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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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Have you found a nest of baby rabbits in your yard? Before you move them or assume they’ve been abandoned, join us for this practical Lunch & Learn. We’ll cover how wild rabbit nesting works, signs that babies are healthy and being fed, common mistakes people make, and simple ways to safely coexist until the nest is naturally vacated. Perfect for homeowners, gardeners, and animal lovers. Presenter: Karyn Stochl Blossom’s Bunnies Wildlife Rehabilitation and Rescue https://www.facebook.com/blossomsbunnieswildliferehabilitationrescue About Karyn: Karyn is the President of Blossom’s Bunnies Wildlife Rehabilitation and Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Citrus County, Florida specializing in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of Florida Cottontails and Marsh Rabbits. Karyn is a state-licensed and permitted wildlife rehabilitator through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Senior and disabled rabbits have unique challenges, but with the right care, they can thrive. In this 25-minute session, we’ll discuss nutrition, mobility solutions, enrichment, and health monitoring to keep your special buns safe, comfortable, and engaged. Presenter: Rachel Anderson, DVM Veterinarian at Animal Hospital Of Bonita https://www.animalhospitalofbonita.com/ Products mentioned* Low-entry litter box: https://amzn.to/3PIgBLo Oxbow critical care: https://amzn.to/3NXMChO pH•notix Ear Cleaner: https://amzn.to/4dmCd9Z Scale: https://amzn.to/4s6Wow4 *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. Anderson: Dr. Anderson originates from Kansas City, home of the Chiefs! Dr. Anderson double majored in Animal Science and Philosophy at the University of Missouri and continued on to veterinary school at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. During her studies, Dr. Anderson served as vice president of the Zoo Exotics and Wildlife club, president of the Shelter Medicine club, and vice president of the Small Ruminants and Camelids club. Additionally, she was selected to participate in externships at the Dickerson Park Zoo in Missouri, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado and the Oakland Zoo in California as well as several private practices. Dr. Anderson moved to Florida to pursue her passion of exotic animal medicine including small companion mammals (such as rabbits, ferrets and guinea pigs,) birds and reptiles. She currently serves on the board of the Calusa Herpetological Society. She is also passionate about helping with shelters and rescues, particularly Lee's County Domestic Animal Services, Parrot Outreach Society and Nan's Ranch. In her spare time, Dr. Anderson enjoys playing tennis, hosting game night, teaching zumba, spending time at the beach and belt