Rabbit Care Service
Why rabbit care matters
Rabbits are not simply “small dogs or cats in bunny form”. Their anatomy, behaviour and health needs differ significantly from dogs and cats, so they benefit from a veterinary practice that’s experienced with rabbits.
- Rabbits hide signs of illness, by the time symptoms appear, problems can be quite advanced.
- Their digestive system, teeth, housing and exercise requirements all have particularities that affect their health.
- Preventive care, such as regular wellness checks, dental assessments, appropriate diet and vaccinations, makes a substantial difference to rabbit lifespan and quality of life.
By choosing our Dapto clinic for rabbit care, you’re working with a team that understands those differences and offers a dedicated, rabbit‑friendly environment.
Rabbit Care Service
What to Expect at Your Visit
- A calm, welcoming environment tailored for rabbits, quieter than typical dog visits and with minimal stress on your pet.
- Discussion with the vet about your rabbit’s lifestyle: indoor vs outdoor, housing setup, diet, companion‑animals, activity, signs you may have noticed.
- A full physical check including weight, body condition, ears/eyes, teeth, feet/hocks, coat, and behaviour assessment.
- Recommendations for any tests, treatments, or changes to diet/housing/enrichment.
- A clear follow‑up plan: when the next check should be, vaccinations due, or when to bring the rabbit back earlier if concerns arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got Questions?
We Have Answers.
Our FAQs cover some of the most common queries we receive from pet owners, so you can feel informed and confident before your visit. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just give us a call, we’re always happy to chat.
Do you specialise in rabbit care at your Dapto vet clinic?
Yes. The team at Companion Animal Vet in Dapto has a genuine interest and strong experience in rabbit medicine and surgery. We offer a comprehensive range of rabbit care services — from routine wellness checks and vaccinations to dental treatment, desexing, dietary advice and illness management. Rabbits have very different needs to cats and dogs, and we’re equipped to provide the species-specific care they require.
Why do rabbits need to see a specialist rabbit-experienced vet in NSW?
Rabbits are prey animals that instinctively hide illness, meaning health problems can be well-advanced by the time signs are obvious. Their digestive systems are extremely sensitive, their teeth grow continuously and require regular dental monitoring, and they have very specific nutritional and housing needs. A vet experienced with rabbits can detect subtle early warning signs that a general practitioner might miss, leading to better outcomes for your bunny.
What vaccinations do rabbits need in the Illawarra region?
In the Illawarra — including Wollongong and surrounding areas — we strongly recommend annual vaccination against Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV/calicivirus). RHDV is a highly contagious and frequently fatal viral disease that has been detected locally, including in Wollongong. Even house rabbits can be at risk through indirect exposure. Annual vaccination is a straightforward, life-saving step we strongly encourage for all rabbit owners in the region.
How often should my rabbit have a vet check-up at your Dapto clinic?
A healthy adult rabbit should see us at least once a year for a full physical examination, dental check, weight assessment and vaccination. Rabbits over 5 years of age, or those with known health conditions (dental issues, GI problems, weight concerns), benefit from more frequent visits every 6 months. Catching issues early is much gentler on both your rabbit and your wallet.
My rabbit seems fine — do I still need to bring them in for a wellness check?
Absolutely. Rabbits are masters at masking discomfort and illness. By the time a rabbit shows obvious signs of being unwell, conditions are often quite advanced. Annual wellness checks at our Dapto rabbit clinic allow us to assess dental wear, weight trends, gut sounds, coat health and more — often catching subtle changes long before they become serious problems.