Do Rabbits Make Good Pets?

We wish more people knew how great rabbits are. A well-selected and cared for rabbit will give as much or more satisfaction as a well-trained dog or pampered cat.

Why Rabbits Are Good Pets

They’re Social

Rabbits can enjoy human company, seek you out for attention and get excited when you get home.

They Can Be Litter Trained

You don’t even need to put up with rabbit droppings around the house if you put some time into toilet training.

They Have Personality

Anyone who’s had a house rabbit knows how smart, quirky and fun they are.

They’re Interesting Pets

There’s always something going on in a house with a rabbit.

They Live A Long Time

Well-cared for rabbits can live up to 15 years, though even 10 years is quite good.

They’re Quiet

No woofing or meowing at all! Great for high density living.

Read our guide to training rabbits here.

However, rabbits aren’t for everyone. We’ve written before how rabbits suffer from the perception that they are easy pets, condemning them to a short, unhappy life.

Are Rabbits Easy Pets?

Honestly, not really. That’s not to say you can’t do it well, but you need to know what goes wrong…

Why Rabbits Aren’t Good Pets For Children

Rabbits…

Good rabbit care is too complex to ever be a kid’s responsibility. Read our guide to ethically giving rabbits as gifts here.

If we haven’t put you off, then you’re probably ready to seriously consider a pet rabbit. Have a read of our Guide to the common rabbit breeds in Adelaide.

If we have put you off, don’t despair. Rabbits are a lot harder work than people think and it’s good to find out now.

What Is The Best Pet For Children?

The easiest pet for kids is a cat or kitten from a rescue shelter. They:

  • Don’t have special housing requirements
  • Are affectionate and social
  • Are strong and healthy when adopted
  • Are usually fearless if raised with children
  • Are independent when needed
  • Come instinctively litter-trained
  • Are easy to feed properly
  • Tell you when something isn’t right
  • Come desexed, microchipped, vaccinated
  • Desperately need homes

The Animal Welfare League are more than happy to advise you on the right choice.