Hundreds Of Rescued Rabbits Hop Freely Around Your Feet At This Gentle Washington Sanctuary
Hay bales, happy thumps, and twitching noses greet the lucky folks who find their way to one small rescue in Washington. It sits along a quiet rural road, and most people drive right past without a clue.
Inside, rescued bunnies get a second chance, and families get to meet a potential new best friend. For animal lovers hunting for a sweet, low-cost outing, this spot could steal your heart fast.
A Rabbit Sanctuary Off Ray Nash Drive
Ray Nash Drive NW doesn’t look like the kind of road that leads to bunny heaven. Yet at number 6022, just outside Gig Harbor, sits Rabbit Haven, a rescue and sanctuary devoted to rabbits that need a safe place to land.
It’s a short drive from the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which makes it an easy trip for South Sound families.
Officially, the haven is listed as an animal rescue service, but visitors describe it as something warmer. People call it both a shelter and a sanctuary, a place where rabbits recover, relax, and wait for the right family to come along.
Adoption sits at the heart of the mission.
Around the Puget Sound area, few places focus only on rabbits, and that is what makes this spot stand out. Longtime supporters consider it the go-to bunny rescue for the whole region.
Beyond adoptions, the haven also offers care services for rabbits that already have loving homes.
For anyone curious about bringing a long-eared friend into the family, this is a smart first stop. It’s also a sweet reminder that big kindness often lives in small, quiet corners of Washington, far from the busy highways and crowded attractions.
Sue Brennan and a Lifetime of Rabbit Rescue
Every great sanctuary starts with one stubborn, soft-hearted person. At Rabbit Haven, that person is Sue Brennan, the founder and director who has poured decades into caring for rabbits.
Friends say they have known her since the 1990s, and her dedication hasn’t slowed one bit.
Supporters describe Sue as someone who puts others first, both people and animals. She isn’t in it for the money, and running the rescue reportedly costs her plenty out of her own pocket.
Still, she keeps the doors open because she simply adores bunnies, along with just about any small creature that needs her.
Her impact is easy to measure in fuzzy faces. Longtime fans credit her with helping thousands of rabbits find safety and healthy lives over the years.
Several people also call her a mentor, since she teaches owners how to care for their pets the right way.
Sue is a passionate advocate for proper rabbit care and rights. That means she wants every adopter to understand what a rabbit truly needs to thrive.
Spend a few minutes chatting with her, and you’ll likely walk away knowing more about bunnies than you ever expected.
Country Quiet Beyond the Gig Harbor Waterfront
Forget busy city streets for a moment. Rabbit Haven sits in a rural pocket outside Gig Harbor, where tall evergreens and peaceful roads set a relaxed tone before you even park.
Some visitors jokingly describe it as out in the boonies, and that countryside feel is part of the charm.
Being out in the country does come with a little dust and dirt, so plan your outfit accordingly. Sneakers or boots are a better choice than your nicest white shoes.
Kids tend to love the farm-like atmosphere, and grown-ups appreciate the calm that settles in once the car engine shuts off.
The location also makes the haven a natural add-on to a wider day trip. Downtown Gig Harbor, with its waterfront views and small shops, is only a short drive away.
Families coming from Tacoma, Olympia, or Bremerton can easily turn a bunny visit into a full Saturday outing without spending much.
Visitors often reach for the word magical when they talk about this sanctuary. Between the fresh Puget Sound air and the sight of contented rabbits, it’s easy to see why.
It feels less like an errand and more like stepping into a storybook.
Clean, Roomy Pens Designed With Care
Walk past the enclosures and one thing jumps out right away: they’re spotless. Visitors who come to volunteer or adopt often mention how clean, spacious, and thoughtfully designed the pens are.
Each space is set up so rabbits can feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed.
Why does that matter so much? Rabbits are prey animals, which means they get nervous easily when their surroundings feel cramped or chaotic.
A calm, roomy home lets their true personalities shine, whether that’s a curious explorer or a shy cuddler who warms up slowly.
The results show in the bunnies themselves. Guests describe the rabbits as healthy, sweet, and clearly well looked after.
