The Truth About Easter & Bunnies

Four out of five rabbits bought as pets for Easter are abandoned or die within a year. For this reason, we restrict adoptions around Easter; This year the dates are April 2 – 16, 2023. The Easter season is our busiest time for rabbit rescues, as we get multiple calls daily regarding surrenders immediately following the Easter holiday.

Before you consider getting a rabbit for your child at Easter, please be sure to consider these key points:

Rabbits are a 10 – 12 year commitment
Rabbits that are kept indoors and given the proper diet can live to be 10-12 years. This is quite a commitment! Before you jump into pet ownership, be sure that you are able and willing to bring your bunny along with you through the next few chapters of your life.

Rabbits aren’t starter pets
Rabbits are small, and that may cause the misconception that they are easier to care for than cats or dogs. However, that is a big misconception! Rabbits require daily exercise, attention, and an appropriate diet. Their litterpans should be changed daily and they need routine nail trimming and grooming.

Rabbits require space
Do you have space for a rabbit? You’ll need to keep your bunny indoors where they feel safe. In the outdoors they are susceptible to predators
and parasites. We recommend an x-pen, or if that isn’t possible, a large dog crate paired with some free-roaming time.

Rabbits can be expensive
Rabbits need to be spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted behavior and health issues. If you adopt your rabbit from EARS, he or she will already be spayed or neutered – but you’ll also need to consider routine veterinary care from an exotic veterinarian (which are more costly than standard vets). See our list of rabbit-savvy vets in and around the Erie area.

They need an adult
A responsible adult needs to be the primary caretaker of the rabbit. As cute as they are, they are not toys and have basic needs that must be met. Children can quickly lose interest or get involved in other activities and forget or not have time to take care of their rabbit.

Alternative ways to celebrate bunnies this Easter!
If you’ve determined a rabbit isn’t the right fit for your family, or you’re just not ready to take the plunge, don’t worry! There are a lot of fun alternatives and ways to help!