This is the time of year when everyone is looking for love, although it is almost Valentine’s Day many people are isolated at home. If you’re seeking a long-term relationship with someone who values companionship, you should consider adopting a rabbit.
When asked if Valentine’s Day is the best time of year to adopt a rabbit, Pat Barron of the Ohio House Rabbit Rescue cautions that rabbits shouldn’t be adopted on a whim due to their long lifespan and special care requirements. That said, they make good companions during any time of the year.
“One of the things we always tell people is that most rabbits are very social,” Barron said. “Most of them enjoy being with you and spending time with you.”
Rabbits live for 8-12 years and are happiest when kept in a main room of the house where they can be a part of the family. Another reason to adopt a rabbit is their natural sleep schedule. They’re crepuscular, which means they’re most active in the morning and evening.
“For people who go to school or work, it’s a great pet,” Barron said. Rabbits that are spayed or neutered will use a litter box, which makes them easy to take care of.
Most rabbits hate to be picked up and do best in homes with older children who understand how to interact with them. They shouldn’t be kept in small cages and the ideal rabbit pen size is at least 4X4. They can make great pets for someone who lives in an apartment, as long as there’s enough room for 4X4 pens and their landlord permits it.
“I’d say they’re not really hard and not really easy to take care of,” Barron said. “They need their litter box changed every couple of days. They need a supply of fresh hay and fresh water. Along with taking care of them, they really need attention.”
Rabbits can also be destructive, just like a cat or dog. “They’re diggers and chewers,” Barron said. “If it’s someone else’s carpet they’re digging and chewing, you want to consider that.”
OHRR strives to make sure that people understand the potential costs of rabbit care and that they’ll be able to care for the pet for the rest of its life.
“We try to make sure they’ve been thoughtful about the adoption,” said Barron. “Then we set up an appointment for them to come into the center and meet the rabbits.” Having people come into the center and meet the different rabbits is important because each rabbit has a different personality. Adoption forms are available on the website.
The most important thing to keep in mind when adopting a rabbit is that although they’re available at pet stores, the best place to get one is from a rescue. “You’re saving a life and you know they’re spayed/neutered,” Barron said.
If you’re looking for love and commitment this year ahead of Valentine’s Day, consider adopting a rabbit. Anyone who’s interested should visit the OHRR website.
MacKenzie Tastan
Reporter