One fan even joked that the haven is the finest Hilton hotel for bunnies, adding that the residents eat better than most people do.
For first-time visitors, the setup doubles as a helpful lesson. Seeing how the haven houses its rabbits gives future owners great ideas for their own homes.
You might leave with a mental checklist for building a bunny space that’s just as cozy, with plenty of room to stretch out, flop over, and hop around happily.
An Adoption Process Built on Homework
Falling for a bunny takes about five seconds. Taking one home the right way takes a bit more thought, and Rabbit Haven makes sure adopters are ready.
The process is careful, but it feels friendly rather than stressful.
Start with the haven’s website before anything else. Past adopters recommend reading all of the information there thoroughly, since it covers much of what new owners need to know.
It’s a smart way to learn the basics of rabbit care before you ever meet your future pet.
Next comes scheduling. All business at the haven happens by appointment, so you’ll set up a time to come meet the rabbits in person.
During that visit, you can get to know different personalities and make plans to adopt the one that fits your household.
For many western Washington families, this is the first rabbit shelter they visit and the last one they need. The haven also handles shots for its rabbits, which helps new families start off on the right paw.
Fair warning, though: animal lovers may find it tough to leave empty-handed. Plenty of people arrive planning to just look and head home with a new friend.
Bunny Bonding, Matchmaking Style
Rabbits are social creatures, and many are happiest with a buddy. Introducing two bunnies, though, is not as simple as plopping them in the same pen.
Without the right approach, a meet-and-greet can turn into a scuffle fast.
That’s where Rabbit Haven shines. The team offers bonding help, and Sue has a reputation for pairing rabbits that didn’t get along at first.
In one happy story, two unbonded rabbits were left in her care and came out as a bonded pair within about a week.
Families who want to skip the guesswork can also adopt rabbits that are already bonded. Several adopters have brought home pairs that arrived as best friends, ready to snuggle and share snacks from day one.
Watching two bonded bunnies groom each other is honestly one of the sweetest sights around.
Fun fact: bonded rabbits often do nearly everything together, from eating to napping side by side. Keeping a pair together can help them feel more secure in a new home.
If you’re thinking about getting two, asking the haven about bonding is a smart first step, and it may save you plenty of frustration down the road.
Grooming and Vacation Boarding for Pet Rabbits
Plenty of the traffic here has nothing to do with adoption. Owners who already have rabbits at home rely on the haven for grooming and boarding, two services that can be surprisingly hard to find for bunnies.
Regulars treat the place like a trusted second home for their pets.
Grooming is a real lifesaver for long-haired or fussy rabbits. Some bunnies absolutely hate being brushed out, and owners say having Sue handle the job is well worth the cost.
She gets it done, which spares both the rabbit and the owner a lot of wiggling and frustration.
Boarding is another popular perk. When families head out on vacation, they can leave their rabbit in experienced hands instead of worrying the whole trip.
One regular brings a bunny named Ozzy for both grooming and boarding, which says a lot about the trust people place in the team.
Everything runs by appointment, so plan your grooming or boarding visit ahead of time. For rabbit owners across the South Sound, having a rescue that also offers these services nearby can make pet care simpler and far less stressful, like peace of mind in a small, fluffy package.
Quick Vaccination Visits and a Sticker Bonus
Five minutes. That’s about how long one owner’s RHDV2 vaccination visit took for two rabbits at Rabbit Haven.
RHDV2 is a serious rabbit illness, and the haven has offered vaccinations to help protect local bunnies.
Staff are described as nice and helpful during these visits. The rabbits reportedly stayed calm afterward, which is a relief for any nervous owner.
As a cute bonus, pet parents have received an adorable sticker for their carrier that reads RHDV2 Vaccinated.
Protecting the resident rabbits is a top priority too. During past outbreaks, the haven asked visitors not to bring their own bunnies along, since the illness can spread easily.
It’s a thoughtful rule that keeps the whole sanctuary safe and healthy.
Before any visit, especially one involving your own pet, check the current guidelines. Policies may shift depending on local health conditions.
Everything happens by appointment, so reaching out first is always the best plan.
