Don’t Buy a Bunny for Easter — Unless You’re Ready for a 10-Year Commitment

Each spring, the internet lights up with adorable photos of bunnies in baskets and pastel-hued Easter displays. And every year, shelters and rescues brace themselves for the aftermath — an influx of rabbits abandoned or surrendered by families who didn’t realize what rabbit ownership truly entails.

At Clearly Loved Pets, we’re all for celebrating holidays with your pets — but we also believe that every animal deserves a loving, well-prepared home. So before you hop into a hasty Easter bunny purchase, here’s what you need to know.

Why Easter Bunnies Can Be a Bad Idea

Many rabbits are sold to families around Easter as “starter pets” or gifts for children. The reality is far more complex:

• Rabbits are not short-term pets — they live 8 to 12 years on average.

• They require daily care, including a specific diet, enrichment, and hygiene.

• They don’t always enjoy being handled — and they’re not always great for young children.

• Most new owners underestimate the commitment, leading to rehoming or abandonment.

This isn’t just a theory — rescues report a spike in surrendered rabbits in the months following Easter.

Rabbits Need Real Space — Not a Cage in the Corner

Rabbits may be small, but they are active, social creatures that require ample space to stretch, explore, and hop around.

A tiny cage or hutch isn’t enough. Rabbits need:

• A spacious, secure enclosure

• Time each day outside of that enclosure

• Room to stand fully upright, move around freely, and engage with their environment

That’s why many rabbit owners are turning to modern indoor pens as a more humane alternative.

The Real Responsibilities of Rabbit Ownership

If you’re considering a rabbit (Easter or not), here’s what you’re signing up for:

🥕 Diet

• Mostly hay, plus fresh greens and pellets

• Limited sugary foods (even carrots!)

• Fresh water at all times

💩 Litter + Hygiene

• Litter box cleaning at least once daily

• Regular grooming (especially for long-haired breeds)

• Nail trimming, dental checks, and vet visits

🧠 Enrichment + Companionship

• Rabbits get bored easily and need toys, tunnels, and hiding spots

• They often do better in bonded pairs, which doubles your commitment

• Like cats, they need safe zones to relax and interact on their terms

What Happens When People Aren’t Prepared?

Sadly, many Easter bunnies don’t make it past their first year in a home. The consequences include:

• Surrender to shelters, often already over capacity

• Abandonment outdoors, which is dangerous and often fatal

• Rabbits developing behavioral issues due to stress and confinement

Impulse buying a rabbit is never in the rabbit’s best interest.

If You’re Truly Ready: Adopt, Don’t Shop

If you’ve done your research, understand the long-term commitment, and are ready to welcome a rabbit into your life, consider adopting one instead of buying from a pet store.

Adoption benefits:

• Many rabbits are already spayed/neutered

• Rescues can help match you with a rabbit that suits your lifestyle

• You’re saving a life and reducing demand for mass-breeding operations

Look up your local House Rabbit Society chapter, or search locally for rabbit rescues - there are a lot of them. You can also try our Rescue Locator page.

Lucidium Pens: A Stylish, Rabbit-Friendly Space

For new or experienced rabbit parents looking for a safe indoor habitat, Lucidium pens provide an ideal solution:

• Clear walls allow for visibility and connection

• Spacious layouts give your rabbit room to move and stretch

• Modular design grows with your rabbit’s needs (or if you add a second bunny!)

• Easy to clean, secure, and designed for indoor homes

We recommend our medium 36" height pen as a starting size for one rabbit, or a Large size or adding an add-on kit if you’re housing a bonded pair.

Alternative Easter Ideas for Families

• Plush toy bunnies make adorable, safe gifts

• Chocolate rabbits (the classic!) — better for kids than real rabbits

• Sponsor a rabbit through a local rescue and teach kids about animal care

• If you already have a rabbit, Easter is the perfect time to upgrade their space

Final Thought

Bunnies are wonderful companions — smart, sweet, and full of personality. But they’re not seasonal novelties. If you’re thinking about a rabbit this Easter, make it a thoughtful, informed decision — one that ensures both you and your bunny can thrive for years to come.

And when you’re ready to build a beautiful indoor habitat, we’ll be here with thoughtfully designed enclosures to help your rabbit feel right at home.