- Categories:
- Cause
- Tags:
- AwarenessPetPet Health
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every February 15 through April 17
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐰
The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign runs every February 15 through April 17, raising vital awareness for rabbit welfare. This initiative educates the public about the unique needs of rabbits and the dangers of impulse Easter pet purchases. Join the movement to protect these fragile animals and promote responsible care.
Want to sponsor Make Mine Chocolate? Learn how
Expected Make Mine Chocolate Deals
As a cause-driven observance, the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign focuses on awareness and education rather than commercial deals. However, many animal welfare organizations and pet supply brands offer ways to support rabbit rescue and responsible ownership. Organizations like the Columbus House Rabbit Society, ASPCA, and House Rabbit Society often run donation drives and educational programs during this period. Pet supply retailers such as PetSmart and Petco may highlight rabbit-specific products and partner with local shelters for adoption events. Look for opportunities to donate to rabbit rescues, volunteer your time, or purchase educational materials. We will update this page with confirmed live events and awareness campaigns as February 15 approaches.
Platform Guide for Make Mine Chocolate
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #MakeMineChocolate. Share photos of your beloved rabbits or educational graphics about responsible pet ownership.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #MakeMineChocolate. Join discussions in rabbit owner groups and share campaign messages.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #MakeMineChocolate. Tweet facts about rabbit care and retweet messages from animal welfare organizations.
Make Mine Chocolate Hero
Margo DeMello
History of Make Mine Chocolate
Rabbits are an important part of the Easter holiday celebration. They are at the core of the holiday and even act as the mascot for Easter. It has become common to give live bunnies during this holiday season in recent years. Of course, the downside of this practice is the disposal of the rabbits after Easter. In 2002, the Columbus House Rabbit Society in Ohio, U.S., started the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign to address this issue. The campaign runs from February 15 to April 17.
The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign provides educational information to the public about the realities of living with and caring for rabbits as pets. The campaign also highlights the cruel fate of the abandoned rabbits at shelters and in the wild. The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign has become an international movement with the Chocolate Bunny ceramic pin as its symbol. A wide range of partners and advocates support the campaign’s message and sentiment. One such partner is the Columbus House Rabbit Society’s sister organization, Make Mine Chocolate! U.K. This organization has taken on the responsibility of promoting the campaign message across the U.K.
The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign continues to spread its message of “No live rabbits for Easter!” and encourages parents and the public to opt for giving chocolate rabbits to their friends and family instead of living rabbits. The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign encourages the public to get involved. The Columbus House Rabbit Society also holds events where they educate the public on how to cater to the unique needs of rabbits when adopting them as pets.
Make Mine Chocolate timeline
Rabbits are domesticated for the first time.
The Columbus House Rabbit Society starts the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign.
The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign features in the “New York Times” magazine.
The “Pets in the City” magazine writes an article supporting the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign and responsible pet adoption.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Make Mine Chocolate
Local pet stores, veterinary clinics, and animal shelters can play a crucial role in the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign. Pet stores can dedicate a section to rabbit care essentials, offering informational brochures and hosting adoption days with local rescues. Veterinary clinics can offer discounted wellness checks for rabbits during this period, emphasizing preventative care and spaying/neutering. Businesses can also partner with local animal welfare groups to promote educational events and fundraising initiatives, ensuring that potential rabbit owners are well-informed before making a lifelong commitment.
Make Mine Chocolate FAQs
When is Make Mine Chocolate?
In 2027, the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign will be observed from Monday, February 15 through Saturday, April 17. This annual observance consistently highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership.
How many rabbits are abandoned after Easter?
Each year, the period after Easter sees a tragic surge in rabbit abandonment, with many shelters overwhelmed. This trend underscores the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign’s vital message about avoiding impulse purchases and understanding the long-term commitment of rabbit care.
How many people keep rabbits as pets?
Globally, millions of people choose rabbits as pets, valuing their quiet nature and distinct personalities. The rising popularity of rabbits as indoor companions further emphasizes the need for campaigns like Make Mine Chocolate to ensure their welfare.
Why shouldn't I buy a live rabbit for Easter?
Live rabbits are not ideal Easter gifts as they are delicate animals with specific needs, not low-maintenance pets. They are easily injured, can be aggressive if mishandled, and often end up neglected or abandoned when their novelty wears off, contributing to the very problem the campaign addresses.
How to Observe Make Mine Chocolate
Opt for chocolate bunnies
Rather than give live rabbits as a gift during the Easter period, opt for giving chocolate bunnies instead. Or plush or literary bunnies. Anything to protect our little furry friends.
Spread awareness
Join in spreading awareness of the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign by sharing the cause on social media. The more people are aware, the better.
Support the campaign
Support the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign by purchasing high-quality merchandise to spread the “No live bunny for Easter” message. You can purchase merchandise from the Make Mine Chocolate website.
5 Facts About The Benefits Of Purchasing Chocolate Bunnies
Animal welfare
The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign promotes animal welfare, specifically for rabbits.
Helps save on expenses
Compared with chocolates, living rabbits require veterinary care, food, and enclosures, which add up during their lifetime.
Prevents animal cruelty
Four out of five rabbits bought during Easter end up abandoned or in shelters, while very few chocolate bunnies are abandoned.
Buyers’ remorse
Rabbits can live eight to 12 years or longer, which is a long-term commitment compared to chocolate bunnies.
Support a non-profit organization
An all-volunteer non-profit organization started the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign.
Why Make Mine Chocolate is Important
It prevents cruel animal deaths
Domesticated rabbits cannot survive on their own. The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign helps prevent the cruel fate of death abandoned rabbits face after Easter celebrations.
It creates awareness
The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign creates awareness about the cruel fate of abandoned rabbits by utilizing multiple television and radio appearances and social media posts leading up to the Easter holiday. See what you can do on this day to spread awareness.
It educates current and potential rabbit owners
The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign educates the public on the realities of having a rabbit as a pet and discourages giving living rabbits as Easter gifts. They go all out to ensure people know what they’re in for.
Make Mine Chocolate dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | February 15–April 17 | Monday–Saturday |
| 2028 | February 15–April 17 | Tuesday–Monday |
| 2029 | February 15–April 17 | Thursday–Tuesday |
| 2030 | February 15–April 17 | Friday–Wednesday |
| 2031 | February 15–April 17 | Saturday–Thursday |
Social Media Tips for Make Mine Chocolate
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