Thinking of welcoming an adorable, long-eared addition to your family? Rabbits make delightful pets, but they do require some upfront investment and ongoing costs. Before hopping down the bunny trail, get the full scoop on what’s needed to properly care for one of these endearing yet fragile animals. From choosing the right rabbit and setting up housing, to proofing your home and budgeting monthly expenses, we cover everything you need to know so your new fuzzy friend thrives in their new habitat. Read on to learn how to avoid first-timer mistakes and be a responsible, loving rabbit owner…all for an average monthly budget of just $100-$200. It’s paws-itively worth it!

The cost of the rabbit ($35-$200+)

The cost of purchasing a pet rabbit can vary quite a bit depending on the breed, age, color, and source. On average, you can expect to pay between $35-$200+ for a pet rabbit. Here's a breakdown of some of the factors that influence cost:

Breed – Some breeds like Mini Rex, Netherland Dwarf, and English Lops tend to be more expensive than mixed breeds or common breeds like Holland Lops or Californians. Purebred rabbits from show quality lineage will range from $75-$200+.

Age – Baby rabbits (under 12 weeks old) are generally cheaper than adult rabbits. Babies can range from $35-$60 while adults can be $50-$100+.

Color – Rare or unique colors and patterns like harlequin, Himalayan, and Dutch can increase the price up to $50-$100 more than common colors like black, brown, or white.

Source – Where you get your rabbit makes a difference. Pet stores tend to be more expensive, ranging from $50-$150. Breeders are mid-range from $50-$100 depending on breed and quality. Rabbit rescues or shelters tend to be cheapest at $35-$80 since they are often mixed breeds and older rabbits.

When deciding on a price range for your potential new bunny, keep in mind that higher cost does not always mean higher quality. Some mixed breed rabbits from shelters can be just as loving, social, and healthy as a purebred rabbit. And baby rabbits require lots of training and socialization compared to an adult or adolescent rabbit who is calmer. Be sure to factor in these additional costs of supplies and spay/neuter for babies.

The most important things are finding a rabbit with a good temperament and healthy conditions from a reputable source. Developing a relationship with a caring breeder or rescue can provide you withbehavioral and medical background on the rabbit to ensure it's a good fit for your home. Don't choose based on price alone. Spending more upfront on a healthy, socialized rabbit from a responsible breeder or rescue can end up saving you money in the long run on medical bills or destructive chewing habits. The right rabbit for you might be the $60 shelter bunny versus the $150 show bunny.

Initial costs for your rabbit's habitat

Preparing your home for a pet rabbit takes some upfront investment. From housing enclosures to rabbit proofing to initial supplies, you'll need to spend $200-$800+ to get set up properly for your new bunny. Here are some average costs for initial rabbit setup:

Housing Enclosure – $80-$300

Rabbits need lots of space so a large cage or commercially made enclosure works best. Wire cages start at $80 for small sizes (good for dwarf breeds only) and go up to $300 for extra large multi-level hutches. Custom built wood enclosures are $150+.

Baby Gates – $30-$100

Block off areas you don't want your rabbit accessing with adjustable baby gates. Price depends on the size of opening and quality of construction. Extra tall pet gates with small openings will deter jumping.

Exercise pen – $80-$225

Let your rabbit play in a secure exercise pen when not in the cage. Prices range from $80 for small round pens to $225 for large, tall rectangular pens. You may need multiple pens to block access to furniture, etc.

Litter box – $15-$25

A basic grate-bottom litter box will help train your rabbit to use one spot. High-back litter boxes prevent mess.

Litter – $15-$25

Paper-based litter provides odor control. A 20-40 lb bag will last 1-3 months.

Water bowl/bottle – $5-$15

Ceramic bowls are heavier and limit mess. Bottles attach to cages for easy access.

Food bowl – $5-$15

Weighty ceramic bowls again are best to prevent spills. Use 2-3 bowls for hay, pellets, veggies.

Hide house – $15-$40

Rabbits need access to places to hide and feel secure. Choose a plastic igloo-style house or wooden hide box.

Tunnels & toys – $20-$50

Enrich your rabbit's life with tunnels to run through and toys to chew on like wood blocks, balls, keys, etc. Rotate to keep it interesting.

Brush – $5-$15

Regular brushing reduces shedding and hairballs. Slicker brushes and undercoat rakes work best.

Nail clippers – $10-$20

Trim nails every 6-8 weeks to prevent injury from getting caught or overgrown nails.

Pet carrier – $25-$50

A secure airline-approved carrier is needed for vet visits and travel. Hard vs soft carriers depends on use.

First aid kit – $20-$50

Bandages, gauze, thermometer, antiseptic, etc. for minor injuries. Your vet can recommend supplies.

The initial cost can seem high, but these are one-time purchases that will enrich your pet's life. Look for sales on supplies and sites like Craigslist for used items to save money. When cared for properly, rabbits can live 10+ years so don't skimp on their essential habitat needs.

