Companion Animals

Pet Rabbit Welfare and Housing Needs

Rabbits are the third most popular pet in many countries but are among the most poorly housed, leading to widespread welfare problems.

Key Facts

Welfare Considerations

Millions of pet rabbits are kept in hutches too small to allow normal movement, without companionship, and without veterinary care. Rabbits hide pain and illness until severely compromised, meaning dental disease and other conditions often go undetected. The Rabbit Welfare Association recommends a minimum of 3m x 2m x 1m of permanent housing with larger daily exercise areas. Indoor housing with neutered bonded pairs provides much better welfare than traditional hutch housing.

What You Can Do