When traveling is in your plans, whether it be a trip to the vet clinic, a vacation, or a move, plans will need to be made for your rabbit. Rabbits have different personalities and each will react in varying degrees to stress. But you should keep in mind that most rabbits are stressed by changes–unfamiliar surroundings, changes in routine, changes in type of food/water, and changes in temperature. Rabbits show stress in different ways, as well, such as by becoming withdrawn or aggressive, or refusing to eat. By planning carefully, you can minimize these stresses for your rabbit.
If you are planning a short trip, weekend away, extended vacation, or a permanent move, you have travel options.
Checklist of What to Bring
Because there can be unexpected delays, take twice as much of all consumables as you anticipate will needed.
- Sufficient loose hay for the entire trip
- Pellets
- Bottles of water
- Fresh vegetables, especially leafy greens that can be served wet, which assist the rabbit in getting sufficient hydration during travel
- Water bowl and food bowl
- A portable litterbox
- Bedding for the litterbox
- Any medications
- Chew toys, etc.
- Garbage bags
- Vinegar (for cleaning) or enzyme cleaner such as Nature’s Miracle
- Hand broom/dustpan
- Newspapers
- Paper towels
- Ice packs or frozen water bottles for the rabbit to lie near
- Towels to soak in cool water for heat stress (Note: do not let a rabbit who’s been stroked with water lie near a frozen item; the frozen item will stick to the rabbit!)
- Infant rehydration solution such as Pedialyte (important because rabbits often become dehydrated while traveling)
- Health certificate and information about procedures at customs (if needed for foreign travel)
Handy Docs to Download When You or Your Rabbit Travel
You can fill out and print this form in case you yourself are in an emergency situation while you’re out and about. Put it in your wallet to alert rescuers about your pets at home.
Click to download
Use this document to provide instructions in case you are in an accident or when you are traveling with your rabbit and get in an accident. It can also be used to provide information for bunny sitters.
Click to download
Prepare for Emergencies
- “Tattoo” your cell phone number in one of your rabbit’s ears with a nontoxic felt marker. The ink wears off but provides a temporary ID.
- Have photographs of your rabbit incase you and your get separated.
- Type short notes or print the Handy Docs to Download When You or Your Rabbit Travel (see above) for your purse, suitcase, and car giving emergency instructions in case of an accident. This would include the email and phone number for an emergency contact who knows what to do with your rabbit or any other instructions for the rabbit.
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If you need a veterinarian on the road, look for one experienced with “exotics” and ask about their experience with rabbits [number of rabbits seen, which antibiotics they use for rabbits (no amoxicillin/ampicillin), whether fasting is advised for surgery (rabbits should not be fasted)].
Unless it is a true emergency such as if your rabbit is experiencing heat stroke, generally avoid emergency clinics. They are often unfamiliar with rabbits and are quite expensive.
Options for Your Rabbit's Vacation
Remember that the key to traveling with your rabbit
–or what to do if your bunny needs to stay home–
is to plan ahead and be prepared.
If you decide your house rabbit needs to stay behind on your trip, House Rabbit Society can help.
In addition to rescuing rabbits who have been abandoned, House Rabbit Society and many of our chapters provide boarding services for families who may need a safe, stimulating place for their rabbits stay while you’re away from home.
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