Colorado has a strong and active rabbit community — and an important set of local considerations every rabbit owner here needs to understand, starting with RHDV2. This page brings together the resources we have found most valuable and keeps them in one place.
RHDV2 in Colorado
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious, almost universally fatal viral disease affecting both wild and domestic rabbits. It does not affect humans or other animals, but it spreads with extraordinary ease — through direct contact, contaminated objects, clothing, shoes, vehicles, insects, and birds. It can persist in the environment for extended periods.
Colorado’s first confirmed case was in Alamosa County on April 17, 2020. The disease spread rapidly through wild rabbit populations across the state and has been endemic in Colorado since 2021. The Rocky Mountain House Rabbit Rescue states plainly: “We strongly recommend vaccinating your pet rabbits against RHDV2.”
What to Do
Talk to your rabbit-savvy exotic veterinarian about the Medgene Labs RHDV2 vaccine — the two-dose initial series followed by annual boosters. Even vaccinated rabbits benefit from biosecurity: keep rabbits indoors, remove shoes before entering rabbit spaces, wash hands between handling different animals, and wash all fresh greens thoroughly before serving.
To report suspected RHDV2 in a domestic rabbit: Contact the Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office at 303-869-9130.
Colorado Department of Agriculture — RHDV2
Official Colorado case map, reporting requirements, and biosecurity guidance from the Colorado Department of Agriculture Animal Health Division.
ag.colorado.gov →
Rocky Mountain House Rabbit Rescue — RHDV2 Guide
Colorado-specific RHDV2 information and biosecurity recommendations from RMHRR.
rmhrr.org/rhdv →
Oxbow Animal Health — RHDV2 Overview
Comprehensive overview of RHDV2 spread, current status, and hay sourcing precautions from Oxbow’s veterinary team.
oxbowanimalhealth.com →
Rabbit-Savvy Veterinarians
Not all veterinarians are experienced with rabbits. Rabbits are classified as exotic animals and require a vet who understands their specific physiology, appropriate drug protocols, safe anesthesia, and the signs of breed-specific conditions. Find your vet before you need one in an emergency.
What to Ask When Calling
Ask specifically: “Do you have a veterinarian with exotic animal training who regularly treats rabbits?” A practice that will “see” rabbits is not the same as a practice with genuine exotic animal expertise. Ask how many rabbits they see per month, and whether they perform rabbit dental procedures and spay/neuter under appropriate anesthesia protocols.
Denver Metro & Aurora
Colorado Exotic Animal Hospital
Exclusively exotic animals — no dogs or cats. Multiple exotic companion mammal specialists on staff. Two Denver-area locations. Widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive exotic practices in the state.
coloradoexoticanimalhospital.com →
Vida Vet Care (Denver & Centennial)
Avian and exotic pet care, including rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and reptiles.
vidavetcare.com →
VetCare Animal Hospital (Denver)
Experienced with exotic species including rabbits; behavioral consultations, dental care, and diagnostic imaging available.
vetcaredenver.com →
Lakewood
Canyon View Animal Hospital
1401 Ammons St, Lakewood, CO 80214 • (303) 984-7729 • Recommended by Hoppy Clover Rabbit Rescue for exotic animal care.
Boulder
Arapahoe Animal Hospital
Two Boulder locations. 5585 Arapahoe Ave (303-442-7033) and 1730 15th St (303-442-7036). Listed by multiple Colorado rabbit rescue organizations for rabbit care.
Adobe Animal Hospital
4660 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder, CO 80305 • (303) 494-4344 • AEMV-listed exotic practice.
Fort Collins & Northern Front Range
Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
300 W Drake Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80523 • (970) 297-5000 • Referral-level exotic animal care from one of the top veterinary schools in the country.
vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu →
Aspenwing Animal Hospital (Loveland)
3904 West Eisenhower Blvd, Loveland, CO 80537 • (970) 635-1850 • North Front Range exotic care.
Find More Vets
The House Rabbit Society maintains a searchable national veterinarian directory at houserabbit.org. Hoppy Clover Rabbit Rescue also maintains a Colorado-specific list at hoppycloverrabbitrescue.org.
Rescue & Adoption Organizations
If you are considering adding a rabbit to your home, Colorado has wonderful rescue organizations with rabbits that need families. Rescued rabbits are typically spayed or neutered, litter trained, and temperament-assessed — often with a significant head start on becoming great house rabbits.
Rocky Mountain House Rabbit Rescue (RMHRR)
Colorado’s largest rabbit rescue organization. All-volunteer, nonprofit, statewide. Provides rabbit adoption, surrender assistance, foster opportunities, free care classes, and one of the most comprehensive RHDV2 resources in the state.
rmhrr.org →
Colorado House Rabbit Society
Licensed by the National House Rabbit Society. 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Broomfield. Rescues and rehabilitates homeless house rabbits; affectionate, litter-trained, spayed/neutered rabbits available for adoption. P.O. Box 238, Broomfield, CO 80038 • (303) 469-3240.
coloradohrs.org →
The Bunny Basement
Colorado-based 501(c)(3) rabbit resort and small rescue. Also publishes an excellent rabbit care blog.
thebunnybasement.com →
Hoppy Clover Rabbit Rescue
Colorado rabbit rescue with a strong focus on education and responsible rehoming. Also maintains a curated list of Colorado rabbit-savvy veterinarians.
hoppycloverrabbitrescue.org →
Community & Breed Organizations
American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA)
The national organization governing rabbit breeds, show standards, and breeder ethics in the United States. Sets the Standard of Perfection for the Holland Lop and all recognized breeds. Nearly 20,000 members nationwide.
arba.net →
Holland Lop Rabbit Specialty Club (HLRSC)
The ARBA-affiliated national specialty club for Holland Lops. Publishes breed standards, color genetics resources, breeder directories, and educational materials specific to the Holland Lop.
hlrsc.org →
House Rabbit Society
The leading national organization for rabbit welfare and education. Their care resources, diet guides, and veterinarian directory are among the most trusted in the rabbit community.
houserabbit.org →
Something Missing?
If you know of a Colorado resource that belongs on this page — a veterinary practice, rescue organization, or community resource we have not listed — we would genuinely love to hear about it. We want this to be the most useful Colorado rabbit resource page anywhere.