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2015 CFHS National Animal Welfare Conference
Factors associated with companion rabbit owners’ knowledge of rabbit care
and the neuter status of their companion rabbit
Tasha Welch, Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of
Guelph
Pet owners’ knowledge of pet care has been shown to affect the human-animal bond and welfare
of companion animals. With the number of companion rabbits in households on the rise, and a
lack of general standards of care for companion rabbits, it is becoming an increasingly prominent
issue to understand the knowledge of rabbit owners and determine how companion rabbits are
cared for. The purpose of this research was to explore factors associated with companion-rabbit
owners’ knowledge of rabbit care and the neuter status of companion rabbits. A total of 2890
current rabbit owners completed an online survey investigating acquisition of their companion
rabbit, welfare of their current rabbit, knowledge of rabbit care and attachment to their current
rabbit. An approximation of logistic regression modeling revealed increasing attachment
(p<0.001), increasing participant age (p<0.001) and regular veterinary checkups (p<0.001) were
all associated with higher odds of answering a knowledge question correctly. Country of
residence (p<0.001), where participants acquired their rabbit (p<0.001) and where they heard
about the survey (p<0.001) were also found to be associated with participants’ level of rabbit
knowledge. Logistic regression on the outcome of neuter status found increasing knowledge
scores (p<0.001), regular veterinary checkups (p<0.001) and owning only one rabbit versus
multiple rabbits to be associated with increased odds of currently owning a neutered rabbit.
Country of residence (p<0.001) and where participants acquired their current rabbit (p<0.001)
were also associated with whether a participant’s current rabbit was neutered. Several factors
influence rabbit owners’ knowledge and whether they own a neutered rabbit. Findings offer
acquisition sources, the veterinary profession, and companion-rabbit groups the opportunity to
target individuals who would benefit from further knowledge of rabbit care and from education
about the importance of neutering companion rabbits.
Key Learnings:
1. Acquisition source was found to be associated with participants’ rabbit care knowledge
2. Knowledge level and regular veterinary check-ups were found to influence a rabbit’s
spay-neuter status
3. Rabbit owner education initiatives should benefit companion-rabbit care and welfare
Speaker Biography:
Tasha is currently in the final year of her Masters of Science degree at the University of Guelph,
focusing on companion-rabbit ownership. In the first year of her Masters, Tasha was awarded the
Ethel Rose Charney Scholarship in the Human/Animal Bond and Ontario Graduate Fellowship
for academic excellence. Before starting her masters, she completed a pilot study on knowledge
102-30 Concourse Gate, Ottawa, Ontario K2E 7V7
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and expectations of rabbit owners. Findings supported a need for further research and motivated
Tasha to continue this research in her Masters to improve the welfare of companion rabbits.
102-30 Concourse Gate, Ottawa, Ontario K2E 7V7
(888) 678-2347
fax / téléc: (613) 723-0252
info@cfhs.ca
www.cfhs.ca