Ethical Standards

Our Ethical Standards

At The Rabbitry Network, ethics are not optional — they are the foundation of everything we do.

This network exists to support responsible breeding, informed placement, and lifelong care. Every breeder who participates agrees to uphold the standards outlined below. These guidelines protect the rabbits, the families who adopt them, and the integrity of the network itself.

We cannot protect those that leave a deposit outside of this network. If we find that any breeder is acting unethical, or trying to charge more in person, they will be banned from using our site again. Our goal is to protect both buyer and sellers.

1. Animal Welfare Comes First

All rabbits listed through The Rabbitry Network must be:

  • Bred intentionally, not in excess or for volume

  • Provided appropriate housing, nutrition, and veterinary care

  • Raised with attention to temperament, socialization, and overall wellbeing

  • Weaned appropriately and never rushed to placement

Breeding decisions must prioritize health and quality of life over color trends, demand, or profit.

We prioritize intentional, responsible placements. Multiple-rabbit placements are approached cautiously, as improper bonding can lead to stress, injury, or permanent incompatibility.

2. Responsible Breeding Practices

Partner breeders agree to:

  • Breed selectively and thoughtfully

  • Avoid known high-risk or unethical pairings

  • Respect physical and emotional limits of breeding animals

  • Retire breeding rabbits when it is in their best interest

  • Maintain accurate breeding and lineage records

The Rabbitry Network does not support mass breeding, indiscriminate pairings, or breeding without long-term planning.

3. Transparency and Honest Representation

All rabbits must be represented truthfully.

This includes:

  • Accurate age, breed, and sex

  • Honest disclosure of known health or genetic considerations

  • Clear designation of pet-only versus breeding prospects

  • Real, current photos of the rabbit being listed

Misrepresentation, intentional omission, or misleading listings are grounds for removal from the network.

4. Ethical Placement Standards

Rabbits are placed with the expectation of lifetime care.

We do not support:

  • Impulse purchases

  • Auction-style selling

  • “First come, first served” placements

  • Discounting to move inventory

Placement decisions should consider:

  • Household readiness

  • Experience level

  • Long-term commitment

  • Compatibility with the rabbit’s needs

Every rabbit deserves the right home — not just the fastest one.

5. Education and Ongoing Support

Ethical placement does not end at pickup.

Breeders within the network commit to:

  • Providing basic care guidance to adopters

  • Remaining available for reasonable questions or support

  • Encouraging responsible ownership, including veterinary care and enrichment

The Rabbitry Network promotes education-first placement to reduce rehoming and abandonment.

6. Pricing Integrity

Pricing within The Rabbitry Network reflects:

  • Time, care, and resources invested

  • Ethical breeding standards

  • Responsible placement practices

We do not participate in:

  • Clearance pricing

  • Bargain sales

  • Undercutting to compete

  • Devaluing responsibly bred rabbits

Consistent pricing protects breeders, adopters, and the animals themselves.

7. Accountability and Oversight

Participation in The Rabbitry Network is a privilege, not a guarantee.

We reserve the right to:

  • Decline breeder applications

  • Remove listings that do not meet standards

  • End partnerships that no longer align with our ethics

  • Update standards as best practices evolve

These decisions are made to protect the integrity of the network and the welfare of the rabbits.

Our Commitment

The Rabbitry Network was created to raise standards — not lower them.

Every rabbit listed through this platform represents:

  • A breeder who cares

  • A home that is prepared

  • A commitment that lasts a lifetime

If a practice does not align with that mission, it does not belong here.

Ethical breeders. Responsible placements. Lifelong care.