Rabbits are among the most misunderstood companion animals in terms of housing needs. Understanding evidence-based space and enrichment requirements is fundamental to rabbit welfare.
Inadequate housing is the most common welfare problem in companion rabbits in the UK. The traditional small hutch - still widely sold - prevents rabbits from performing natural movement behaviours, causes chronic musculoskeletal problems, and fails to meet social needs. Evidence clearly shows that rabbits kept in appropriately large, enriched enclosures with companions have superior welfare outcomes across all indicators. The gap between typical rabbit housing and evidence-based minimum requirements remains vast in many homes. Education and regulatory standards for rabbit housing could dramatically improve welfare for the estimated 900,000 pet rabbits in the UK.