Photo courtesy of PAWS and More.

With Easter around the corner images of bunnies can be seen frequently; and while they may be cute and soft PAWS and More is reminding parents that they are a full commitment if brought into a home.

The average life of a domestic rabbit is 10 to 12 years and they need annual vet visits. Amber Talbot, director of the animal shelter, shares the responsibility that comes with bunnies, “We definitely would want people, just like a cat or dog, to consider the lifelong commitment that that pet is going to create, and the expense, and the day to day care that goes along with that. A lot of people get caught up in the emotions of Easter, and the cute, fuzzy bunny, and they’re just not thinking about it long term. So, obviously we recommend that bunnies are really not ideal presents for little children. Small children have quick movements that can be unpredictable and because bunnies are prey animals they are very fearful, and kind of have that fight or flight instinct where they really do get startled easily and are not comfortable with fast movements, so they’re really not an ideal pet for smaller, younger children.” She recommends if you want a bunny for a young child to cuddle that you consider getting a toy stuffed animal.

If you do feel adopting a bunny is the right fit for your family, the shelter does have one bunny for adoption at this time, her name is Poppy.