Rabbit proofing costs

Rabbit proofing your home is an essential step to protect your belongings and your rabbit's safety. Rabbits are natural chewers and will gnaw on any items within reach. They also can be litter trained but may have occasional accidents. Take time to bunny-proof each room your rabbit has access to. Here are some common rabbit proofing costs:

Electrical wire protectors – $10-$30
Cover all exposed wires with plastic protectors to prevent electrocution from chewing. Look for wire loom tubing at hardware stores.
Furniture protection – $20-$100
Wrap foam, cardboard, or hard plastic guards around table and chair legs to prevent damage. You can also use vinegar-soaked rags.
Rug tape/weights – $10-$30
Secure area rugs and runners with double-sided tape or weighted edges so they can't be moved or chewed.
Baseboard protectors – $30-$60
Plastic corner guards or foam tubing will protect vulnerable baseboard corners from teeth.
Door/wall scratch guards – $15-$40
Clear heavy duty liners can be applied to doors, walls, and ceilings to limit scratch damage in high traffic areas.
Plants removal – $0
Remove houseplants that may be toxic for rabbits including lilies, ivy, amaryllis, daffodil, oleander. Replace with bunny-safe greens.
Cable protectors – $10-$30
Run any computer, TV, phone cables through plastic spiral wraps or flexible tubing so they are out of reach.
Hard plastic toys – $20
Provide alternative chewing outlets like untreated wood blocks or hard plastic baby toys.

The more time you spend proactively rabbit proofing your space, the fewer destructive issues you'll encounter. supervision is still required, but you'll have peace of mind knowing your home and rabbit are safe. Ongoing reinforcement like bitter apple spray on furniture may be needed.

Ongoing monthly costs

Caring for a pet rabbit involves some regular monthly expenses in addition to the initial costs of supplies and rabbit proofing. Depending on your rabbit's needs, expect to budget $50-$150 per month to keep your bunny healthy and happy. Here are the main recurring monthly costs:

Food – $15-$30
A typical 10 lb bag of Oxbow pellets costs $15-$20 and lasts 1-2 months for one rabbit. Hay like timothy or orchard grass costs $10-$20 per month.

Litter – $10-$25
Paper-based or wood pellets litter will need replaced every 1-3 months depending on cage size. Disposable tray liners are another option.

Toys – $5-$15
Rotate in new chew toys, balls, tunnels, etc from the pet store to prevent boredom. Destructible cardboard boxes can also entertain.

Treats – $10-$20
A 3 lb bag of apples, carrots, lettuce or other fresh greens lasts 1-2 months for training treats.

Grooming tools – $5
Replace worn brushes every 2-3 months. Nail clippers need replaced when they become dull.

Vet checkups – $75-$200
Annual exams average $100-$200 including any needed bloodwork. More frequent visits add up if illness occurs.

Medical bills -$100+
Possible costs for spay/neuter, medication, emergency injuries beyond annual checkup. Keep an emergency fund.

Pet sitting – $15-$50
A pet sitter for 1-2 short visits per day averages $20-$30. Boarding is $15-$25 per night.

These ongoing monthly expenses demonstrate why it's important to have a steady budget prepared before adopting a rabbit. Their care costs add up quickly. Expenses are higher the first year for items like spay/neuter and supplies, then level off over subsequent years. Be sure to keep up with annual vet visits to catch any health issues early.

Spay and Neuter Surgery ($300-600)

One of the most important investments for your rabbit's health is to get them spayed or neutered around 6 months old. This surgery eliminates the risk of reproductive cancers later in life. Here's what to expect for spay/neuter costs:

Spay (female): $300-$600

Removes the uterus and ovaries
90% risk reduction for uterine cancer
Reduces territorial behaviors

Neuter (male): $150-$350

Removes the testicles
Eliminates testicular cancer risk
Reduces aggression and marking

Total surgical fees typically range from $300-$600 for a spay and $150-$350 for a neuter. Factors impacting price include:

Geographic location – Urban areas charge more than rural typically
Rabbit's size – Larger breeds cost slightly more
Vet experience – Board-certified exotic vets are pricier

Additional fees may include:

Anesthesia and monitoring – $50-$150
Pain medication – $20-$30
E-collar or recovery suit – $15-$25
Lab tests – $60-$150
Hospitalization – $50/night

While the upfront cost seems high, it leads to long-term health benefits and often saves money over a rabbit's lifespan. Shop around for rates if cost is prohibitive. Many rescues offer lower cost spay/neuter for adopted rabbits. But don't skip this vital procedure.

