This talk focuses on how to empower animals to communicate with their humans, grow their confidence, and enhance their welfare. Pet rabbits have little control over their lives, and an empowered approach can create a feeling of having a say in their environment. Rabbit welfare has come so far in the last several years, in terms of housing, diet, and medical care. It is time to bring behavioral welfare up to speed!! Presented by Emily and Lizzy Cassell Empowered Animals Behavior and Training https://empoweredanimalsbehaviorandtraining.com/ Emily and Lizzy Cassell co-founded Empowered Animals Behavior and Training to combine their skills in training animals and their human caregivers. While they work with all species, they have a special interest in rabbits, and have worked with owners, rescues, and shelters to understand these little understood pets. Using evidence-based, fear-free methods, they help guardians communicate with their bunnies. They've worked with bunny parents worldwide, assisting with behavior issues and in their popular group classes.

Hay is the cornerstone of a healthy rabbit's diet. Hear from a hay farmer as he breaks down the details of hay from how it's grown, the difference between cuttings, and how to pick the best hay for your bunny. Presenter: Dan Brenner Farmer Dave Pet Supply https://www.farmerdavepetsupply.com/ About Dan: Dan Brenner is a farmer in Western New York State. Dan and his family work together to operate Farmer Dave Pet Supply, growing and producing all natural hay, chews, treats, and toys for small animals. Farming is a life-long apprenticeship, and Dan has been studying how to grow and harvest the highest-quality farm products since his childhood. Dan took a short break from the family farm to pursue a career in education. He has served as a teacher, university instructor, assistant principal, athletic director, and High School principal before returning to help run the farm with his parents David, and Theresa, his wife Diane, and his two children - four year old Hailey, and two year old Beau. Dan is the president of his local farm bureau and strives to promote sustainable farming practice. Dan's passions are education and agriculture. He is thrilled about the opportunity to educate bunny owners about hay!

In this talk, we’ll dive into the world of rabbit nutrition, exploring what makes Sherwood’s approach unique. You’ll learn about our version of the rabbit food pyramid and the reasoning behind it, discover which ingredients are safe (and which to avoid), and get practical tips for feeding happy, healthy rabbits. We’ll also give you a first look at a new litter box design that separates urine and feces, making it easier to monitor your rabbit’s health at home. Whether you’re a longtime rabbit owner or just starting out, this talk will give you the tools to better understand your bunny’s diet and wellbeing. Sara Hettle CVT, RVT Sherwood Pet Health https://store.sherwoodpethealth.com/ About Sara: Sara earned her veterinary technology degree from the University of Oklahoma at OKC and gained hands-on experience with rabbit and wildlife rescues, including Heartland Rabbit Rescue and Wildcare Foundation. She also worked with mixed-animal practices like Thunderbird Veterinary Hospital and the Exotic Animal Clinic of Arizona, where she continues to bring her own rabbits for care. With over eight years at Sherwood Pet Health, Sara has developed deep expertise in rabbit nutrition and health, particularly in managing digestive and urinary issues. A lifelong rabbit enthusiast, she currently shares her home with nine adopted rabbits and three guinea pigs, and is passionate about promoting happy, healthy lives for companion rabbits.

This talk focuses on many aspects of dental health in house rabbits. Some topics include the anatomy of rabbit teeth, how to recognize a dental problem is present, prevention and treatment options for many problems, with case studies and real-life examples and discussions of options for abscesses, overgrowth and bite abnormalities. Presenter: Linda Kitchen, DVM Veterinarian at Animal Hospital Of Bonita https://www.animalhospitalofbonita.com/ Dr. Kitchen graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. In her clinical year at Louisiana State University, she focused on Ultrasound and exotic medicine. After working for wonderful veterinarians in both Cincinnati and Daytona Beach learning advanced techniques in medicine and surgery, she took over Animal Hospital of Bonita, established in 1997. This year, Dr. Kitchen is celebrating 12 years owning Animal Hospital of Bonita in Bonita Springs, Fl.She has been working with the Southwest Florida House Rabbit Rescue since President Jennifer Macbeth walked through the doors in December 2016 with a rabbit named Wriggly. 265 patients later, she has seen difficult fractures, lots of GI stasis, several weird masses and abscesses, an abundance of ear infections, hoarding cases, E. cuniculi, and of course, dental issues.

