The State of the Rabbit: Analyzing Trends in U.S. Companion Animal Ownership for 2025

As the landscape of American pet ownership continues to evolve, the status of the humble rabbit has transitioned from a niche "small animal" to a significant presence in millions of households. With the release of the latest data from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Pet Products Association (APPA), we are gaining a clearer picture of how these lagomorphs fit into the modern domestic sphere.

In 2025, the rabbit population in the United States remains a compelling subject for veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, and sociologists alike. While numbers have fluctuated over the decades, the cultural significance of the rabbit as a sentient companion remains firmly established.

Main Facts: The 2025 Landscape

According to the most recent data summarized by the American Veterinary Medical Association in May 2025, approximately one million U.S. households currently share their homes with rabbits. This represents roughly 0.7% of all households nationwide.

This figure is a critical benchmark. When compared to the 2022 AVMA Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, which cited 1.5 million households (1.2%) owning approximately 2.2 million rabbits, the current data suggests a tightening of the demographic. However, industry experts warn against viewing this merely as a decline in popularity. Instead, it reflects a shift in how families approach exotic and small animal care, often emphasizing quality of life, specialized veterinary care, and indoor, free-roaming living arrangements that may cap the number of rabbits a single household feels equipped to manage responsibly.

A Chronology of Domestic Rabbit Ownership

To understand where we are today, we must look at the historical trajectory of rabbit ownership in the U.S. The last quarter-century has seen a rollercoaster of adoption and ownership trends.

The Turn of the Millennium (1996–2002)

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, rabbits enjoyed a period of relative stability in popularity. In 1996, an estimated 1.9 million households kept 4.9 million rabbits. By 2002, the USDA reported that 2.2 million households were caring for 5 million rabbits, suggesting that, at the time, households were frequently keeping multiple rabbits, likely influenced by the prevailing husbandry practices of the era.

The Peak of the Small Animal Boom (2007–2010)

The mid-to-late 2000s marked a zenith for small animal ownership. By 2007, estimates suggested as many as 6.1 million rabbits were kept as pets. This period saw rabbits decisively overtake hamsters to become the third most popular companion mammal in the U.S., trailing only cats and dogs. By 2010, that number climbed to an estimated 6.6 million rabbits, according to the APPA. During this time, rabbits were heavily marketed as "starter pets," a label that has since been aggressively challenged by animal welfare groups like the House Rabbit Society.

The Modern Adjustment (2012–2025)

The last decade has seen a downward correction in total population figures. In 2012, the AVMA survey counted 1.2 million households with 3 million rabbits. This suggests a shift toward more intensive, individualized care. The decline from the 6.6 million peak in 2010 to the current estimate of roughly 2.2 million represents a systemic change in how the public views rabbit welfare. Modern owners are increasingly educated about the lifespan, dietary needs, and complex social requirements of rabbits, leading to fewer impulsive purchases and more deliberate, long-term commitments.

Supporting Data: Why Numbers Fluctuate

The disparity between different years and different reporting agencies (AVMA vs. APPA) often stems from how "ownership" is defined. Is a rabbit considered a "pet" if it lives in an outdoor hutch, or only if it is an indoor companion?

Data from the 2013-2014 APPA survey highlighted a pivotal trend: only 14% of rabbits were purchased from pet stores, while 25% were adopted from shelters or rescue groups. This marked a 42% decline in pet store purchases compared to the 2011-2012 period, indicating a major success in public education campaigns regarding the "adopt, don’t shop" philosophy.

Furthermore, demographic shifts are heavily impacting these numbers. Forbes and other outlets have noted that Millennials and Gen Z are driving the "exotics" market. Younger generations are more likely to view rabbits as "pocket dogs"—animals that require as much attention, veterinary investment, and household integration as a canine companion.

Official Responses and Welfare Implications

The decline in the total number of rabbits—from 6.6 million in 2010 to the current 2.2 million—is viewed by many rescue organizations as a positive indicator of "conscious ownership."

"The numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent a fundamental change in the relationship between humans and rabbits," says one leading animal welfare advocate. "In the early 2000s, it was common to see rabbits treated as disposable classroom pets or outdoor lawn ornaments. Today, the average rabbit owner is far more likely to seek specialized exotic veterinary care, provide a balanced diet of hay and fresh greens, and ensure the rabbit is spayed or neutered."

The American Veterinary Medical Association continues to provide data to help practitioners prepare for this demographic. As the population of rabbits stabilizes, the focus of the veterinary community has shifted from addressing population surges to managing the chronic health issues of a longer-lived, better-cared-for population.

The Implications of 2025 Trends

What does the future hold for the U.S. rabbit population? Several factors are currently at play:

1. The "Indoor-Only" Movement

The push for indoor-only living has revolutionized rabbit care. While this protects rabbits from predators and extreme weather, it also limits the number of rabbits a household can realistically host. A rabbit that requires a large exercise pen or a free-roam environment occupies more "real estate" than a rabbit in a small cage, effectively acting as a ceiling on the total number of animals an average family can keep.

2. Veterinary Accessibility

One of the primary barriers to rabbit ownership remains the scarcity of specialized exotic animal veterinarians. In many rural areas, finding a vet qualified to perform complex surgeries or handle the delicate gastrointestinal systems of rabbits is difficult. As the demand for high-quality care grows, the veterinary field is struggling to keep pace, which may temper the growth of rabbit ownership in certain geographic regions.

3. Generational Shifts in Pet Culture

As Gen Z becomes the primary demographic for pet acquisition, we are seeing a trend toward "pet humanization." Rabbits, which were once relegated to the backyard, are now frequently featured on social media platforms as integral members of the family unit. This cultural elevation ensures that while the total number of rabbits may not return to the 6-million-plus highs of 2010, the welfare standards for those currently in homes are higher than ever before.

4. Economic Factors

The cost of pet ownership—including specialized food, housing, and routine checkups—has risen significantly. In 2025, the economic threshold for owning a rabbit is higher than it was a decade ago. Potential owners are more aware of the "hidden costs" associated with exotic pets, leading to more prospective owners opting to wait until they have the financial stability to provide for an animal that can live up to 10–12 years.

Conclusion

The data from 2025 presents a portrait of a maturing pet industry. While the raw numbers of rabbit households have declined from their peak, the story is one of improved welfare and deepening human-animal bonds. The rabbit has successfully moved from the fringe of the "small animal" category into a recognized position as a sophisticated, long-term companion.

For the one million households currently caring for rabbits in the United States, the focus has shifted from quantity to quality. As we move further into the decade, it is likely that the number of households owning rabbits will remain stable, while the expectations for their care—and the medical infrastructure to support them—will continue to grow in complexity and reach. The era of the "disposable" bunny is effectively over, replaced by an era of conscious, informed, and deeply personal companionship.