How Much Does a Rabbit Cost? 2024 Price Update
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Most pet owners opt for a dog or cat1, with 65.1 million households having the former and 46.5 million of the latter. Rabbits are much further down the list, with 1.53 million homes including a lagomorph2. The average annual cost of owning a canine is roughly $1,200 for a canine and $680 for a feline. You may wonder where rabbits fall into the mix. The initial setup and supplies can range from $60-$1000 and around $30-$100 per month after that.
The largest share of pet expenses comes from food. Vet expenses are also a significant part of the mix. However, you’re probably not taking your bunny to the clinic as often as your pup since it doesn’t require vaccinations in most areas. Nevertheless, researching the costs of owning any pet is a vital part of the process, particularly if your budget is a deciding factor.
Bringing Home a New Rabbit: One-Time Costs
Several factors affect the price you have to pay to get a pet. You can get one for free from a rabbit owner breeding the animals as a hobby or to cover their expenses. Sadly, many pets are relinquished to shelters and rescue organizations. Their concern is finding suitable homes for these bunnies, although some charge an adoption fee to cover their costs.
The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) lists 49 official breeds in its ranks3. Purebred animals may command a higher price, particularly if the rabbits are of show quality. However, many breeders sell off their rabbits that don’t fit the show-ring standards. You’ll get a healthy animal at a more affordable price.
Free
Free sometimes comes at a cost. The last thing you want is to bring home a seemingly healthy animal only to find it is seriously ill because of improper care. We suggest checking reviews and testimonies from buyers before getting a rabbit simply because it’s free. It may end up costing you more than you think in the long run.
Adoption
- $25–$120
Most rescue organizations aren’t into the business to make money. They care about the rabbits. The fees they charge are typically what they need to cover their expenses. Remember that volunteers often provide administrative support and act as foster parents. Animals may cost more if they have been spayed or neutered. Often, vets donate or discount these services to make them more affordable.
Breeder
- $25–$250+
Buying from a breeder is a double-edged sword. You’ll likely get an animal that has been socialized from an early age. That makes them better pets, particularly if you have children. These sellers often screen potential buyers. They may not sell show-quality rabbits to someone who isn’t interested in that aspect of pet ownership. Instead, they may offer you a pet that doesn’t meet the standards at a lower cost.
Initial Setup and Supplies
- $60–$1,000+
The cage is undoubtedly your biggest one-time cost. We suggest considering the size of the full-grown animal to avoid having to upgrade and spend more cash down the road. You also must consider whether you’re housing the pet inside or outside of your home. The former is an excellent option that makes bonding with your bunny easier. It may also mean size limitations.
An outdoor hutch is a greater investment since these structures must handle the elements while keeping your pet safe and comfortable. It’s a better choice if you have a rabbit of a larger breed. Your other costs involve supplies you should add to the housing, including food bowls, water bottles, litter boxes, and bedding.
List of Rabbit Care Supplies and Costs
| Cage | $60–$1,000 |
| Bedding | $10–$60 |
| Spay/Neuter | $100 |
| Nail Clipper | $5–$10 |
| Brush/Comb | $7–$15 |
| Litter Box | $10–$30 |
| Litter Scoop | $5–$10 |
| Toys | $30 |
| Carrier | $20–$40 |
| Food Bowls and Water Bottles | $20–$30 |
How Much Does a Rabbit Cost Per Month?
- $30–$100 per month
Your main expenses are food, bedding, litter, and treats. There’s a lot of wiggle room with this figure. Hay is the staple food for rabbits, with pellets providing only a small portion. Manufacturers have improved the usability of bedding and litter, making them more effective. We suggest not skimping on these expenses since they play such a significant role in your pet’s well-being.
Health Care
- $10–$50 per month
e’ve listed a conservative range for this part of rabbit care. The chances are you’ll pay a lot less for an adult animal. Lagomorphs are generally healthy, so you probably won’t be paying the expenses of treating a pet with a chronic health condition. However, remember that preventive care is the best option for your bunny. That means routine exams and fecal tests for internal parasites.
See Also: Can Rabbits Get Covid?
Food
- $10–$40 per month
The optimal diet for a rabbit includes timothy hay, a commercial pellet diet, and fresh produce. You should provide fresh hay daily, so it’s always available to your pet. That will make up the bulk of your monthly food costs. A bag of pellets will last a while if you store it properly. Of course, the cost varies depending on the size of your bunny.
Pet Insurance
- $9+ per month
Nationwide was the only company we found that offered exotic pet insurance that included rabbits. Costs vary widely depending on where you live. Bunnies introduce a wild card into the mix because of the small number of vets who treat these animals. We recommend discussing your options with your vet to make the best choice for your budget.
Environment Maintenance
- $20–$50 per month
Bedding and litter are your primary expenses. The good news is that manufacturers have improved the quality of their offerings. Both last longer and are more absorbent so that you can get the best bang for your buck. Again, we recommend sticking with the best products since your choice directly impacts your rabbit’s health and well-being.
| Litter | $5/month |
| Deodorizing spray or granules | $5/month |
| Bedding | $20/month |
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Rabbit
- $50–$100 per month
An indoor rabbit will cost more than a dog or indoor-outdoor cat. Remember that your expenses include bedding which you typically don’t provide for these other pets. However, the money you dish out is a worthwhile investment since it has a direct impact on you and your household’s comfort. It’s also a matter of balance. Other costs are minimal with a bunny.
Additional Costs to Factor In
A rabbit may cost more for those unexpected and expected expenses. You’ll have the same issues with finding a vet who can treat bunnies if an emergency occurs. That may cost you more for treatment. The same thing applies to getting a pet sitter. You may have to pay a premium to find a person who will take care of rabbits, particularly if it needs any special medical care.
Owning a Rabbit on a Budget
We recommend getting in touch with other rabbit owners, whether it’s on a pet forum or a club membership. All face similar obstacles. Experienced individuals can offer a treasure trove of advice and put in touch with like-minded individuals. You may find leads toward getting a pet sitter or locating a vet who has an excellent rapport with lagomorphs.
Buying in bulk is always a safe option when trying to save money on rabbit care. The essential factor is storage to ensure it stays fresh and tasty. Supplementing your pet’s diet with fresh produce can also save you a few bucks. Often, a product with a label that says it’s specialized for a certain pet comes at a higher price.
Remember that your bunny can eat many foods you can, such as carrots, blueberries, and romaine lettuce. Instead of wasting your fresh fruits and vegetables, share them with your pet. You might even encourage your kids to eat more of these healthy foods.
Conclusion
Your biggest outlay when getting a rabbit is your one-time expenses for providing housing for your bunny. That’s not unusual, particularly with animals that need a special home. We suggest thinking carefully about these decisions before getting a rabbit. Consider how much space and money you have and let that guide your choices.
We also recommend considering your expectations with this pet. An indoor animal gives you more opportunities to interact with it, but you also must contend with added maintenance whenever you keep a pet inside your home. Finally, consider how much time and money you have to devote to owning a rabbit. Be realistic about what you and your household can contribute to its upbringing.
If you choose to get a rabbit, we recommend putting a rescue animal at the top of your list. These rabbits deserve a second chance at finding a forever home.
See also:
- Where Should I Buy a Pet Rabbit? 4 Places You Can Check Out Today
- Do Rabbits Blink? The Interesting Answer
Featured Image Credit: GregMontani, Pixabay
