Rabbit Spay & Neuter Day Instructions
Windward Animal Hospital is proud to offer a low-cost spay and neuter program for rabbits. Rabbit surgery requires specialized knowledge and experience, and Dr. Colby has worked with rabbits throughout Georgia, including with the Georgia House Rabbit Society.
Because this program allows us to treat 25–30 rabbits in a single day, the process is highly organized so we can care for every bunny safely and efficiently.
Please read the instructions below carefully.
Required Forms (Must Be Completed The Sunday Before Your Appointment)
Your appointment is not secured until both forms are received.
If the forms are not returned the Sunday BEFORE the day of surgery, your appointment will be canceled and you will need to reschedule.
Required forms:
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
Important preparation steps:
• DO NOT DISCONTINUE FOOD OR WATER BEFORE SURGERY!
• Place a small amount of hay in the carrier
• Bring your rabbit in a secure carrier or small kennel: Must be easily carried by one person & have a secure cover or lid: NO COOLERS,LAUNDRY BASKETS OR OPEN CONTAINERS.
Supplies to Have at Home
Please have these items ready before surgery day.
• Thermometer
• Pediatric Gas Medication (Simethicone / Mylicon / Baby Gas Drops)
• SnuggleSafe or heating pad without automatic shutoff
• Pedialyte
• Baby food (carrot, squash, or fruit)
• Feeding syringes
• Critical Care or Recovery Plus liquid diet
We stock these items at the clinic if needed.
Always call the office before administering medications.
ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS
Arrival window: 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
We allow a 15-minute grace period for traffic. If you arrive after the grace period, your appointment will need to be rescheduled, as it interferes with other scheduled surgeries.
When you arrive your rabbit’s carrier will be tagged with identifying information and he/she will be taken to the treatment area and our team will prepare your rabbit for surgery.
Because this day is very busy, our staff will be focused on patient care. If you have questions, please call the day before surgery whenever possible.
What Happens During Surgery
Our team will carefully monitor each rabbit throughout the procedure. Once your rabbit is awake, alert, and stable, they will be prepared for discharge. We strive to keep the process safe, efficient, and calm for every rabbit.
PICK UP INSTRUCTIONS
Most rabbits are ready for pickup between: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM. Please return to the clinic by 11:30 AM to avoid additional charges. We recommend bringing your rabbit home as soon as possible so they can recover in their familiar environment.
Optional overnight drop-off:
• Night before surgery between 8 AM – 5 PM
• Boarding fee: $25
“I have and continue to work with the Georgia House Rabbit Society of Georgia (GHRS) for several years. In working with them I have found that, while there is any number of programs available for low-cost canine and feline spay and neuter organizations, there are not many options for the rabbit community. Windward Animal Hospital (WAH), with the support of GHRS, is attempting to change that for the residents of the greater Atlanta area. While the health and social benefits to spaying (ovariohysterectomy) and neutering (castration) rabbits are well documented, most veterinarians are not fully trained or have limited experience associated with rabbit’s health care issues and surgeries. Through vast experience, I believe rabbit health care is more of an art form than an exact science. Additionally, pet/companion rabbits are just as important to their caregivers as dogs, birds, and cats and deserve the same level of health care.”
— Dr. Stewart Colby