Rabbit Care Guides
Straight answers about living with rabbits, written by people who will tell you when a rabbit is the wrong choice.
5 guides
Do Rabbits Need a Cage?
No. Rabbits do not need cages and are healthier without them. A rabbit needs a secure, rabbit-proofed space it can move through freely, with hiding places, secure footing, and somewhere to dig. Confinement to a cage is associated with poor muscle and bone development, behavioral problems, and stress-related illness.
How Do I Adopt a Rabbit?
Adopt through a rabbit rescue or a shelter rather than buying. Most rescues require an application, a conversation about your setup, and sometimes a home check. Expect a fee of $25 to $150, which usually covers spay or neuter and vaccination, and expect the process to take one to three weeks.
How Much Does a Rabbit Cost Per Year?
A pet rabbit costs roughly $1,000 to $2,000 a year in California, plus $625 to $1,470 to set up in the first month. Over a ten-year life that is $10,000 to $20,000. Veterinary care is the largest variable and the one most people underestimate.
I Can't Keep My Rabbit. What Are My Options?
You have four options: solve the problem keeping you from keeping the rabbit, rehome it yourself with a screened adopter, surrender it to a rescue or shelter, or ask about temporary foster care. Never release a domestic rabbit outdoors. It is illegal in most places and almost always fatal.
Should I Get a Rabbit?
Get a rabbit if you can give it a rabbit-proofed indoor space, an hour a day, fresh greens daily, an exotics veterinarian, and ten years. Skip it if you want a low-maintenance pet, a pet for a young child, or an animal that enjoys being held. Most rabbits are neither cuddly nor easy.