Rabbits can be great pets. In fact, they are the next most popular pets next to dogs and cats. It is, therefore, sad to hear that rabbits are often abused by owners, not taken cared for properly, and are usually abandoned and left in animal shelters or worse let loose in the outdoors. If you can't take on the responsibilities of taking care of a rabbit then don't get one in the first place.

Rabbits are clean, docile, and intelligent creatures despite what others say. With the right housing, feeding, handling, grooming, and health care, rabbits can grow to as old as 10 to 15 years.

First, rabbits need a secure home. They need to be protected from the rains, wind, and direct sunlight. Note that exposing them to extreme temperatures could prove to be fatal. It is important to keep its house well ventilated and materials should be tough enough since rabbits are known to be heavy chewers and can easily nibble its way to freedom if the materials used are brittle or soft enough. Make sure that the rabbits can move freely inside their house. Clean the cages daily and put up additional protection from predators like dogs and foxes.

If you're going to set loose the rabbit inside the house, keep wirings or electric cords out of reach. Do not place pesticides or poisons in areas where the rabbit can get to. And, if possible, keep them away from other pets that you might have to avoid contracting any disease.

With regards to feeding, remember that rabbits are monogastric herbivores. Rabbit pellets should be fine but an adult one should be given only around a serving of 4-6 ounces daily. Pellets are supplemented with grass hay, and garden vegetables like romaine lettuce, cabbage, chicory, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, alfalfa, bread, and some fruits as well.

Rabbits should be treated the same way people treat their other pets. Regular visits to the vet is encouraged and highly recommended. Mites, fleas or diarrhea are among the most common illnesses of domesticated rabbits. Other common diseases of rabbits are respiratory diseases. Watch out for sneezing, wet nose, and signs of nasal discharge. Inflammation of the external ear area may be a sign of ear mites which are quite common too. But keep calm since these kinds of diseases are treatable.

It is important to interact with your rabbits and show as much affection and contact as possible. Hold them regularly so that they can get more accustomed to human touch. They would eventually learn to calm down and cuddle when you lift them or touch them.

Moreover, rabbits can be easily stressed by its environment. They are highly social animals and should be a part of a herd. They need adequate room for exercise and are highly trainable like dogs and cats.

Furthermore, rabbits are really not suitable pets for small children. Kids can be tough, noisy and would not understand the basics of taking care of the rabbits. The rabbits would just end up terrified and traumatized. Also, children easily loose interests and would rather go back to their dolls and trucks than take time caring for their rabbits.