Celebrate International Rabbit Day the 4th Saturday in September
Do you love rabbits? Then this is your day: International Rabbit Day.
The 4th Saturday in September is all about protecting and caring for all rabbits, whether pets or wild.
That means taking good care of your pet rabbit. And also being kind to wild rabbits.
It also means not abusing rabbits for cosmetic and medical testing. And rethinking fur farming (as in don’t do it).
Basically treat rabbits humanely, always.
We’re not sure who created this day, although several sources suggest it was a rabbit charity in the UK (possibly actually called “Rabbit Charity”). But the organization doesn’t seem to be operating any more (or at least it has no live website).
But that’s no reason not to celebrate. It seems to be a popular day with animal welfare and rabbit-focused groups. Many hold events for the day.
International Rabbit Day happens every year on the 4th Saturday in September. A few sources suggest either Saturday or Sunday, but apparently always the 4th weekend. We’ll be sticking with Saturday. But feel free to celebrate either day … or even both!
Down the Rabbit Hole of Facts & Trivia
Rabbits live pretty much everywhere, from meadows and wetlands to forests and deserts. And yes, some live in rabbit holes (the European rabbit).
North America has more rabbits than anywhere else. We’re home to more than half of all the rabbits in the world.
Pet rabbits can be a lot of fun. They can also be a lot of work, but rabbit lovers think it’s worth it.
Many rabbit parents keep their bunnies inside with them. They usually live in a cage most of the time. They come out for exercise, either in a bigger pen or given freedom to roam the house. They can even be trained to use a litter box, so you don’t have to worry about finding little bunny “surprises” around the house.
Each bunny has its own personality. Some will even come when called!
No wonder rabbits are the third most popular pet in the world.
Other rabbit parents keep their bunnies in a hutch in the yard. We’ve never really understood the point of having a pet (any pet) if you’re just going to leave it outside.
Many people consider rabbits a symbol of rebirth and/or fertility, associating them with spring. That’s not surprising, since baby bunnies seem to explode across the landscape every spring!
This association with springtime and rebirth may even explain why it’s the Easter bunny, rather than say, an Easter chicken or Easter pig.
They’re also a symbol of innocence, which is also appropriate for springtime/renewal.
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this unofficial hoppy holiday.
Ideas For Celebrating International Rabbit Day
If you have a pet rabbit, spend a little extra time with him today. Maybe give him an extra treat. And make sure you’re up-to-date on how best to care for your pet.
Get her some new supplies:
- A grass mat to protect little paws from wire cage bottoms.
- A new feeder/water dish (get two if you want new dishes for both water and feed)
- A harness for taking bunny on walks
If you’re feeling really generous, she might appreciate a whole new house.
If you don’t have a bunny but have been thinking about it, this might be the perfect day to adopt one. Yes, adopt. Although rescues and shelters get fewer rabbits than cats and dogs, many do have rabbits up for adoption.
Petfinder can help you find adoptable rabbits near you. Just use the search function at the top of the page, choose rabbit for “Type,” enter your location and see what pops up.
We found 4,670 adoptable rabbits near us (just outside Chicago) while writing this. There were girls and boys. Babies and adults. Black rabbits. White rabbits. Brown rabbits. Multi-colored rabbits. Bunnies with perky ears. Bunnies with lop ears (floppy). Basically rabbits for everyone!
Seriously, just like with dogs and cats: Adopt, don’t shop.
Read about caring for rabbits. These pages/sites have some good information:
- Perfecting Your Small Pet’s Home, from Hartz
- How to Care for a Pet Rabbit, from My House Rabbit
- House Rabbits 101, from the House Rabbit Society, links to resources on getting a rabbit and what to expect. Perfect for anyone new to bunny parenthood.
Or you might be interested in these books:
- The Rabbit Handbook, by Karen Parker D.V.M: Learn about caging, feeding, litter training, and so much more.
- Rabbits For Dummies, 2nd Edition, by Connie Isbell and Audrey Pavia: Simple explanations on choosing a bunny, getting its home ready, training him, and more.
- The Everything Pet Rabbit Handbook, by Sarah Martin: Like it says; “Your ultimate guide to pet rabbit ownership, training, & care.”
- Storey’s Guide to Raising Rabbits, 4th Edition, by Bob Bennett
If your kids haven’t read some of the classic bunny books, consider getting one or more for them:
- The Runaway Bunny
- The Velveteen Rabbit
- The Tale of Peter Rabbit
- Watership Down
- Little Bunny Follows His Nose
And if you’re feeling like having a real celebration, then do it: A rabbit themed party! Use carrot-shaped goodie bags and Peter Rabbit themed party supplies:
- Cupcake Kit (paper baking cups and toppers)
- Garland
- Plates
- Napkins
- Party Cups
Perfect for a kid’s party and also fun for kids-at-heart!
Dates for Future International Rabbit Day Celebrations
Make sure you don’t miss a single International Rabbit Day day! Here’s a list of the dates for the 4th Saturday in September for the next few years.
- 2019 – Saturday, September 28
- 2020 – Saturday, September 26
- 2021 – Saturday, September 25
- 2022 – Saturday, September 24
- 2023 – Saturday, September 23
- 2024 – Saturday, September 28
- 2025 – Saturday, September 27
- 2026 – Saturday, September 26
- 2027 – Saturday, September 25
- 2028 – Saturday, September 23
- 2029 – Saturday, September 22
