Rabbits are adorable, fluffy creatures that many people love to keep as pets. But are they actually exotic pets? There is some debate around whether domesticated rabbits should be classified as exotic pets or more traditional companion animals like dogs and cats.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Generally, rabbits are not considered exotic pets, especially the domesticated breeds kept as pets. However, some people do view them as exotic since they are still unusual pets compared to dogs and cats.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll dive into the details around exotic pets, look at how rabbits are viewed and regulated, and examine the reasons why rabbits may or may not be considered exotic pets.
Defining Exotic Pets
Pet vs. Domestic vs. Exotic Animals
When it comes to categorizing animals, there are some key differences between pets, domestic animals, and exotic animals:
- Pets are animals that live in close proximity to humans, are tamed or trained, and provide companionship. Common examples of pets include dogs, cats, small mammals like guinea pigs, and fish.
- Domestic animals are species that have been tamed and bred over generations to live alongside humans. Common domestic animals include livestock like cows, pigs, chickens, and horses. They are useful for food, labor, materials, or sport.
- Exotic animals are species that are non-native, wild, and not traditionally kept as pets or livestock. Exotic pets originate from another country or region outside of the owner’s native environment.
Common Characteristics of Exotic Pets
Some general traits and examples that qualify animals as exotic pets include:
- Non-domesticated species – such as monkeys, tigers, bears, reptiles, amphibians.
- Wild animals or feral breeds – such as foxes, wolves, rodents.
- Venomous or poisonous animals – such as spiders, scorpions, frogs.
- Uncommon pet species – such as capybaras, kinkajous, marsupials.
- Foreign breeds not native to the area – such as Savannah cats, sugar gliders.
- Difficult care requirements – such as habitat, diet, space, health issues.
- Animals not traditionally kept as pets – such as potbelly pigs, alligators.
The term “exotic pet” is broad and subjective. But in general, exotic pets are wild species or uncommon breeds that require specialized care compared to typical domesticated pets like dogs and cats that share our homes.
How Rabbits Are Viewed and Regulated
Rabbits as Livestock vs. Pets
Rabbits have a unique status of being viewed both as pets and livestock. As pets, rabbits are the third most popular animal behind dogs and cats according to a 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey. Over 2 million households have pet rabbits. They are viewed as cute, cuddly companions.
However, rabbits are also the fourth largest meat animal behind cattle, pigs and chickens with over 150 million rabbits slaughtered each year for food. So whether a rabbit is seen as a pet or food depends greatly on the cultural and personal context.
Legally, rabbits may be classified as livestock or pets depending on local and state laws. For example, Washington state defines rabbits as specialty pets while California excludes domesticated rabbits from its definition of livestock.
How rabbits are classified impacts regulations around housing, importation, transportation and sale. It also influences public perceptions on proper rabbit care and welfare. Those seeing them as pets push for better protections while those viewing them as livestock focus on efficient production.
Their dual status makes consensus on appropriate rabbit treatment complex.
State and Local Laws Related to Rabbits
Laws pertaining to rabbits vary greatly across states and local jurisdictions. Some key areas regulated include:
- Housing conditions – Some areas have detailed cage size and housing requirements for rabbits while others have none.
- Sale – Many states require licensing for rabbit breeders selling over a certain quantity. Some jurisdictions prohibit selling rabbits in pet stores.
- Importation – Importing domestic rabbits, especially from other countries, may be prohibited or require permits/veterinary checks to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Abandonment – It’s illegal to abandon rabbits in many urban/suburban areas given their propensity to multiply rapidly and become an invasive pest.
- Slaughter – Cities and counties have their own regulations on backyard slaughter which impacts those raising rabbits for meat.
Ultimately local statutes determine if an area isfriendly to raising rabbits as pets or livestock. Checking municipal codes is crucial when acquiring rabbits to ensure compliance. Given their conflicting stereotypes and variability across laws, understanding rabbit regulations requires due diligence by owners.
Working with local veterinarians, breeders, 4-H clubs and House Rabbit Society chapters can help navigate rabbit rules. Being an informed and responsible rabbit owner, whether for companionship or production, maintains good community relations and supports fair policymaking.
Reasons Why Rabbits May Be Considered Exotic Pets
Unusual Compared to Common Household Pets
Rabbits are quite different from the typical pets found in most homes, such as dogs, cats, hamsters, or fish. While popular as pets, rabbits have some unique qualities and care requirements that set them apart.
For one thing, rabbits are prey animals by nature. This means they behave differently than predator pets like dogs and cats. Rabbits are gentle, quiet, and more timid. They frighten easily and prefer to avoid confrontation.
