How the UK Keeps Pet Rabbits & Meeting Their Needs
Pet rabbits in the UK are often misunderstood as easy, low-maintenance pets. However, they require significant care, commitment, and proper housing to thrive and stay healthy. Many owners start with limited knowledge of rabbits’ needs, resulting in environments that may fail to provide adequate welfare and happiness. This article explains how rabbits are commonly kept in the UK and highlights how to meet their essential needs responsibly in 2025 and beyond.
Before buying a rabbit, it’s important to research and understand what proper housing and social care involve. Learn about current owner practices and what improvements can be made to provide a safe, stimulating, and companionable lifestyle for your rabbit. For those ready to buy a rabbit, or current owners wishing to improve conditions, this guide offers practical insight.
How Many Rabbits are Pets in the UK?
The 2025 pet ownership survey indicates approximately 2% of UK households own rabbits, amounting to around 900,000 pet rabbits nationwide.
Rabbits can be kept indoors as "house rabbits" or outdoors, with both environments appropriate if all welfare needs are met. Currently, about 44% of pet rabbits live largely indoors while 56% live mainly outside.
Common Ways Rabbits Are Housed and Welfare Concerns
While hutches and cages are traditional rabbit housing, they alone are inadequate. Hutches were initially designed to keep rabbits near kitchens for food rather than welfare, so their small space and design do not meet modern rabbit needs.
Many rabbits spend too much time confined in hutches or cages; a recent survey found that 25% remain largely confined, with 11 hours daily typical in such confined spaces. Furthermore, 10% of rabbits live exclusively in hutches without access to a secure, roomy run for exercise and exploration.
Even when runs are provided, size and stimulation often fall short. Over 11% of rabbit runs are too small, limiting free movement to less than four hops before reaching a wall, which restricts natural behaviour and causes distress.
Daily Environment and Activity Breakdown for UK Rabbits
- 11 hours confined in hutch or cage
- 4 hours free roaming inside the house
- 3 hours in a garden run
- 2 hours free roaming in the garden
- 1 hour in an indoor run
- 2 hours interacting with owners or handlers
- 1 hour unaccounted for or other activities
Rabbits ideally require significantly more time in spacious runs or free roam areas allowing natural behaviours, always with safe access to shelter.
The Importance of Rabbit Companionship
Rabbits are social animals needing companionship for mental health and happiness. They are only truly content when housed with at least one other compatible rabbit, preferably neutered to prevent unwanted litters.
Despite awareness efforts, nearly half of the UK's pet rabbits are kept alone, lacking appropriate social contact which can lead to loneliness and behavioural problems.
Legal and Welfare Guidelines
Under the UK Animal Welfare Act 2006, owners must provide rabbits with:
- A suitable environment
- A suitable diet with constant access to hay and fresh water
- The ability to exhibit normal behaviour
- Appropriate social contact or housing alone as required
- Protection from pain, injury, suffering, and disease
Responsible keeping involves ensuring all these needs are comprehensively met with up-to-date knowledge and regular veterinary care.
Updated 2025 Best Practices and Resources
Campaigns such as Rabbit Awareness Week 2025 promote "Happy, Hoppy Homes" which encourage owners to provide:
- Spacious and stimulating housing indoors or out
- Secure runs and safe free roam options to facilitate natural movements and exercise
- Neutered rabbit companions to fulfil social needs
- Access to a high-fibre diet and fresh water
- Regular health checks with vets and ongoing owner education
Veterinary guidance emphasises that progress in rabbit welfare depends on continued awareness, educational outreach, and practical support to owners to improve current housing and care standards.
By ensuring a rabbit’s home allows exercise, social interaction, mental stimulation, and appropriate diet, owners can help their pets live happy, healthy lives reflective of their natural needs and instincts.
