Do Rabbits Make Good Pets? What Care Takes

Rabbits can make good pets for a household that can meet their needs, and those needs are large. The RSPCA says rabbits “can make great companions” and are also “a big commitment, requiring high-quality care, routine vet visits and constant attention.” A pet rabbit needs a rabbit companion, a home with far more space than a hutch gives, a diet that is mostly hay, and a vet visit every year.

Are rabbits good pets?

They can be. The RSPCA says rabbits “can be clean, intelligent, gentle, affectionate, can use litter trays and even be trained to respond to simple cues.” Rabbits can be affectionate animals, and the RSPCA says many rabbits kept indoors “can develop deep and rewarding relationships” with the people they live with.

Rabbits are also social with each other. The RSPCA says that when rabbits live with a suitable companion, “they tend to feel happier, safer, calmer and are less prone to stress.” It adds that two rabbits together “can become best friends, if bonded appropriately.”

Rabbits can use a litter tray. The RSPCA says “Rabbits can be trained to use litter trays,” and that they “naturally choose a specific area to leave their droppings, away from where they sleep.” Read more about a rabbit’s designated "toilet".

What does a pet rabbit need?

On company, the RSPCA says “One rabbit needs another rabbit (at least), unless you're advised otherwise by a vet or qualified animal behaviourist.” The PDSA says rabbits are very sociable, so “it’s essential that they live in neutered pairs or groups.”

On space, the RSPCA says “A living space for two medium-sized rabbits should be no smaller than 3m x 2m x 1m, including their main shelter and exercise area.” The PDSA says a rabbit’s shelter “usually works out as at least around 3m x 2m x 1m/10ft x 6ft x 3ft (depending on the size of your rabbit), but we recommend providing much more than this.” The RSPCA says “Hutches on their own are not large enough to be able to meet your rabbit's needs.”

On food, the RSPCA says a rabbit diet “should consist mostly of fresh hay and grass (85%), with some leafy greens (10%) and a few pellets or nuggets (5%).” Carrots are a treat: the RSPCA says “carrots aren’t the main source of food for rabbits.”

Our guide to what rabbits can eat lists the greens and the foods to avoid.

How long do pet rabbits live?

The RSPCA says a rabbit that lives in a safe and stimulating environment, with a nutritious diet, regular health checks and appropriate companionship, “can typically live for 8 to 12 years.” It adds “some may live longer.” The RSPCA calls that “a long term commitment, as much as any pet cat or dog might be.”

Before bringing rabbits home, make sure you are ready for the commitment. Our page on how long pet rabbits live covers what changes the number.

Are rabbits good pets for kids?

The RSPCA says rabbits are “better suited for older children who are able to handle them gently and understand the full scope of their responsibility, supported by adults who are prepared to help and take over when needed.” It calls them “fragile creatures who can be easily injured” and says that “as prey animals, they prefer not to be picked up.”

The House Rabbit Society says rabbits “often aren’t the best match for very young children under the age of 7.” It also says a good relationship between children and rabbits is possible “with patience, education, and supervision.”

Children can take part without handling the rabbit. The RSPCA says “Children can enjoy spending time with rabbits by sitting quietly and watching them, allowing the rabbits to approach at their own pace.”

Are rabbits good house pets?

The RSPCA and the House Rabbit Society put indoor and outdoor housing differently. The RSPCA says “With a safe, comfortable and enriching environment, rabbits can happily live both indoors or outside.” The House Rabbit Society says “Generally, house rabbits live longer due to the safer, controlled environment, regular interaction, and prompt medical care when needed.”

An indoor rabbit still needs room to move. The House Rabbit Society says “A minimum of three to four hours of exercise outside the cage is essential each day.” For the enclosure itself, it says “The minimum recommended enclosure size for a house rabbit is typically at least 12 square feet of living space, such as a 4 feet by 3 feet enclosure.”

On daily rhythm, the RSPCA says rabbits are “most active at dusk and dawn,” which it calls being ‘crepuscular’. The PDSA says rabbits need “lots of space and boredom busters to keep them busy and active.”

What does a pet rabbit cost?

The RSPCA lists what a rabbit’s care covers: medical care (routine and emergency), housing, enrichment, home adaptations, equipment, food, and holiday care, meaning someone has to look after your rabbits while you are away, and you might need to pay them. It adds that because rabbits “should be kept in pairs (at least), this can double the expense.”

Vet care is part of the cost. The Merck Veterinary Manual says “Rabbits should have a veterinary exam when they are first obtained and then once a year after that.” The RSPCA says “As prey animals, rabbits may hide signs of pain or illness.” Rabbits can have health issues, and the RSPCA says dental problems “can be incredibly painful and are dangerous for rabbits, as they can prevent them from eating.”

The Merck Veterinary Manual says spaying a female rabbit “prevents unwanted litters and eliminates the risk of cancer of the uterus, which is common and often fatal in rabbits over 3 years old.” The House Rabbit Society says “Altered rabbits are healthier and live longer than unaltered rabbits.”

Where to get a rabbit

Start with a shelter or rescue group. The RSPCA says “We’ll always encourage rescuing rabbits over buying them,” and that many rescue rabbits “are already paired with a companion, neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.” The House Rabbit Society says adopting from a rescue organization or shelter contributes to “the effort to reduce rabbit overpopulation.”

If the answer is yes for your household, you can open your heart and home to a pair of rabbits.

FAQ

Which rabbit breeds make the best pets?

It depends on the rabbit. Breeds run from dwarf breeds to the Flemish Giant. The House Rabbit Society says “Rabbits are unique individuals, making it challenging to apply broad statements about different breeds.” For families with children, it says “medium to large-breed adult rabbits often make a suitable choice due to their size,” while “dwarf breeds may exhibit higher levels of energy and assertiveness.” The RSPCA says “Some brachycephalic rabbits (such as some lops, dwarf or mini breeds) and rabbits with other genetic health conditions may be at increased risk of dental issues.” For sizes by breed, see our page on how big rabbits get.

Can rabbits live with cats and dogs?

It depends on the animals. The RSPCA says “Rabbits are prey animals and may naturally feel frightened or threatened around cats and dogs, which are potential predators.” It says “Some rabbits and larger pets can learn to live together safely with careful introductions and ongoing supervision, but they should always be able to move away and access secure hiding places.” For other small animals, it says “Rabbits and other animals, such as guinea pigs or rats, shouldn’t be kept together as they have different needs and often prefer the company of their own species.”

Do rabbits like to be held?

Most do not. The RSPCA says “as prey animals, they prefer not to be picked up.” The House Rabbit Society says to tell children that picking up a rabbit “can be frightening for them and might lead to injuries for both the child and the rabbit.”

Sources

• RSPCA, Pet rabbits: care, behaviour and welfare
• RSPCA, Creating the right home for your rabbit
• RSPCA, Companionship for pet rabbits
• RSPCA, How to keep your rabbit healthy
• RSPCA, How to feed your rabbit a healthy diet
• PDSA, Creating the ideal home for your rabbits
• House Rabbit Society, Rabbits and children
• House Rabbit Society, Why keep your rabbit indoors?
• House Rabbit Society, Spaying and neutering basics
• Merck Veterinary Manual, Routine health care of rabbits