Is a Rabbit the Right Pet for You? Essential Considerations for Individuals and Families

A guide to deciding if rabbit ownership suits your lifestyle, home, and responsibilities

Rabbits make adorable, friendly, and inquisitive companions, but deciding whether to welcome one into your home is a big commitment. Before hopping into pet rabbit ownership, it's important to evaluate your lifestyle, living situation, and readiness for the responsibilities involved. Here’s what you should consider to determine if owning a rabbit is right for you or your family.

Space Requirements: Room to Hop

Rabbits need more than just a hutch or cage – they require ample room to exercise, play, and explore. Ideally, your rabbit should have access to a safe, bunny-proofed area of your home or backyard for several hours each day. A cramped environment can lead to boredom, stress, and health issues. Consider:

• A secure indoor pen or a large hutch with an attached run outdoors.

• Room for your rabbit to stretch, jump, and move freely (at least 3m x 2m as a minimum for a pair).

• Ensuring all areas are safe from hazards like electrical cords, toxic plants, or gaps they could squeeze through.

Renting? Check Property and Compliance Requirements

If you’re renting, always check your lease agreement and speak with your landlord before bringing home a rabbit. Some rentals have strict ‘no pets’ policies or require written permission. Even if rabbits are permitted, you may need to:

• Pay a pet bond or extra deposit.

• Agree to professional cleaning after your lease ends.

• Provide proof of pet insurance.

• Adhere to limits on the number or size of pets.

Additionally, some councils in Australia have local by-laws about keeping rabbits, especially in states like Queensland and the Northern Territory where restrictions apply. Always check your local regulations to ensure compliance.

Lifestyle and Commitment

Rabbits can live up to 10-12 years, meaning they’re a long-term commitment. They require daily feeding, cleaning, social interaction, and regular vet check-ups (including vaccinations and desexing). Consider your daily schedule, holidays, and who will care for your rabbit in your absence.

If you are away from home for work or family commitments, consider getting two so they can keep each other company (as rabbits are herd animals too). Most rabbits will be OK on their own, and will possibly show more engaging, social interactions with people. However, we generally recommend having a pair to offer a greater quality of life for the bun buns.

If you do go away on vacation, consider getting rabbit-savvy people to care for your rabbit(s) when you go. Lagoballo offer this service:

• Areas covered detailed here

• Book your care package here

Allergies, Young Children & Other Pets

Rabbits have delicate skeletons and can be easily injured if mishandled, so they’re not always ideal for very young children. Also, check if anyone in your household has allergies to hay or fur, as this could affect both the rabbit’s and your family’s wellbeing.

Also consider that rabbits are prey animals so are at higher risk in stressful environments. Whilst rabbits can get on with other animals, such as cats and dogs, they will be more susceptible to incidents or stress/trauma given the nature of predator-prey animal behaviours. For best outcomes and quality of life, the recommendation is to have rabbits on their own.

Rabbit Care Checklist

Consideration	Details
Space	Secure, spacious area for exercise and living
Permission	Landlord approval and council compliance
Time	Daily care and attention for up to 12 years
Budget	Food, bedding, vet bills, pet insurance
Travel	Arrangements for pet sitting during holidays
Allergies	No household allergies to hay or fur
Child Safety	Children old enough to handle rabbits gently
Other Pets	Predator vs prey pets have different safety, and environmental considerations

Final Thoughts

Rabbits are rewarding, affectionate pets for the right households, but they’re not low-maintenance. By considering your space, rental obligations, lifestyle, and readiness for long-term care, you can decide if bringing a bunny into your family is a wise move. If you tick all the boxes and are ready for the commitment, a rabbit might just be the perfect addition to your home!