Believe it or not, rabbits have become the third most popular companion pet in the United States. However, since they are even less understood than dogs or cats, keeping tidy pet records online is even more important to ensure other caregivers understand their unique needs. 

Rabbit owners sometimes even surprise themselves when considering their pets’ welfare in the hands of others. As they jot down details in their pet record account, they might learn that it’s normal for rabbits to eat their own poop, be litter box trained, need hiding spots, or enjoy playing with chew toys.

Making Room For Rabbits 

The most common discovery among new rabbit owners is providing adequate room to roam beyond small hutches with minimal or no run space. About 22 percent of bunnies have inadequate housing, especially those kept inside the home. 

The 2023 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, the United Kingdom’s largest annual assessment of pet well-being, noted that indoor rabbits are starting to outpace outdoor rabbits for the first time. This trend will likely continue in the United Kingdom and the United States as Gen Z accounts for the largest percentage of rabbit owners, followed closely by Millennials.

“I love rabbits because their joy is so tangible. Bunny binky and zooms are so funny,” says Alice Randall. “When they’re too excited to sit still, they fling themselves through the air out of pure happiness.”

The minimum space requirement for bunnies is approximately 10×6 feet and roughly three feet high (so their ears don’t touch the top). However, larger areas are recommended to improve their well-being. These areas should include a shelter for sleeping, eating, and drinking as well as several hiding places and a litter tray. 

Many indoor owners bunny-proof shared living spaces to provide more room. This includes non-slip flooring, limiting carpeted areas (which might invite digging), tucking away exposed wires, using pet-friendly cleaners, and understanding that bunnies can squeeze through narrow spaces and jump very high. They also need outdoor access for grazing and adequate sunlight to produce Vitamin D.

Like some dogs and cats, they are naturally curious about shoes, purses, and backpacks. Chew toys made of pinecones, hay, or rabbit-safe sticks will likely keep their attention. Likewise, a shelter with digging material, like hay or packing paper, should keep them busy. 

Rising Popularity Of Rabbits

The recent uptick in rabbit ownership can be attributed to several reasons, including their highly social nature but relatively calm and quiet demeanor. They are also smarter than most people realize and can be trained to do simple tricks like “sit.” Some can be taught to jump on command and run agility courses. 

Rabbits are also natural vegans, primarily interested in consuming certain types of hay (but not alfalfa). They also eat fruits and vegetables, but new owners are advised that anything other than hay should be considered a treat. As much as 80 percent or more of their diet should be limited to hay. 

Most rabbits live for 8-12 years, depending on the breed. Dwarf breeds tend to live longer than larger rabbits, but each rabbit is different. Rabbits require special veterinary care, and new owners should always check with the veterinarian before scheduling an appointment. Not all vets are comfortable treating rabbits. 

The biggest thing to remember is that rabbits are not the best starter pets. They have many unique needs, including special medical needs and diets. The financial costs and time investment needed to properly care for them are similar to cats or dogs, which is why many first-time owners quickly change their minds. Or, some first-time owners are not educated enough to know that it only takes two unfixed rabbits to cause a tragedy. 

This can be problematic as not all shelters and rescues accept rabbits. And while rehoming is the best option, not all owners have the patience to screen future owners. Some cities have noted an uptick in rabbit dumping, often near parks and trail systems. 

Pet Records for Rabbits 

All About Spot Pet Records can make rehoming these special pets easier. Once a new owner is screened and secured, All About Spot makes transferring all vital information easy — from vet records to dietary preferences. 

In addition to transferring pet records from owner to owner, All About Spot offers pet rescues the ability to create accounts for animals needing a home at no charge. Once a pet is adopted, the account can be transferred to the new owner. The transferred account is free for the first three months.