Terms and Conditions | Cdl Rabbitry

About Us

Located in Quebec City, Clapier des Lucioles – CDL Rabbitry is dedicated to raising Holland Lops, Mini Rex, Netherland Dwarfs and Mini Satins with a focus on temperament, health and ethical breeding practices.

Our goal is not only to produce beautiful rabbits, but also to help improve the way rabbits are viewed and cared for as companion animals. Through years of experience, participation in ARBA shows and ongoing education, we continuously work to improve both the quality and well-being of our rabbits

Why Choose Our Rabbitry

With us, every rabbit is much more than just an animal, they are a cherished companion, raised with patience and care. Thanks to our exclusive partnership with veterinary clinics, all of our rabbits can be spayed/neutered, have an health assessment and be microchipped before leaving for their new homes, often as early as 9 to 10 weeks for males and 14 weeks for females. Their recovery takes place at the Rabbitry, in a familiar and reassuring environment, often alongside their mother, which greatly reduces their stress. This unique approach ensures both the health and well-being of our rabbits while making life much easier for their new families.

Regular participation in shows allows us to improve the quality of our rabbits and carefully select our breeding stock to produce animals that meet the standards of their breed. Above all, what matters most to us is changing the way people view these little animals. Having previously worked in rescue, we know how important it is to educate adopters and promote breeding practices that truly respect the animal.

Spaying/Neutering & Microchipping

What We Offer
Through our partnership with veterinary clinics, we can offer spaying or neutering for rabbits born at our Rabbitry before they leave for their new homes.

Benefits for Males

Reduction of unwanted behaviors: Less aggression, urine marking, and mounting behaviors.
Improved cohabitation: Fewer fights and better compatibility with other rabbits.
Disease prevention: Eliminates the risk of testicular tumors, reduces infections.
Population control: Prevents accidental breeding.
Overall well-being: Less hormone-related stress.
Safer when done early: Faster recovery and fewer complications.

Benefits for Females

Disease prevention: Reduces the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as serious infections such as pyometra.
Improved behavior: Less aggression, territorial behavior, and marking.
Population control: Prevents accidental litters.
Overall well-being: Less hormonal stress, better quality of life.
Improved cohabitation: Better compatibility with other rabbits.
Safer when done early: Faster and safer recovery.

Safety & Procedure

Spaying or neutering is a common veterinary procedure, performed under anesthesia by a veterinarian experienced in exotic animal care. Young rabbits recover more quickly than older ones.

We are proud to say that none of our rabbits have ever experienced complications or died following their surgery.

Genetic Selection

We participate in nearly every American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) show held in Québec, as well as in Eastern Ontario. ARBA judging is essential in guiding our breeding choices.

Genetic selection helps improve a rabbit’s conformation, coat, temperament, and health while respecting strict breed standards. We are committed to maintaining a balance between quality and animal welfare.

Weaning & Rabbit Departure

All rabbits leave our rabbitry at a minimum of 8 weeks old, in accordance with veterinary guidelines. Premature weaning (before 7 weeks) can cause:

Nutritional deficiencies
Digestive problems
Anxiety or aggression
Low weight
Weakened immune system

Reservation Policy

Reservation via 50% deposit (Interac e-transfer)
No deposit = no reservation
Balance due at pickup (or 12 hours prior if transported)
Pickup deadline: 14 days maximum
Deposit is non-refundable unless we cancel the sale
Sexing errors possible (no refund), unless the rabbit is already spayed or neutered
Returns accepted if the adopter must give up the rabbit (no refund)
No rabbit may be bred without explicit permission
Behavior not guaranteed in adulthood; spaying and neutering is strongly recommended

We reserve the right to refuse an adoption if:

The adopter does not seem suitable
The adopter has previously rehomed one of our rabbits without informing us
The adopter is disrespectful or manipulative

In exceptional cases (hospitalization, loss of capacity), we will understand, but any future adoption will depend on how transparently the situation was handled.

Health Guarantee

ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

Payment of a deposit to reserve a rabbit constitutes the BUYER’S full and unconditional acceptance of this Health Guarantee and all Terms and Conditions of Sale.

By submitting the deposit, the BUYER acknowledges having read, understood, and accepted these terms in their entirety, with the same legal effect as a signed contract.

No exception, modification, or subsequent claim to the contrary shall be accepted after the deposit has been received.

Note: Rabbits placed on behalf of another breeder are clearly identified as such in their advertisement and during communications prior to adoption.

These rabbits are not covered by our Health Guarantee. As we have no control over their genetic selection or medical history prior to their arrival at Clapier des Lucioles, we are unable to offer the same guarantees provided for rabbits bred through our own breeding program.

However, these rabbits receive the same standard of care as all of our own rabbits. They are observed daily, receive preventive parasite treatment, are examined prior to departure, and, where applicable, are spayed or neutered following a pre-operative veterinary examination confirming they are fit to undergo the procedure. To the best of our knowledge, they are considered healthy at the time of adoption.

SCOPE OF THE HEALTH GUARANTEE

This Health Guarantee applies exclusively to documented congenital defects, confirmed by a licensed veterinarian within a maximum period of six (6) months from the date of adoption and accompanied by a detailed written veterinary report.

