Things to Know Before Getting a Pet Rabbit

Written by Mary Jo DiLonardo
Medically Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on May 18, 2025
13 min read

Rabbits are soft, lovable animals that are popular pets. They are smart and can be very social. But these cute animals may need a lot of maintenance and care, so it’s important to do your research before getting a pet rabbit. 

“Rabbits are very social and often bond strongly with their owners. They often demand pets and affection once they trust the people around them,” says Sayrah Gilbert, DVM, education committee chair for the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians. 

“They’re curious and intelligent, so they enjoy toys and puzzles with treats. As long as the expectations are appropriate and their needs are met, rabbits make great pets.”

Are pet rabbits legal?

It’s legal to keep rabbits as pets. But many states have laws protecting rabbits from being sold or traded. Rabbits are often bought around Easter on a whim. They’re also popular for animal testing, leaving them at risk for being treated poorly. Make sure you know your state and local laws before shopping for a pet rabbit.

How long does a pet rabbit live?

If you choose to adopt a rabbit, make sure you are ready to commit to keeping them for 8-12 years. Even though they are small and cute, they do need specific care that is different from caring for a cat or dog. While they look cuddly, rabbits are considered “ground animals” and don’t usually like to be picked up and held.

Keep in mind that domesticated rabbits may not survive outside of captivity. While they are the same as their wild counterparts, domesticated rabbits don’t have the natural instincts to find food, look for shelter, and hide from other animals that may kill them for food. 

“Rabbits are individuals first, breed second,” says Paige Parsons, rabbit educator and founder of Rabbit.Org Foundation. “Even within a breed, temperament varies widely, so choosing based on personality, not looks, is key.”

A rabbit’s breed can give you an idea of what its adult size will be but not much more, she says. “Ultimately, a rabbit’s suitability as a companion depends far more on their socialization, environment, and how well they’re understood and respected — not on their breed.”

That said, there are dozens of pet rabbit breeds. Some of the more common ones include:

Dutch rabbit. These popular rabbits have a distinctive black and white coat. They are relatively calm and friendly.

Netherland dwarf. These tiny rabbits come in dozens of colors and patterns. They are friendly but can be skittish.

Holland lop. Known for their large, floppy ears, these rabbits are very photogenic. They are active but don’t always want to be handled.

Lionhead rabbit. This striking rabbit has quite an impressive mane. They are curious and gentle but startle easily.

Rabbits can have big personalities. They can communicate whether they’re happy, relaxed, or stressed in many ways, such as:

Hopping. When your rabbit leaps, hops, or jumps, it’s usually a sign they are happy.

Flopping. Just like a dog or cat, a rabbit flopped over on its side is relaxed and content or just tired.

Thumping. When a rabbit stomps its foot, it usually means they are afraid or angry.

Chinning. Rabbits have scent glands in their chin. When they rub their chins on things, they use that odor (which humans can’t smell) to mark their territory.

Teeth grinding. Soft teeth grinding can be like purring. Rabbits do it when they are content.

A pet rabbit needs a safe and stimulating environment, daily food and water, exercise, and attention. They need regular vet checkups and nail trims, and their area needs to be cleaned regularly.

Preparing your home for rabbits

As with any pet, you’ll need to prepare your house for a new rabbit, which means you’ll have to:

  • Remove anything that you don’t want your rabbit to chew on.
  • Cover small holes that rabbits can fit into, to prevent injuries.
  • Prepare a quiet space so that your pet rabbit isn’t overwhelmed by loud noises.
  • Plan to keep your pet rabbit separate from other pets during the initial adjustment period.

Creating a good place for your rabbit to live

Your rabbit should have a large, spacious area — preferably a pen — to spend time in when you’re not home to supervise their playtime. It should be big enough that they can move around easily. 

“A rabbit should never be kept in a cage,” Parson says. “They need at least a small, rabbit-proofed room or a spacious pen, with plenty of time each day to free roam in a safe area.”

It’s best to have a pen made out of wire, so fresh air can circulate. Never use an aquarium or plastic bin as a cage. Make sure the floor of the pen isn’t wire. Rabbits don’t have pads on the bottom of their feet (like cats and dogs do), so they can get easily irritated. Instead, choose flooring of wood or carpet.

Although allowing supervised outdoor time is a good idea, keeping their pen permanently outside is not. 

Plan to dedicate a room in your house to your rabbit, making it a safe space for their pen to be kept and for them to explore. Hay is essential to feed your rabbit as the majority of their food. You can talk to your vet about what kind of hay to feed your rabbit and where to put it in their pen so they have the right nutrition and feel like they are in the grass. 

Essential supplies for new rabbit owners

Rabbits will use a litter box. Since they’ll use it often, it is important to have a litter box both inside their pen and on the floor when they are out playing. Choose one with low sides so it’s easier for your rabbit to hop in and out. You’ll also need litter — either pellets or newspaper — that is safe for rabbits.

