How to Find a Lost Rabbit in 3 Simple Steps

Key takeaways

Losing a rabbit is a stressful ordeal. However, there are 3 main steps you can take to find them again.

These include telling your neighbors, using social media, and physically searching for them.

We explore each step in detail before listing the main reasons why rabbits may run away from their owners so you can prevent this from happening in the future.

Key takeaways
3 steps to find a lost rabbit
Why do rabbits run away?
FAQs
Final thoughts

3 steps to find a lost rabbit

While rabbits make fantastic pets because of their funny personalities, soft fur, and cuteness, it's not rare for them to run away from home. When this happens, it can be incredibly distressing.

Not knowing what to do and feeling hopeless can make it worse. However, by following these 3 simple steps, you can increase your chances of finding them again.

1. Tell your neighbors

Despite rabbits being able to run very fast, they probably haven't got very far. They will tend to stick to gardens rather than explore further afield.

For this reason, be sure to tell your close neighbors. They will need to check their gardens and houses for any sign of your pet.

Rabbits can dig holes beneath fences, meaning escaping is an easy adventure for them. Provide your neighbors with the following information:

Physical description

Multiple images

Where they were last seen

A group of neighbors trying to find a lost rabbit

To reach further afield, you can also print missing rabbit posters and distribute them around your neighborhood. You can download and print PetRadar's free and personalized missing pet poster by reporting your rabbit missing with us.

We use unique QR codes that mean you don't have to publish any private contact details, as this can often invite prank calls and misuse of your data.

Instead, passers-by can simply scan our poster with their phone and be taken to your pet listing on our website. Here, they can report a sighting, and you will be instantly notified.

2. Use social media

Social media is a fantastic tool for communicating with a wide number of people in your area. The likelihood is that there are probably multiple Facebook and WhatsApp groups set up for the area you live in. Sometimes, there may even be specific pages set up for pet owners!

When you find and join these groups, be sure to include the following in your post:

Images of your rabbit, including close-ups of memorable physical traits

Where your rabbit lives

Description of physical traits

Contact information to report sightings

Picture of a lost rabbit on a phone ready to be shared on social media

To make the most out of social media, start a PetRadar search. We use advertisements on Facebook and Instagram to reach thousands of your neighbors.

By creating a digital missing pet poster and sponsoring the post, it will pop up on the feeds of over 4000 people in your area. From here, they can report a sighting, send it to a friend, or save it for later.

We also:

Provide you with a personal dashboard to manage the search

Instantly notify you when any sightings are reported

Offer constant support and guidance

Send you free printable missing pet posters

We've already reunited over 8000 pets this way, so you know you'll be in good hands!

3. Physically search for them

The most effective way of finding a lost pet is to search for them yourself (source). You know your pet best, meaning you know where your lost rabbit is likely to be.

Start in your garden first, and use the following checklist:

Check outbuildings: A curious bunny is likely to explore any outbuildings you have, like sheds, garages, and bin stores. These are easy to become trapped in, so be sure you open up all the doors and thoroughly check each one.

In bushes and hedges: If you have a large garden, your lost rabbit may well still be in there! Go through every bush, hedge, plant, and tree and make sure they aren't hiding in plain sight.

Under or in garden furniture: Garden furniture can make great hiding places. Be sure to check under tables, chairs, and inv storage boxes.

When looking further afield, try the following:

Fields

Farms

Neighbors' yards

Under cars

Front yards

Houses

Quiet backstreets

Why do rabbits run away?

As pet owners, we can feel like it's our fault if our furry friends run away. However, this isn't always the case. It's important to know why your rabbit might run away so you can prevent it from happening again in the future and make sure they're as happy as can be.

Afraid or angry

If your rabbit is distressed in any way, whether they are frightened or frustrated, their fight or flight instinct may be triggered.

This means that they feel safer by running away rather than remaining in the situation they are in. This can be caused by:

Aggressive handling

Neglect

Loud noises

Constant handling

Lack of food

Lack of water

They're playing

Rabbits are playful creatures. Their curiosity and intrigue take them on adventures, and their playful nature makes a game of chase their favorite pastime.

However, without boundaries or a safe, contained space, their games can quickly become dangerous. Be sure to keep them stimulated enough so they don't start searching for adventures outside of their home.

They don't like their cage

If their cage is too small or unclean, your rabbit won't want to return to it. It can cause them a lot of stress and eventually lead them to run away.

To prevent this from happening and make sure you're putting their wellbeing first, use the following checklist:

Change soiled litter daily

Do a deep clean at least once a week

The cage should be at least 4 times bigger than your rabbit

Your rabbit should have access to a cozy indoor space and some outdoor space

FAQs

Will a runaway rabbit come back?

Rabbits are territorial, so they're unlikely to roam too far away from your house. This means they can come back on their own.

How do you catch a lost rabbit that got out?

To catch a lost rabbit, you need to tell your neighbors, use social media, and physically search for them. Use food and treats to try and attract them to you. They are unlikely to be too far away from home.

How do you lure rabbits out?

The best way to lure rabbits out is to use their sense of smell. Very fresh produce, like vegetables and fruit, will attract them to you.

Where do rabbits hide outside?

Rabbits will hide in secluded and isolated places outside. If they are out of their territory, the likelihood is that they are frightened. Check fields, farms, under cars, and in your neighbors' gardens.

Can rabbits free roam outside?

Rabbits can free roam outside if the area is secured. Make sure they have a place to shelter if the weather gets bad, and ensure the whole area is fenced off.

What to do if you lose your rabbit?

If you lose your rabbit, you need to tell your neighbors as soon as possible. They likely haven't roamed too far and will often show up in your neighbors' gardens or houses. You can also use social media to spread the message further.

How do you attract a lost rabbit?

To attract a lost rabbit, you need to be very patient. Use fresh produce like vegetables and fruit, and don't chase them.

Final thoughts

A lost rabbit is always stressful. But it's important to remember that you are likely to find them again. To increase your chances, start a PetRadar search.

We'll be there every step of the way, supporting and guiding you through this tricky time. We have already reunited 8000+ pets with their owners, so you're in good hands!

Written by

Lauren Jeffries

In this blog, I combine my two areas of expertise: pets and writing. I share my personal experiences alongside plenty of animal behavior research to help owners look after their pets. I have always lived with furry friends and am now a loving cat mum to two orange kitties.

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