Losing a rabbit

What to do
It can be very overwhelming to deal with the loss of a pet rabbit, especially if it was unexpected and sudden in the middle of the night at home. There are several options for owners with regards to what to do with your rabbit's remains.


 * If you don't know what to do right now and will decide within a day or two, you can wrap their body in a towel and put them in a box in the fridge for storage. If you expect the decision to take an extended period of time, you can put them in the freezer.


 * If you would like to get a necropsy from your veterinarian, please call them and pass along the body ASAP. Keep the body in the fridge if you are unable to drop them off immediately.


 * If you would like to cremate your rabbit, you can keep them in the fridge or freezer until you decide to drop them off at a veterinarian or pet crematorium. Any nearby veterinarian hospital should be able to cremate your rabbit for you. It will usually take a few weeks to receive the ashes back if you opt for a private cremation.


 * If you would like to bury your rabbit, you can find a biodegradable cardboard box to use or directly bury them in the soil. If you would like to bring your rabbit with you when you move, consider burying them in a portable large pot. Make sure to dig deep to prevent cats and wildlife from uncovering your rabbit.

If your rabbit was part of a bonded group, please make sure to check out the section below for further tips.

For your rabbit
When your rabbit loses their bonded companion, they will grieve, too. Rabbits can create very strong bonds with their mate or companion. Many experts suggest that the surviving mate be allowed to see the body to help them understand what has happened. Each rabbit will handle the death differently. Make sure to watch your rabbit closely after, as some may get depressed and stop eating.

If your surviving rabbit has not lost interest in their deceased partner after leaving them together for more than 4 hours, it is best to remove the body for hygienic reasons. Rub a blanket, stuffed animal, or towel over the deceased partner to transfer their scent onto the object, and the surviving rabbit may get some comfort when left with the remaining scent.

The following are some links with more information of how to deal with your bunny's grief.
 * Marinell Harriman. Pet Loss Support For Your Rabbit
 * Joy Gioia. (2002). And the Love Goes On
 * Nancy LaRoche. When a Rabbit Loses a Friend
 * BunnyHugga. (2010). Bereavement in rabbits
 * Susan Curtiss. (2008). Bonding a rabbit after the death of a spouse

Necropsy
A necropsy is a surgery performed after death in an effort to determine the cause of death. This may be useful in helping owners whose rabbits died suddenly and unexpectedly to gain a sense of closure.

The following links include more information about the procedure on rabbits.
 * Mary E. Cotter. (2012). Necropsy: Knowledge After Death
 * Zooh Corner. The Value of the Necropsy
 * Colorado House Rabbit Society. (2012). Necropsy or Not
 * Frances Harcourt-Brown. Post mortem examination
 * Inconclusive results from post-mortem examination
 * Causes of rapid death