Do rabbits make good Emotional Support Animals or pets?
Or, since Easter is upon us, do rabbits make good gifts?
Rabbits are adorable and cuddly, for sure. They make wonderful companions if you know how to care for them. And they can be the perfect emotional support animal under the right circumstances.
But PLEASE study up on the subject before you bring a rabbit to your home. Too many rabbits end up in shelters after their cuteness and novelty wear off. And that’s likely because enough research wasn’t done before bringing the rabbit home – not fair for the rabbits or humans.
Understanding Rabbits
Consider the following:
Rabbits need to be socialized and played with, or they will become withdrawn. (This is because they are animals of prey.) Rabbits usually sleep during the day and are awake and ready to play at dusk and dawn. Will that fit in with your family’s schedule?
Since rabbits are animals of prey, they need to be played with gently. Fast movements or loud noises will frighten them. Nature tells them that somebody could eat them if the environment seems unsafe, and they will respond accordingly. So, if you are considering giving a small child a rabbit, consider a kitten or a puppy for now. They are more resilient and usually make better support animals for young children. Cats and dogs are generally intuitive regarding children and are eager to please them. They want to help and even protect the child. It can be different with a rabbit. Rabbits fear for their own survival and won’t be concerned about a child. It may take a while for the trust to build.
The Rabbit’s Environment
Is your house set up for a rabbit? You will need a large cage, preferably in a room where the rabbit can play when it’s out of the cage. In other words, a bunny-proof room. The rabbit shouldn’t be allowed to wander around the house or live in the basement. An outdoor cage is not safe. And the rabbit should be out of its cage for at least an hour a day to play. Will the humans in the house have the time to play?
You must clean the cage and provide the right food daily. And rabbits like litter boxes (which makes the clean-up easier).
Veterinarians for Rabbits
Do you know a vet that cares for rabbits? Rabbits need specialty vets -those that treat exotic or small animals. Their digestive needs are different from other animals. And their teeth keep growing throughout their life! So it’s best to have a vet who understands everything about rabbits, including their teeth – dental care is in order sometimes.
Rabbits can hide their symptoms of illness (again, because they are animals of prey). Their owners must be intuitive and in touch with the rabbit to know if something is wrong.
Rabbits as Emotional Support Animals for Children
Despite all their unique needs, rabbits can be the perfect emotional support animals for some children who are old enough to care for them. Sometimes caring for another living being can bring confidence, stability and extrovert a child. And if cared for properly, a rabbit has plenty of friendship to give in return.
Do you still want a rabbit?
If the answer is yes, then read on.
Where can you find an Emotional Support Rabbit?
The next question is, where is the best place to get one?
The Humane Society can be a good place if the staff cares for the rabbit and plays with it. Visit a Humane Society or reputable shelter and check out how the rabbits are cared for.
Rabbit breeders can also be a resource, but you will need to do proper research to ensure that the breeder is not running a rabbit mill (similar to a puppy mill).
At My ESA MD, we encourage rescue animals as emotional support animals whenever possible.
If your rabbit or any animal provides stability and comfort for its owner, then that animal most likely qualifies as an emotional support animal. You will want the proper documentation so you can live with your emotional support animal without hassle.
Call us at 833-372-6311 You will always speak to a doctor who understands the field of ESAs.
