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The saying goes that the dog is “man’s best friend,” but this association is not unique to dogs. Although they are smaller and quieter than dogs, so are rabbits smart, outgoing, active, and social and they make great pets. In fact, according to Rabbit.org Rabbits are the third most common pet choice, coming in only after dogs and cats, and they are the most popular small animal. pet in the United States
Why do one and a half million American households choose to keep rabbits as pets? There are several reasons why rabbits make the perfect companion, from their cleaning habits to their behavior to their grooming tasks. Here are five reasons to adopt a rabbit today.
Rabbits reduce emissions
According to Washington post, Rabbits make a green pet choice. The Post reports that pet food is responsible for nearly two percent of emissions from agriculture. If it were a country, pet food manufacturing would rank number 60 in terms of global emissions.
That’s largely because dog and cat food (the two most popular pets) are protein-dense and animal-based, which is one of the main sources of agricultural emissions. This is especially the case when it comes to “premium” pet food, which is made from human meat.
In contrast, rabbits eat mostly hay, and some vegetables, all of which require a smaller footprint of the environment to produce. Plus, El Cerrito mayor and proud rabbit mom, Tessa Rudnick, reports the veggie diet has improved her own family’s health, too. “It forces us to always have fresh food at home,” he told the Washington Post. “We really have more kale.”
Rabbits are budget-friendly
According to the Washington Post, raising a rabbit is cheaper than the budget required to raise a dog or cat. It costs about $50 a month to feed and care for a rabbit, and they also require fewer vet checks than larger animals.
A rabbit can easily fit into the schedule
The Petfinder The organization shared that rabbits are crepuscular animals, which means they are awake in the early morning and early evening, and spend most of their time sleeping during the day and night. This works well for someone with a typical day work schedule.
For 9-5ers, the bunny is ready for morning playtime before work and after work, and the employee doesn’t have to feel guilty about leaving the bunny at home during the day, because it spends the it’s snore time. . And, a rabbit requires less time to care for, as there is no need to take it for daily walks, so it is a great choice for a busy pet-lover.
Rabbits are clean, quiet, and contained
VetStreet adding that rabbits are clean animals that generally don’t make big messes and clean up after themselves. A rabbit is easy to litterbox train and they will groom themselves. Rabbits do not need a large living space like a dog or cat, so they are apartment-friendly. Plus for apartment dwellers, rabbits don’t bark or make loud noises, so they won’t bother the owner or the neighbors.
Rabbits are smart and adorable
VetStreet adds that rabbits, like dogs, are smart enough to be trained to do all kinds of tricks. They are also warm and friendly. Rabbits get to know their owners quickly and will follow them around the house and show them all kinds of affection. They love being petted and crave attention (although they don’t like fetch.
Someone who wants to be a rabbit mom or dad, should look into a rabbit rescue, because according to PetFinder, they are the third most surrendered pet. In addition, PetFinder warns that owning a rabbit still requires a lot of time and space and people should make sure they are ready for the responsibility before adopting.
But, those who successfully adopt a pet Rabbits tend to love their bunnies and see them as part of the family. Mayor Rudnick told the Washington Post that his rabbit, Willow, bonded strongly with his eight-year-old daughter, Shira. Shira agrees, telling the Post that no matter what, they can always be a good part of the family.
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