Thinking of Getting a Pet Rabbit? What to Check Before You Buy

Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, and also one of the most commonly given up — welfare guidance is direct that they're more complex to keep well than they look. Before you take one home, it's worth knowing what that complexity actually involves.

A genuine long-term commitment: 8 to 12 years

The RSPCA says a rabbit living in a safe, stimulating environment with a nutritious diet and plenty of company can typically live 8 to 12 years, sometimes longer — a decade-plus commitment, similar in length to a dog's. It describes rabbits as requiring “high quality care, routine vet visits and constant attention,” not a low-maintenance starter pet. RSPCA, pet rabbits.

Complex animals, not simple ones

The RSPCA describes rabbits as “complex animals with complex needs,” requiring specialised care, space and access to a vet experienced with rabbits specifically — not just any small-pet vet. They're also genuinely fragile: easily injured, and as prey animals, generally prefer not to be picked up. Adult supervision is essential whenever children handle them.

The single-rabbit problem is real and common

The RSPCA cites a striking figure: 42% of pet rabbits in the UK lived alone in 2024. It presents this as a genuine welfare failure, not a neutral statistic — rabbits must not live alone unless a vet or qualified behaviourist specifically advises it. Our companionship guide covers the recommended pairing and how to bond two rabbits safely, and neutering is necessary both to prevent fighting between a pair and to stop unwanted breeding.

Adopt rather than buy, where you can

The RSPCA states its preference plainly: “It's better to adopt rabbits rather than buying them from a pet shop. That way you know you're giving them a second chance.” This isn't framed as one option among several — it's a direct recommendation, and rescue centres commonly already have bonded, neutered pairs available.

Before you buy: space, health and cost

Rabbit space requirements are written for a pair, not one animal — see our space guide for the real minimums, and our health guide for what ongoing vet care involves. Run realistic numbers with plan my setup and our cost guide before committing, since neutering and vet-specific care add up quickly. Breed also matters more than most first-timers expect — see our breed size guide for real weight figures from dwarf to giant.

Source: RSPCA, “Pet Rabbits”: rspca.org.uk. Sources checked: September 2026. General information, not a substitute for advice from a rescue, breeder or vet.

Common questions

How long do pet rabbits live?

The RSPCA says a rabbit living in a safe, stimulating environment with a nutritious diet and plenty of company can typically live 8 to 12 years, sometimes longer.

Should I adopt or buy a rabbit?

The RSPCA says it's better to adopt rabbits rather than buy them from a pet shop, since adopting gives a rabbit a second chance. It's a clear preference stated directly, not just one option among several.

How common is it for pet rabbits to live alone, and is that a problem?

The RSPCA cites a real figure: 42% of pet rabbits in the UK lived alone in 2024, which it presents as a genuine welfare problem, not a neutral statistic — rabbits must not live alone unless specifically advised otherwise by a vet.

Can children handle pet rabbits unsupervised?

No — the RSPCA is specific that adult supervision is essential, particularly for children, since rabbits are fragile creatures that can be easily injured and, as prey animals, generally prefer not to be picked up.