Where can I buy a rabbit?

Adopting a rabbit from a reputable rescue is best for the rabbits and you. It means you will have a lot more support. If a bond goes wrong, or your circumstances change, then rescues will give support and advice. Plus, if things don’t work out then most rescues will prioritise taking back a bunny who has already passed through their doors.

Adopting a rabbit from a reputable rescue means that you will understand their personality and health issues in advance. Foster-to-adopt schemes might be a good way of making sure you’ve made the right decision. Bunnies from reputable rescues will also be vaccinated and neutered in advance.

While there are other options such as pet shops, breeders, and online secondhand sites it’s worth considering the wider implication - buying from a breeder or pet shop reinforces the commodified cycle of the pet industry where rabbits are being churned out to a saturated 'market'. Sadly there are too many rabbits, not enough homes and the rescues are full. By adopting from a rescue you will end up helping not only the rabbit you are adopting but the rabbit who can be rescued in their place too.

What breed of rabbit should I get?
There are lots of different rabbit breeds but it’s worth considering the personality of the specific rabbit over choosing a breed. Personality is not consistent with breed and it is much better to discuss which specific rabbits would be best for you and your family with a rescue. Fostering a rabbit first and finding out just how destructive or energetic they might be is a great way of double-checking you’ve made the right decision.

With that said, it is worth taking into account that extreme breeds of rabbits are much more likely to develop health conditions. Insurance is a necessity but it will be more expensive for extreme breeds such as french lops, angoras, or dwarf lops.

What breed of rabbit is best for children?
There is no rabbit breed that is better for children and there is no breed that is the friendliest - or more affectionate. Personality is not consistent with breed and every rabbit is different and unique. Talk to a reputable rescue to discuss which of their available rabbits would be most appropriate for you and your family. While some rabbits will be happy to interact with children others won’t react well to the extra attention they might get. Reputable rabbit rescues are great at telling you in advance which bunnies will be the best fit for children.

Finding a rabbit breeder
While some rabbit breeders are more reputable than others it’s worth remembering that they are all businesses so the rabbits’ welfare will sadly always come second to making a sale. For advice on what rabbit to get or where to start looking for a bunny, always contact a local rescue first. Reputable rabbit rescues will always outline any known health issues in advance and make sure you are properly prepared for bringing your rabbits home.