SMALL PET CONSULTATIONS IN LOS ANGELES + ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Virtual + In-Person Guidance for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas, Hamsters + Rats

The Burrow Consultation

They say it takes a village to raise a human baby,
but you'll have us and the Burrow* instead.

Whether you're a first-time rabbit owner navigating bunny basics or an experienced pet parent facing behavioral challenges, consider us your personalized Google search. The Bun Chia Burrow offers personalized consultation services tailored to your small pet's unique needs. We sift through the information and apply it to your unique concerns, while physically or virtually guiding you through different strategies and approaches. With 6+ years of hands-on rabbit care experience and ongoing work with LA/OC rescues, we provide practical, science-backed guidance you can trust.

We offer virtual consultations worldwide (scheduled in 30-minute increments) via Google Meets, and on-site/in-home consultations (scheduled in 1-hour increments) for local clients within 35 miles of Long Beach, CA (90808).

Appointments are scheduled in advance. For in-person consultations, we operate within a 35-mile radius of the 90808 zip code. Please email us if you are out of range so we may recommend an alternative service provider or make case-by-case accommodations.

SAMPLE TOPICS FOR
RABBITS, GUINEA PIGS, CHINCHILLAS + MORE

  • Appropriate Care + Housing (First-Time Owners)

    Complimentary 45-minute appointment for new pet owners

    Starting your journey with a new rabbit, guinea pig, chinchilla, hamster, or rat? We'll guide you through everything from proper housing setup to daily care routines, diet recommendations, and what to expect in the first few weeks.

  • Bonding Strategies & Techniques

    Introducing two or more rabbits? We specialize in bonding protocols, from speed dating to gradual introductions. We'll assess your pets' personalities and create a customized bonding plan that prioritizes safety and success.

    **Need more assistance? Schedule a consultation for our retreat instead!

  • Behavioral Concerns

    Address issues like aggression, destructive chewing, litter box problems, anxiety, territorial behavior, or socialization challenges. We'll help you understand the root cause and implement positive training techniques.

  • Special Needs Care

    Caring for a tripod, disabled, or elderly pet? We provide guidance on adapted housing, mobility support, assisted feeding, butt baths, bunny physical therapy, and quality-of-life considerations.

  • Grooming Techniques

    Learn how to safely trim nails, clean scent glands, brush during molting season, and perform routine health checks at home. Hands-on instruction available for in-person consultations.

  • Environmental Enrichment

    Design a stimulating, safe environment for your small pet with appropriate toys, hiding spots, foraging opportunities, and mental stimulation activities tailored to their species.

  • Nutrition & Diet Optimization

    Get personalized feeding plans, learn about species-appropriate diets, understand portion control, and discover healthy treat options for your pet's life stage and health status.

CONSULTATION OFFERINGS

  • Virtual Consultation

    Available Worldwide via Google Meets

    🤍 Scheduled in 30-minute session
    🤍 Google Meets platform (no app required)
    🤍 Meeting link sent 10 minutes before scheduled call
    🤍 Screen sharing available for visual demonstrations
    🤍 Follow-up resources provided via email
    🤍 One-two topics focus per session
    🤍 Recordable session (with advance notice)

    First-time client special: Complimentary 30-minute virtual consultation

    Best for: Pet parents anywhere in the world seeking expert guidance, quick behavioral questions, diet consultations, or follow-up support.

  • In-Person Consultation

    Available within 35 miles of Long Beach, CA (90808)

    🤍 Scheduled as 1-hour sessions
    🤍 Photo/video documentation if needed
    🤍 In-home or on-site at our facility (your choice)
    🤍 Hands-on demonstrations (nail trimming, grooming, handling techniques)
    🤍 Personalized habitat assessment
    🤍 Direct interaction with your pet/s
    🤍 Multiple topic coverage in one session
    🤍 Written care plan provided after consultation
    🤍 Photo/video documentation if needed

    Best for: Southern Californian pet parents who want personalized, hands-on guidance, need habitat setup assistance, or prefer in-person demonstrations and immediate feedback.

  • Emergency Consultation

    Available for Established Clients

    🤍 Available 24/7 for current boarding/bonding/grooming/consultation clients
    🤍 15-30 minute rapid response
    🤍 Phone, video, or text support
    🤍 Emergency stabilization guidance
    🤍 Vet referral coordination
    🤍 Optional vet visit accompaniment (within 35 miles)

    Best for: Urgent situations requiring immediate expert guidance when your veterinarian is unavailable.

WHY CHOOSE THE BUN CHIA BURROW FOR CONSULTATIONS?

