Rabbits are highly social animals that suffer significantly without appropriate companionship, making bonded pair or group keeping an important welfare requirement.
Rabbit social welfare is chronically underaddressed because the species is often perceived as a low-maintenance pet that can be kept singly without welfare consequence. Extensive research demonstrates that social isolation causes significant psychological suffering in rabbits expressed through stress behaviours, elevated cortisol and reduced exploratory behaviour. Bonded pair or group keeping is a genuine welfare necessity rather than an optional enhancement. The bonding process requires patience and skill but the long-term welfare benefit is substantial. Partner loss in bonded rabbits requires prompt attention to prevent grief-related welfare decline.