Caring For a Rabbit On a Budget
Having a pet is one of life’s greatest joys, but the cost of pet care can often feel overwhelming, especially in these tough economic times.
The good news is that providing your rabbit with a healthy, happy life doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity, resourcefulness, and planning, you can save money while still meeting your rabbit’s essential needs.
Buy hay locally. Rabbits need to have unlimited access to good quality hay. Feed stores typically sell hay at a great price. If you have the space, buy in bulk to save even more! If you’re local to our facility in Richmond, California, stop by the HRS Hop Shop to browse our selection of fresh, local orchard, timothy, and oat hay.
Get creative with veggies. Check out your local farmers market to find fresh, local veggies on the cheap. Ask vendors for carrot tops and other scraps—often they will give these at no charge! You can also try feeding your rabbit packaged spring mix which can be very cost effective.
Use rabbit-safe cat litter. Many litters marketed for cats are safe for rabbits to use and are cheaper than most small animal litters. Avoid clay based litters, since it has been associated with serious health risks to rabbits. The HRS Hop Shop stocks Cat Country (wheatgrass) and Feline Pine (pine) litters.
Buy secondhand. You can often find used items like exercise pens and carriers on Nextdoor or in a “buy nothing” Facebook group. These are also great places to look for used plastic baby toys like stacking cups, which rabbits love throwing around and playing with! Thoroughly sanitize any items you get secondhand before giving them to your rabbit.
Make your own toys and treats. Upcycling common household items to create toys is an easy way to save money and provide your rabbit with enrichment. Try stuffing hay into a toilet paper roll and hiding a small treat in the center. You can also repurpose cardboard boxes as a hidey house for your rabbit. Check out “Homemade Enrichment Ideas” for more fun ideas to keep your rabbit entertained!
Take your rabbit to the vet annually. House Rabbit Society recommends a rabbit see a rabbit-savvy veterinarian once a year, and twice a year or more for senior rabbits (6 years+). Annual checkups can catch any problems that may develop and hopefully prevent costly emergencies from arising.
Get pet insurance or start a savings fund. Unexpected vet bills can be stressful, but planning ahead can help ease the burden. Consider setting aside a “rabbit savings fund” or look into pet insurance. Currently, Nationwide is the only company that insures rabbits.
Groom your rabbit at home. Regular grooming keeps your rabbit comfortable, healthy, and looking their best, all while saving you money on grooming visits. Besides keeping them healthy and clean, it’s also an opportunity to make sure your rabbit’s body is in good condition and no problems have arisen. If you need to learn how to groom your rabbit, take our Intro to Rabbit Grooming class!
Volunteer with a rabbit rescue! If they sell rabbit supplies, many rescues offer their volunteers a special discount. HRS volunteers and fosters receive a 15% discount at the HRS Hop Shop.
Utilize a pet pantry. Times are tough, and there’s no shame in asking for help when you need it. Many communities offer pet pantries that provide free supplies to keep pets with their families. At HRS, we host our rabbit essentials pantry on the first Saturday of every month, where you can pick up pellets, hay, litter, toys, and more at no cost (first come, first served). Whether you’re facing a rough patch or just need to stretch your budget a little further, we’re here to support you and your rabbit.
Even on a tight budget, it’s possible to give your rabbit the safe, loving, and enriching life they deserve. Small adjustments like buying hay in bulk, making DIY toys, or finding secondhand supplies can add up to big savings long-term without sacrificing quality care. With these tips, you and your rabbit can thrive together, no matter the financial climate.
