Happy, hoppy homes!

Back by popular bunny demand, Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) – which aims to help rabbit owners everywhere understand more about the best ways to care for their twitchy-nosed companions – will run from June 23-27.

Now in its 19^th year, the theme for 2025 is ‘Happy, Hoppy Homes’ and activities will focus on providing the correct housing environment for indoor and outdoor rabbits, as well as encouraging new pet owners to adopt rather than shop for some bunny pals.

Why bunny housing is in the spotlight

The importance of this year’s RAW theme is highlighted in veterinary charity PDSA’s latest PAW Report, the UK’s largest annual assessment of pets’ wellbeing. This revealed that:

• INADEQUATE HOUSING Almost a quarter of all pet rabbits (22%) which equates to 180,000 rabbits, continue to have inadequate housing, with small hutches and minimal or no run space the most likely environment. Whilst still too high, this figure has improved from 2017 (35%).
• RESTRICTION OF MOVEMENT Although rabbits should have permanent access to all areas of their accommodation, enabling them to perform natural behaviours at all times, just 66% of rabbits are able to move freely between their hutch and run. 23% have to be let in or out by their owner and 9% have to be physically moved from one area to the other by their owner.
• LACK OF CHOICE Rabbits kept in inadequate enclosures are less likely to be able to move between the hutch and run as they choose (33%), compared to those in adequate housing (76%).

Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB, MRCVS, deputy managing director and In-house vet at Burgess Pet Care, says: “The data from the latest PAW Report shows that, despite a reduction in the number of rabbits being kept in inadequate housing, there’s still work to be done to ensure that owners provide their rabbits with the correct housing, helping to ensure these wonderful creatures can live the happy lives they deserve.”

It's a common misconception that rabbits are easy to care for and don't need much to keep them happy. in fact, nothing could be further from the truth >>

Love bunnies? Then get involved in this year’s Happy, Hoppy Homes event!

If you want nothing but the best for your buns, RAW enables you to dig into all the info and inspo you need, provided by the nation’s top bunny specialists including experts from Burgess Pet Care, Woodgreen, Blue Cross, RSPCA and Rabbit Welfare.

Topics covered include the importance of vaccinations and neutering, dental and digestive health, fun foraging craft ideas, bonding new rabbits, a ‘supermarket sweep’ in the countryside, how to use diet, environment and enrichment to encourage natural behaviours, an ask the vet video and podcast, plus lots of practical ways you can enhance your buns’ home to make it Happy and Hoppy!

To access all this fantastic content simply:

• Check out our Rabbit Awareness Week social pages on Facebook andInstagram – and share your favourite posts with all your bunny-loving friends!
• Get your FREE RAW pack, which is jam-packed with bunny fun and information, including a Better Bunnies Programme chart, a Rabbit Welfare Needs matrix, colouring sheets, bunting, posters and useful guides to help get into good bunny care habits. Download your RAW PACK here >>

RAW is organised by Burgess Pet Care and endorsed by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), RAW seeks to improve the lives of pet rabbits and raise awareness of rabbits’ housing and other welfare needs through a variety of activities. The campaign is supported by the RSPCA, Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF), Blue Cross, Woodgreen and Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare.

Bunny housing know-how

• Energetic, agile rabbits are made to move – whether that’s hopping to a high spot to scan for danger, running (at up to 35 mph) across an open field and swerving safely away from predators, bolting down tunnels or expertly weaving through dense foliage to find a secluded hiding place. That’s why our pet rabbits need lots and lots of space – being cooped up in a traditional hutch just doesn’t cut it when it comes to providing a suitable place to live.
• A converted garden shed can provide ideal bunny housing. You can line it with plywood and add a range of shelves with steps, along with designated sleeping, eating and toileting areas to make the most of the available space. This will give your buns lots of different areas to hang out in. Indoor rabbits need a large indoor pen or a ‘rabbit-proofed’ room in your home.
• Pet buns also need access to outside space. However, letting them out for a run round the garden when it suits you may not match your rabbits’ body clocks and instincts.
• Bunnies are crepuscular, which means they like to be out and about in the fresh air in the early morning and early evening. The best way to enable your pet buns to come and go as they please is to have an exercise run permanently attached to their main accommodation.

Find out more about what rabbits really, really want!!! >>

TOP TIP! Traditionally thought of as good pets for children, rabbits are not easy to look after correctly. Small animals are often more complex to feed and care for than a cat or dog and require more looking after than a child can offer. So, while it’s lovely for children to enjoy the company of rabbits, the responsibility for any animal’s wellbeing lies with adults, who must always be responsible for overseeing their care. 

