International Rabbit Day

Categories:: Animal
Tags:: Pet Pet Health
Where:: International
Date change rule:: 4th Saturday of September
Holiday emoji:: 🐇

International Rabbit Day hops into action every fourth Saturday of September, dedicated to celebrating the welfare and joy of rabbits. This day highlights the challenges faced by these gentle creatures, from animal testing to fur farming, advocating for their protection. Discover ways to create happy, healthy environments for rabbits and support organizations working for their well-being.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected International Rabbit Day Deals

As International Rabbit Day approaches, expect many pet supply retailers and animal welfare organizations to launch special campaigns focused on rabbit welfare. Look for donation-matching programs from brands like PetSmart and Petco, where a portion of sales on rabbit-related products might go to rescue efforts. Local rabbit rescues and shelters will likely host adoption events and fundraising drives, often partnering with smaller pet boutiques. Brands specializing in ethical pet products, such as Oxbow Animal Health, may highlight their commitment to cruelty-free practices. We will update this page with confirmed live opportunities to support rabbit welfare as September 26 approaches.

Platform Guide for International Rabbit Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalRabbitDay. Share photos or videos of your rabbits, or highlight local rescue efforts and responsible pet ownership tips.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalRabbitDay. Join groups dedicated to rabbit care and share adoption success stories or educational resources.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #InternationalRabbitDay. Tweet facts about rabbit welfare, share links to petitions against animal testing, or promote ethical brands.

International Rabbit Day Hero

Beatrix Potter

Helen Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) was an English writer, illustrator, natural scientist, and conservationist, best known for her children's books featuring animal characters, such as 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit.' Her detailed observations of nature and animals, including rabbits, brought them to life for generations of readers, fostering an early appreciation for wildlife and responsible pet care.

History of International Rabbit Day

To fully absorb all the fun things this day has to offer, let’s get to know more about rabbit society and share a little backstory on why the day is celebrated, as well as how it’s been honored over the years.

Rabbits are small mammals with fluffy hair and bushy tails. They can be found in almost every country on the planet and are similar to other Lagomorpha species such as hares and pikas. Fossils found by archaeologists in the 20th century suggest that rabbits evolved from Asia around 40 million years back. There are different breeds of rabbits in Australia, Africa, and other continents.

The most popular domesticated rabbits are the wild European rabbits. They initially evolved 4,000 years ago on the Iberian Peninsula, now Spain. Back then, Romans arrived on the land and began breeding them for their meat and fur. As civilization grew so did trade, and Europeans introduced the rabbit business to more countries. Rabbits adapted regardless of the weather temperatures and with their rapid reproduction rates, thrived in the numbers.

Rabbits were said to be domesticated in the fifth century by monks in France, who kept them as a source of ready food. In time, they started selecting them according to size and color to retain specific traits. By the 19th century, there were a variety of breeds due to selective breeding, which led to breeding them for shows. Children began to form sentimental attachments to them and people realized how sensitive and delicate these creatures were.

Nowadays, rabbits are a common household companion and are one of the top most popular indoor pets. Our relationship has truly evolved over the years, and that is why it is so important we show them the care and attention they deserve.

International Rabbit Day timeline

1682

The Easter Bunny

German immigrants bring the tradition of egg-laying called ‘Osterhase,’ ‘hase’ meaning ‘hare.’

1910

Rabbit Association

The association of different breeds is launched to share knowledge on breeding rabbits.

1998

The Day is Founded

The first Rabbit Day is established by The Rabbit Charity in the United Kingdom.

2019

A Threatened Species

I.U.C.N (International Union for Conservation of Nature) places European rabbits in the “near threatened” category with fears of extinction.

International Rabbit Day FAQs

When is International Rabbit Day?

International Rabbit Day 2026 falls on Saturday, September 26, a perfect day to celebrate these beloved creatures. This annual observance is dedicated to promoting rabbit welfare and responsible pet ownership.

How many rabbits are kept as pets?

Globally, millions of rabbits are kept as pets, with estimates suggesting several million in the United States alone. Their popularity as companion animals has steadily grown due to their gentle nature and relatively low maintenance compared to some other pets.

What are the main welfare issues for rabbits?

Rabbits face significant welfare challenges, including exploitation in animal testing for cosmetics, hunting, and fur farming. International Rabbit Day aims to bring these issues to public attention and advocate for their protection through education and activism.

What is the difference between a rabbit and a hare?

While often confused, rabbits and hares are distinct species. Rabbits are born blind and hairless in burrows, known as kits, while hares are born with fur and open eyes, typically above ground. Hares are also generally larger with longer ears and legs.

How to Observe International Rabbit Day

Adopt a bunny
You can invite one of these furry creatures into your lives and give them a place they can call home. Make sure you read up on how to care for your pet rabbits first so you can get information on how to look after them.
Have an excursion
If you're a fluffy-tailed pet owner, or you want to know a little bit more about bunnies, then pay a visit to your local rabbit conservatory or shelter where you can learn a little bit more about them.
Donate to a rabbit charity
Several organizations cater to the welfare and conservation of rabbits around the world. It is a good day to do some research to see how they are helping rabbits and how you can be a part of it.

5 Facts You Didn’t Know About Rabbit Day

They don’t only eat carrots
Contrary to what cartoons portray, rabbits also eat greens, weeds, nuts, and berries.
They are also called kittens
Baby rabbits are called kits or kittens, the adult female is called a doe and the male is a buck.
They procreate a lot
Rabbits breed from as early as three months and can give birth to a dozen kits at a go.
They binky when happy
Rabbits are sensitive, and when they are excited they do a mini somersault called a 'binky.'
They can see everything
Well, almost everything. A rabbit’s visual range covers almost a 360-degree circumference.

Why International Rabbit Day is Important

The day promotes conservation
Rabbits are not defensive creatures; this makes them vulnerable to predators, and this day informs people of the dangers of testing on rabbits, fur farming, hunting, and other man-made plights they face.
It celebrates the species
We love rabbits and they love us too, we need their comfort and companionship and they need our care and protection. They are now an important part of our culture and we try to use this as a day to appreciate them.
Time for discussion
From storytelling about their history and learning about their biology, today is a good day to open different lines of conversations about bunnies, where they come from, what they eat, what they need, and how we can encourage more people to read about them.