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- Last Saturday of September
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International Rabbit Day hops into action every last Saturday of September, falling on September 26, 2026. This global observance shines a light on the crucial need for rabbit care and protection. Discover ways to support rescue efforts, advocate for conservation, and ensure these vulnerable creatures find safe, permanent homes.
Want to sponsor International Rabbit Day? Learn how
Expected International Rabbit Day Deals
While International Rabbit Day isn’t typically marked by commercial sales, it’s a crucial time for fundraising and awareness campaigns to support rabbit welfare. Organizations like the House Rabbit Society and the RSPCA often run donation drives, seeking contributions for rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption programs. Pet supply retailers such as PetSmart and Petco may highlight rabbit care products or partner with local shelters for adoption events. Brands like Oxbow Animal Health, specializing in small animal nutrition, might offer educational resources on proper rabbit diets and care. Look for opportunities to donate directly to reputable charities or participate in virtual advocacy campaigns. We will update this page with specific fundraising initiatives as September approaches.
Platform Guide for International Rabbit Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalRabbitDay. Share heartwarming photos of rescued rabbits or educational infographics on responsible pet ownership.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalRabbitDay. Join discussions in rabbit lover communities and share local shelter adoption events.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #InternationalRabbitDay. Tweet facts about rabbit welfare, retweet calls for donations, and highlight conservation efforts for wild rabbit populations.
International Rabbit Day Hero
Anna E. C. Williams
History of International Rabbit Day
Rabbits belong to the Leporidae family and their fossil records date back to 40 million years ago. Out of the 28 different species, the European rabbit is the most well-known. The species was initially found in the Iberian Peninsula and northwestern Africa and then showed up in western Europe about 2,000 years ago.
During the early 1950s, a viral disease called myxomatosis proved to be lethal to European rabbits and the initial wave wiped out 99% of the population in Australia. The remaining rabbits were able to develop immunity by the time the subsequent waves came.
In recent years, the rabbit population has been declining and this has resulted in a larger impact on our natural ecosystems as rabbits are a vital prey for other animals. In 1996, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN, declared the Sumatran rabbit found in Southeast Asia to be a critically endangered species. There have been only two sightings of the species in the 21st century. The IUCN also placed the European rabbit species in the “Near Threatened” category in 2019, with a possibility of extinction.
There have been programs and initiatives taken up by charities and welfare bodies to protect rabbits. The Riverine Rabbit Programme is one such effort that was established in 2003, and they aimed to coordinate and oversee the conservation efforts towards the critically endangered Riverine rabbit, along with its habitat. In India, The Leporidae family (rabbits and hare) receive protection under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 because two of the existing species are endangered.
International Rabbit Day was founded in 1998 by The Rabbit Charity in the U.K., and it became a significant day to celebrate and spread awareness about rabbit protection and conservation.
International Rabbit Day timeline
Fossil records belonging to the Leporidae family, which include rabbits and hares are discovered.
The disease called myxomatosis proves to be lethal to the European rabbit species in Australia.
Rabbits in India are under the protection of this Act and hunting them for meat is banned.
The Sumatran rabbit of Southeast Asia is classified as an endangered species.
Initiative to oversee and delegate conservation efforts of the endangered riverine rabbit.
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Rabbit Day
Local businesses can champion International Rabbit Day by raising awareness and supporting local rescues. Pet stores can host ‘adopt-a-thon’ events with nearby shelters, offering discounts on essential rabbit supplies for new adopters. Veterinary clinics can provide free or discounted health checks for rabbits, emphasizing preventative care. Even non-pet-related businesses can participate by setting up donation boxes for rabbit charities or sharing educational content on social media, highlighting the importance of rabbit welfare.
International Rabbit Day FAQs
When is International Rabbit Day?
International Rabbit Day 2026 falls on Saturday, September 26, marking a special occasion to celebrate and protect these beloved animals.
How many rabbits are abandoned each year?
While exact numbers are hard to pinpoint, estimates suggest thousands of domestic rabbits are abandoned in the U.S. each year, often due to a lack of understanding about their care needs. Many end up in shelters or face harsh conditions in the wild.
What is the average lifespan of a domestic rabbit?
With proper care, domestic rabbits can live surprisingly long lives, typically between 8 to 12 years. Factors like diet, environment, and veterinary attention play a crucial role in their longevity.
What is the difference between a wild rabbit and a domestic rabbit?
Wild rabbits, like cottontails, are typically smaller, have more pronounced instincts for survival in nature, and are not suited for life as pets. Domestic rabbits, bred over centuries, come in various breeds, are generally larger, and rely on human care for survival.
How To Celebrate International Rabbit Day
Read, read, read!
It’s time to harness the power of knowledge and make yourself aware of the endangered rabbits and different ways to provide protection to both wild and domestic breeds.
Donate to a rabbit welfare body
You can find several welfare bodies for rabbit conservation on the internet — we recommend the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund or RWAF. If you have the resources, consider donating to help sustain their efforts!
Adopt a new family member
Rabbits make the cutest pets. Visit your local pet shelter and adopt a soft bunny to celebrate this day. Make sure to read up about rabbit care in advance.
5 Fluffy Fun Facts About Rabbits
Rabbits express happiness through acrobatics
Known as the “Binky” moment, happy rabbits tend to jump up high and twist their bodies to perform cute acrobatic performances.
Rabbit ears do more than hear
Bunny ears are not just used for listening, it also regulates their body temperature.
Rabbits can be noisy!
Although they may seem quiet at first glance, rabbits actually can produce a variety of sounds from screeching to growling, and even chattering their teeth.
360-degree vision
Rabbit eyes are positioned in such a way that they can see an almost perfect 360 degrees.
Rabbits have a sweet tooth
Most rabbits love to eat sweet things, especially fruits!
Why We Love International Rabbit Day
Rabbits are social animals
Rabbits love us just as much as we love them! They love having company and getting our attention.
Rabbits need protection
Rabbits are prone to disease and become prey to many animals in the wild if left unprotected. They need our care and protection so that their low numbers can rise once again.
Bunnies are cute
There is a reason cute bunny compilations get millions of views on the internet. Rabbits are small and cute and they deserve nothing but love.
International Rabbit Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 27 | Saturday |
| 2026 | September 26 | Saturday |
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