Deciding to bring a bunny home is a big decision. An even bigger decision is trying to find the right pet store or place to buy your bunny from. Depending on which rabbit breed you want, you’ll have to find a pet store or breeder that sells that specific breed.
So which pet stores sell rabbits?
Both brick-and-mortar and online pet stores sell rabbits. Some of these stores sell rabbits and other animals, while other pet stores sell rabbits exclusively. You must check that the pet store gets their rabbits from a reputable breeder to avoid unnecessary health issues and vet bills.
Want to know more about pet stores that are allowed to sell rabbits and how much they cost? We’ve got all the information you need right here.
Where Can You Find Rabbits?
Here’s a closer look at where you can find, purchase, or adopt rabbits:
Animal Shelters
Animal shelters and rescue groups are always great places to check when you’re looking to adopt a bunny. You would be surprised at how many rabbits are donated to shelters. In fact, after dogs and cats, rabbits are the third highest species to be given over to animal shelters.
These unwanted rabbits are donated because their humans aren’t willing to look after them anymore or they’re relocating, and not because the rabbit has behavioral or health issues.
Online Pet Stores
Purchasing a bunny from an online pet store does have its advantages. These pet stores usually post photos, descriptions, and general information about their rabbits that are for sale. It’s also easier to find the exact breed you want.
Most online pet stores can arrange safe animal transportation to your door.
Brick-and-Mortar Pet Shops
Buying your rabbit from a local brick-and-mortar pet shop is usually the most convenient option.
You’ll be able to see the bunnies that are for sale and browse through their pet supplies. Some stores sell rabbits exclusively, and others sell rabbits and other small pets.
Finding the exact breed you want from a pet store that also sells other animals can be challenging.
Recognized Rabbit Breeders
When you buy directly from a breeder, you’ll know that your rabbit is a pure breed and has been looked after.
Good breeders usually interview people before they sell them a rabbit. The new owner has to meet specific requirements, such as:
- Proof of living arrangements
- If you have predator animals such as cats and dogs
- If you can afford the upkeep of a rabbit
- If you plan to sterilize your rabbit
If you can no longer care for your bunny, most breeders ask that the bunny be returned to them (obviously without a refund).
Where Should I Buy My Rabbit?
Depending on the laws in your country, there are many options to choose from when buying a rabbit such as:
- Local and online pet stores
- Breeders
- Rescue shelters
The important thing is to find out where the pet shop gets its rabbits from. Unfortunately, most pet shop rabbits come from breeding facilities that mass-breed them.
As a bunny owner, the best and safest option is to buy your new floppy-eared friend from a recognized rabbit breeder.
This way you’ll be assured that your bunny hasn’t been mixed with other unhealthy or poor breeds and that they’re in good health.
Pet Stores That Sell Rabbits in the U.S.
The New York State Senate passed a Bill (Senate Bill number S1130) on June 3, 2023.
The Bill states that any commercial pet stores (online stores or brick-and-mortar stores) in New York State and Orange County are banned from selling rabbits, cats, or dogs. This is to stop the operation of mass breeding facilities.
Unfortunately, these breeding facilities abuse the rabbits, and they’re forced to live in small cages. It’s all about breeding as many rabbits as quickly as possible to meet the demands of commercial pet shops.
These rabbits usually develop congenital diseases and are deformed. Bunny owners have to pay a fortune for vet care and suffer from stress as their bunny is sickly or has a bad temperament.
However, the Bill allows pet stores to work with animal rescue and shelter facilities to advertise rabbits that can be adopted. The law also allows pet owners to buy a rabbit as a pet directly from a reputable breeder.
Finding reputable rabbit breeders near you is pretty simple.
This Rabbit Breed Index is very helpful. The ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) has recognized all the breeds on this index.
You can search for your preferred rabbit breed (47 breeds to choose from) and the listing will provide the breeder’s name, location, and contact details.
The following breeds of rabbits are the most popular in the U.S.:
- Holland Lop
- Mini Rex
- New Zealand
- Flemish Giant
Does PetSmart Sell Bunnies?
PetSmart stopped selling bunnies in 2007 after activists and organizations such as the HRS (House Rabbit Society) pressured them to stop sales.
However, PetSmart is still involved in the rabbit world by:
- Stocking and selling rabbit supplies and accessories such as food, toys, and various types of bedding
- Working with rescue organizations and hosting adoption events to help pet owners adopt a rabbit
- Offering pet boarding
- Offering an in-store adoption program
How Much Is a Rabbit From a Pet Shop?
Depending on the pet store or rabbit breeder, purchasing a new rabbit can cost anywhere from $5 to $40 (or more±). The price also depends on the breed of rabbit, the pedigree, and whether the rabbit is a show rabbit or unique in some other way.
Some rabbit adoption facilities charge around $25 for a rabbit (including the adoption fees).
My Last Bunny Thoughts
There are plenty of pet stores around that sell rabbits. While it’s more convenient to pop into a local pet store and choose a bunny, it’s essential to do a background check on where the pet store sources its rabbits.
Instead, purchase your new bunny from a reputable breeder or consider adopting a bun from a local rescue shelter. Owning a bunny is not an overnight decision. These little cuties need your love, care, and time.
So before rushing out to the closest local pet store to purchase a bunny, do your research first.
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