Annual wellness exam ($75-200)

Just like cats and dogs, rabbits need to visit the vet every year for a wellness exam. This allows early detection of any health issues before they become serious. Annual exams typically cost $75-$200. What's included:

Overall physical exam – Check weight, ears, eyes, teeth, skin, nails, digestion, mobility.
Temperament evaluation – Discuss diet, behavior, housing, litter habits, social life.
Vaccine boosters – Administer shot updates as needed.
Diagnostic tests – Possible bloodwork, urinalysis, x-rays if over 5 years old.
Parasite prevention – Prescribe monthly flea/tick/mite prevention medication.

For older or chronically ill rabbits, additional lab work like blood panels, x-rays, and urine cultures may be recommended annually. This can increase the exam cost but is important for monitoring age-related issues.

An annual checkup gives you peace of mind knowing your rabbit's health is on track. It also establishes an essential relationship with an exotics-savvy vet in case emergency issues arise during the year. They become familiar with your bunny's baseline normal state.

Don't skip yearly exams due to cost. Many vets offer health wellness packages at discounted rates if paid upfront. Pet insurance can also offset exam fees and lab testing costs.

Emergency costs ($300-2500)

While we never want emergency issues to happen with our rabbits, it's wise to be prepared just in case. GI stasis, broken bones, and abscesses are some rabbit emergencies that require immediate veterinary treatment and can costs $300-$2500 to resolve. Typical emergency costs include:

Emergency vet exam – $75-$200
The initial exam, vitals, diagnostics to determine the issue. More extensive than a regular visit.
X-rays – $150-$500
Needed to visualize broken bones, Gas buildup, foreign objects, etc.
Hospitalization – $150-$200 per night
IV fluids, medications, syringe feeding, 24/7 monitoring of serious conditions.
Surgery – $500-$2000+
GI stasis often requires immediate surgery to correct intestinal issues. Fractures need plates/pins. Abscesses need lanced and drained.
Medications – $50-$300
Antibiotics, pain meds, GI motility drugs, etc. Prescriptions from vet pharmacies.
Post-op care – $200-$500
Follow up vet visits to check incisions, change bandages, monitor recovery.

As you can see, these amounts add up extremely quickly. Emergency vet clinics also charge higher out-of-hours rates for nights and weekends. The good news is not all emergencies require thousands in treatment. But you should be financially prepared for this possibility. Some ways to plan ahead:

Save an emergency fund with $1000 minimum
Apply for CareCredit or ScratchPay financing
Purchase pet insurance for accident/illness coverage
Establish a relationship with rabbit-savvy 24/7 emergency vet

Don't let potential emergency costs deter you from rabbit ownership. The likelihood is small if you provide excellent preventative care. But ultimately their health and wellbeing are in your hands, so make backup plans to cover crisis scenarios.

Rabbit care during vacations ($50+)

One extra expense to factor in for rabbit ownership is pet care when you travel or go on vacation. Unlike a cat or dog, rabbits can't simply be dropped off at a standard kennel boarding facility. Their specialized needs require an experienced rabbit sitter to watch them in your home. Costs vary based on length of stay and care requirements.

For a 1-2 night stay:

Drop-in visits: $15-$25 per visit
A 30 min visit 1-2x daily to feed, clean litter, play. Multiple short visits are less stressful than one daily long visit.
Pet sitter stayover: $50-$100 per night
The sitter stays in your home for extra safety and bonding time with bunny. Ideal for shy rabbits.
Fully bonded friend/family: Free-$50
If you have a close friend or family member your rabbit knows well, this can be the least stressful option for free or a modest fee.

For 5+ nights:

Pet sitter: $50+ per night
Round the clock care in your home. Experienced rabbit sitters are essential for longer stays.
Rabbit boarding facility: $15-$35 per night
Specialty boarding facilities cater exclusively to rabbit needs but availability is limited.
Vet hospital boarding: $25-$50 per night
Some veterinary hospitals offer boarding but it can be stressful for rabbits.
Friend/family: Depends on length
Good for shorter stays but may be burdensome over 5+ nights.

Travel planning is easier when you establish relationships in advance with potential sitters, vet techs experienced with rabbits, or fully bonded friends willing to help out. Do trial runs for short overnights first. Research options near and far so your rabbit is covered wherever your travels take you.

While bunny-sitting costs can add up, don't avoid vacation travel. By planning ahead and budgeting expenses, you can still enjoy trips without worry or guilt! Just be sure to bring back fun new toys for your rabbit.

In Summary

Bringing home a new rabbit requires some financial planning and commitment. But don't let the startup and ongoing costs deter you. Rabbits can make wonderfully rewarding pets for $100-$200 per month on average when you provide them proper housing, nutrition, vet care, and attention. Spend time researching the breed and source to find a great rabbit match rather than choosing by price alone. The long term joys of rabbit ownership far outweigh the investment you make in their wellbeing and happiness. Be sure to budget emergency savings as well since rabbits are prey animals prone to hiding illness. With sensible preparation and preventative care, you'll be hopping down the bunny trail in no time!

How Much Does a Rabbit Cost? (plus ongoing monthly costs)