hay, and adoption costs should be confirmed directly.
Asking ahead keeps surprises off the table.
Call before you go to lock in a time. A little planning turns a short Saturday window into a smooth, happy outing.
A Small Haven With An Enormous Heart
Some outings entertain for an afternoon and fade. Rabbit Haven tends to stick with people for years.
It’s a rescue, a grooming stop, a boarding spot, and a compost source rolled into one. More than anything, it’s a reflection of one woman’s lifelong love for animals.
That personal touch shows in every detail.
One fan summed it up by saying the place is truly a haven. Another simply called it magical.
Those words fit a sanctuary where rabbits get second chances daily.
For Washington families thinking about a bunny, this is a smart first stop. You’ll learn what good care looks like before making any big promises.
That alone could save a lot of heartache down the road.
Families who already own rabbits gain a trusted ally nearby. Need grooming, bonding help, or a place to stay during vacation?
The answer is often the same friendly spot in Gig Harbor.
Book that Saturday appointment and bring your curiosity. Just maybe prepare your kids, and yourself, for falling hard.
Those twitching noses are very persuasive.
