Children and Rabbits

If the decision has been made to move forward with fostering or adopting a domestic rabbit, and you have children, below are some common myths about children and rabbits.

Rabbits rarely conform to the cute-n-cuddly stereotype in children's books and on TV. They are fragile animals that often become scared when picked up. Younger children are still developing fine motor skills, which can often cause them to pick up a rabbit incorrectly or hold them with too much pressure. Improper handling can cause the rabbit to kick and struggle to escape, risking injury to the rabbit or child. Since rabbits typically do not like being held, it can be challenging for your younger children to interact with them. Proper adult supervision is required.

Rabbits require an enclosure that is a minimum of eight square feet and should have at least three or four hours of free roam time a day. They should never live in cages or hutches, as those enclosures are too small, and they should NEVER live outdoors.

A rabbit's primary caregiver should always be an adult. The novelty of a new pet can wear off quickly, resulting in improper feeding and improper observation of their eating habits. Rabbits have specialized diets that require a lot of attention. Rabbits need regular brushing, nail trims, daily cleaning of their enclosure, and daily observation of their eating patterns to catch potential medical concerns. Children alone cannot perform many of these requirements.

A rabbit should be a family pet, not just a child's pet. You know your child's personality better than anyone and can determine whether your child may become bored with a rabbit because they do not interact with children as a dog or cat would. We recommend that a child who wants a rabbit as a pet be at least seven years of age or older.

Ultimately, having a rabbit is much like having another child—a toddler. It is essential to consider the life that each family member deserves, and this includes rabbits. Rabbits can be beautiful additions to the family, but only when the family is ready and the environment is right.