It’s easy to see why rabbits are a popular pet – they’re super cute and don’t cost too much, right?
Well, while rabbits may seem like a budget-friendly option compared to larger pets, the costs of owning a pet rabbit certainly extend beyond their initial purchase.
In this article, we’ll delve into the various costs associated with owning a pet bunny, so you can understand the financial commitment involved in keeping one of these furry friends.
Initial Purchase Cost
The initial cost of bringing a rabbit home will depend on where you get them from. Purchasing your rabbit from a breeder can cost anywhere between $20 to $200, although rare or specialty breeds may cost more.
We recommend you choose to adopt a rabbit from a reputable rescue organization or shelter, which not only helps a bunny without a home, but is also generally cheaper. Bunnies from shelters usually cost between $20 to $75.
Housing and Enclosure
Rabbits require a large living space that provides ample room for exercise and enrichment. A quality rabbit hutch or cage with enough space for the rabbit to stretch, stand, and hop around comfortably is essential. Prices for rabbit enclosures vary depending on size, materials, and features, but expect to invest anywhere from $50 to $300 or more for a decent enclosure.
If you’re planning on keeping your rabbit indoors, you won’t need a hutch, but will still need a secure, enclosed area. This could be large pen or a designated rabbit-proofed area. Indoor housing setups can range from DIY solutions to specialized puppy pen-like enclosures, usually costing between $50 to $200.
To learn more about housing your rabbit, read our articles on keeping them indoors vs. keeping them outdoors.
Food and Supplies
A healthy diet is crucial for your rabbit’s well-being. Good quality hay should make up the bulk of their diet, with a small amount of pellets and fresh vegetables as a supplement. Expect to spend around $40 to $60 per month on pellets, hay, and fresh produce.
You’ll also need to budget for essential supplies such as water bottles or bowls, food dishes, litter boxes, and bedding material. These items can add up to an additional $50 to $100 initially, with ongoing monthly expenses of around $40 for bedding and litter.
Don’t forget that “one time purchase” items such as food and water bowls will most likely need to be replaced over your rabbit’s lifetime, too.
Veterinary Care
Just like any other pet, rabbits require routine trips to the vets to ensure they remain healthy and happy. Initial veterinary expenses may include a wellness exam, vaccinations, and spaying or neutering, if not already done. These costs can vary widely depending on your location and the specific services required but may range from $100 to $300 or more.
It’s crucial to budget for potential veterinary emergencies as well. Rabbits are susceptible to various health issues, including dental problems, gastrointestinal stasis, and respiratory infections. Emergency veterinary care can be costly, with treatments potentially running into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Are you prepared to fund these expensive vet visits?
Additional Expenses
In addition to the basic costs outlined above, there are other expenses to consider. These include:
- Toys and enrichment items to keep your rabbit mentally stimulated and exercised.
- Grooming supplies for grooming and nail trimming.
- Pet insurance to help cover unexpected medical expenses.
- Boarding or pet-sitting fees if you need to travel and can’t bring your rabbit with you.
How Much Will A Rabbit Cost Me A Month?
Once all the initial costs of your bunny are out of the way (adoption fee, their home, initial vet visit, supplies and toys), you will find that food is your biggest expenditure for your pet every month.
Keeping your rabbit well stocked with hay, fresh vegetables, pellets and the occasional treat will set you back around $50 to $70 a month. You may also choose to pay pet insurance every month, which can vary in cost depending on the provider.
However, the reality of how much your pet rabbit will cost you can vary from month to month. You might feel like splurging on them at the pet store every now and again, and buy them some new toys. There also might be emergency vet visits, and don’t forget about their yearly check up and vaccinations.
While you can certainly save money here and there by making DIY toys or bargain shopping, you should always make sure you can afford the costs of the most important things: their food and any vet bills.
