Can You Have a Rabbit as a Pet? Everything You Need to Know Before Getting One
August 24, 2026
Rabbits are one of the most popular small pets in the United States — and it’s easy to see why. They’re quiet, expressive, and can form surprisingly strong bonds with their owners. But before you bring one home, it’s worth knowing what you’re actually signing up for.
Owning a rabbit is a long-term commitment that involves real costs, specific housing needs, a carefully managed diet, and regular veterinary care. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from legality and daily care to costs and where to find a rabbit near you.
Can You Have a Rabbit as a Pet?
Yes, you can absolutely have a rabbit as a pet in the United States. Rabbits are common “small animal” pets in the US, and domesticated breeds are widely available through shelters, breeders, and pet stores across the country. They are not classified as exotic animals and require no special federal permit to own as a companion animal.
That said, “rabbit” covers a wide range of breeds with very different sizes, temperaments, and care requirements. Whether you’re drawn to a compact small rabbit breed or one of the impressive giant rabbit breeds, the fundamentals of care remain similar — but space and food quantities will scale with the animal’s size.
One important distinction to make upfront: domesticated rabbits and wild rabbits are not the same thing. Keeping a wild rabbit as a pet is illegal in most jurisdictions in the United States, because wild rabbits cannot be fully tamed or domesticated, and they will live with constant stress in a captive environment. If you want a pet rabbit, you want a domesticated one — bred and raised for companionship.
Pro Tip: Before adopting, check with your landlord or HOA if you rent or live in a managed community. Not all landlords allow pets, and failing to disclose a rabbit can result in fines or eviction.
Are Rabbits Legal to Keep as Pets?
For domesticated rabbits, the answer is yes in all 50 US states — but local rules vary more than most people expect. A rabbit’s legal classification can shift between “livestock” and “pet,” as there is no single, universally applied rule across the United States. The determination hinges on the specific laws at different levels of government and the context in which the rabbit is being raised.
For most rabbit owners, local city and county ordinances have the most direct impact on how they can keep their animals. A rabbit kept indoors as a companion animal is governed by local ordinances concerning pets. These rules usually focus on licensing, vaccination requirements, and nuisance laws, such as noise or odor complaints. In this context, the rabbit is treated no differently than a cat or dog.
Many municipalities place caps on how many rabbits you can keep. For example, some city codes limit residents to two adult rabbits per property, while others allow up to four small animals in any combination. No person owning, in possession of, or in charge of the care of any rabbit shall permit the rabbit to be at large within the city. Rabbits shall be confined in adequate enclosures that are neat, clean and free of disturbing odors.
If you plan to keep rabbits for agricultural purposes — such as meat or breeding for sale — the rules shift considerably. If rabbits are raised for production purposes, such as for meat, fur, or breeding for sale, they are more likely to be classified as livestock. This purpose shifts the governing authority from local pet ordinances to state and local agricultural regulations. Raising multiple rabbits in outdoor hutches for meat production, for example, would likely subject the owner to rules regarding sanitation, waste disposal, and potentially commercial licensing.
The bottom line: always check your city or county ordinances before getting a rabbit, especially if you rent your home or live in a neighborhood with an HOA. You can also explore rabbit ownership rules specific to Colorado as one example of how state-level context can matter.
What Does It Take to Care for a Pet Rabbit?
Rabbits are often marketed as easy, low-maintenance starter pets — but that reputation is misleading. Many people choose rabbits as pets due to the misconception that they are easy, low-maintenance, short-lived, and inexpensive. A narrative that is perpetuated by breeders and pet stores. However, this often leads to improper care: rabbits are kept in too-small cages and hutches and fed a diet that is unsuitable, they are deprived of necessary veterinary attention, and often dumped outdoors where they cannot survive when the novelty wears off. As a result, rabbits suffer and live only a fraction of their potential 10+ year lifespan.
Here’s what proper rabbit care actually involves:
- Housing: Domestic rabbits should live inside the home. Living outside in a hutch or pen shortens a rabbit’s 10 to 15-year lifespan drastically. Indoor rabbits need a large enclosure — at least 2 stretched-out bunny lengths, and a place to run and play. They need another area besides their cage to run, hop, and binky around safely for at least two hours a day.
- Socialization: Rabbits are social animals. Many rabbit welfare organizations recommend keeping bonded pairs to prevent loneliness, especially when owners are away for long hours.
- Grooming: Most breeds need regular brushing to reduce shedding and prevent hairballs. Long-haired breeds like Angoras require daily grooming. Nails need to be trimmed every 4–6 weeks.
- Rabbit-proofing: Rabbits chew — everything. Before giving your rabbit free-roam time, you’ll need to cover electrical cords, protect baseboards, and block off areas you don’t want them accessing.
- Litter training: Rabbits can be litter trained, which makes indoor living much more manageable. Spaying or neutering significantly improves litter habits and reduces territorial behaviors.
Rabbits should not be left alone for more than 24 hours. Finding a pet sitter you can trust or a boarding facility experienced with rabbits is a challenge. Facilities that board dogs are not suitable, as the constant barking can be stressful for rabbits and cause them to stop eating.
