Easter is coming and many families will purchase live rabbits for their children as pets. Unfortunately, many people think rabbits are good starter pets and don’t know what they are getting themselves into. Rabbits are harder to care for than a cat or dog. As a result, many end up at shelters and children learn that pets are disposable.
Before getting a rabbit, people should ask themselves these important questions:
1. Are you willing to make a 7-10 year commitment? That is the average lifespan of a rabbit.
2. What happens when your child gets bored of the bunny after a few months?
3. Do you have a good place in your house to set up a large cage or pen for the rabbit?
4. Are you willing to pay to get your rabbit spayed/neutered and provide vet care?
5. Do you realize that most rabbits hate to be held or picked up? Will your child accept that?
6. Are you willing to supervise any children under 7 when they are near the rabbit to make sure they don’t pick them up? Rabbits are fragile and may break a leg or spine if accidentally dropped.
7. Can you provide three hours of exercise time every day in a rabbit-proofed area?
8. Do you want the rabbit too? The rabbit should be a family pet.
If you can answer these questions appropriately, then please go to rabbit.org or rabbitnetwork.org to make sure you know what you are getting yourself into.
Finally, if a rabbit is right for you and your family, please consider adopting one from a shelter or rescue group. Not only will you enrich your family with a new member, but you will also teach your kids the value of saving a life.
Laura Sisk
Burlington
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