As Easter approaches, pastel-colored, bunny-shaped sweets and decorations hit the shelves. And as people fill their baskets with candy and eggs, some also add animals like chicks and rabbits as Easter gifts.

But despite a long-standing myth, most shelters don’t see large spikes in rabbit surrenders after the spring holiday.

“We have not seen an increase in adoptions before or intakes after Easter,” said Bonnie Leko-Shapiro, who works at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.

Instead, a more insidious issue persists year-round: a steady stream of rabbits are surrendered, often by owners who didn’t fully understand what they were getting into, she said.

Rabbits are consistently surrendered throughout the year due to “unplanned litters” and “inability to care” and “lack of interest,” according to the nonprofit Humane World for Animals

Many rabbits surrendered to shelters are not spayed or neutered, which can lead to unplanned litters and behavioral challenges given the average gestation period for a rabbit is a month, the organization states in a report on Easter pet rabbits. 

Spaying and neutering can help prevent aggression, spraying and health conditions they are prone to when unfixed.

Underestimating the needs of a rabbit is often the biggest issue among unprepared owners, said longtime rabbit owner Ysabelle Kohler.

“I think the biggest misconception is that people think, ‘Oh, this is going to be a starter pet, low maintenance, easy,’” she said, describing the emotional and physical workload of bunny ownership.

“They’re highly complex social creatures. They’re very intelligent. They’re very sensitive,” she added.

Animals like bunnies are not seasonal pets, and they are not low maintenance.

“Rabbits are a lifelong commitment and require thoughtful preparation,” said Michele Figueroa, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s chief of programs.

Rabbits aren’t just adorable stuffed animals but complex beings that deserve as much care and attention as cats or dogs, she said.

So this Easter, if a bunny catches your eye, consider whether you’re ready for a decade-long commitment. If not, stick to the chocolate.

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.