When you need trusted guidance for your small pets, here's what sets us apart:

✓ 6+ Years Hands-On Experience - Real-world rabbit care, not just book knowledge

✓ Rescue Partnership Experience - Volunteer work with LA/OC rescues gives us insight into behavioral rehabilitation and special needs cases

✓ Species-Specific Expertise - Customized guidance for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, and rats

✓ Science-Backed Advice - Evidence-based recommendations aligned with current exotic veterinary standards

✓ Practical, Actionable Solutions - We focus on realistic strategies that fit your lifestyle and budget

✓ Ongoing Support - Follow-up resources and 30-day email/text support for in-person consultations

✓ Personalized Approach - Your pet's Google search, filtered through experience and tailored to your unique situation

✓ Emergency Training - Trained in medication administration (oral and subcutaneous), critical care, and emergency stabilization

✓ Veterinary Collaboration - Strong relationships with exotic vets throughout LA/OC; we can help you find the right clinic or advocate during appointments

✓ Holistic Perspective - We consider physical health, mental enrichment, environmental factors, and your family's needs

OUR CONSULTATION SERVICE AREA

Virtual Consultations
Available worldwide via Google Meets

In-Person Consultations:
We proudly serve small pet families throughout Southern California, including:

  • Long Beach

  • Los Angeles County

  • Orange County

  • San Diego County (case-by-case)

  • Ventura County (case-by-case)

Located outside our 35-mile radius? Contact us! We can often make special accommodations or recommend trusted service providers in your area.

LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN HELP.

A white rabbit with gray ears laying on a beige carpet near a white and blue nebulizer. The background shows a wooden wall, a gray blanket, and some hay.
Black and white rabbit with a pink and blue vet tape, sitting next to a person's leg on a patterned carpet.

CONSULTATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Absolutely!

    While rabbits are our specialty, we also provide consultations for:

    • Guinea pigs

    • Chinchillas

    • Hamsters

    • Rats

    • Other small mammals (case-by-case)

    Each species has unique care requirements, and we tailor our guidance accordingly. Contact us to discuss your specific pet's needs.

  • Yes!

    We offer the "Appropriate Rabbit Care + Housing" topic as a complimentary 45-minute appointment for first-time rabbit owners.

    For all other topics, first-time clients receive one complimentary 30-minute virtual consultation.

  • Hands-on demonstrations: We can physically show you grooming techniques, proper handling, nail trimming, and more

    Habitat assessment: We evaluate your pet's living space in real-time and suggest improvements on the spot

    Direct pet interaction: We observe your pet's behavior, body language, and health indicators firsthand

    Immediate feedback: Watch us interact with your pet and receive real-time coaching

    Multiple topics: 1-hour sessions allow us to cover several concerns in depth

    Written care plan: You'll receive a detailed summary with actionable steps

  • See a veterinarian immediately if:

    • Your pet hasn't eaten in 6+ hours

    • No fecal pellets produced in 6+ hours

    • Labored breathing, lethargy, or hunched posture

    • Bleeding, seizures, or signs of trauma

    • Sudden behavior changes accompanied by physical symptoms

    Book a consultation if:

    • You have questions about diet, housing, or routine care

    • You're noticing behavioral issues without medical symptoms

    • You want to learn grooming or handling techniques

    • You're preparing to adopt or bond pets

    • You need guidance on enrichment or training

    When in doubt, always err on the side of veterinary care. We're happy to help you determine urgency via a quick text or email.

  • Our philosophy emphasizes:

    Understanding root causes - Behavior is communication; we identify what your pet is telling you

    Positive reinforcement - We never use punishment-based methods

    Environmental modification - Often, changing the environment solves the behavior

    Patience and consistency - Behavioral change takes time; we provide realistic timelines

    Progress tracking - We help you document changes and celebrate small wins

    Every pet is an individual, and we customize our approach based on their personality, history, and your household dynamics.

  • We are trained in medication administration (oral and subcutaneous injections) and emergency triage protocols.

    In the event your veterinarian clinic is closed or unavailable, we can:

    • Guide you through GI stasis stabilization (the #1 rabbit emergency)

    • Provide critical care feeding instructions

    • Help assess injury severity and coordinate emergency vet transport

    • Offer syringe feeding demonstrations for rabbits refusing to eat

    • Assist with wound cleaning basics until you can reach a vet

    • Administer subcutaneous fluids if prescribed by your vet

    Important: We are not licensed veterinarians. Our role is to stabilize your pet and help you get to professional veterinary care as quickly as possible.

    We also offer to accompany you to vet appointments if you need assistance advocating for your rabbit's needs or feel overwhelmed by medical decisions.

  • We will credit up to 2 virtual consultations ($100 total) toward your retreat (bonding service).

  • We use Google Meets (no app required).

    We send the meeting invitation 10 minutes before the scheduled call to ensure it's at the top of your inbox. The link is active for your scheduled time slot only.

    For the best experience, we recommend:

    • Testing your audio/video in advance

    • Using a laptop or tablet for larger screen viewing

    • Having questions prepared ahead of time

    • Being in a quiet space where your pet feels comfortable

  • For Virtual Consultations:

    • Write down your top questions/concerns in order of priority

    • Have photos/videos ready if discussing behavioral issues or habitat setup

    • Know your pet's diet, schedule, and any health history

    • Be in a space where your pet is visible if needed

    For In-Person Consultations:

    • List your main concerns and goals

    • Have your pet's medical records available (if applicable)

    • Prepare your pet's living area for assessment

    • Note any recent behavioral changes or health issues

    • Have supplies on hand if learning grooming techniques (nail clippers, styptic powder, etc.)