Please consider that…

While rabbits all have different personalities, in general, many rabbits:

• Usually don’t appreciate being picked up
• Can seem boring to some children–and some adults
• Tend to withdraw or hide if overwhelmed by unwanted attention
• Can take quickly to being litterbox-trained; spaying/neutering helps
• Are fun to watch, interact, and play with–on their terms
• Like to do things by themselves, rather than be made to do something–as in, they’d rather hop where you want them to go instead of being carried or chased there
• Can be shy or outgoing or a mix of the two
• Have strong likes and dislikes–and tend to let you know in uncertain terms which is which
• Are naturally curious and like to check out new things and check in on what you are up to
• Need plenty of indoor, sun-lit exercise space

At House Rabbit Society, we believe rabbits are wonderful companions, but they’re not for everyone. If you’re new to rabbits, please visit our FAQs to learn more about these fascinating, much misunderstood, intelligent, opinionated animals, to help you decide whether they would be a good fit for you, your family, and your lifestyle.

If you can, foster first!

We also strongly encourage people new to rabbits to consider fostering a rabbit from an  animal shelter, HRS chapter,  or other rabbit rescue group before making the decision to adopt. This provides an introduction to what it’s like caring for a bunny before making around a 10-year commitment to provide a forever home. While not every shelter has a fostering program, it does  provides  you, your family, and the rabbit the opportunity to make just the right connection,

Can rabbits and children get along? Yes—but there are several things to consider…

Many people are surprised and then disappointed to learn that rabbits rarely conform to the cute-n-cuddly stereotypes in children’s stories. While rabbits enjoy being stroked, most of them prefer to receive their pets while remaining on the ground. As prey animals, rabbits instinctually feel frightened when picked up. As a result, they can kick and struggle, which can result in hurting themselves or even the child holding them.

Most children want a pet they can hold and cuddle. Rabbits need someone who understands they are ground-loving creatures and has the patience to let the rabbit come to them.. For these reasons, many children, especially young children, find it a challenge  to interact with a rabbit and often lose interest after a few weeks.

A Great Family Pet…for Some

While rabbits are not an ideal child’s pet, they can make a wonderful family pet–for the right family.  An adult needs to be the primary caregiver, the one who is responsible for making  certain  the rabbit is fed, cared for, played with, and loved every day.  Following this example, a rabbit can be a terrific part of a child’s life. Also, a family can grow over time. And–being shown how–new babies can grow into their relationship with the rabbit, along with the rest of their family..

On the other hand, the natural exuberance, rambunctiousness, and decibel-level of the average toddler can also be stressful for some rabbits. Bunnies are naturally inclined to either run away or try to bite when approached too quickly and too loudly. A frequently stressed-out rabbit is more prone  to develop illnesses.

Just like Rabbits, Kids Have Different Personalities, Too

If your child is generally easygoing, calm, gentle, and cooperative, your family  may enjoy living with a rabbit. Kids who enjoy learning about animals and love watching how animals act, may have the patience to take the time to build a relationship with the rabbit,

If your child is generally very active, tends to interact physically or aggressively, or frequently needs reminders about rules, they may find it difficult to build a trusting relationship with a rabbit. In those instances, your family  may find a rabbit is an additional stress for everyone involved.

Learn about Real Rabbits Before Bringing One Home

Learning about rabbits before bringing one home can be a fun family activity! Set your child and your future rabbit up for success by showing your child how to interact safely and kindly with a rabbit. Visit our FAQS about children and rabbits for tips on teaching children of all ages about life with a rabbit. Foster, pour over this HRS website, get a copy of House Rabbit Handbook as part of your research, first.

In conclusion…

Most rabbits do enjoy being with people. With patience, understanding, and an acceptance of individual differences, your family can earn the rabbit’s  trust, learn to appreciate your individual rabbit, and enjoy a long time together.