Every February is rabbit season! No wait, it’s actually Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month. What kind of a pet did you have as a kid? Or what kind of a pet did you dream about having when you were young? Was it a dog? A cat? Maybe even a hamster or a guinea pig? All of these? We’re willing to bet that few of you had a rabbit as a pet. What’s more, is that very few people even think about getting rabbits as pets. To be honest, we have no idea why! Anyone who’s had a pet rabbit will tell you what lovable little creatures they are.
History of Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month was founded in 2002 by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (A.S.P.C.A.). In the same year, Petfinder.com joined forces with them to celebrate the first annual celebration of the month. It is only celebrated in the United States and with some rescues in Canada. In 2002 and 2003, it was celebrated in July. But from 2004 onwards, it changed to February.
But pet rabbits have a long history. The story goes that they were first domesticated in the fifth century by French monks in southern France for their meat. They declared rabbit meat to be similar to fish and so they were allowed to eat it during Lent. The monks are also said to have been the first to select and breed rabbits to get varying weight classes and coat colors. Although this is a popular domestication story, there is not much evidence to support it.
The whole reason behind celebrating this month is that rabbits are the third most common pet found at area animal shelters and they need loving homes. While they may lose out to dogs and cats when it comes to popularity, rabbits can be great companions. If you are looking for a great pet, think about adopting a rabbit.
Because they are not as favored by people as cats and dogs, many friendly rabbits are waiting at animal shelters to be picked up by you. And if you’ve made up your mind and made the decision to get a rabbit, consider adopting from a rescue instead of shopping for a bunny from a pet shop.
Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month timeline
Rabbits are first domesticated by French monks for their meat, although this myth may be a misinterpretation.
People in Britain start moving from the countryside to cities and breeding rabbits as they have no place to keep pigs and cows.
After Victorians bred rabbits for competitions and exhibitions in the 1800s, the first rabbit breeding club is established in Germany.
The British and Americans are asked to breed rabbits during the World Wars for meat and fur for themselves and their soldiers.
Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month FAQs
What is a rabbit’s lifespan?
Wild rabbits live for up to two years while domestic rabbits may live for eight to 12 years. They need annual check-ups with a veterinarian and a lot of love and care if you want to keep them healthy. They can become withdrawn and depressed if they are not given enough companionship.
Do rabbits like being held?
Most rabbits love being cuddled and stroked when it’s done in the right way. But they don’t like being held or carried as they are prey animals and being high above the ground makes them feel insecure. However, many of them will gladly sit on your lap and snuggle up next to you for a warm cuddle.
Can you leave rabbits alone?
Rabbits can easily be left alone during the day for six to 10 hours while you’re at work, school, or college. They thrive with companionship but regular days alone won’t cause them any harm. Remember to snuggle them and play with them when you’re back home – we’re sure they would have missed you a lot!
Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month Activities
Adopt a rescued rabbit
Drive down to your local adoption shelter and bring home a furry friend. Rabbits are extremely loving, sociable, and affectionate creatures. Wouldn’t you like a small bunny hopping around you?
Go play with rabbits
Go play with rabbits in a park or at a shelter if you can’t commit to adopting one right now. The squishy little things will appreciate it and it'll be a delightful day for you too! You can also consider donating to various pet charities that are working for the betterment of rabbits and other animals.
Raise awareness
Share pictures of yourself with your new rabbit friends along with some information on adopting these rescued angels. Wouldn’t you want Bugs Bunny, the Easter Bunny, Peter Rabbit, the White Rabbit, Roger Rabbit, Lola Bunny, and the Twix Rabbit to have loving homes?
5 Facts About Rabbits That Will Blow Your Mind
They may be called different things
A female rabbit is called a ‘doe’ and a male is called a ‘buck,’ while a baby rabbit is called a ‘kit.’
They’re expressive creatures
To express their happiness, a rabbit will sometimes jump around and flick its head and feet.
Their teeth never stop growing
A rabbit’s teeth will always keep growing but over time they’re worn down by chewing on grass, wildflowers, and vegetables
They’re very athletic
Rabbits are wonderful athletes and can jump as high as 90 centimeters in one leap.
They can’t eat too many carrots
Despite what Bugs Bunny has led us to believe about rabbits and carrots, eating too many of them will give rabbits an upset tummy.
Why We Love Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
They might be better than dogs and cats
Now we know this is a controversial statement, but hear us out. Rabbits are extremely social just like dogs but you don’t have to take them for a daily walk if you’re busy. And like cats, rabbits can also be litter trained. What’s better, is rabbit allergies are extremely rare, which means no more sneezes!
They’re low maintenance
They’re just as adorable as cats and dogs but it’s much cheaper to have a pet rabbit when compared to cats and dogs. Their small size also means they don’t need a lot of space and can adjust to smaller houses. They’re the perfect pet for those living in the city.
Their schedules will match yours
Rabbits are crepuscular creatures, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk, which lines up perfectly with most human schedules! You can play with them before you leave for work/school in the morning and snuggle them on the couch when you’re back home.
Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | February 1 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | February 1 | Thursday |
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