How to adopt a rabbit
Want to know more about adopting a rabbit through the RSPCA? This guide explains how our adoption process works, how we match rabbits with suitable homes and what to consider before applying.
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Rabbit adoption process
Find a rescue rabbit
Start by using our Find a Pet search to adopt a rabbit or bunny near you. You can filter by location to discover rabbits available at centres and branches nearby.
Each profile explains the rabbit’s personality, background and care needs. Some rabbits are looking for homes as bonded pairs, because rabbits are social animals who thrive with companionship.
Reading each profile carefully helps you rehome a bunny who’s a good match for your lifestyle.
Apply to adopt a bunny near you
Once you’ve found a rabbit you’d like to adopt, complete the application on their profile page to rehome a rabbit from the RSPCA.
This helps our teams understand your home environment, experience and what you’re looking for in a companion, and you should hear back within 48 hours. If the rabbit you applied for isn’t the right match, we’ll help you find another rabbit who may suit your home better. Many people who apply to adopt a rabbit end up meeting a rabbit they hadn’t originally considered. Some rabbits are ready to be rehomed immediately, so make sure you’re ready too.
Meet and get to know each other
If your application is suitable, the centre team will invite you to meet your selected rabbit.
Meetings usually take place at the animal centre, where you can spend time getting to know the rabbit and learn more about their personality and care needs. Some rabbits may require more than one visit before adoption is finalised, particularly if they are being rehomed as a bonded pair.
Prepare your home
Before bringing your rabbit home, it’s important to prepare a safe and suitable living space.
Our team may discuss housing, exercise areas and enrichment with you to make sure your environment meets the rabbit’s needs. Rabbits need plenty of space to move, explore and express natural behaviours, and many are rehomed as bonded pairs who should stay together.
Taking time to prepare their environment helps your rabbit settle in more comfortably.
Complete the adoption
Once everything is agreed, we’ll guide you through the final paperwork and adoption fee. Your rabbit will be health checked and neutered where possible.
You’ll receive information about your rabbit’s health and any treatment they’ve had, along with settling-in advice and ongoing support if you need it.
Find a pet
Meet our rescue rabbits
Before you apply
What we need from you
Rabbits have specific needs, so it’s important to consider whether your home and routine can support them. We’ll look at your available space, lifestyle and any children or other pets in your household. Rabbits can live eight to twelve years or longer and need daily care, companionship and plenty of space, so adoption is a long-term commitment.
Before you apply to rehome a rabbit, we ask that you:
- Are aged 18 or over
- Have permission from your landlord if you rent
- Can provide a safe and suitable home environment with enough space
- Can meet the rabbit’s needs for daily care, enrichment and exercise
- Understand that rabbits are social and may need to be adopted in bonded pairs
- Understand the long-term commitment of rabbit ownership
If the rabbit you apply for isn’t the right match, we’ll help you explore others who may suit your home better.
Rabbit adoption fees
If you’re wondering how much it costs to adopt a rabbit from the RSPCA, fees vary between centres. Adoption fees help cover the cost of preparing each rabbit for rehoming and supporting their care while they are with us.
Adoption fees also support our rescue work and allow us to help more rabbits in need.
Your fee contributes towards:
Microchipping
Vaccinations where available
Neutering where appropriate
Daily care while the rabbit is with us
Veterinary checks
Further resources
Frequently asked questions
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Rabbits are social animals and usually thrive with companionship. Many rabbits available for adoption are bonded pairs and must be adopted together.
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Possibly. Our teams will consider the safety and wellbeing of all animals in the household when assessing applications.
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Some rabbits can live indoors if they have enough safe space to move, explore and exercise. Our teams can offer guidance on suitable housing during the adoption process.
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Rabbits don’t have to be litter trained, but many learn to use a litter tray. They often choose one spot to toilet naturally, and providing a tray in that area can help encourage the behaviour.
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We recommend a hutch that’s at least 6ft x 2ft x 2ft for two average-sized rabbits, with constant access to a large exercise run. Rabbits need space to hop, stretch and stand upright, so a hutch alone is not enough for their daily needs.