Pets such as an emotional support bunny make for great companions, especially during trying times like these. For individuals with anxiety, depression, or other mental illnesses, pets can become great pillars of support. An emotional support rabbit can give an individual focus and ease their troubles to help function normally each day.
Cats and dogs are the most well-known types of emotional support animals (ESA) but they are far from the only options. Rabbits especially make excellent emotional support animals.
Here are five reasons why getting an emotional support bunny instead of a cat or dog may be more ideal for you.
Emotional Support Rabbits: Have Loving and Unique Personalities
They are the third most popular household pets in the U.S. So we’re sure many people are already familiar with their loving and caring personalities. Rabbits form strong bonds with their owners, can be very affectionate. They enjoy quality cuddling time, just like dogs and cats.
These qualities are crucial for an emotional support rabbit. Interactions with pets, such as caressing or stroking their fur, is what helps reduce stress and lower anxiety.
Although rabbits may be much more quiet than cats and dogs, they are no less fun, adorable, or entertaining. Rabbits have unique, silly, and excitable personalities as well, which will help put a smile on anyone’s face.
Emotional Support Bunnies: Don’t Need Much Space
One advantage of getting an emotional support bunny over a dog is that they do not need a whole lot of space. This makes bunnies ideal for anyone needing an ESA but living in compact apartments.
All your bunny really needs is an unlocked cage to sleep in, a feeding station, a litter box, and free reign to roam the house. Bunnies are perfectly content staying inside, as well.
They don’t need walks and can get their needed exercise just hopping around your home. While a short jaunt in the garden will always be welcome, they are not necessary to keep your emotional support bunny happy.
Emotional Support Rabbits: Are Quiet and Low Maintenance
One thing you will never have to worry about with an emotional support rabbit are loud sounds keeping you up at night or disturbing your work. Even loudest squeaks from rabbits pale in comparison to the sounds ESA cats and dogs can make.
Certain cat and dog breeds, such as huskies and Siamese cats, can be extremely vocal when excited or hungry. In some unfortunate situations, these endearing qualities can lead to noise complaints from neighbors or even eviction notices from landlords.
Emotional Support Bunnies: Are Easy to Train
Rabbits are not the third most popular pets in the country simply because they are small, quiet, and adorable. Rabbits are smart and take to training quite well.
Positive reinforcement or using treats, the same method many dog and cat owners use, are also effective on rabbits. Millions of owners have used this method to train their emotional support rabbits to use a litter box, sit still when grooming their nails, and much more.
Rabbits can also be trained to respond to their names, come when called, and perform simple tricks like jumping or spinning on cue.
The life spans of rabbits are close to that of dogs and cats. Domesticated emotional support rabbits can live from eight up to 12 years, depending on their breed and overall health condition. This gives rabbit owners enough time to establish a bond, and experience the emotional and mental benefits of owning rabbits.
Dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses is an uphill battle. It isn’t something that is easily resolved within a couple of months or even a couple of years.
This means being an ESA is a long-term commitment. It is one of the reasons why many people get cats and dogs as ESAs, since they live at least 10 to 18 years. This is why rats and hamsters, while also providing similar benefits to rabbits, fall behind as ESAs.
How to Certify Your Pet Rabbit as an ESA
Rabbits are cute, loving, and low-maintenance pets — making them well-suited as emotional support animals.
If you are suffering from a mental health disorder, we highly recommend getting a pet rabbit to offer solace, comfort, and reassurance. Once you have a pet rabbit, getting them certified as an ESA is simple.
The only way to certify your rabbit as an ESA is by getting a letter written and signed by a licensed mental health professional. Many people cannot afford weekly therapy visits, so it doesn’t have to be your regular therapist. However, you will need to meet with a mental health professional to diagnose your condition and prescribe you an ESA for treatment. Contact us and start your ESA process today.
