Carli Brennan 
One of the most interesting spots DTS isn’t a bar or a restaurant – it’s a bunny cafe. Bunny Haven Cafe is located at 28 Main Street in Toms River, and it’s a cozy place where visitors can learn more about these floppy-eared friends. The Jersey Shore Girl visited for a first-hand experience with the bunnies (hey, it’s a tough job, but we’re down for it) and to learn more about how the organization that runs it, Kind Heart Rescue, connects bunnies in need with new homes. Read on for more about Bunny Haven Cafe in Toms River, NJ.
About Bunny Haven
Bunny Haven Cafe is a new cafe and bunny boutique where visitors can book guided sessions with rescued rabbits, enjoy some refreshments, and shop adorable bunny-themed merch.
The bunnies at Bunny Haven are rescued domestic bunnies from Kind Heart Rescue, a local 501(c)3 rescue organization that helps find safe and loving homes for rabbits who have been abandoned or neglected. The Bunny Haven team is passionate about educating visitors who are interested in adoption on how to be excellent bunny parents.
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Part of its mission is “helping people better understand and respect rabbits through positive, educational experiences.” Whether visitors have owned a rabbit before, the team ensures any potential rabbit families are aware of the proper care and diet they require, as well as respectful and gentle ways to handle their rabbits.
Adoption isn’t expected when visiting Bunny Haven; in fact, the team encourages visitors to stop by simply to enjoy some bunny snuggles. CEO and founder Christine Hordeman created the space with the dream of it becoming a comforting, calming space for both people and animals.
The stars of the show are the bunnies, and the Bunny Haven team keeps the animals’ well-being at the forefront of its mission. The team does not allow forced bunny handling, and the bunnies have separate rest areas away from the guests. The cafe also uses a rotation schedule that allows the bunnies to have decompression breaks.
The Experience
We booked the guided bunny experience, where we were assigned a group with a few other visitors, and we got to meet three groups of friendly bunnies that we were able to pet and feed pieces of lettuce.
On our visit to Bunny Haven, The Local Girl had the pleasure of meeting Jess Marziliano, director of operations, who was so patient and knowledgeable about the bunnies. Jess and her team led us through the groups of bunnies and taught us about their backgrounds, as well as how to have gentle and respectful interactions with the bunnies. A team member was always available to answer any questions that came up. It was apparent that the team takes the time to get to know each bunny so that they can best suit their individual needs.
While we can’t pick a favorite, we had a definite soft spot for Cornbread, a baby lionhead rabbit.
How to Plan Your Visit
Guests can choose between a 45-minute guided bunny experience or a private bunny session for up to four guests at a time. The groups rotate through three different areas with different breeds of bunnies.
Private sessions are held in a quiet, more intimate room reserved exclusively for your group. The cafe setting is calm and cozy and is a great way to unwind and enjoy spending time with the bunnies. We recommend booking your spot online, as reservations fill up quickly. Socks are required during the bunny sessions, but are available for purchase — cute bunny-printed socks, of course — if you forget yours at home.
Bunny Haven can also host private parties, which might be just the thing for the animal lover in your life’s birthday or other celebration.
Each of the bunnies you meet is available for adoption, and the Bunny Haven team works hard to make sure they each end up in the right home. If you fall in love with a bunny and want to consider adoption, they will put you in touch with Kind Heart Rescue so you can fill out an application.
The adoption process takes about a week, so don’t expect to walk out with a bunny the day of your visit. Once prospective families are approved for adoption, Kind Heart Rescue provides them with a full bunny starter kit that includes a playpen, hay, pellets, a litter box, litter, a snuffle mat, and a water bowl. All of the bunnies are also spayed or neutered and are caught up on all of their vaccinations before being sent to their forever homes.
Bunny Haven Cafe is located at 28 Main Street in Toms River. It is open 12PM to 7PM on Friday + Saturday, and 11AM to 6PM from Sunday through Tuesday.
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