Emergencies don’t wait for office hours. In this practical, lifesaving talk, learn what to do if your rabbit is sick or injured and you can’t immediately reach your vet. Presenter: Dana Krempels, PhD https://hare.as.miami.edu/ Products mentioned to build your emergency kit:* Flexible tip thermometer: https://amzn.to/4sd1reL Scale: https://amzn.to/4tmkPXo Stethoscope: https://amzn.to/4bVmZpW Gas Relief: https://amzn.to/41sIj1r Massager: https://amzn.to/3SK4b7i Povidone iodine: https://amzn.to/4bZQAia Gauze: https://amzn.to/3PMyJUi Telfa pads: https://amzn.to/3NTpyRy Paper tape: https://amzn.to/4sQ4n1Y Hypafix tape: https://amzn.to/4bJZbXk Sterile eye wash: https://amzn.to/4bJZbXk *Purchases made through these affiliate links may earn a small commission that directly benefits Southwest Florida House Rabbit Rescue at no extra cost to you. About Dr. Dana: Dana is an evolutionary biologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Miami. She teaches Comparative Physiology, Genetics, Ecology, Evolution and several other courses that come in handy when dealing with rabbit health. She has decades of experience with veterinary issues gained from rescuing and rehabilitating domestic rabbits, as well as wild cottontails and jackrabbits.

Rabbits are masters at hiding illness, making certain conditions especially dangerous. This seminar covers high-risk rabbit health issues such as gastrointestinal stasis and Encephalitozoon cuniculi, with a focus on recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. Veja Tillman, DVM Just 4 Pets Wellness Center https://just4petsfl.vet/ About Dr. Tillman: Dr. Tillman is a 2002 graduate of Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine. After completing a rotating internship in internal medicine, surgery, and emergency critical care in Coral Springs, Florida, she embarked on a journey to build her skills further. Dr. Tillman transitioned into private practice while continuing to provide emergency and critical care services in the Florida Panhandle and Georgia. Her knowledge, skills, compassion, and “way with the animals” earned her a multitude of positive comments, purrs, and paw shakes! Dr. Tillman places a very high priority on the quality of care provided to patients and their owners. She continuously builds upon and reinforces her knowledge of current diagnostic techniques, medical treatments, and surgical procedures. Through her veterinary relief practice, she provided services for humane societies, county domestic animal agencies, animal rescue groups, and high-volume spay/neuter clinics throughout Florida.

Bonding two rabbits together is a process that requires patience, careful planning, and a good understanding of your bunnies. Come learn how to safely understand everything you will need to undergo the process including introductions, timelines, positive and negative behaviors, and how to know if your bunnies are the perfect fit for one another. Presenter: Stevie Callan Orlando Rabbit Care and Adoptions https://orlandorabbit.org/ About Stevie: Stevie Callan founded Orlando Rabbit Care and Adoptions (ORCA) in 2018 when she became a volunteer at events. Slowly, she began doing more with the rescue through social media posts, reaching out to fosters/adopters, school visits, and assisting with bunny bonding. Stevie served as the Volunteer Coordinator and Vice President before becoming President.

Rabbits enter shelters in high numbers, but many facilities do not have the training or resources needed to meet their unique needs. This presentation offers a welcoming, real-world look at what happens to rabbits in shelters and rescues, and how everyday people can play a meaningful role in helping them. From fostering and hands-on care to supporting rehabilitation efforts, this talk draws on personal experience in rescue and veterinary rehab settings to show where help is most needed and how compassionate involvement can truly change outcomes for bunnies. Presenter: Joneé Willette Programs Manager for Collier County Domestic Animal Services About Joneé: Joneé Willette brings more than two decades of experience in animal welfare, wildlife rehabilitation, and animal shelter operations, with a long-standing focus on rabbit care and education. A rabbit owner since 2007, she has worked with both domestic and wild rabbits in adoption centers, foster programs, and wildlife rehabilitation settings. Her experience includes fostering behaviorally complex rabbits, mothers with litters, juveniles, and managing cases ranging from severe injury to well-socialized companion animals. Joneé currently serves as Programs Manager for Collier County Domestic Animal Services and previously managed both a satellite animal shelter and a high-volume wildlife hospital. She is also the co-founder of CARE LLC (Comprehensive Animal Rescue & Resource Experts LLC), supporting shelters and rehabilitation centers through operational improvement and humane best practices. Joneé is passionate about education, responsible guardianship, and empowering guardians to better understand their rabbits’ behavior and welfare needs.