There are estimated to be around 1 million companion rabbits in the UK, they are the third most popular companion animal behind dogs and cats. However, they are considered to be the most neglected. They are incorrectly assumed to be an easy children’s pet, and have a lower status than dogs and cats as a result. The truth is that rabbits have complicated care needs, are misunderstood, and far more difficult to care for properly than people imagine and there are many welfare problems as a result.

They should live until they are around 12 years old, but the average life span for a rabbit is around 5 years, because very often their care is not correct and it is depressingly common to find rabbits in situations that don't meet their welfare needs:

55% live alone

44% can’t move freely from a hutch to a run

54% aren't given enough hay

56% aren't up to date with their vaccinations

(PDSA 2024 PAW report)

Rabbits also find themselves in far more situations than other companion species like dogs and cats, such as pet shops, farm parks, mobile petting zoos, schools, colleges and county shows. This means that welfare problems are common across these areas, many of which, like farm parks and county shows are very public; these are very damaging to advancing rabbit welfare, because they display such poor welfare standards and misinformation.

Rabbits don't have all of the same protection in law that dogs have, and they can suffer as a result. For example, dog breeders need to be licensed and inspected, but rabbit breeders in England do not. This means that rabbits are often sold to unsuitable homes, to unsuspecting owners who don't fully understand their needs and are not prepared for the cost and responsibility, and the rabbits face many of the issues we have explained above.

Rabbits are always overlooked as a species but there is so much work to be done in so many areas to improve their welfare. We need to educate everyone about what caring for companion rabbits properly involves, and ensure that they have the protection in legislation that they deserve.