Rabbits are a common but often overlooked species in animal shelters. In many communities, they are among the most frequently admitted companion animals after dogs and cats. Yet most shelters were not designed with rabbits in mind, and housing practices for rabbits have historically been inadequate.
To address this gap, the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) published the Guidelines for Humane Rabbit Housing in Animal Shelters in 2025. I served as a co-author on these guidelines, which were developed using shelter medicine principles and grounded in the realities of shelter operations.
The primary goal of the guidelines is to define what humane, practical rabbit housing looks like in shelters (and also homes), with an understanding of both rabbit welfare needs and the operational realities shelters face.
Why Rabbit Housing Deserves Focused Attention
Shelter environments are inherently stressful, and rabbits are particularly sensitive to that stress. As prey species, rabbits are highly aware of noise, movement, unfamiliar smells, and lack of control over their surroundings. Stress can contribute to illness, behavioral withdrawal, and reduced adoptability.
Rabbits tend to have longer lengths of stay in shelters than dogs or cats. When animals remain in care for weeks rather than days, housing quality becomes even more important. Housing that restricts movement, limits choice, amplifies stress, or fails to support normal behavior will negatively affect welfare over time.
Conversely, rabbits that are able to move, explore, rest comfortably, and display natural behaviors are more likely to be perceived as healthy and adoptable.
Core Principles from the ASV Rabbit Housing Guidelines
The guidelines emphasize several foundational concepts that shelters can apply regardless of size or resources.
Housing should support natural behavior
Rabbits need space to hop, stretch out fully, stand on their hind legs, explore, and hide. Housing should be sized based on what a rabbit is inclined to physically do, not simply what they fit into. Lack of adequate space and restriction of movement is associated with physical and behavioral health concerns.
Space recommendations
Schumacher E, Berliner E, Hicks S, et al. The Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Humane Rabbit Housing in Animal Shelters. JSMCAH. 2025;4(S2). doi:10.56771/jsmcah.v4.149
Primary enclosures should include distinct functional areas
Well-designed rabbit housing provides separate spaces for resting and hiding, eating and drinking, elimination (litter box use), and movement or play. These divisions support normal behavior and reduce stress.
Even at minimum sizes, housing should allow rabbits to separate these activities. A 12-square-foot enclosure might be configured as 3 feet by 4 feet or 2 feet by 6 feet, providing enough space for a hiding area at one end, a litter box, and an open area for movement and food/water stations.
Solid flooring and appropriate surfaces are essential
Wire or slatted flooring should be avoided. Solid, non-slip surfaces with appropriate bedding options support comfort, traction, and thermal regulation. Offering more than one surface allows rabbits to choose where they are most comfortable.
Choice and control reduce stress
Rabbits benefit from having options within their enclosure, including hiding spaces, areas with lower light, and places to retreat from noise or activity. Hiding spaces are not optional – they are a core component of humane housing.
Schumacher E, Berliner E, Hicks S, et al. The Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Humane Rabbit Housing in Animal Shelters. JSMCAH. 2025;4(S2). doi:10.56771/jsmcah.v4.149
The surrounding environment matters
Housing is more than the enclosure itself. Noise levels, lighting, temperature, ventilation, and proximity to predator species all affect rabbit welfare. Rabbits should not be housed in the same areas as cats or dogs. The environment should be quiet, support exposure to normal light-dark cycles, and maintain comfortable temperatures. Be aware that rabbits have very little tolerance for heat- temperatures in the 80s can be hazardous.
Capacity, Length of Stay, and Alternatives to Shelter Housing
Housing fewer rabbits well is preferable to housing more rabbits poorly. Capacity planning should consider staffing, enclosure size, length of stay, and daily care needs. When appropriate, shelters are encouraged to use alternatives to in-shelter housing such as foster care, rescue partnerships, and intake diversion to reduce time spent in the shelter.
Why This Matters for Shelters
Humane rabbit housing in shelters supports better health, clearer behavior, and more positive interactions with potential adopters. It also provides a meaningful model of good rabbit housing for adopters!
The rabbit housing guidelines are intended to be practical and adaptable. Shelters are encouraged to implement rabbit housing improvements over time and to build thoughtfully when opportunities arise. Even incremental changes in housing can make a meaningful difference for rabbits in care. Check them out here!
Want to learn more about implementing rabbit housing improvements at your shelter? Paws to Elevate provides expert consultation on housing design and population management for bunnies too! Contact us to discuss your facility’s needs.
AI Use Disclaimer
This blog post was created with the assistance of AI tools and was reviewed and edited by Becky Stuntebeck. It is provided for general informational purposes.