In the wild, rabbits live in warrens and tunnels underground. Our house rabbit companions retain some burrowing and hiding instincts. Rabbits enjoy having places to crawl into and under, like cardboard boxes, tunnels, and enclosed spaces.
The rabbit’s digestive system is also exotic compared to other pets. Rabbits are herbivores and eat mostly hay, leafy greens, and vegetables. Their digestive tracts require a high-fiber diet. Rabbits even re-ingest some of their feces to fully digest their food!
Additionally, rabbits have unique mannerisms like chinning objects to mark territory and happy tooth purring when content. These behaviors are foreign to owners used to the habits of cats and dogs.
Specialized Care and Handling Requirements
To stay happy and healthy, rabbits require some specialized care that differs from more common pets.
Proper housing is a major consideration. Rabbits need plenty of room to hop and move. The House Rabbit Society recommends at least 8 square feet of enclosure space per 6 pounds of rabbit. Hutches should have wire bottoms so rabbits don’t sit in their urine and feces.
Rabbits also need exercise and playtime in a fenced exercise pen for at least 5 hours per day. Litter training is also a must to channel their natural tendency to eliminate in one spot.
Their specialized diet requires providing unlimited hay, a variety of fresh veggies, and restricting treats. Pellets should be limited to no more than 1/4 cup per 6 lbs. of body weight.
Grooming rabbits is also an art. Their coats shed every 3 months and require brushing to avoid ingesting hair. Rabbits need their sensitive nails trimmed regularly. Spaying/neutering is highly recommended to prevent cancer and destructive behaviors.
Health issues like GI stasis require attentive care. Knowing bunny body language helps owners detect pain or illness quickly. Stress can be fatal to rabbits, so gentle handling is a must.
As prey animals, rabbits frighten easily. Loud noises, predators, and rough handling are traumatic. Rabbits require quiet environments and patient owners.
While rewarding companions, rabbits are definitely more high-maintenance than the average dog or cat. Their needs and behaviors make them an exotic pet choice for owners willing to understand their unique requirements.
Reasons Why Rabbits Are Not Exotic Pets
Domesticated Breeds vs. Wild Rabbits
Rabbits have been domesticated as pets for hundreds of years, with over 50 recognized breeds that range from 2 to 15+ lbs. Domestic rabbits are quite different from their wild cousins who live in the wild.
Wild rabbits are wary, athletic, and lead solitary lives, while domesticated rabbits are docile, sedentary, and affectionate when socialized properly. Through selective breeding, domestic rabbits have become perfect companion pets for many families.
Some of the most popular pet rabbit breeds include the Netherland Dwarf, Holland Lop, Mini Rex, Lionhead, and English Lop. These breeds are smaller, calmer, and friendlier than wild rabbits. They have been bred specifically for life as human companions.
Their personalities range from playful to docile. With proper care, domestic rabbits can live 7-10+ years, much longer than wild rabbits.
In contrast, wild rabbits like the Eastern Cottontail are not suitable as pets. They are shy, elusive creatures that require very specific diets and housing that is difficult to replicate in captivity. Attempting to tame a wild rabbit often leads to stress, illness, and early death for the animal.
For these reasons, true wild rabbits do not make good pets.
Increasing Popularity and Familiarity as Pets
Rabbits are the 3rd most popular pet in the United States after dogs and cats, with over 6 million pet rabbits nationwide. As more families welcome rabbits into their homes, rabbits are becoming increasingly familiar in society.
No longer seen as exotic or unusual, they have secured a place as a traditional domestic pet.
Part of rabbits’ increasing popularity is thanks to education and advocacy regarding proper rabbit care. Rabbit-savvy veterinarians, rescue organizations, and owners have raised awareness of rabbits’ needs.
With their appealing size and personalities, rabbits can thrive when their dietary, housing, and socialization requirements are met.
Rabbits can be litter trained, learn tricks, and even walk on a leash. They enjoy interacting with their owners and the comforts of home. While every animal has specific care requirements, the needs of domesticated rabbit breeds are well-understood and absolutely manageable for any committed pet owner.
With pet rabbits available for adoption from rescues and shelters across North America, finding the right bunny to join your home is easier than ever. Rabbits have truly become a mainstream companion pet that brings joy to owners of all ages.
Conclusion
In summary, there are good arguments on both sides of the exotic pet debate when it comes to rabbits. While they do have some specialized needs compared to dogs and cats, domesticated pet rabbits are still quite different from wild, exotic species.
Given their rising popularity as pets and place in many homes, most people consider rabbits more of an unusual or uncommon pet rather than a strictly exotic one.