Join us for our first big social of the year: an all-day learning event on how to keep your bunnies healthy—and what to do if not.
The Spring Wellness Rally is a comprehensive rabbit health education day celebrating traditional and holistic medicine, designed for rabbit parents who want to be prepared for emergencies and confident in their ability to recognize and respond to health concerns.
From emergency first aid to understanding the difference between bloat and stasis, from hands-on practicum experience to holistic care options like acupuncture—this day covers the essential skills every rabbit owner should have.
Where: 4103 N. Viking Way, Ste. D, Long Beach, CA 90808
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost: $25-35: per class (see event schedule for specifics)
**First aid kit with add-ons available for puchase starting at $60 (w/ bag, $80; w/ subcutaneous fluids, $120)
$100: day pass only ($110 value - save $10)
$130: acupuncture only ($325 value - save $195)
**BEST VALUE**
$325: vib pass - fully upgraded first aid emergency kit, (1) acupuncture session, all 4 classes, complimentary half-day staycation for the attending rabbit + lunch ($635 value - SAVE $310!)
Registration: here (attendees must complete payment to finalize registration; please contact the BCB if you need financial assistance)
We reserve the right to accept or decline registrations for our educational programs.
Event Schedule
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
First Aid Class ($25)
Learn essential emergency skills every rabbit parent should know. Learn how to assess your rabbit's condition, perform basic first aid, and recognize when immediate veterinary care is needed. Covers topics like wound care, fractures, shock, and creating an emergency kit (basic kit available for purchase; must attend practicum for fully upgraded kit).
11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Bloat vs. Stasis Seminar ($25)
Understanding the critical difference between GI stasis and bloat can save your rabbit's life. By walking through 3 separate cases of bloat, learn to recognize the symptoms of each condition, understand their causes, and know when to rush to the emergency vet versus when you can monitor at home.
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
Lunch Break
Enjoy the cafes around the Bun Chia Burrow! Lunch will be provided for day-pass attendees.
1:30 PM - 2 PM (in collaboration with Dr. Erika Budde, DVM)
Acupuncture Demo (Complimentary)
Watch a live demonstration of rabbit acupuncture and learn how this holistic treatment can help with pain management, mobility issues, and overall wellness.
Attendees can schedule acupuncture appointments for their own rabbits during the event ($325 value for only $130). Sessions are first come, first serve + will be 30 minutes long. Rabbits must be RHDV-2 vaccinated.
2:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Practicum** ($35)
Experience hands-on learning experience where you'll practice essential rabbit health assessment skills. Learn to palpate (feel) your rabbit's abdomen, take a rectal temperature, administer subcutaneous fluids, give oral medications, and perform other basic health checks. Bring your own rabbit/s (complimentary boarding provided for day-pass attendees) or practice with our demo bunnies.
**To attend practicum, you must attend First Aid Class + Bloat vs. Stasis Seminar the same day or in the past. You will be eligible to purchase an upgraded first aid emergency kit.
4:30 PM - 6 PM (in collaboration with Flower Plugg)
Forage Making for Bunnies + Their Humans ($25)
End the day on a fun and enriching note! Learn how to create nutritious and stimulating forage mixes for your rabbits. We'll cover safe plants and herbs, seasonal ingredients, foraging in your own backyard, and DIY enrichment ideas. Make your own 8 oz mix to take home to keep your bunnies happy and healthy.
Why Attend?
Emergency Preparedness
Be confident and prepared when health emergencies arise. Learn skills that could save your rabbit's life.
Expert Instruction
Learn from experienced rabbit care professionals, veterinary technicians, and holistic practitioners.
Hands-On Practice
Don't just watch—actually practice the techniques you'll need to care for your rabbit at home.
Community Connection
Meet other dedicated rabbit parents, share experiences, and build your support network.
What (+ who) to Bring
Your Rabbit (Optional): You're welcome to bring your rabbit for the practicum session to practice health assessment techniques on your own bunny (half-day staycation boarding is available for purchase; is included in the vib pass)
Notebook & Pen: Take notes throughout the day
Questions: Come prepared with specific health concerns or scenarios you want to discuss
Emergency Kit (if you have one): For review and feedback during the first aid class
Water & Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized throughout the day (light snacks and refreshments will be available)
Who Should Attend?
This event is designed for rabbit owners of all experience levels who want to:
Learn life-saving emergency skills
Better understand their rabbit's health and behavior
Feel confident handling common health situations
Explore holistic care options like acupuncture
Connect with the Long Beach rabbit community
Build a comprehensive wellness routine for their rabbits
Whether you're a first-time rabbit parent or have years of experience, you'll leave with practical skills and knowledge to keep your bunnies healthy and thriving.
Event Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register in advance?
Yes! All students must pre-pay prior to the Rally. We recommend registering in advance to reserve your spot, especially for the hands-on practicum session which has limited capacity. Walk-ins are welcome if space permits.
Can I attend just one session (or two) instead of the full day?
