Rabbit

There are estimated to be over a million rabbits kept as pets in the UK [1], making them the third most popular pet after cats and dogs.
There are many different breeds and varieties of rabbit, varying in size, body shape and personality
Typically, rabbits live for 8-12 years, but some may live for longer.
 

Understanding rabbits' needs

The biology and behaviour of pet rabbits is very similar to that of wild rabbits. This means they have very complex needs and although traditionally thought of as good pets for children, this is not the case as they are not easy to look after well. Being aware of how wild rabbits live can help you understand your pet rabbit’s needs better, so why not check out our Rabbit Factfile to learn more.
 

Your duty to care

Owning and caring for a rabbit is great fun and very rewarding, but it is a big responsibility and a long-term commitment in terms of care and finances. If you own or are responsible for a rabbit, even on a temporary basis, you are required by law to care for him/her properly.
Read more about the Animal Welfare Act and your duty of care to your animals.
 

The five welfare need

There is no one ‘perfect’ way to care for all rabbits because every rabbit and every situation is different. Rabbits are now increasingly kept indoors as house pets as well as outside. It is up to you how you look after your rabbit, but you must take reasonable steps to ensure that you meet all his/her needs.
Read our expert reviewed pet care information to find out more about the needs of rabbits:
Environment, Diet, Behaviour, Company and Health and welfare.

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Environment

Facts

Rabbits are athletic animals. They need the opportunity to hop, run, jump, dig, stand fully upright on their back legs, and stretch out when lying down.
A rabbit must be able to avoid things that scare it. Rabbits are a prey species and must be able to hide in a secure place, away from the sight and smell of predators (e.g. foxes, cats, dogs, ferrets and birds of prey).
Living in a draughty, damp, hot, poorly ventilated or dirty environment may cause your rabbit to suffer and become ill.
A rabbit needs regular access to an appropriate place to go to the toilet.
Rabbits are intelligent. If your rabbit is bored, and doesn’t have enough to do, it may suffer.
Rabbits are inquisitive. If there are hazards within their environment they may easily injure themselves.

Things you should do

Provide your rabbit with a secure living environment that is large enough for it to exercise in and stand up fully on its back legs.

You should provide both a large exercise area and a secure shelter where your rabbit can rest, feel safe and is protected from predators and extremes of weather and temperature. Ensure all areas of your rabbit’s environment are well ventilated, dry and draught-free.

Make sure your rabbit has constant access to safe hiding places where it can escape if it feels afraid.

Allow your rabbit to exercise regularly.

Provide enough bedding to keep your rabbit warm. Bedding should be safe for your rabbit to eat, e.g. dust-free straw or hay.

Give your rabbit regular access to a suitable place where it can go to the toilet, separate to where it eats and sleeps.
Clean the housing and toilet areas regularly.

If you are going away, try to find someone to care for, and meet all your rabbit’s welfare needs within its familiar home. If boarding your rabbit, try to ease the move by keeping grouped rabbits together and taking familiar items, such as toys, along too.
When you transport your rabbit make sure it is comfortable and safe at all times. Putting familiar smelling items in the carrier and the new environment can help make your rabbit feel at ease.

Ensure the size and temperature of any place you leave your rabbit (including your vehicle) is appropriate.

Make sure that where your rabbit lives is safe, secure and free from hazards.