Rabbits are the third most commonly kept companion animal in many countries but are also among the most surrendered and welfare-compromised. Understanding their behavioral needs is the foundation of good rabbit care.
Rabbits suffer disproportionately from the gap between their appearance and their reality as companion animals. They look soft, quiet, and simple to keep. They are actually sensitive, complex prey animals with specific behavioral, dietary, and social needs that standard small pet environments rarely meet. The disconnect between expectation and reality drives high surrender rates to rescues and significant welfare compromise for millions of rabbits in inadequate housing. Bridging this gap requires better point-of-sale education, stronger welfare guidance from rabbit welfare organizations, and cultural recognition that rabbit keeping requires as much commitment and knowledge as dog or cat ownership.