Domestic rabbits are social animals that require the companionship of a compatible rabbit companion for their psychological welfare, yet solitary housing remains widespread.
Social isolation is one of the most common and significant welfare failures in companion rabbit husbandry. Despite rabbits being highly social animals for whom companionship is a fundamental need, the majority of pet rabbits in many countries are kept alone. The argument that a rabbit can get sufficient social contact from human interaction alone is not supported by evidence — rabbits have specific social needs that only conspecific companions can meet, including mutual grooming, social sleeping, and species-specific communication. Bonded pairs show measurably better welfare outcomes than solitary individuals, including lower stress indicators and higher levels of positive behavioural states. The bonding process requires care but is achievable and transformative for rabbit welfare.