Are Rabbits the Right Pet for Me?
Thinking about bringing home a pet rabbit? While they may seem like an easy choice, many people don’t realise just how much care and attention rabbits need. Thousands of rabbits end up in rescue centres each year because their owners weren’t fully prepared for the commitment. Before you hop into rabbit ownership, it’s important to know what you’re getting into!
Rabbits Require Daily Care and Attention
Rabbits are affectionate and curious creatures, but they depend on you completely for their care. They need food, water, and attention every day. You can’t leave them alone for more than 24 hours, and ideally, they should be checked on every 12 hours. Much like cats, rabbits need constant care. Could you commit to this for the next 10 years or more?
Rabbits Aren’t a Budget Pet
While rabbits themselves might not be expensive to buy, their ongoing care certainly is. If you choose to keep them outside, you’ll need a safe, secure enclosure that could cost several hundred pounds. Indoor rabbits require a large cage and equipment, which can also add up.
Over the course of their lives, a pair of rabbits can cost you around £11,000, including food, bedding, and vet care. Can you afford that?
Health Needs of Rabbits
Your rabbits will need to be neutered and vaccinated annually to protect them from diseases like myxomatosis and RVHD. Vet bills for rabbits are similar to those for cats, so health insurance is a good idea. However, many insurance plans don’t cover dental problems, which are common in rabbits, especially if they don’t have a proper diet of hay and grass. Dental treatments can become expensive, with costs running into hundreds of pounds each year. Are you prepared for these expenses?
The Long-Term Commitment
Rabbits can live up to 12 years, with most well-cared-for rabbits living between 7 and 10 years. That’s a long-term commitment! People often think of rabbits as pets for children, but children may lose interest in a few years, leaving you with the responsibility for the rest of the rabbits’ lives. Rabbits deserve to live long, healthy lives, but sadly, many don’t due to poor care.
Rabbits Need More Than a Hutch
Many people still think that a hutch in the garden is enough for a rabbit. However, rabbits need space to hop around, explore, and exhibit normal behaviours. A small hutch doesn’t allow them to do this, leading to boredom, frustration, and poor health. As a rabbit owner, it’s your responsibility to provide a spacious, enriching environment for your pets.
And the minimum size requirements are probably MUCH larger than you think! Do you have 3meters x 2meters x 1meter available in your home to dedicate to your rabbits?
Legal Responsibilities as a Rabbit Owner
Did you know that, since 2006, pet owners in the UK have legal responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act? This means that as a rabbit owner, you must provide your pets with a suitable environment, the right diet, the chance to express their natural behaviours, companionship, and protection from pain and suffering. If you fail to meet these requirements, you could face fines, a ban from owning animals, or even prison time.
Is a Rabbit Right for You?
Rabbits are wonderful companions, but they are a big responsibility. They require daily care, attention, and money for their upkeep. If you’re ready to make the commitment and provide them with a safe, enriching environment, rabbits can be fantastic pets. However, it’s crucial to make an informed decision before bringing one into your home.
