HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL. – Every year, the sale of rabbits as pets increases dramatically in the weeks before Easter.
And every year, many of those rabbits are turned over to animal shelters as parents find out how expensive rabbits are to care for and how much-specialized care they require.
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay and pet shelter officials from Hillsborough and Pasco counties remind residents that there are many factors that should be considered before making an impulse buy of a rabbit:
- Rabbits are not cuddly. They enjoy and need social contact, but generally do not like to be picked up or cuddled. Their spines are not flexible like a cat so improper handling can cause serious injuries. They sometimes bite.
- Rabbits are expensive. The cost of food, bedding, veterinary care, and cleaning and grooming supplies can total hundreds of dollars a year or more.
- Rabbits require a lot of specialized care. They should be brushed often, need daily exercise similar to a dog, and should be fed grass, hay, and leafy vegetables. They should be kept indoors and are not easily litterbox-trained. Like dogs and cats, rabbits need to be vaccinated.
- Rabbits live a long time, often a decade or more. Like other pets, the older they get, the more medical issues they have that need to be addressed.
- Rabbits should be sterilized, but sterilization can be dangerous for them. Unsterilized rabbits can exhibit anti-social behaviors and can contribute to overpopulation. Rabbits, however, do not react well to anesthesia, making the sterilization process potentially life-threatening.
- Rabbits can be destructive. In addition to potty-training accidents, rabbits like to chew, including on furniture.
Both Hillsborough County Pet Resources and Pasco County Animal Control have begun campaigns to educate residents about the costs and responsibilities of rabbit ownership. In many cases, a much better option for a child who wants a pet is to adopt a dog or cat from a local shelter.
Residents who have researched rabbits and still want one are urged to adopt from a shelter or rescue group.
Another adoption alternative: On Saturday, April 9, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay will hold an Easter celebration with kid-and pet-friendly activities, including egg hunts and photos with the Easter Bunny. The Easter Eggstravaganza will be at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay building, 3607 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL 33607.
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