Rabbit housing standards vary enormously across countries, but evidence-based guidelines now clearly indicate that most commercially sold hutches are too small for rabbit welfare.
Rabbit housing is a significant and largely unaddressed welfare issue. The gap between what rabbits need and what the pet industry provides — and what owners provide — is substantial. Small hutches deny rabbits exercise, social interaction, and behavioral expression, leading to preventable suffering. Updating national pet animal welfare standards to reflect scientific consensus on space requirements, and educating prospective owners before purchase, are the most impactful interventions available.