The following consumer information is provided by Karen A. Kandra, Communications Staff, Center for Veterinary Medicine. The following consumer information is provided by Karen A. Kandra, Communications Staff, Center for Veterinary Medicine. Rabbits make excellent pets, and offer a wonderful alternative where it may be impossible to keep dogs or cats. Rabbits are clean, docile, and intelligent. However, they still require responsible care and daily attention.
Basic needs are a warm, dry hutch, clean, wholesome food, and fresh water to drink.
Rabbits may live 10 to 15 years. Since there are over 40 recognized breeds of rabbits, check with a reliable breeder to determine what type would fit in with your lifestyle. The most popular are the smaller breeds, such as the Dutch, Holland Lop, Mini Lop, Netherland Dwarf, and Polish. Rabbits may be taught to use a litter box, and may be leash trained for trips outside the house. Housing Rabbits may be safely housed indoors or outdoors, as long as they have protection from rain, wind, and direct sunlight.