Many people may be misguided in thinking that rabbits are low-maintenance pets. The truth is that pet rabbits live 10 years or longer, and they require a considerable amount of care, time, and money. Here is a basic rundown of how much a pet rabbit can cost.

Initial Costs

• Adoption fee: $70
• Puppy pen: $70
• Litter box: $5 – $10
• Hay feeder: $50 – $100
• Food dishes: $5 – $10
• Nail clippers & small flashlight: $25
• Cord protectors: $35
• Chair mats: $70
• TOTAL INITIAL: $330 – $390
  

Ongoing Supplies

(Keep in mind that rabbits live 10+ years.)

• Litter: $18/month
• Hay: $20/month (can be cheaper, >$5/month, if you buy from a local farmer by the bale)
• Greens/vegetables: $40/month
• Pellets: $5/month
• Pet-safe cleaning supplies: $2/month
• TOTAL ONGOING: $85/month (or $70/month if you get your hay direct from a farmer)

Incidental Costs

The above estimates give you an idea of costs for owning a rabbit. But they should serve as a minimum baseline.  There are other costs that will arise along the way.

• Vet bills
  Rabbits require regular visits to a rabbit-savvy veterinarian especially as they get older.  Young rabbits will need spay/neuter surgery.  And sometimes, despite proper care, rabbits get sick.  Vet bills can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Are you willing and able to cover those costs as the need arises?
• Bunny supply replacement
  Some of the initial supplies listed above will need to be replaced at some point during your rabbit’s life, just from simple wear and tear.
• Furniture/other possession repair and replacement
  Rabbits have a knack for destruction. Even if you have bunny proofed your home, sometimes they can get into an off-limits area and wreak havoc. You may forget to stow away your remote controls, electronic devices, books, shoes, etc. and your bunny will have gleefully gnawed them in the meantime.  The costs of repair or replacement can be high!
• Store-bought toys and tunnels
  While rabbits are fairly content with old phone books, boxes, and toilet paper rolls, you may want to splurge on “fancier” store-bought toys, such as hidey houses, tunnels, and more.  If you’re the type person who likes to spoil your pet, factor these costs into the equation as well.

You may think that you could be thriftier and spend less on your rabbit than the estimates suggest. With careful planning, bargain shopping, DIY skills, and time, this is certainly possible. However, you should always ensure that you have enough money to cover those incidental costs, especially vet bills, which are non-negotiable and essential to your rabbit’s well-being.

To learn more about bunny ownership, visit our article, Preparing for Your First House Rabbit.