Should You Adopt a Real Easter Bunny?

Should You Adopt a Real Easter Bunny?

SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Baby bunnies are cute and quite popular around Easter, but if you want to buy a live one, the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) urges you to first consider if a rabbit is the right pet for you. Many of the baby bunnies adopted around Easter are abandoned a few months later when the novelty wears off.

"Rabbits can be affectionate, intelligent pets," says Mark Nunez, DVM, president of the CVMA. "However, as is true with any pet, potential owners need to take the time to consider what they are committing themselves to rather than act on impulse."

Before adopting a rabbit, consider that:

-- Pet rabbits have a lifespan of seven to 10 years, so plan on
committing to their long-term care.
-- Rabbits require a specialized diet - check with your veterinarian.
-- Rabbits also need exercise, care and companionship every day. Their
cages have to be cleaned; they shed their fur regularly and need
frequent brushing.
-- Rabbits require routine veterinary care, including spaying or
neutering.
-- You should learn in advance about rabbit training and behavior.
Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box. If you keep your rabbit
indoors, you should rabbit-proof your home to avoid having chewed
electrical cords and furniture.
-- As with all pets, children should be supervised when handling rabbits.
-- Rabbits are unique animals with their own personalities and quirks -
you need to be able to take the time to get to know your pet rabbit
well.

"Rabbits make wonderful companions for people who have done their research and are making a commitment to the long-term care of their rabbit," says Dr. Nunez. "Adopting a rabbit is a big decision and should not be made on the spur of the moment around Easter - it may be better to wait until after the holiday and make an informed decision."

The California Veterinary Medical Association is the largest state veterinary medical association in the United States, with more than 5,900 members. For more information, visit www.cvma.net.

Source: California Veterinary Medical Association

CONTACT: Phil Boerner of California Veterinary Medical Association,
+1-916-649-0599, pboerner@cvma.net

Web Site: http://www.cvma.net/

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