Before going out to a store or hopefully a shelter and picking up a brand-spanking new bunny, it's important to consider whether or not you are truly able to care for a rabbit.
Loveable Bunny vs Quiet House Guest. If you are looking for a pet that will cuddle and play, a rabbit is not the pet you are looking for. Rabbits are typically shy and timid and most rabbits do not like being picked up or held. There are some bunny parents who are lucky enough to have an outgoing and vivacious bunny who enjoys sitting in a human lap or cuddled, but this is not the norm.
The Ticking Clock. The second consideration is whether or not you have the time to really take care of a bunny. While a bunny's care time is significantly less than that of a dog, time is required. Spending a lot of time with your bunny will allow him to get used to your presence and therefore more comfortable with you. It's necessary to feed your bunny twice a day, replenish his hay stack daily, clean his litter box at least every other day, and clean the entire cage weekly. In addition to the every day maintenance, I always find myself spending chunks of my time looking for or making toys for my bunny so he doesn't get bored in his cage, remodeling his home so that it fits him as he is growing, and trying to train him. It is also important to note that it is very hard to go out of town while you have a bunny at home. It is always possible to bring him with you but preparing for the trip will be a little more difficult and you will definitely have a lot more stuff to bring with you. Also, rabbits can live up to 12 years with good care. Be sure you are in for the long haul!
Spacious Abode. It is key to make sure you have to space for a rabbit in your home. I prefer to keep my rabbit indoors since I live in Texas and it gets really hot outside during the spring and the summer and because opossums and raccoons often hassle caged animals and bunnies can die of fright especially if he is caged and cannot escape his abusers. The rabbit will need room for a good sized cage and storage space for all his stuff. It's also nice (but not entirely necessary) if you have a yard or a fenced area outside where you can let your bunny run free (while you supervise) for a little bit. If you don't have a yard, there are always other options for getting your bunny outside and in the fresh air safely.
Moo-lah. The last consideration is if you have the funds to care for a rabbit. A good store-bought cage can easily be over $100. Good pellet food for rabbits can range from $5 to $25 and a bale of hay that will last a week or less will cost $5. Your rabbit will also need to have veggies, toys, and other care-giving items. Eventually, it may cost up to $200 for start-up costs. If you choose to go to a pet store and buy your rabbit, it will most likely cost $90 to $100. Most animal shelters will also charge you an adoption fee that covers any shots that the rabbit has had and cover the cost of spaying or neutering the rabbit.
Warning. Let me also say that I don't think a rabbit is a good pet for a child because they are big responsibilities. Most rabbits that are in the shelters were originally Easter gifts that turned out to be a bigger hassle than the parents and the children bargained for. Children expect to be able to hold rabbits because they are cute and fuzzy but most rabbits will try and escape when handled. I personally have gotten some nasty scratches from my bunny when trying to remove him from his cage for weekly cage cleanings. If you are looking into getting a rabbit for a child, make sure you realize that it is very likely that you or the child's parents are ultimately going to be taking care of the rabbit.
All in all, deciding to have a rabbit is a big decision. Make sure you are up for the challenge.
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