Rabbits are the third most common companion animal in the US but have the worst access to specialized veterinary care, contributing to preventable welfare failures.
Rabbit veterinary care access is a systemic welfare problem arising from the perception of rabbits as low-maintenance pets that do not require the same standard of care as dogs and cats. A rabbit with dental disease causing pain and difficulty eating, or a doe developing uterine cancer, is suffering from conditions that veterinary intervention could prevent or treat. Finding a rabbit-experienced veterinarian, establishing care before emergencies, and learning to recognize behavioral changes that indicate illness in a species that hides pain effectively are all welfare-critical competencies for rabbit owners.