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Bringing Home the Easter Bunny

Should Your Child Have a Rabbit as a Pet?

By Donna Smith

What precautions can parents take ensure the safety of their child and the rabbit? Snopek suggests teaching your child the proper way to handle and care for their new pet.

• Gentle petting. They don't like to wrestle like dogs do; they like soft stroking.
• Don't chase the bunny. If he hops away, wait till he comes back, or ask Mom and Dad for help.
• Don't touch droppings or cage litter.
• Don't pick up the bunny. It scares him, and if he struggles, he might scratch you.

"Never allow the child to interact with the rabbit without adult supervision," says Abel. "Rabbits should not be picked up unless you are sitting on the floor, but even that is not recommended for really young children – teach them to be satisfied by petting while sitting next to the bunny."

When choosing a rabbit for your child, Snopek suggests picking a larger breed of rabbit. "The larger breeds tend to be less energetic and excitable than the dwarf varieties," she says. "Their size makes it easier for a small hand to stroke them, and harder for them to be picked up."

Consider adopting a bunny from your local animal shelter. Most people only think of cats and dogs when they think of shelters, but there are usually many rabbits there available for adoption. "Humane societies, shelters and rescue agencies all report a sharp increase in the number of rabbit relinquished to them in the spring and summer months," says Snopek. Thousands of rabbits each year are put to sleep at animal shelters because homes cannot be found.

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