Rabbits are the third most popular pet in many countries but are frequently misunderstood, leading to welfare problems from inappropriate housing, diet, and social isolation.
The gap between how rabbits are traditionally kept and what they actually need is substantial. A rabbit in a small hutch without companionship, exercise, or appropriate diet experiences chronic deprivation across multiple welfare dimensions: physical (inadequate movement, poor dental health), social (isolation from conspecifics), and behavioural (inability to forage, dig, or engage natural activity patterns). Because rabbits hide illness, welfare problems often go undetected until severe. The image of a rabbit as a low-maintenance child's pet is particularly harmful — rabbits live 8-12 years and require the same level of veterinary care, social provision, and environmental enrichment as a cat or small dog. Consumer education before purchase is critical.