Rabbits are the third most popular companion mammal in many countries, yet they are also among the most surrendered and most welfare-neglected. Understanding rabbit needs is essential for improving their welfare at scale.
Rabbit welfare represents a significant and underappreciated crisis in companion animal care. Rabbits are frequently purchased impulsively, often for children, with little understanding of their complex needs. They are prey animals that suppress pain and fear signals as a survival adaptation — making welfare problems easy to miss. Hutch housing, still commonly sold and used, provides inadequate space, social isolation, and no protection from thermal extremes. Many rabbits spend their entire lives in conditions that cause chronic stress and physical suffering while appearing superficially calm to inexperienced owners. The gap between the rabbit's reputation as an easy, low-maintenance pet and the reality of their needs is perhaps the largest such gap in companion animal care.