Getting a mini lop, need advice about medical stuff..

Hi, in about a week I will be picking up my first ever mini lop rabbit. I never had a rabbit before, and I'm not originally from the UK, and never had to do any of this as this is my first pet in the UK, so I need some help / advice. Here are my questions:

1. Do I "register" the rabbit at a vet? I know he needs to get 2 vaccines (RHD1 & RHD2) but do I just contact a vet and arrange a visit? What's the best option cost wise? I guess this question also applies to neutering him (I know I should wait until he's around 4 or 5 months old). Also are Vets4Pets good? They seem to have good reviews and seem like the best option in my area (Huddersfield).

2. How often should I visit the vet for general health check ups?

3. Should I get pet insurance? Is it worth it? If so, what does everyone recommend? I saw that Vets4Pets have this "Complete Care" thing which costs £8 a month for a rabbit, but I'm not sure exactly what it covers and if it even makes sense to get it? (I'll probably give them a call or a visit to find out exactly first)

4. Anything else you think I should know about/do?

Thanks in advance, sorry if the questions are stupid but I want my rabbit to be as happy and as healthy as possible and I wanna make sure I know how everything works .

- Damian

You just need to call the Vet to arrange an initial appointment and registration. Vets4Pets are a large franchise, they can vary greatly regarding how Rabbit Savvy the individual Practices are, some are great, some are awful. You could take a look on here for a list of Rabbit Savvy Vets

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-...abbit-friendly-vets/rabbit-friendly-vet-list/

The vaccinations should cover for Myxomatosis as well as RHD1 and RHD2. There is now a triple vaccine that covers all three and is given once a year, Nobivac Myxo-RHD Plus.

The Pet Care Plans offered by Veterinary Practices usually only cover for routine preventative treatments, not for illnesses or accidents. Personally I would look into a Pet Insurance Policy as unexpected Veterinary costs can escalate alarmingly. It is not unusual to end up with a four figure bill after an Emergency, especially if out of hours Veterinary care is needed.

Finally book Mark this website, you won’t go wrong by following the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/

Good luck with your new Bunny

Pay great attention to your Rabbit's diet which should consist of mainly hay or grass, pellets and once your Rabbit is old enough a small amount of veg or herbs. Do not feed anything with seeds or corn in it, no nuts or bread. Fruit can be give in small pieces once a week as it is too high in sugar and can upset Rabbit's tummy. Carrots are also high in sugar so only a tiny piece now and again.

Care must be taken to keep Bunny's house very clean, no wood shavings as this can cause respiratory problems. Rabbits can be fairly easily litter trained by giving them a litter tray with newspaper or similar on the bottom and hay on the top as they like to eat while they go to the toilet.

Give your new pet lots of time to settle in and get used to his new home, and bear in mind Rabbits do not generally like to be picked up but let him come to you on the floor.

Lots more excellent advice on the Rabbit Welfare Association's website, the Rabbit Bible!