Companion Animals

Companion Rabbit Neutering Benefits and Welfare

Neutering rabbits improves health, behaviour and quality of life for both males and females.

Key Facts

Uterine cancer affects up to 80% of intact female rabbits over five years of age
Neutered rabbits are significantly easier to litter train and bond with other rabbits
Unneutered males show mounting, territorial spraying and aggression that reduces quality of life
Surgery is routinely performed from 4 months and carries low risk in healthy rabbits
Neutering enables safe same-sex or mixed-sex bonding, which is important for rabbit welfare

Welfare Considerations

Uterine cancer is a preventable welfare tragedy affecting the majority of intact female rabbits if they live long enough. Neutering eliminates this risk and also enables rabbit social welfare needs to be met through safe bonding. Most rabbit welfare problems stem from keeping them alone and unneutered.

What You Can Do

Ensure all pet rabbits are neutered by a rabbit-experienced veterinarian
Bond neutered rabbits in pairs or compatible groups to meet their social needs
Choose rabbit-savvy vets with experience in lagomorph anaesthesia and surgery
Support Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund education campaigns on rabbit needs