Many youth are involved in Lancaster County 4-H's companion animal program, which includes rabbit, dog, cat and household pets. Youth ages 8–18 may participate by joining a club or as an independent member. Some clubs focus on a specific animal project while some clubs work on a variety of projects including specific animal projects. Youth are required to provide their own animal — raising an animal develops life skills such as goal setting, discipline and a sense of responsibility.
For more information:
Rabbit program: Kate Pulec at 402-441-7180 or kpulec3@unl.edu
Dog, Cat and Household Pet programs: Elizabeth Thiltges at 402-441-7180 or ethiltges2@unl.edu
Overall Companion Animal Project Resources
4-H project books are available to view and purchase at the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County office. They may also be ordered online through Shop 4-H.
- 4-H Club & Member Resources
- Nebraska 4-H Companion Animal Program Website
- Nebraska 4-H Companion Animal Webinar Series
- Nebraska 4-H Companion Animal Challenge
- Nebraska 4-H Video Companion Animal Showmanship Contest
Lancaster County 4-H News & Announcements
Extension Companion Animal Websites
Rabbit Project Resources
4-H Spring Rabbit Show is planned to be held Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. at the Sandhills Global Event Center – South Hall, 84th & Havelock, Lincoln. Click for Show Flyer (pdf) Now posted!
Rabbit exhibitors, see Youth for the Quality Care of Animal (YQCA) requirements on the Livestock and Poultry Project Resource page.
- Nebraska Extension Online Course: Companion Rabbit Science (covers anatomy, physiology, health, and nutrition — free)
- Lancaster County 4-H Rabbit 2024 Calendar (pdf) Updated for 2024!
- You Can Start a 4-H Rabbit Project (pdf)
- Building a Rabbit Nest Box (pdf)
- Rabbit Ownership Affidavit (pdf)
- Rabbit Showmanship Score Sheet (pdf)
- Video: How to Trim Your Rabbit's Toenails
- Video: How to Groom Your Rabbit
- Video: The Proper Way to Pick Your Rabbit Out of Its Cage
- Video: Showmanship Example #1
- Video: Showmanship Example #2
- Video: Showmanship Example #3
Dog Project Resources
4-H dogs do not require an identification form.
Cat Project Resources
4-H Cat Show will be held Saturday, Jan. 6, 9 a.m. at the Sandhillls Global Event Center, 84th & Havelock, Lincoln in the Lancaster County Farm Bureau Room (by the Extension 4-H office and South Hall). Click for Show Flyer (pdf). Updated for 2024!
4-H cats do not require an identification form.
Household Pet Project Resources
4-H household pets do not require an identification form.
Lancaster County Super Fair 4-H Companion Animal Information
This web page has non-fair 4-H rabbit, dog, cat and household pet project information. Resources and forms for the 4-H rabbit, dog, cat and household pet shows at Lancaster County Super Fair are on the 4-H at Lancaster County Super Fair web page.
Connect With Lancaster County 4-H
