Rabbits are the UK's third most popular companion animal and commonly kept across Europe and North America. Yet rabbit welfare is poorly understood by owners, and welfare problems — particularly dental disease and obesity — are extremely common. Rabbits hide illness and pain, making welfare monitoring especially important.
Rabbits are highly social animals that live in groups in the wild. Lone rabbits show signs of chronic loneliness: lethargy, reduced play behavior, abnormal behaviors, and depression-like states. The RSPCA recommends rabbits be kept in pairs (bonded same-sex pairs or neutered mixed-sex pairs). Bonded rabbit pairs show: more play behavior; more exploratory behavior; mutual grooming (a positive welfare indicator); and lower stress hormones. Yet the majority of companion rabbits are still kept alone.
Evidence-based rabbit welfare requires: unlimited hay; minimal pellets (1-2 tablespoons/day max); fresh leafy greens; bonded companion; minimum 3m x 2m housing space with run access; enrichment (tunnels, cardboard boxes, willow toys); and regular veterinary checks (annual dental examination). Most companion rabbits receive inadequate versions of all of these.