Rabbits are one of the newest domestic animal species to grace the American household as pets, and they are quickly becoming one of the most popular due to their quiet nature, small size and plentiful availability.

Unfortunately, rabbits are also showing up in shelters in increasing numbers...abandoned by their owners for a variety of reasons - many of which could of been avoided had the pet rabbit owner been be more realistic in his or her choice of pets.

Over the past several years, our society has perfected irresponsibility: We've grown accustomed to making illogical, often frivolous choices, and later blame someone else when our commitment erodes.  Don't fall into this irresponsible behavior - if you choose a rabbit as a pet - you'd better be prepared for the commitment!

In the pet rabbit market, a responsible seller will question the buyer to ensure a rabbit is a suitable purchase.  The seller should also provide his or her recommendations for care of the pet rabbit and readily answer any questions the buyer has.

Ultimately, it is up to you, the buyer of the pet rabbit, to determine if a pet rabbit is right for you - Only YOU know what your life and schedule is like - only YOU know what your plans for the future are, and only YOU can decide if a rabbit is right for you!  Make your pet choice wisely, keep your commitment and do not blame others for your mistakes!

Find out all you can about rabbits before you get one.  With so much pet rabbit information splashed all over the internet nowadays, it is difficult for a potential pet owner to claim ignorance any longer -

Can you really keep this long term commitment?  Can you afford vet bills for illness should they arise?  Talk to a local rabbit vet and find out exactly what spaying/neutering will cost - can you afford this surgery when it is time?  Do you have the time necessary for pet rabbit care and attention?  Are you or any members of your family allergic to rabbits - (you may be able to borrow a shelter rabbit to test this out)..  Do you have a stable housing situation-if not, are you willing to find housing that will accept your rabbit? 

Rabbits are not short-term, disposable pets - if you have this thought in your head you should not choose a rabbit!

Two Prominent Reasons Pet Owners Get Rid Of Their Rabbits:

1. Commitment or length of commitment.  Many fail to take into account how long rabbits live when they are considering a rabbit as a pet-they forget to look beyond a few years' time.

Consider this common scenario: A parent buys a pet bunny for the child, who, for the first few years, loves and cares for the new pet.  But interest wanes as the child grows up - leaving the parent to care for this pet, who still has many years left to live.........this becomes a daily burden the already-busy parent didn't bargain for and soon the decision is made to relinquish the pet rabbit to a shelter. 

This unpleasant task comes complete with its own guilt complex which often provokes the owner to produce some 'feel good' excuses or concoct a healthy dose of blame placed on that 'heel of a person' who sold them that rabbit without educating them.

2. Adolescent Rabbit Behaviors.  However forewarned, most people insist on purchasing that cute, furry little baby rabbit instead of that stable adult rabbit showcased by the seller.

Rabbits zoom from birth to adolescence in the blink of an eye, and then like to linger in this devil phase for some time, in no apparent hurry to reach adulthood.  This adolescent stage is what gets the pet owner every time - the sudden and unexpected aggressive behaviors, digging, constant activity and pre-occupation, and to top it all off, a good shot of urine spray every now and again.  Overnight, it seems, little Fluffy turned into Fang The Terrible.

These are normal and entirely natural adolescent rabbit behaviors, which are not overly-bothersome in a rabbit breeder's setting, but in your home they can wreak havoc!  The pet owner can put the breaks on this behavior by spaying or neutering their rabbit - but this is often curtailed when the owner balks due to the cost of the surgery.  After a few months of not knowing how to deal with this behavior, or getting sprayed on one too many times, the frustrated pet owner deems his pet rabbit incorrigible and ships it off to the shelter. 

An adult rabbit has already been through this phase and his or her personality traits will be apparent, plus the adult rabbit may even be spayed or neutered already - you don't need a baby rabbit in order to 'bond' with you - after adapting to a new home and owner, an adult rabbit will show you all the same 'affection, loyalty, and attention' you are expecting from a younger rabbit!

So, now that you know about two prominent reasons pet rabbits are given up to shelters, make sure you will not fall into these scenarios yourself!

Pet Rabbit Overview

If you are still here, kudos to you!  I know I was a little harsh above, but I really want you to think this through- read through the chart below - and if you still think a pet rabbit will work for you, I've got several other articles to help you make your choice; how to choose your pet rabbit, male or female, and more (Feb 09 - I'm not nearly finished with my pet articles, stop back soon.....)

Thank you for taking the time to educate yourself about your pet choice!  You are on your way to becoming a responsible pet owner.