Rabbit & Guinea Pig Care
Before adopting, understand the real needs of these wonderful animals. They're not low-maintenance starter pets — they're complex, social creatures who deserve thoughtful preparation.
Common Myths Debunked
🚫 "They're starter pets"
False. Rabbits and guinea pigs are complex, high-maintenance animals. They require daily care, veterinary attention, significant space, dietary variety, and enrichment. They're NOT appropriate for young children to manage alone or for casual caretakers.
🚫 "They can live in small cages"
False. Cage-only living is cruel and a welfare violation. Rabbits need at least 24 sq ft of continuous space to run, hop, and express natural behavior. Guinea pigs in a bonded pair need at least 10.5 sq ft. This means exercise pens, bunny-proofed rooms, or large C&C enclosures — not traditional pet store cages.
🚫 "They're quiet and undemanding"
False. Guinea pigs are very vocal — they squeak to communicate. Rabbits can be destructive if bored. Both need daily interaction, mental stimulation, and attention. Ignoring their needs leads to behavioral and health problems.
🚫 "They don't need companions"
False. Many rabbits and guinea pigs are highly social and thrive with a bonded companion. Loneliness can cause depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues. While some rabbits can be content solo (bonded with humans), guinea pigs are inherently social and typically do better in pairs.
🚫 "They're inexpensive to keep"
False. Rabbits and guinea pigs require quality hay daily ($20–50/month), fresh vegetables, appropriate pellets, and veterinary care from an exotic-animal vet (not all vets treat them). Housing, enrichment, and unexpected medical costs add up. Budget $50–150+ per month, per animal.
🐰 Rabbit Care Guide
Housing & Space
Minimum space: 24 sq ft of continuous, open flooring. This is non-negotiable — no cages.
Options: Exercise pen on hard flooring, bunny-proofed room, large C&C cage enclosure, or apartment space. The area must allow full-body stretching, hopping runs, and hiding spaces.
Environment: Secure, quiet, temperature-controlled (65–75°F).
Provide hideouts, tunnels, and ramps. Protect from direct sunlight, drafts, and loud noise. Predator-proof if you have other pets.
Diet & Nutrition
Hay (main diet): Unlimited timothy hay, orchard grass, or oat hay daily.
Hay is essential for digestion, dental health, and enrichment. Quality hay is a major expense.
Vegetables & Pellets: Daily fresh leafy greens, small amount of pellets.
Rotate greens: kale, romaine, parsley, cilantro, bell pepper. About 1/4 cup pellets per 5 lbs body weight.
NO: Iceberg lettuce, corn, grains, sugary treats, carrot as main diet (treats only).
Bonding & Socialization
With humans: Daily gentle handling and interaction. Build trust over time.
With other rabbits: Rabbits can be bonded (usually young, same sex). Solo rabbits thrive with human attention.
⏰ Lifespan: 8–12 Years
Rabbits are a long-term commitment. Many live well into their 10s with proper care. Plan accordingly.
🐹 Guinea Pig Care Guide
Housing & Space
Minimum space: 10.5 sq ft for a bonded pair (or solo).
More space is always better. Options: large C&C cage, storage bin enclosure, or bunny-proofed area. Solid flooring, not wire (hurts feet).
Environment: Secure, well-ventilated, temperature-controlled (65–75°F).
Provide hideouts, tunnels, ramps, and varied terrain. Guinea pigs are prey animals — they feel safer in enclosed spaces.
Diet & Nutrition
Hay (main diet): Unlimited timothy hay, orchard grass, or oat hay daily.
Guinea pigs must have quality hay for digestion and dental health.
Vitamin C: Daily fresh veggies rich in vitamin C.
Bell peppers, kale, parsley, cilantro. Guinea pigs cannot synthesize vitamin C — it's essential.
Also include: Small amount of pellets (about 1 cup per pair per day). Fresh water daily in a bowl or bottle.
Social & Emotional Needs
Companionship: Guinea pigs are highly social. A bonded pair is ideal.
Loneliness causes stress, depression, and behavioral problems.
Interaction: Daily handling, lap time, and play. They bond with their humans too.
They're vocal and will "wheek" to greet you — they're personalities.
⏰ Lifespan: 5–7 Years
Guinea pigs live several years. It's a meaningful commitment, not a short-term pet.
🗽 NYC Resources
Veterinary Care
Not all vets treat rabbits and guinea pigs. Seek an exotic-animal vet or one with small-animal experience. Emergency care should also be available.
Check online reviews and call ahead to confirm they see your animal type.
Pet Supplies
Quality hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables are critical. Many pet stores sell inadequate cages and diet — seek specialty small-animal stores or online suppliers.
Budget for quality; cheap supplies lead to health issues.
Housing & Supplies
NYC apartments present space challenges. Consider multi-level setups, vertical enclosures, or room-sharing with your rabbit/guinea pig.
Bunny-proofing rental apartments requires landlord approval.
Community & Support
NYC has active rabbit and guinea pig communities, Facebook groups, and local adoption resources. Connect with other guardians for advice and support.
You're not alone in this commitment.
Before You Apply
Read this page thoughtfully. If rabbit or guinea pig care sounds overwhelming or incompatible with your lifestyle, that's okay — it's better to know now. But if you're ready to commit to their real needs, we'd love to help you find your match.
Ready? Start an Application⚠️ Fictional Example Site: This is a fictional rescue created for educational purposes. All animals, staff, and stories are entirely fictional. However, the care information above is accurate and based on real rabbit and guinea pig needs.