Get a sturdy bowl for food and a spill-proof heavy bowl or bottle for water. For mealtime and bedding, you’ll need hay. Don’t forget to use fresh fruits and vegetables to make meals more interesting.

Choose a few different toys (such as balls, tunnels, and wooden blocks for chewing) until you know what your rabbit likes. If your rabbit has long hair, you might invest in a brush for grooming. Nail clippers are also a good idea.

Dietary needs of pet rabbits

Rabbits are herbivores, meaning they like to eat fruits and vegetables. While hay makes up most of their diet, rabbits also need a variety of food options to get the best nutrition.

Great foods to feed your rabbit include:

  • Blueberries
  • Apples
  • Organic greens
  • Bok choy
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Mangoes
  • Celery
  • Kale
  • Watercress
  • Raspberries
  • Squashes
  • Carrots 
  • Cherries 
  • Cranberries

Foods that are dangerous for rabbits include grains, beans, and refined sugar of any kind. You should also avoid: 

  • Breads 
  • Cereals 
  • Chocolate 
  • Corn
  • Nuts
  • Oats 
  • Peas 
  • Seeds 
  • Wheat

“Most rabbits do not enjoy being picked up — it’s instinctually terrifying for them,” Parsons says. “They’re prey animals, and being lifted off the ground feels like being snatched by a predator.”

It helps if you build trust with your rabbit. Sit on the floor at their level and talk to them so they get used to your voice. Offer them treats while you’re near, but let your rabbit come to you as they get more comfortable.

But sometimes you have to pick up your rabbit, maybe to take them to the vet or to move them to a different space.

Never pick up a rabbit by the scruff or ears. Instead, put one hand behind their front legs, and use your other hand to gently support their rump. Lift and hold the rabbit close to your body. Use slow motions and a gentle grip, but remember that rabbits can be skittish and may try to get away.

Rabbits aren’t happy just being in a pen all day. They like to explore and play, and it’s important for their good health, too. Rabbits are most active at dusk and dawn, so those are the best times to get your rabbit out for exercise.

Tips for rabbit health and wellness

“Spay and neuter are strongly recommended, with an emphasis on spay,” Gilbert says. “Female rabbits are very prone to developing uterine cancers, so prevention is key to avoiding issues later in life.”

Rabbits can get fleas or mites and your vet can help you avoid those parasites. As rabbits get older, your vet may recommend blood tests to track their overall health.

In the U.S., vets also suggest an annual vaccination for rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV-2) in pet rabbits. The virus is very contagious and can be life-threatening for both wild and pet rabbits.

How to find a vet for your rabbit

It’s a good idea to bring your rabbit to the vet for a checkup once a year. Gilbert says that may increase to two visits as your rabbit gets older. Rabbits are considered exotic pets, unlike cats and dogs. Not all veterinarians have rabbit experience, and some will not take them as patients.

To find a vet experienced with rabbits, check rabbit forums, ask local rabbit rescues, and search national databases. Call the vet’s office before scheduling an appointment to make sure they are comfortable and experienced with rabbit care.

 

Rabbits are smart. While they do need time to get used to a new environment, rabbits are generally easy to train. The key, Parsons says, is motivating them “gently and positively.” 

How do I litter box train my rabbit?

When you begin training your rabbit, confine them to one space, such as their pen. If they have already chosen a certain spot to pee and poop, put their litter box in that area. Be sure that the sides of their litter box are low enough that they can easily hop in and out. It is normal for rabbits to eat their own feces once a day. Rabbits poop a lot and often — hundreds of little pellets over the course of each day. Because of this, you’ll want to clean their litter box and living area often. 

Pellet litter is best for rabbits because it won’t hurt them if and when they eat it. Plus, pellets are more absorbent than other options, so the litter box can be drier and less smelly. Make sure you keep your rabbit’s hay and living area separate from their litter box. Rabbits do not want to poop where they eat.

General training for your rabbit

Rabbits like to hide, so if you let your pet loose in your home, they may climb somewhere you don’t want them to. Rabbits also chew, so it is important to put away anything you don’t want to be destroyed. 

If your rabbit does start climbing and chewing, try to interest them in a different activity or put them back into their pen. You can try taking them out again later for playtime. If these behaviors continue, try getting a small metal fence to keep them in one small area during their playtime each day.

Clicker training for rabbits

A clicker is a small device you hold in your hand, which makes a sharp clicking sound. People use it to mark the exact moment when a dog (or cat) does what you’re asking them to do. You click and give them a treat right away, so they associate their behavior with the click and the treat.

Clicker training can also work with rabbits. Start by clicking when they do some natural behavior. For example, when your rabbit stands on their hind legs, click and then immediately give them something tasty. Be sure to click right when they do the action — not too early or too late.

Click and treat every time they do it. Eventually, add a word as a cue. As they get better at responding, you can slowly stop using the clicker and just use the word.