Yes! While we recommend attending the full day for comprehensive learning, you're welcome to drop in for specific sessions that interest you. Please note that you are only eligible to purchase the upgraded first aid emergency kit with subcutaneous fluids + needles by attending practicum.
Should I bring my rabbit to the practicum?
You're welcome to bring your rabbit for hands-on practice during the practicum session (half-day staycation reservations are available), but it's not required. We'll have demo bunnies available for those who prefer to practice first before trying techniques on their own rabbits.
Will lunch be provided?
Light refreshments and snacks will be provided throughout the day. We'll have a lunch break from 12:30-1:30 PM, and there are several nearby restaurants and cafes in the area.
Is parking available?
Yes! Free parking is available on-site at our Viking location. Additional street parking is available on Viking Way if needed.
How much are the emergency kits?
Basic kits are $60 and will come with a brochure for use. Attendees must attend First Aid Class to purchase.
The kits can be upgraded to include its own specialty bag (+$20) and subcutaneous fluids, needles + syringes (+$40). Attendees must attend practicum to purchase subcutaneous fluids.
If purchasing the vib pass, must I use the half-day staycation reservation then?
Yes, we hope to keep your rabbit/s comfortable while you are in session. The reservation is not transferable.
If your rabbit is in a bonded fluffle (3 or more), please contact us so that we may prepare appropriate accommodations for them.
Holistic Medicine Frequently Asked Questions
What is acupuncture and how does it work for rabbits?
Acupuncture is a holistic treatment method from Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) that involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. Research shows acupuncture affects endogenous opioids (the body's natural pain relievers) and can provide measurable pain relief in rabbits through multimodal approaches to analgesia.
What conditions can acupuncture help treat in rabbits?
Peer-reviewed research demonstrates acupuncture's effectiveness for several rabbit health conditions. These include:
Gastrointestinal (GI) stasis - One of the most commonly treated conditions in rabbits, with studies showing rabbits respond well to acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and aquapuncture treatments
Pain management - Including myofascial muscle pain and arthritis
Mobility issues - Particularly helpful for spinal lesions and osteoarthritis
Post-surgical recovery and general wellness support
Is acupuncture safe for rabbits?
Yes! Research published in peer-reviewed journals confirms that acupuncture can be safely administered to rabbits without visible agitation or frightened responses when performed by qualified practitioners. Studies use very fine needles (36-gauge) designed specifically for small animals.
How does acupuncture help with GI stasis specifically?
GI stasis is one of the most common emergency conditions in rabbits. Research shows that unless caused by mechanical obstruction, rabbits with stasis "greatly benefit from acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and aquapuncture and tend to respond well to treatment." The treatment helps stimulate gut motility and reduce inflammation.
Does acupuncture actually work, or is it just placebo?
Multiple peer-reviewed studies on rabbits demonstrate measurable, reproducible results such as:
Intensity-dependent pain relief (meaning stronger stimulation = more relief)
Improved gastric dysrhythmia (abnormal stomach contractions)
Reduced inflammatory markers
Objective measurements showing decreased pain responses
Since rabbits can't experience placebo effect, these measurable outcomes prove acupuncture's physiological benefits.
Will my rabbit tolerate acupuncture?
Most rabbits tolerate acupuncture very well! Research shows that "under optimal conditions, intensity-dependent and reproducible electroacupuncture analgesia can be elicited in rabbits without visible agitation or frightened responses." Many rabbits relax during treatment.
Who will be performing the acupuncture?
Dr. Erika Budde, DVM, will be demonstrating and performing acupuncture at our event. All treatments are performed by qualified veterinary professionals.
How much does acupuncture cost?
At the Spring Wellness Rally, a 30 minute session is $130. It is included (for one rabbit) in the vib pass.
Can I schedule acupuncture for my rabbit at the event?
All appointments must be scheduled in advance. All attending rabbits must be RHDV-2 vaccinated, which will need to be verified prior to March 21. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Why offer herbs to my rabbit?
Wild rabbits naturally forage for medicinal herbs to self-medicate and balance their diet. Peer-reviewed research shows herbal plants improve digestion, boost immune function, and reduce inflammation in rabbits. Offering herbs lets your domestic rabbit follow their natural foraging instincts!
Are herbs actually beneficial or just treats? Scientific studies demonstrate real health benefits! A meta-analysis of 33 peer-reviewed studies found that herbal plant extracts improve growth performance, increase "good" cholesterol (HDL), decrease "bad" cholesterol (LDL), and enhance immune markers in rabbits.
Can I just combine any herbs I want?
Not recommended! Proper proportions matter for safety and effectiveness. Certified herbalist Sue Paul warns: "How much of each ingredient used is key to it working well and safely." Some herbs enhance each other (synergy), while others may counteract or become too potent together.
Event Contact
Email: info@bunchiaburrow.com
Phone: (714) 485-8383
Space is limited for the hands-on practicum! Register early to secure your classes. Serving Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Orange County.
***Spring Wellness Rally and other Bun Chia Burrow workshops are designed for individual pet owners and caregivers. Representatives from other animal care businesses, rescues, or organizations must contact us directly to discuss appropriate professional development opportunities.***