NUTRITIOUS FOOD FOR HEALTHY, HAPPY RABBITS – 92% OF UK VETS RECOMMEND OUR BURGESS EXCEL SMALL PETS RANGE!

Rabbits are herbivores and need a plant-based diet with lots of fibre to keep their digestive system healthy. Along with their rabbit nuggets and a few healthy treats make sure your rabbits have unlimited access to good quality, dust extracted feeding hay and fresh grass (but not grass cuttings) to graze on.

Check out our tasty nugget varieties specially created for junior and dwarf rabbits, indoor bunnies, golden oldies, adult rabbits – there’s even a light recipe for buns who are watching their weight!

LET’S GET SOCIAL! Sign up to the Excel Bunny Base – a safe Facebook community for rabbit guardians that are looking for advice and friendly discussions from likeminded owners – and there are lots of cute bunny photos and videos! Also join us on Instagram.

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HOW MUCH SPACE DO YOUR RABBITS NEED? If you have a couple, a throuple or even a band of well-bonded bunnies, you’ll know just how much they love hanging out together. However, even the best bunny pals need their own space.

HOW TO HELP YOUR BUNNIES GET ALL THE EXERCISE THEY NEED To encourage your bunny chums to like to move it, move it, create an exciting space where they can hop, run, jump, explore and forage.

DO YOUR SMALL PETS HAVE THE RIGHT TO ROAM? Find out why giving small furries the chance to scamper about in a safe, enriching space is essential to their health and wellbeing.

21 AMAZING RABBIT FACTS FOR BUNNY FANATICS Even if you’re a lifelong bunny lover, there are a few things you may not know about your hay-chomping chums.

SMALL FURRIES NEED A SECOND CHANCE TOO As well as taking on a rescue dog or adopting a cat from an animal sanctuary, did you know that there are lots of small furries in rescue centres around the country that are looking for loving homes?

WHAT PUTS YOUR SMALL PETS IN A GOOD MOOD?  Along with socialising with their same species companion and interacting with their favourite human, our survey reveals the best thing you can to do to give your small furries a happiness boost…

LITTER TRAINING YOUR RABBITS  Whether your buns live indoors or out, litter training has lots of benefits – both for them and you!

HOW DO YOU GROOM RABBITS? Keeping clean and neat is very important to rabbits and, just like cats, buns spend a huge amount of time grooming themselves. They also need a little help from us.

WHICH POPULAR RABBIT BREEDS HAVE THE MOST HEALTH ISSUES?  ‘Cute’ bunny breeds such as the Lionhead rabbit, the Netherland Dwarf rabbit and the Mini Lop, are at risk from long-term health problems.

INDOOR GUINEA PIGS AND HOUSE BUNNIES Once traditionally always housed outdoors, many people enjoy keeping their guinea pigs or rabbits as indoor pets – and there are all sorts of reasons why.

BONDING WITH YOUR BUNNY CHUMS Whether your buns are already part of the family, or you’ve just welcomed some new rabbits into your family, find out how to deepen your connection with your nose-twitching pals.

WHAT’S IN SEASON? HOW TO CHOOSE SAFE FRESH FOOD FOR YOUR SMALL PETS Select safe fruits, vegetables and leafy greens for your small pets to nibble on – you could even forage for some tasty titbits or grow your own!

RABBITS AND GUINEA PIGS – IS INDOORS OR OUTDOORS BEST? Is the outdoor life better for bunnies and guinea pigs, or will these small pets have a more enriching time if they’re kept indoors?

GAMES TO PLAY WITH YOUR RABBITS Bunnies are smart and active creatures who like lots of things to do and games to play – particularly if there are some tasty rabbit treats involved. We’ve some fun ideas to add interest and excitement to your buns’ day.

BUNNY TALK Rabbits have a complex language all of their own. By learning to understand their body postures, behaviours and vocalisations, you’ll uncover their individual personalities.

HOW TO BE A GOLD-STAR INDOOR BUNNY OWNER Indoor rabbits make fabulous house pets, as long as you provide these smart and sociable animals with everything they need.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR GUINEAS AND BUNNIES FROM PESKY PARASITES When it comes to protecting our small pets from mites, fleas, flies, ticks and mosquitoes, a four-pronged attack is the best approach.

FINDING A VET FOR YOUR SMALL PETS Did you know that just like hospital specialists, vets have different areas of expertise? That’s why, if you have small pets, it can be a good idea to seek out a vet that specialises in small animal medicine.

PET INSURANCE EXPLAINED Can you get pet insurance for pre-existing conditions? Can you get pet insurance for older pets? Can you get multi-pet cover? We answer some of the most commonly asked questions to help you make an informed decision.