For families new to rabbit ownership, vaccinations might not be the first thing on your mind. Still, a quick trip here can help keep your bunny healthy for years, and that little sticker makes the whole thing feel like a small victory.
Quality Hay and Truckloads of Garden Compost
Gardeners, this one’s for you. Along with bunnies, Rabbit Haven is known for something many people don’t expect: compost.
Visitors have hauled home entire truckloads of it, and it has become a favorite stop for local growers.
Rabbit manure has long been prized by home gardeners because it is generally gentle on plants and rich in nutrients. That makes compost from a rabbit sanctuary a natural fit for vegetable beds and flower gardens.
Folks who stop by describe the haven as both informative and a great place to stock up.
Hay is the other big draw. Rabbits munch through a lot of it, and owners say the hay sold here is good quality at a good price.
For budget-minded families, finding affordable hay that bunnies actually enjoy can make a real difference over the months.
Buying these supplies may also help the haven keep running. Since the rescue relies on support to care for so many animals, your garden or pantry purchase goes toward a good cause.
Bring a truck or sturdy containers, ask about availability when you book, and your Washington spring garden could get a serious boost from a single Saturday trip.
Helping Hands, Foster Homes, and a Squirrel or Two
Rabbits get top billing, but the haven’s kindness doesn’t stop there. Visitors have brought in injured squirrels, and Sue and her team welcomed them with the same care they give their bunnies.
People who drop off wild animals say they leave with real peace of mind, knowing the little ones are safe.
That kind of compassion inspires a lot of people to get involved. Some arrive planning to foster or volunteer and leave amazed by the level of care.
With so many animals to look after, Sue can always use extra hands to keep the sanctuary running smoothly.
Fostering is another meaningful way to pitch in. It gives a bunny a temporary home while it waits for a forever family, and it frees up space at the sanctuary.
The haven also helps people responsibly rehome rabbits they can no longer keep.
Donations matter too. Supporters point out that running the rescue is expensive, and every gift helps keep it going.
Retirees with free time, teens looking for meaningful ways to give back, and families hoping to teach kids about kindness can all find a spot here.
Saturday Hours, Appointments, and Getting There
Timing is everything with this visit. Rabbit Haven lists hours on Saturday only, from 10 AM to 1:30 PM, and it’s closed the rest of the week.
Even on Saturdays, all business runs by appointment, so don’t just show up unannounced.
Planning ahead is easy. Browse the haven’s website to read up on adoption, services, and current policies, then reach out to set a time.
Doing your homework first also means you’ll arrive with better questions and a clearer idea of what kind of rabbit fits your life.
Getting there is simple from most of the South Sound. The address is 6022 Ray Nash Dr NW in Gig Harbor, a scenic drive across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge from Tacoma.
From Bremerton, Port Orchard, or Olympia, it’s a manageable trip that fits nicely into a weekend morning.
Pricing for adoptions and services is best confirmed when you book. Owners have described grooming as worth the cost and the hay as fairly priced.
Pack snacks, wear shoes that can handle a little country dirt, and leave your own rabbits at home unless the staff says otherwise.
A Soft-Hearted Verdict on Rabbit Haven
Big attractions get the billboards, but small places like Rabbit Haven earn a different kind of loyalty. Visitors call it a haven in the truest sense, run by compassionate people who put animals first.
That warmth is hard to fake, and it’s the first thing people remember.
Who will love it most? Families thinking about adopting a rabbit, of course, but also current owners who need grooming, boarding, bonding, or vaccinations.
Gardeners chasing good compost and retirees looking for rewarding volunteer work will feel right at home too.
It isn’t a flashy tourist stop, and that’s exactly the point. The haven is a working rescue, so visits are about connection rather than entertainment.
Respecting the appointment rules and the animals’ comfort helps keep it special for everyone.
For a low-cost, memory-rich Saturday in Washington, this little sanctuary is hard to beat. Pair it with lunch in downtown Gig Harbor, and you’ve got a wholesome day trip that kids and grandparents can enjoy together.
Just be warned that plenty of visitors arrive planning to look and leave dreaming about a furry new family member. That might be the sweetest risk you take all year.