Peter Rabbit, Bugs Bunny, Thumper, Peter Cottontail... bunnies have long had their appeal in comics, cartoons and children's tales, but how are they as a companion animal? Do rabbits make good pets?

Owning a bunny is fun, as long as you know what to expect! Bunnies are great pets, but are you sure you know what you are getting into here? Do you have the time needed to provide proper care and attention for a bunny? They don't require as much attention as a dog, but they are not as low key and low maintenance as some think.

Adopt, don't buy. Rabbits are the third most common animal in shelters and rescue, right behind dogs and cats, according to Petfinder. There are plenty of fun, available little bunnies just waiting for their forever homes.

Bunnies are gregarious little pets and love to be with their humans. They are crepuscular, meaning they are most active in the early morning and at night. Perfect for the working professional! Some play time in the morning before work, and again when you come home. That's a win/win for someone that doesn't have the time for a 4 mile walk daily with Fido.

Rabbits often work well for people with cat and dog allergies. Check before you get a bunny, but this could be your opportunity to finally have a great pet if you have been unable to adopt a dog due to allergies.

Rabbits house train easily using a litter box. Many bunny owners let their bunnies have free range of the house, with a litter box strategically placed for toilet time.

Rabbits can make great pets for older kids, but expecting the child to be responsible, or teaching them responsibility for a live animal only works under the supervision of an adult. After the novelty of having a bunny wears off, are you willing to step in to assume proper care of the rabbit for the next 10 years?

Bunnies are also quiet, which makes them excellent house guests, says Vet Street. Apartments, or townhouses are great settings for a rabbit where as a dog may not quite "fit".

These happy, social, lively, silly, fun little creatures have become very popular in the last decade with an estimated ownership at over 5 million companion bunnies in homes.

Visit The House Rabbit Society for a complete checklist of the things you would need to own a rabbit. This might just be a match made in heaven.