The veterinary report must clearly specify:

The nature of the condition
Its probable origin
Confirmation that the condition was present at the time of sale

48-HOUR VETERINARY EXAMINATION

The BUYER may have the rabbit examined by a licensed veterinarian within forty-eight (48) hours of acquisition.

Any health concern must be reported to the BREEDER immediately.

Failure to comply with this timeframe may result in the Health Guarantee being void.

If the rabbit exhibits signs that may constitute a medical emergency (including, but not limited to, loss of appetite, absence or reduction of fecal output, abnormal breathing, inability to move, obvious pain, or sudden behavioral changes), the BUYER must seek immediate veterinary care.

Communications with the BREEDER by phone, email, text message, or social media are not a substitute for veterinary care and must never delay obtaining appropriate medical treatment.

COMPENSATION

No refunds will be issued under any circumstances.

If a qualifying congenital defect is confirmed under the conditions described above, the BREEDER may, at their sole discretion:

Offer a replacement rabbit of equivalent value;

Reimburse reasonable veterinary expenses, upon presentation of receipts, up to a maximum of CAD $100.00.

The costs of spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, transportation, and preventive treatments are expressly excluded from any compensation.

NON-TRANSFERABLE GUARANTEE

This Health Guarantee applies exclusively to the original BUYER.

If the rabbit is sold, given away, rehomed, or changes ownership for any reason, this guarantee becomes immediately null and void.

EXCLUSIONS

This Health Guarantee does not cover:

Minor or temporary conditions (including eye discharge, tear duct issues, or occasional snezing)
Conditions arising after transportation or environmental changes
Stress-related symptoms (including appetite or behavioral changes)
Physiological reactions resulting from transportation, environmental changes, adaptation, or stress, including but not limited to decreased appetite, slowed gastrointestinal motility, gastrointestinal stasis, or associated digestive disorders, unless clear veterinary evidence demonstrates a pre-existing condition present at the time of sale
Infections or illnesses contracted after departure
Dental changes occurring after adoption
Variations in weight or body condition
Immune system variability
Veterinary expenses exceeding the compensation limit
Preventive or non-essential treatments
Behavioral changes occurring at any stage of the rabbit's life
Urinary disorders, including but not limited to urinary sludge, crystals, bladder irritation, or kidney disease, which are often influenced by hydration, diet, stress, and environmental factors, unless clear evidence establishes a congenital origin

LIMITATIONS

The BREEDER does not guarantee:

The rabbit's long-term health
Adult weight
Muscle development
Immune system function
Adult behavior or temperament

These limitations include, but are not limited to, situations involving:

Improper or abrupt dietary transitions
Environmental or temperature changes
Stress associated with transportation, handling, or adaptation
Illness or injury occurring after departure
Diets consisting solely of hay and vegetables without a complete pelleted feed

BUYER RESPONSIBILITIES (DIET AND CARE)

A rabbit's health and temperament are directly influenced by its diet and environment.

Inadequate care may result in:

Weight loss or poor body condition
Digestive or dental problems
Weakening of the immune system
Behavioral changes

By proceeding with the purchase, the BUYER acknowledges the importance of providing appropriate care and assumes full responsibility for doing so.

Failure to fulfill these obligations may void this Health Guarantee.

HOUSING AND FLOORING CONDITIONS

The rabbit must be housed in a safe and appropriate environment that allows normal movement, unrestricted access to food and water, and proper adaptation.

Slippery or unstable flooring (including hardwood, tile, or similar non-slip-resistant surfaces) may cause stress, reluctance to move, decreased appetite, and an increased risk of injury.

The BUYER acknowledges that inadequate housing or flooring conditions may negatively affect the rabbit's behavior, feeding habits, and overall health.

Any health or behavioral issue resulting from unsuitable housing or flooring conditions is not covered by this Health Guarantee.

ACCEPTANCE OF RISK

The BUYER acknowledges that adopting a living animal involves natural biological variability.

Despite rigorous breeding practices, no animal can be guaranteed to be entirely free of all health conditions.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Under no circumstances shall the BREEDER be held liable for:

Indirect or consequential damages
Veterinary expenses exceeding the compensation limit
Losses resulting from stress, environmental changes, or conditions arising after the rabbit has left the BREEDER's care

The BREEDER provides guidance and support as availability permits but is not an emergency veterinary service and cannot guarantee an immediate response to communications from the BUYER.

Feeding Clause

A rabbit’s health and temperament are directly influenced by its diet and environment. Inadequate feeding can lead to:

Weight loss and muscle wasting
Aggressive or irritable behavior
Weakened immune system
Digestive issues and dental problems

By adopting a rabbit from us, the buyer acknowledges and accepts that meeting its nutritional needs is essential to its health and behavioral balance. Any negligence in this regard voids the health and temperament guarantee.

Feeding & Environment

Unlimited 2nd-cut hay
Soucy brand pellets
No vegetables introduced at this stage
Litter training started with hardwood pellets
Temperature: 22°C (summer), 17°C (winter)
Socialization with dogs, cats, and neighborhood children

Sources & References