So You Want a Pet Rabbit - Is a bunny right for you?

Bringing a pet rabbit in to your home isn't something you do on a whim. It takes careful consideration, research, and education on how to properly care for the bunny. Rabbits are not as easy to care for as, for example, hamsters. They require more attention, but despite this having a pet rabbit can be incredibly rewarding. They are affectionate and playful creatures and the bond between human and rabbit can be as strong if not stronger than that between a human and a dog or a cat.

So, if you want a rabbit, here are some legitimate reasons for getting one:

• You want a companion to keep you company.
• You have another rabbit who needs a companion.
• You have a passion for animals and would like to care for a bunny in need.

These are by far the best answers to the question, "Why do you want a rabbit?" If you've found your answer to be similar to those above, keep in mind that there are thousands of rabbits out there in need of homes. Don't buy one from a pet store if you've got an animal shelter near by filled with abandoned rabbits. An adopted rabbit will be just as loving if not more so than one purchased from a pet store. If you're looking for a particular breed and you aren't able to find it in a shelter, you may want to search the internet for a breeder in your area; however, adopting your rabbit from a shelter is still highly recommended because no matter what the breed, a rabbit is still a rabbit.

What are some bad reasons for getting a rabbit? There are plenty, but I'll name a few of the more common ones...

• I want a pet for my young child.
• I saw a cute one in the pet store and I couldn't resist.
• It's Easter and i think it'd be a cute gift for my children.
• I'm bored with my other pets and I want something new.

Why are these all bad reasons? Because anyone who would list one of the above as their reasoning for getting a pet rabbit has obviously not done their research. They don't realize that rabbits can live to be over ten years of age. They also don't realize that rabbits are not good pets for young children. If you have young children, the care of the rabbit must not be entrusted to them as they are not yet mature enough to properly care for the rabbit. Many adults are not even mature enough to care properly for a rabbit so you shouldn't expect a young child to be able to do what some adults cannot do. Getting a rabbit on a whim is also a poor decision because you may decide that a rabbit is not the right pet for you and that rabbit will end up in a shelter with the thousands of other abandoned rabbits out there.

If your decision to get a pet rabbit is carefully decided and well educated, a rabbit can become your best friend. They will give you many hours of enjoyment every day as well as a brand of love and affection that only a rabbit can give. If your decision is not educated, however well intentioned it may seem, both you and, most importantly, the rabbit will have to suffer the consequences.

The first step to take after you've decided you legitimately are interested in getting a rabbit is to read up on proper rabbit care. So, what are you waiting for?! Check your local library for more information. Best of luck to you on your journey to rabbit ownership!