PDSA

Getting your rabbits

Here's where we recommend you get your rabbits from

Getting your rabbits

Where your rabbits come from can have a big effect on how healthy and happy they are for the rest of their life.

Try to do as much research as you can and choose where you get your rabbit from carefully. The wrong choice can mean your rabbit might require lots of vet treatment, which can be expensive.

Remember, rabbits need a companion so never buy just one rabbit to live on its own. Ideally, look for two or more bonded bunnies.

Here’s what we recommend at PDSA....

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We recommend

Leading animal welfare charity rehoming centres.

  • Several well-known animal welfare charities e.g. Blue Cross and RSPCA have rehoming centres for all pets, including rabbits.
  • Reputable welfare organisations will health check all pets before they are rehomed and will also help match the most suitable pet to your home and lifestyle.

 

We recommend with caution

Other animal rescue centres or sanctuaries

There are lots of rescue centres and sanctuaries that are not run by leading animal welfare organisations. They are mostly run by committed, well-intentioned people but try to check the health standards of the rabbits, and their living conditions before rehoming a pet from them.

Getting your rabbits from a friend or family member

You can sometimes get rabbits from people you know and trust. Always check your new rabbits are healthy and have been handled from a young age.

Pet shops

Pet shops often have rabbits for sale. If you do get rabbits from a pet shop, make sure you check they are healthy and have been raised in a clean environment. 

Things to check

If you do get a rabbits from a local sanctuary, a friend or a pet shop, here are some things to bear in mind: 

  • Try to choose your rabbits from a place where the living environment is clean and hygienic and contains suitable bedding, nest box, toys and food.
  • Your rabbits should be bright and alert when awake.
  • They should not have any discharges around their eyes, nose, ears or bottom.
  • It’s best if rabbits have been gently handled regularly from a young age to help get them used to people.

 

We do NOT recommend

Newspaper and websites

Try to check their living environment is hygienic and has allowed your pet to get used to normal household life.

Are rabbits the right pet for you?

Thinking of getting some rabbits? #Pawsfirst and take our quiz to find out if they're the right pet for your family and lifestyle. 

Take the quiz!

Company for rabbits

Rabbits need other rabbits for company. Find out more about keeping rabbits in pairs or groups and how to introduce a new bunny to the mix. 

Read more

Rabbit breeds

Read our guides to different breeds of rabbit and the care that they need. 

Our breed guides