Rabbits are highly social animals that suffer significant welfare impacts from solitary housing, making appropriate companionship one of the most important welfare considerations for pet rabbits.
Rabbits are colonial animals in the wild whose social needs are frequently unmet in pet keeping. Solitary housing causes chronic psychological stress evidenced by stereotypic behaviours, aggression toward owners and reduced activity. Even rabbits kept with guinea pigs do not meet each other's social communication needs. Proper bonding between neutered rabbits significantly improves welfare outcomes and owner satisfaction. Re-bonding after the death of a companion is essential but requires careful management.