What to Do If Your Pet Rabbit Dies Unexpectedly

Losing a beloved rabbit suddenly and without warning can be heartbreaking and deeply unsettling. When there are no signs of illness or injury, owners are often left with questions—and concerns about what may have caused the loss. Whether it's to find closure, protect other pets, or report potential disease outbreaks, taking the right steps is important.

This guide outlines what to do if you find that your rabbit has died unexpectedly.

Stay calm and handle with care

The shock of discovering a deceased pet can be overwhelming. Take a moment to collect yourself before handling your rabbit. Then, carefully remove the body from its enclosure using gloves and place it in a clean, leak-proof bag or container.

If you have other rabbits, immediately separate them and avoid cross-contamination by washing your hands and changing clothes before handling them or their environment.

Consider possible causes

Sudden death in rabbits can happen for several reasons, including:

• RVHD (Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease) – A highly contagious and often fatal virus, especially the newer RVHD2 strain.
• Heart attack or stroke – Especially in older or stressed rabbits.
• Toxins – Such as ingestion of toxic plants, pesticides, or household chemicals.
• GI stasis complications – If undetected, can progress rapidly.
• Trauma or predator stress – Particularly in outdoor rabbits.

Even if your rabbit was vaccinated, certain diseases (such as highly virulent RVHD2) may still pose a risk. Identifying the cause is important for the health of other rabbits you may own.

Contact your vet promptly

Call your veterinary clinic as soon as possible. Explain the circumstances and ask whether a post-mortem examination (necropsy) is advised or available. This can help confirm the cause of death—particularly if a contagious disease is suspected—and inform what steps are needed to protect other animals.

Some veterinary practices may recommend submitting the body to a diagnostic lab, especially if RVHD or poisoning is suspected.

Monitor and protect other rabbits

If you have more rabbits in the household or nearby, take the following precautions:

• Isolate any surviving rabbits from areas the deceased rabbit may have contacted.
• Clean and disinfect enclosures, feeding bowls, toys, and floors with a rabbit-safe virucidal disinfectant.
• Avoid introducing any new rabbits to the household until a cause is known.
• Discuss the need for updated vaccinations or boosters with your vet.

Consider testing and reporting

If RVHD is suspected, your vet may recommend notifying local authorities or submitting a sample for lab testing. This helps track outbreaks and contributes to national disease monitoring, which can benefit other rabbits in your region.

Arrange aftercare

Once veterinary advice has been sought, you can choose a respectful aftercare option:

• Home burial (check local regulations)
• Cremation (individual or communal, through your vet or pet crematorium)
• Return of ashes if desired

Take time to say goodbye in a way that feels right for you and your family.

Look after yourself

The sudden loss of a pet is emotionally distressing. Allow yourself space to grieve and talk to someone you trust. Many owners feel guilt or shock when a rabbit dies unexpectedly—especially if there were no warning signs. Remember, rabbits often mask illness until it is too late.

If you feel overwhelmed, reach out to a pet loss support group or speak to a counsellor experienced in bereavement.

In summary

While sudden rabbit deaths can be traumatic, responding calmly and seeking veterinary advice can provide clarity and help protect other pets. Understanding what may have happened, and taking appropriate steps afterwards, ensures you’re doing the best for your rabbits—both present and future.