Veterinary care is also non-negotiable. As prey animals, rabbits instinctively hide signs of illness and do so very well. They should get a wellness exam with blood work every year with an experienced exotic veterinarian even if they “seem healthy,” so that illnesses can be caught and treated in the early stage. By the time symptoms become obvious, it may be too late or much more difficult to treat.
Important Note: Not all veterinarians treat rabbits. You’ll need to find an exotic animal vet or a rabbit-savvy vet in your area before you bring your rabbit home — not after they get sick.
What Do Rabbits Eat?
A rabbit’s diet is more structured than most new owners expect. Rabbits are herbivores and are considered grazers, because they eat continuously. They have a complex digestive system and are very efficient at processing food. Like horses, rabbits have a cecum and are “hind-gut” fermenters. They also have very specific dietary needs.
The three pillars of a healthy rabbit diet are hay, fresh vegetables, and a small amount of pellets. Here’s how each one works:
Hay — the Foundation
Hay should comprise 85% of an adult rabbit’s diet. Unlimited, high-quality grass hay, such as timothy, orchard, or brome, should make up the bulk of a rabbit’s diet. Grass hay is high in fiber, which is critical to maintaining a rabbit’s healthy digestive tract. Daily consumption of hay also allows rabbits to use a normal grinding motion of the cheek teeth, which keeps them in proper alignment.
Alfalfa hay is high in protein and minerals like calcium, which can be too rich for adult rabbits, causing health problems like obesity and bladder stones. Alfalfa is great for a baby or growing bunny up to 1 year old, but an adult bunny usually needs a grass hay like timothy.
Fresh Vegetables
Feed 2 cups daily of fresh vegetables per 6 pounds of body weight for adult rabbits. Dwarf breeds and rabbits under 5 pounds should get just 1 cup of fresh veggies per day. A variety of two or three vegetables is ideal. Add one new vegetable at a time, and watch for signs of loose stool or diarrhea because of bunnies’ delicate digestive systems.
Safe daily greens include romaine lettuce, cilantro, parsley, kale (in rotation), and bok choy. Do not feed your rabbit potatoes, corn, beans, seeds, or nuts. These foods are difficult for rabbits to digest and can cause serious digestive problems. Carrots, despite their popular association with rabbits, are high in sugar and should only be given as an occasional treat.
Pellets
For adult rabbits, timothy pellets should be offered at approximately 1/8 to 1/4 cup per 5 lbs of body weight. Over-feeding pellets to adult rabbits is a common cause of obesity and soft stool, as pellets are generally low in long-strand fiber and high in carbohydrates, and can cause an overgrowth of abnormal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
Rabbit pellets should be high in fiber — ideally 18–22% or more — and should not have seeds, nuts, or artificial additives. Avoid the colorful “gourmet” mixes sold in many pet stores; they look appealing but are nutritionally poor for rabbits.
According to the House Rabbit Society, rabbits also need unlimited fresh water at all times. A heavy ceramic bowl tends to work better than a water bottle, as rabbits can drink more easily from an open bowl.
Do Rabbits Make Good Pets?
Rabbits can be wonderful companions — but they’re not a good fit for every household. Understanding what they are (and aren’t) before adopting is the most important thing you can do for both yourself and the animal.
Domesticated rabbits are bred for companionship, so they are usually friendly and loyal toward their owners. They also do not carry the same diseases as wild rabbits, so there is very little risk of contracting an illness from them. Domesticated bunnies have been selectively bred over hundreds of years to produce a wide variety of colors and markings, and with proper socialization, they thrive with their human companions.
Rabbits are also quiet, odor-free when their litter box is maintained, and well-suited to apartment living — provided they get enough exercise time outside their enclosure each day. If you’re looking for a breed known for its gentle personality, explore the friendliest rabbit breeds or browse rabbit breeds recommended as pets to find a good match.
However, rabbits are not ideal for every family situation. Rabbits do not make good children’s pets or “starter pets.” Rabbits are friendly, social creatures, but most hate being picked up — which is what children want to do with them. Rabbits will kick, claw, and bite to get free of an unwanted lift-off. Allowing a child to handle a rabbit who doesn’t want to be picked up has led to many children being badly clawed, bitten, or kicked.
Some rabbit breeds can also display territorial or aggressive behaviors, especially if they are not spayed or neutered. If you’re curious about temperament differences across breeds, the most aggressive rabbit breeds guide is a useful reference before you decide.
Pros and Cons of Having a Rabbit as a Pet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quiet — no barking or loud vocalizations | Require exotic/rabbit-savvy vet, which can be hard to find |
| Long lifespan of 8–12 years for strong bonding | Long lifespan means a long financial and time commitment |
| Can be litter trained for clean indoor living | Chew everything — require significant rabbit-proofing |
| Social and affectionate with proper handling | Do not like being held or picked up — not ideal for young children |
| Apartment-friendly size (most breeds) | Cannot be left alone for more than 24 hours |
| Wide variety of breeds and personalities | Spay/neuter surgery is expensive and medically necessary |
| Relatively quiet and low-allergen compared to dogs | Diet is more complex than most people expect |
If allergies are a concern in your household, it’s worth looking into hypoallergenic rabbit breeds, which tend to shed less and produce fewer allergens than average. And if you’re drawn to a particularly striking coat, fluffy rabbit breeds offer a lot of variety — though they do require more grooming time.
