Rabbits make wonderful pets to people of all ages and families with children. If your kids are pestering you to get a pet rabbit, or you want a fluffy companion all for yourself, you should know what to expect in terms of cost.
So, how much is a rabbit? How much money you’ll spend on a rabbit depends on where you decide to get it from. Expect to spend $20 to $40 for a rabbit from a pet store or $5 to $20 for a rabbit from a fair or rescue. Breeders are the most expensive option and depending on the breed expect to pay around $100 for a rabbit.
The thing most people forget is that this is just the initial cost of purchasing a rabbit and that there are ongoing expenses of caring for one. In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of how much it costs to own a rabbit.
Are Rabbits Expensive to Own?
Most people have a misconception that rabbits are low-maintenance pets that don’t need much to stay healthy and thrive. However, pet rabbits need specific care, like teeth filling, that can’t be skipped or saved on even if you are on a tight budget.
Although rabbits are small animals, owning one can be very expensive, even if you are buying supplies in bulk or looking for deals.
Expect to spend up to $600 upon adopting or purchasing a pet rabbit. This includes the initial cost of buying a rabbit and purchasing all the essential supplies like a litter box, rabbit cage, chew toys, a hutch, food, and so on.
Factors that Contributes to Rabbit Costs
Owning a rabbit as a pet might be more expensive than you imagined. And let’s not forget that rabbits have an average lifespan of eight to 12 years.
But here’s the silver lining, there are several different factors that can affect the overall cost of owning a rabbit. If you have a knack for planning and budgeting, you may even manage to cut costs and save some money without skimping on your rabbit’s well-being.
Below are several factors that affect the rabbit’s cost:
Bunny/Rabbit Breed
Whether you are looking to get a cat, a dog, or a rabbit, the breed is a major factor that will determine the cost. A mixed-breed rabbit from a pet store will be much cheaper than a purebred French Lop or Flemish Giant rabbit from a breeder.
Expect to pay $5 to $20 for a rabbit from a fair or a rescue, and between $20 and $40 for a rabbit from a pet store. When it comes to breeders, prices vary greatly and depend on the specific breed. Rare breeds will cost close to $100 while show rabbits and breeding rabbits with champion lineage cost more.
Housing
If you plan to keep your rabbit indoors you’ll need to buy a spacious cage. But, if you plan to keep your furry companion outside, you’ll need to invest in a rabbit hutch.
Rabbit hutches generally cost more than rabbit cages, but many people decide to build their own hutches. If you aren’t into DIY projects, be prepared to spend between $150 and $200 for a nice and sturdy rabbit hutch.
Depending on the design and the size of the rabbit cage, expect to spend from $50 to $100 for a quality model. If you have a bunny-proofed room for your rabbit to run around and explore, you can always spend less money on a smaller cage.
Food
For one rabbit you should expect to spend around $40 to $60 a month on food including fresh vegetables, treats, hay, and pellets. However, the exact cost will depend on whether you buy hay in bulk, purchase organic veggies, or grow your own produce.
Health and Care
If you plan to spay or neuter your pet rabbit expect to spend between $125 and $250 on initial veterinary care. After that initial cost, you should take your rabbit to annual vet visits that usually cost between $35 and $65 depending on a veterinarian.
If your rabbit needs any vaccinations, they will usually get them on annual checkups (source). You can expect to spend an additional $20 on vaccinations.
While no owner wants to see their pet sick, most rabbits will experience some health problems sooner or later. Emergency vet care can cost thousands of dollars, and most people don’t have that kind of money lying around. That’s why it’s best to have a separate emergency fund for these kinds of situations or a pet insurance policy.
Other Expenses
The potential other expenses you should keep in mind, include boarding your rabbit while you’re on vacation. Don’t forget to factor in the grooming costs of filling your rabbit’s teeth and cutting their nails.
Also, there is a chance that you’ll need to spend some money on potential repairs if your rabbit chews or destroys your furniture, carpets, shoes, and other belongings. Even if your home is completely rabbit-proof there is a possibility that your bunny will cause some damage at one point.
How Much Does a Rabbit Cost Per Year?
After the initial expenses of buying a rabbit and starter supplies, you’ll probably spend between $500 and $800 annually on average.
Keep in mind that these costs can vary greatly and will depend on how much medical care your rabbit needs and whether you need to spend extra money on home and furniture repairs.
Conclusion
While many people think that rabbits are low-maintenance pets, owning a pet rabbit is similar to owning a pet dog or a cat. Rabbits have specific needs and can be quite expensive to own when you factor in all costs.
Many factors affect the cost of a rabbit and you’ll need a substantial sum to buy a healthy rabbit and purchase everything they need to stay happy and thrive. Now that you know how much a rabbit costs, you can get your finances in order before you bring a pet rabbit into your home.
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