Rabbit Ownership Calculator
Interested in becoming a rabbit owner? Make sure you understand the costs before getting one using our simple rabbit ownership calculator.
Initial Costs (One-Time)
These are the upfront costs you'll need to pay when first getting a rabbit. Toggle on the costs that apply to you and adjust the amounts based on your situation.
Adoption / Purchase
Cost to adopt from shelter or buy from breeder
Housing (Cage / Hutch / Pen)
Indoor cage, outdoor hutch, or exercise pen
Accessories
Litter box, water bottle, hay rack, food bowl, toys
Spaying / Neutering
Recommended surgery - shelters often include this
Pet Deposit / Fees (Renters)
If you rent, you may need to pay a pet deposit
Monthly Recurring Costs
These are the ongoing costs you'll pay every month to care for your rabbit. Adjust based on your rabbit's size and your local prices.
Hay
Timothy hay is the main part of a rabbit's diet
Pellets
High-quality rabbit pellets for supplemental nutrition
Fresh Vegetables
Leafy greens and veggies for daily feeding
Treats
Occasional treats like fruits or commercial treats
Bedding / Litter
Paper-based or wood pellet litter for the litter box
Veterinary Care (Averaged)
Annual checkups and vaccines divided monthly
Pet Insurance (Optional)
Monthly premium for pet insurance coverage
Monthly Pet Rent (Renters)
If your landlord charges monthly pet rent
Cost Summary
First Year Total = Initial Cost + (Monthly Cost x 12). Annual Cost = Monthly Cost x 12.
Money-Saving Tips
Adopt, Don't Shop
Shelters often have rabbits already spayed/neutered, which saves you $100-350 on surgery costs. Adoption fees are usually much lower than breeder prices.
Buy Hay in Bulk
Purchase hay from local farms or in large quantities online. A 50lb bale can last months and costs much less per pound than pet store bags.
DIY Housing
Build your own rabbit pen using NIC grids (storage cube grids) or an exercise pen. It's often cheaper and provides more space than store-bought cages.
Grow Your Own Greens
Plant rabbit-safe herbs and greens like parsley, cilantro, and lettuce. They're easy to grow and significantly reduce vegetable costs.
Note: These are estimated costs and will vary based on your location, the size of your rabbit, and where you shop. Emergency vet visits are not included and can cost $200-$1000+. Always have an emergency fund for unexpected health issues.