Photo by Mark McQueen
Rabbits as Pets
Rabbits can make wonderful pets. They’re very social animals who enjoy love and attention from their human families. But they do best when they have close companionship with a bonded rabbit partner.
Rabbits have special care needs and a life expectancy of over 10 years. They require an indoor home and vet care from a rabbit-savvy vet. They are fragile and do not like to be picked up, so are seldom suitable for children and are never appropriate as a “starter pet.”
If you’ve never had a rabbit before, it’s critical that you do your research to understand a rabbit’s needs and your responsibilities as their caretaker.
What You Need to Know Before Adopting a Rabbit
You’ll find good sources of information about caring for rabbits on websites and, better yet, by consulting with rabbit experts. Rescue groups that specialize in rabbit adoptions can be your best resources for learning the ins and outs of providing your rabbit with the best home possible.
Join this international chat group to get idea about what it’s like to own a rabbit.
Where Can I Adopt a Rabbit?
In New York City, it is illegal for pet shops to sell rabbits. But many rabbits are available for adoption from rabbit rescue groups and shelters in and around New York City.
Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC)
Veterinary Care for Rabbits
To locate a veterinarian who specializes in rabbit health and medicine, visit the Bunnies and Beyond website.
Where Can I Have My Rabbit Spayed or Neutered?
If your rabbit has not yet been spayed or neutered, it’s critical that you have it done as soon as possible, both for health reasons and also to ensure that your rabbit does not reproduce if you have intact male and female rabbits in your home.
Any of the veterinarians listed on www.BunniesandBeyond.org offer spay/neuter services for rabbits. However, if you need a low-cost spay/neuter option for your rabbit, please contact the following.
Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine
562 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Phone: (212) 257-3807
Where Can I Surrender a Rabbit I Can No Longer Care For?
If you feel you need to surrender your rabbit because of behavioral issues, consider having your rabbit spayed or neutered, since many problem behaviors are caused by being intact.
If you feel that you no longer can care for your rabbit because of financial hardship, housing changes, or other personal circumstances, contact Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC). While ACC never turns away a pet in need, they first try to work with pet owners to find solutions to help them keep their pets in their homes.