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Pet Rabbit?
Rabbits are not cheap pets, despite what many people assume. Rabbits live 8 to 12 years. Multiply those costs, and it’s clear that rabbits, while small, aren’t “cheap pets.” Here’s a realistic breakdown of what to expect.
Upfront Costs
The initial setup cost for a rabbit typically ranges from $200 to $300. This includes the purchase or adoption fee, which is about $25 to $100 per rabbit or more for “show” rabbits. A suitable habitat can cost between $45 and $100, and additional accessories like a carrier, litter box, water bowl, hidey house, tunnel, and toys will likely add around $75.
Most rabbits cost $35–50 if adopted from a shelter, but expect to pay more than $100 if you are buying directly from a breeder. You should also expect to spend $300 on the initial supplies and another $300 on the neuter surgery. Spaying or neutering is strongly recommended — it reduces aggression, improves litter habits, and is medically important, especially for female rabbits.
Monthly Ongoing Costs
According to data compiled by Vety (as of 2026), items like food, toys, and bedding cost $50 to $100 per month. A more detailed breakdown from Rabbit Hole Hay shows that a healthy adult rabbit should have unlimited access to fresh hay, costing around $20 to $40 per month. Pellets are cheaper, averaging $5 to $15 monthly. Fresh greens can add another $15 to $25 depending on your rabbit’s size and your region.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Rabbit (adoption/purchase) | $25–$150+ | One-time |
| Housing (cage, pen, or hutch) | $50–$300 | One-time |
| Spay/neuter surgery | $100–$500 | One-time |
| Starter supplies (carrier, bowls, litter box, toys) | $75–$150 | One-time |
| Hay | $20–$40 | Monthly |
| Pellets | $5–$15 | Monthly |
| Fresh vegetables | $15–$25 | Monthly |
| Litter (paper-based) | $15–$25 | Monthly |
| Routine vet visit | $60–$100 | Annually (minimum) |
| Emergency vet care | $100–$800+ | As needed |
| Pet insurance | $15–$50 | Monthly |
Over a rabbit’s full lifetime, the estimated lifetime cost for owning a rabbit could range from approximately $16,000 to $30,000. That figure reflects annual vet care, food, supplies, and the occasional emergency — all spread across a 10+ year lifespan. It’s a significant commitment, and one worth planning for before you adopt.
Pro Tip: Buying hay in bulk from a farm supply store or ordering from a specialty retailer can cut your monthly hay bill significantly compared to buying small bags at a pet store. Some rabbit owners buy directly from local farms for even greater savings.
Where to Get a Pet Rabbit
There are several ways to find a pet rabbit in the United States, and the right choice depends on your priorities — whether that’s cost, breed specificity, or giving a rabbit a second chance.
Shelters and rescues are the best first stop for most prospective rabbit owners. Even if you have your heart set on a specific breed, always check your local animal shelter first. You never know what kinds of rabbits you’ll find there, and you might just fall in love with another bunny unexpectedly. Even better, you’ll be rescuing a rabbit and helping to prevent the overpopulation of animal shelters. Adoption fees typically run $20–$75 and often include spay/neuter, which saves you a significant upfront cost.
Breeders are the right choice if you want a specific breed, a documented pedigree, or a rabbit with a known health history. If you’re looking for a specific breed, you’ll often have to find a breeder to purchase your rabbit. That can end up running you a couple of hundred dollars, and many of the more reputable breeders have a waiting list for bringing home new bunnies. Look for breeders affiliated with the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), which maintains breed standards and ethical breeding guidelines across the country.
Pet stores are a less recommended option. In general, pet stores are not recommended for getting a rabbit. They tend to be over-bred and not well cared for. If you do use a pet store, ask about the source of their rabbits and whether they can provide health documentation.
Before you decide on a breed, it helps to do your research. You can explore a broad overview of types of rabbit breeds to understand the range of sizes, coat types, and temperaments available. The American rabbit breeds guide is also a good starting point if you want a breed with a strong domestic history in the US.
One thing to avoid: never accept a “free baby rabbit” from an online listing without doing your homework. Beware if you find a local listing for a free baby rabbit. This is often the result of unwitting owners leaving two unfixed rabbits to amuse themselves, and a contributing factor to the rabbit overpopulation. The rabbit may have unknown health issues or come from poor conditions.
Wherever you get your rabbit, make sure you have your housing, diet plan, and a rabbit-savvy vet lined up before the animal comes home. That preparation is what separates a successful rabbit ownership experience from a frustrating one — for both you and your new pet. You can also review the full difference between hares and rabbits if you want to make sure you’re adopting the right type of animal for your household.