More than just carrots

Published on 31 March 2026 at 09:47

🐰 How much does it cost to look after a rabbit? 

 

Today we’re looking at rabbits.

 

We’ve got several at Furry Friends, from giants to dwarf breeds. They’re often seen as a cheap pet, but the reality can be quite different.

 

All of our rabbits have a stable environment with plenty of space so they can behave naturally and just be bunnies. They need daily care, cleaning, interaction, enrichment and stimulation.

 

Rabbits are not solitary animals and should be kept in at least pairs, which increases cost and responsibility.

 

Ongoing costs per rabbit:

 

Food and hay: £150–£250 per year

Bedding: £100–£150 per year

Vaccinations: around £90 per year

General care: £50–£100 per year

 

Total: approximately £400–£600 per rabbit, per year (and they should be kept in at least pairs)

 

Neutering is also important to factor in.

 

The part people don’t think about is vet bills:

 

We’ve spent around £700 on surgery for an abscess in the past

 

X-rays alone can cost £750–£1,150, and that’s before any treatment

 

Things to consider:

 

Who will care for them if you go on holiday or are unwell? Rabbits need daily care and attention.

 

Important welfare needs include flystrike prevention, dental care (their teeth never stop growing), appropriate space, temperature and cleanliness.

 

Rabbits can live 8–12+ years, so they are a long-term commitment.

 

Our honest advice: it’s not just about buying a rabbit, it’s about being able to afford the ongoing care and the unexpected.