Vzw Duts

Vzw Duts is a registered non-profit rescue organization in Belgium that focuses on the sheltering, care and responsible rehoming of rabbits and small rodents (such as guinea pigs, hamsters, etc.). We work with a network of dedicated foster homes in Balen, Hamme, Borsbeek and Laakdal to give abandoned and vulnerable animals a second chance at a safe and loving life.

We believe every animal deserves space, companionship, love and proper care. Animals are taken into foster care where they receive veterinary support, rehabilitation, socialisation and daily care until a suitable forever home is found. Our organization practices a no-kill policy: we do not euthanise animals due to lack of space, age, behaviour, appearance, or value; humane euthanasia is only considered on veterinary advice when suffering cannot be alleviated.

Adoption Requirements

To ensure the long-term welfare of our animals, Vzw Duts only approves adoptions when housing, safety and nutrition standards are met. Below are the specific requirements per species.

🐰 Rabbits – Space & Housing

Rabbits must always have access to a safe and spacious environment appropriate for their activity levels.

Minimum space (per bonded pair):

  • Up to 2 kg: 4 m²

  • 2–5 kg: 6 m²

  • Over 5 kg: 8 m²
    For each additional rabbit: add +2 m² / +3 m² / +4 m² based on size category.

Housing must be fully predator-proof.

  • Strong welded mesh (maximum 12×12 mm with a minimum wire thickness of 1 mm, or maximum 19x19 mm with a minimum wire thickness of 1,45 mm)

  • Secure roof and dig-proof flooring or buried mesh

  • Solid night shelter

  • Protection against foxes, martens, birds of prey, dogs and cats

  • Weather protection (heat, frost, rain, wind)

🐰 Rabbits – Dietary Requirements

 

  • Unlimited high-quality hay (main component of diet)

  • 200–500 g fresh leafy greens per kg body weight daily

  • Limited pellets (approx. 20 g / 1 heaping tablespoon per day)

  • Fresh water at all times

  • No sugary snacks, yoghurt drops, bread or high-starch foods

 

🐹 Guinea Pigs – Space & Housing

Guinea pigs have strong social needs and require space to move freely.

Minimum space (per bonded pair):

  • 140 cm × 70 cm total floor space

  • Add 35 cm × 70 cm for each additional cavy beyond the first two

Housing must be fully predator-proof.

  • Strong welded mesh (maximum 12×12 mm with a minimum wire thickness of 1 mm, or maximum 19x19 mm with a minimum wire thickness of 1,45 mm)

  • Secure roof and dig-proof flooring or buried mesh

  • Solid night shelter

  • Protection against foxes, martens, birds of prey, dogs and cats

  • Weather protection (heat, frost, rain, wind)

🐹 Guinea Pigs –

Dietary Requirements

 

  • Unlimited hay

  • Approx. 350 g fresh vegetables per guinea pig per day

  • Daily Vitamin C intake (through vegetables such as bell pepper, kale, parsley, etc.)

  • Maximum 20 g pellets per day (supplement only)

  • Fresh water at all times


 

🐁 Dwarf Hamsters – Space & Housing

Hamsters are strictly solitary animals and must always be housed alone.

Keeping multiple hamsters together causes stress and will eventually lead to fighting — even if they were raised together from a young age.

Minimum enclosure sizes

Dwarf Hamsters

  • Minimum size: 80 × 40 × 40 cm

  • Diggable bedding depth: minimum 20 cm

Syrian Hamsters

  • Males: 100 × 50 × 50 cm

  • Females: 120 × 50 × 50 cm

  • Diggable bedding depth: minimum 25 cm

Important housing rule

Only terrariums or aquariums are suitable.

Wire/bar cages are unsafe because hamsters can:

  • Get their paws stuck

  • Climb the bars and fall

  • Injure themselves

Adequate enrichment is required to prevent boredom, including:

  • Deep bedding for burrowing

  • Hideouts

  • Exercise wheel (appropriate size)

  • Natural materials for exploration and nesting

🐁 Dwarf Hamsters –

Dietary Requirements

 

  • Species-appropriate seed mix with correct fibre and fat balance

  • Fresh water daily

  • Limited treats (avoid high-sugar foods)

  • Foraging opportunities in bedding


 

General Adoption Commitment

 

By adopting from Vzw Duts, you agree to:

  • Meet these minimum housing and dietary standards

  • Provide lifelong care

  • Cover veterinary expenses

  • Contact us if circumstances change

  • Return the animal to Vzw Duts if you can no longer care for it

We reserve the right to refuse adoption if these standards are not met.

Adoption Forms

Before we can proceed with adoption, all prospective adopters must complete our Adoption Form. This form helps us understand your living situation, experience, expectations, and suitability for the animal you are interested in.

What the Adoption Form Includes

When you fill out the form, we will ask for:

  • Your contact and address information

  • Details about your living environment (indoor/outdoor housing, available space)

  • Experience with the species you want to adopt

  • Your plan for daily care, diet, and enrichment

  • Information about existing pets and household members

  • Your preferred animal(s) and why you wish to adopt

What Happens After You Submit the Form

  1. Review – We assess your answers carefully to determine the best match.

  2. Follow-up – We might contact you for clarification or further questions.

  3. Match & Meet – If your application shows good fit, we schedule a meeting with the animal.

  4. Agreement & Adoption – Once a match is confirmed, we proceed with the adoption contract and contribution.

Completing the Adoption Form does not guarantee adoption — but it is an essential step in our responsible adoption process.

👉 Link: English Adoption Form

Surrender / Relinquishment Form

Life circumstances change. If you can no longer care for your animal, we ask that you complete our Surrender (Relinquishment) Form before making other arrangements.

Why This Form Is Necessary

The surrender form allows us to:

  • Understand your animal’s history and care needs

  • Prepare appropriate housing and resources

  • Find the best next step for the animal’s wellbeing

  • Ensure the transition is as stress-free and safe as possible

What You Will Be Asked

When submitting the surrender form, we will ask for:

  • Your contact and address information

  • Basic details about the animal (age, sex, health, behaviour)

  • Reason for relinquishing

  • Documentation of veterinary history (if available)

  • Your preferred timeline for the animal to enter our care

After You Submit the Form

  1. Assessment – We review the details and check capacity.

  2. Contact – A team member will reach out to discuss the next steps.

  3. Intake Plan – We schedule a safe intake, depending on space and resources.

Please understand that we cannot guarantee immediate intake — it depends on current capacity and the animal’s needs.

👉 Link: English Surrender Form