“Clicker training is not only possible but a wonderful way to build trust and provide mental stimulation,” Parsons says. “With patience, you can train rabbits to come when called, jump through hoops, or even run agility courses.”

Rabbits are great starter pets, especially for children. False. Rabbits are delicate and need to be handled gently — something that isn’t always easy for small kids. “As prey animals, they do not want to be picked up, and some very common injuries among rabbits are a broken leg or broken back from being dropped or stepped on by a child,” says Jennifer Deen, director of shelter operations for the Georgia House Rabbit Society.

Rabbits can live happily outside. False. Yes, there are wild rabbits that thrive outdoors, but domesticated rabbits aren’t the same. “Rabbits are not equipped to survive outside in the majority of climates especially with the threat of predators, fleas, ticks, mites, wild animals, fertilizers, pesticides, and simple neglect,” Deen says. If left in a pen outdoors, they can’t bark or let you know if they need something.

Rabbits don’t need to go to the vet. False. Rabbits should see the vet at least once a year and you should think about an annual vaccination against a potentially dangerous disease. Because rabbits are considered exotic pets, you may have to search to find a vet qualified to treat them.

You can adopt a rabbit from a rescue or shelter, or you can buy one from a breeder or pet store.

After dogs and cats, rabbits are the most common animal surrendered to shelters. They are often found as strays or are given up by owners who no longer want them.

“Adopting from a local rabbit rescue or humane society is always the wisest and most ethical choice,” Parsons says. “Rescues take the time to get to know each rabbit’s personality and will help match you with the right fit. They also ensure rabbits are spayed or neutered and vaccinated (a very expensive proposition on your own), and they’re a great source of ongoing support.”

These groups may even offer a foster-to-adoption option so you can have the rabbit in your home for a short time before adopting. There is often a clause in the adoption contract that says if for some reason you can no longer care for the rabbit, the animal will be returned to the shelter or rescue to make sure it finds another good home.

“From an ethical perspective, these organizations are overflowing with rabbits who’ve been abandoned or surrendered — often through no fault of their own,” Parsons says.

Remember, not all breeders are concerned with health care, genetics, or sanitary conditions. Some do not make sure rabbits are socialized, and they may sell them before they can learn their personalities.

How much does a pet rabbit cost?

Adopting a rabbit and getting the necessary start-up supplies can be a onetime cost of $200 or more. That includes the adoption fee, as well as key items such as an exercise pen, litter box, and bowls.

Monthly costs for daily greens, pellets, litter, and treats can be $70 or more. You’ll also need to take into account an annual vet visit, which costs $100 or more. If you don’t brush your rabbit and trim their nails at home, there’s an additional cost to have grooming done by a professional. 
 

Rabbits can make great pets. They are smart, curious, and social, but they can be shy and aren’t always a great match with young kids.

Rabbits need a large pen and a few hours of exercise each day. They need fresh water and food, including fresh fruits and vegetables. They also require an annual visit with a veterinarian that specializes in exotic pets.

Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box and do tricks.

Shelters and rescues are good places to find pet rabbits. These groups make sure the rabbits are healthy, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated. They also get to know the rabbits’ personalities to make sure they find homes that are a good fit.

Should I adopt more than one rabbit?

Rabbits don’t like being by themselves. With two rabbits, they can keep each other company while grooming, playing, and sleeping. If you choose to get more than one rabbit, consider adopting a pair that is already bonded so you don’t have to worry about them getting along. And, of course, make sure they are both spayed or neutered.

“Rabbits are deeply social animals who often struggle emotionally when kept alone,” Parsons says. “A bonded pair provides companionship, comfort, and enrichment for each other, which makes them happier and even easier to care for. If you already have a rabbit, a rescue can help with the bonding process.”

How much exercise does a rabbit need?

Rabbits love to explore and move around. They should get several hours a day where they can go outside their normal pen. Be sure to bunny-proof the area before letting rabbits explore. To make things more interesting for your rabbit, you can add ramps, tunnels, and toys.

What are common health issues in rabbits?

You might be able to tell your rabbit isn't feeling well if they won’t take their favorite treat or grind their teeth loudly. “Any rabbit that is noted not to be eating for eight hours or more should be evaluated immediately,” Gilbert says.

Here are some possible causes. Be sure to reach out to your vet with questions.

Intestinal blockage. Because rabbits groom themselves all the time, they can form hairballs that they can’t throw up. To help avoid this, brush them regularly and make sure they have plenty of hay.

Teeth issues and dental disease. Rabbit teeth never stop growing, which is why they need to gnaw constantly. If their teeth don’t fit together well, they may not be able to eat. A vet can help clip their teeth.

Parasites. Rabbits can get fleas, mites, and internal parasites. Look for signs such as scratching or not eating.

Sneezing. This could just be allergies, but if your rabbit also has a runny nose or runny eyes, call your vet.