Do you or a member of your family want a pet rabbit? Do you need some help to make sure it is the right thing to do? Do you want to know more about what is involved with caring for a pet rabbit? Then you have come to the right place. This blog will tell you all you need to know & will help you make up your mind, on that all important decision!
##First things you need to know are…
###Rabbits are amazing animals in so many ways.
###They do make great pets, you just have to be well prepared for them.
###The more you put in, the more you get out.
Rabbits need to learn to trust you & will naturally be shy, reserved & maybe even aggressive, until they do learn to trust you.Once they do trust you, they will become your best friend, but it doesn’t just happen. You will have to want to spend time with them & be very patient. You have to also work at keeping them happy & healthy. Rabbits are not the easy pet that most people think they are.
###Rabbits can make a great addition to families
Just make sure the whole family care for the rabbit. Never leave it all for your children to do themselves. Rabbits can be complex animals to care for and are far too much responsibility for children alone to look after.
## Did you know? Rabbits are very similar to dogs! Here’s how…
###Just like a dog rabbits are full of energy
###Just like a dog, they need daily exercising (but don’t worry, that doesn’t mean taking them out for a walk!)
###Just like a dog, they love company
###Just like a dog, they can be cheeky & mischievous
###Just like a dog they can be litter trained, very easily
###Just like a dog they can learn words & some commands
###Just like a dog, they need to be spayed/neutered
###Just like a dog, they will need to be registered at a vets for vaccinations and health checks
###Just like a dog, rabbits hate to be confined to small spaces
###Just like a dog, rabbits love their food, especially treats
###Just like a dog, rabbits can live for more than 10 years
###Just like a dog, rabbits will always depend on you
**So, now you have a better picture of what a rabbit is about!**
## Now here’s what you will need to think about…
### Decide if you are going to have your rabbit live indoors with you or outdoors.
###Decide how many rabbits. One or two?
If you can only have one, then have them live indoors with you as a house rabbit, so they do not get lonely.
If you are able to have two, there are plenty of bonded pairs in rescues, who have already been spayed/neutered. Perfect!
###Think what kind of bunny home would be best suited for the space you have.
You need to create a secure, spacious, fun home that has different areas of interest.
To see some great rabbit homes to help inspire you, visit our Pinterest page
[here](https://www.pinterest.co.uk/best4bunny/great-rabbit-home-ideas/)
### Decide if you want a young baby bunny or a more mature rabbit.
The younger they are, the more time it will take to train them. Adult rabbits are quicker to train & just as playful as young rabbits & they can live for 10+ years.
### Visit your local rescue
Volunteer for a day & you will get to know so much about rabbits. You may also fall in love with one or two while you are there.
## Here’s a little on how to care for a rabbit…
### Get cleaning!
Rabbits are very clean animals and love a clean home, so regular cleaning will be needed.
If you won’t lay down in their home, don’t expect your rabbit to either!
### Get to grips with your bunny’s diet
Food is very important & rabbits do like their food (especially treats)
You will need to take time in finding out what food suits your rabbit’s digestive system the best. Rabbits have sensitive stomachs & new foods always need to be introduced slowly.
### Get brushing
Grooming your rabbit regularly & learning how to do basic health checks are very important.
### Keep them happy
Rabbits need to keep their minds active. They can become bored and depressed if they have noting to do. Spend time with them and keep them entertained with plenty of exercise and lots of rabbit friendly toys.
### Find a good vet
Rabbits are classed as exotic animals & most vets don’t know as much about them, as they do cats & dogs! Talk to your local vet about how well they know rabbit health. Ask them if they have a rabbit savvy vet, if they don’t try to find one. Look for a vets that specialises in exotic pets.
## Here’s what to do, if you have decided a rabbit is for you…
### Adopt don’t shop
**Please go to a rescue and adopt a rabbit (or two) that’s waiting for their forever home.**
The rabbits at rescues should already be neutered/spayed & vaccinated, so you don’t have to worry about that side of things.
They should be health checked also & the rescue will be able to tell you all about the rabbit’s personality. You will also have someone to contact should you have a question about caring for your rabbit.
You just pay them an adoption fee! What a great deal!
Plus adopting a rescue animal & giving them a home makes you feel truly amazing!
To find a local rescue in the UK [click here](http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/centres.asp)
To find a local rescue in the US [click here](https://www.petfinder.com/animal-shelters-and-rescues/search/)
