04.08.25
If someone asked you to name the top three companion animals, you might be inclined to include rabbits within your answer, after dogs and cats. Rabbits are commonly perceived to be suitable pets, often for children and families, but are they?
An animal’s suitability as a companion often depends on how well their needs align with their owner’s lifestyle, and a big part of this is being able to provide them with the space they need. But a recent study carried out by researchers in partnership with Woodgreen Pets Charity has found that over 80% of participants had never heard of the recommended minimum housing size for rabbits. This lack of awareness, combined with some outdated views, raises important questions about rabbit welfare and their suitability as pets.
The hutch mentality
When asked about appropriate rabbit housing at local community events, most participants in Woodgreen’s study immediately imagined a hutch. For many, this image was shaped by childhood memories or pet shop displays. One comment summed it up: “You own a rabbit; you buy a hutch.”
But when shown visual aids of the recommended housing size, many were shocked by how much space rabbits actually need. Some people even reflected with guilt on the cramped conditions their childhood rabbits lived in.
Pet shop problems
The research found that of those that cared for rabbits, people that had adopted them from a rescue centre had a much greater understanding of their housing needs, compared with those that had purchased a rabbit from a pet shop.
Many people wrongly assume that pet shops only sell products that meet animals’ welfare standards. It’s an easy mistake to make, but one with serious consequences when it comes to housing rabbits properly.
What do rabbits really need?
According to the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund, a pair of rabbits should have at least:
- 3m x 2m of secure space,
- 1m in height,
- With a separate sleeping area and space to run, dig, and explore.
Most participants said they didn’t have the room to provide this, with some admitting they were unlikely to get rabbits because the enclosure would compete with other uses such as gardening.
One person said that they would be surprised if anyone could meet the minimum requirements, as they didn’t expect that their enclosures would take up so much space.
Are rabbits suitable pets for children?
Many participants had owned rabbits as children and viewed them as “starter pets.” But this idea doesn’t align with reality. Rabbits have complex social, environmental, and behavioural needs. They’re not always easy to handle, and they require regular, responsible care.
In fact, 71% of past rabbit owners said they wouldn’t choose to own rabbits again, citing difficulties with cleaning, handling, and space needs.
The research sends a clear message – that there is still much work to be done to improve public understanding about the needs of rabbits. Once we know better, we can do better, and for some, doing better might mean accepting that their care requirements mean rabbits are not the right companion for them.
With rescues nationally struggling with the number of abandoned and surrendered rabbits and small animals, it is more important than ever to take time to research the needs of the animals we wish to bring into our lives and think seriously about the life-changing decision to get a pet.
Click here to read the full research article.
