08/28/2026
Rabbits, like many pets, require a lot of regular expenses as well as the costs of the habitat. For those who need to get through a rough patch financially, we are happy to share this post from Dolly's Dream Home Rabbit Rescue in Missouri (and additional ideas in the comments).
No matter how you look at it, everything is getting more expensive.
Over the past year, we've seen a major shift in the reasons rabbits are surrendered. For the first time since opening Dolly’s, financial hardship has become one of the most common reasons why families give up their bunnies.
Most people don't get a rabbit expecting to fall on hard times. They love their pets and want to keep them. So we've been brainstorming ways rabbit owners can save money without sacrificing care.
Here are our 10 best ideas:
1. Ask local produce stores if they'll donate expired rabbit safe produce that would otherwise be thrown away. Many stores, especially local businesses, are surprisingly willing to help.
2. Use cash-back apps like Upside for gas and groceries. I use the money I’ve earned back to buy more greens for the rabbits. Click here to get started: https://upside.app.link/RHUFXP. One of my local grocery stores had 52% back today, so I loaded up on fresh veggies! (Use code RHUFXP if you get it!)
3. Buy in bulk whenever possible. Larger bags of pellets, hay, litter, and treats often have a much lower cost per pound than smaller packages. Team up with another rabbit owner if you don't have storage space.
4. Grow some of your own rabbit food. Herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, dill, and mint are easy to grow in pots and can save money while providing fresh treats for your rabbit.
5. Adopt from rescues instead of buying from breeders or pet stores. Rescue rabbits are already spayed or neutered, which saves hundreds of dollars.
6. Rotate toys instead of constantly buying new ones. Most rabbits are thrilled when an old toy "magically" reappears a few weeks later.
7. Save cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls, and brown packing paper. Rabbits often enjoy free enrichment just as much as store-bought toys.
8. Join local rabbit groups. People frequently give away unopened food, supplies, pens, carriers, and other items when their rabbits pass away.
9. Turn bunny birthdays and holidays into supply drives. If friends and family ask what your rabbit wants for Christmas, ask for hay, pellets, litter, or gift cards instead of toys you'll forget about in a week.
10. Ask for help before you're overwhelmed. Many rescues, including ours, have food assistance programs, low-cost resources, educational support, and other options that can help keep rabbits in their homes.
What would you add to the list? We're always looking for more ideas to help rabbit families weather tough times.
