Rabbits make wonderful companions, but they're not the low-maintenance pet many people expect. Here's what you need to know.
Rabbits require mental stimulation, exercise, enrichment, and social interaction
Rabbits are intelligent, affectionate, and full of personality. They can also live 10 to 12 years, require specialized veterinary care, and need daily attention and space to thrive. Adopting a rabbit is a long-term commitment, not unlike adopting a cat or dog.
Before you fall in love with a fluffy face, honestly consider whether your lifestyle, budget, and living situation can support a rabbit for the next decade.
Rabbits should live indoors. Outdoor hutches expose rabbits to predators, extreme temperatures, parasites, and isolation. Indoor rabbits live longer, healthier lives and bond more closely with their families.
At minimum, a rabbit needs an enclosure large enough to take three full hops in any direction, plus several hours of supervised free-roaming time daily. Many rabbit owners choose to "bunny-proof" a room or area of their home rather than rely on a cage.
A healthy rabbit diet is built on unlimited timothy hay (or other grass hay), which should make up about 80% of their food. This is supplemented with fresh leafy greens daily, a small portion of quality pellets, and unlimited fresh water.
Sugary treats, seeds, and many commercially marketed "rabbit treats" are harmful and should be avoided. Carrots, despite the stereotype, are high in sugar and should be offered sparingly.
Rabbits are classified as exotic animals, which means you'll need a vet who specializes in rabbit medicine. Regular checkups, spay/neuter surgery, dental monitoring, and emergency care all require a rabbit-savvy veterinarian. Many rescues have specific information on how to find specialized vets right on their websites.
Spaying or neutering is strongly recommended. It prevents reproductive cancers (very common in unaltered female rabbits), reduces hormonal behavior, and is a prerequisite for adoption from most rescues.
Rabbits are social animals who need mental stimulation. Toys, tunnels, digging boxes, and foraging activities help prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Many rabbits also benefit from having a bonded rabbit companion, though introductions must be done carefully.
Florida's rabbit rescues are full of rabbits who were surrendered, abandoned, or rescued from unsafe situations. Many are already spayed/neutered, socialized, and evaluated for temperament, which means adopting from a rescue gives you a head start on a great relationship.
Adoption also supports the rescue organizations that do this work, and it frees up space for the next rabbit who needs help.