Rabbit lovers know that their furry friends can be the most comforting creatures in the world. They’re our pets, friends, children, etc, etc, etc.
But oftentimes people put their own needs above their own.
And sometimes rabbits are the ones who need the real support in the relationship.
Unpopular opinion? Maybe. But rabbits should not be your first pick for an emotional support animal.
Rabbits cannot be registered as service animals
Before we even begin the discussion, let’s get it straight. Service animals are very different from emotional support animals.
Service animals:
- Are trained to perform specific tasks (like remind you to take medication)
- Are allowed in private businesses like restaurants where other animals are not allowed
Emotional support animals:
- Provide comfort through their mere presence
- Cannot go where pets are banned (check your local laws because some state do allow emotional support animals in public places)
- Cannot be kicked out of an apartment or charged rent
- Is not guaranteed the ability to fly with you in cabin (as of January 2020)
It’s important to note that there are some websites that allow you to register your rabbit as an “official” emotional support animal. They may send you a verification card in the mail, which may even get you into businesses if you present it (because they look official).
About the only thing registering can do is protect your pet from getting kicked out of your apartment by your landlord. Even if your complex or building doesn’t allow pets, they can’t ban your emotional support animal or charge you extra rent for your pet. That’s thanks to the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1998.
But there are no government registries for emotional support animals that can circumvent the law. That’s why many people consider such registry sites scams that take your money for a certification that essentially means nothing.
What you would really need is for your primary care doctor to write a letter designating your rabbit as an emotional support animal. Make sure to have it on hand.
Rabbits are prey animals
By nature, rabbits tend to be more fearful, sensitive to loud noises and quick movements.
Yes, there are the Chuck Norrises of rabbits, unphased by anything, able to go on trips and car rides.
But for the most part, rabbits feel better at home. It helped give them a routine and a familiar environment where they feel safe. The slightest change in that routine, like a change in diet, not coming when called, or sitting in one spot for too long, could signify a life threatening illness.
Rabbits can have health issues at any moment
Yes, any animal – or human for that matter – can technically get sick at any time.
But rabbits have very important diets they have to follow. They need unlimited hay, a small amount of pellets, and plenty of fresh vegetables. Even if you follow all the rules, your rabbit could slip into GI stasis and pass away within a matter of hours.
If you’re looking for emotional comfort at the drop of a hat, know your rabbit may end up causing some of that emotional distress. Like anything you love dearly, the thought of losing your bunny could be enough to cause a panic attack at the first sign of symptoms.
Decide for yourself, but I made my choice
Several of the more well known rabbits on the interwebs are emotional support animals. Those rabbits clearly have a special relationship with their owners and a specific disposition to provide that support to their owners.
I commend those rabbits!
For me personally, I would never consider making Baby my “official” emotional support animal.
- Car rides are not his favorite.
- He doesn’t like when strangers come up to try to pet him.
- He has his routine at home, and deviating from it infuriates him.
- Baby has had two GI stasis scares in the last year (and if it happens again, I’m going to need an emotional support animal to help me deal with the trauma he has put me through lol)
Should your rabbit be an emotional support animal?
These are the factors you should be considering when debating bringing your bunny places to emotionally support you.
As yourself:
- Does your rabbit like car rides?
- Is your rabbit okay with being pet by strangers (there’s always that one rude person who pets without asking)?
- Does your rabbit enjoy being rolled around in a cart?
- Is your rabbit sensitive to loud noises?
- Does your rabbit have a history of health issues?
- Would your rabbit handle being in a harness or carrier for long periods of time?
- Would your rabbit jump out of a cart or carrier?
Each rabbit is different. Some can handle it. For others, the decision to make them an emotional support animal could expose them to a deadly amount of otherwise avoidable stress.
cuzrabbits 