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 Rabbits show stress in different ways, as well, such as by becoming withdrawn or aggressive, or refusing to eat.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.
Because there can be unexpected delays, take twice as much of all consumables as you anticipate will needed.
Home alone? Do not leave your rabbit alone for more than 12 hours. Remember, a lot can go wrong for a rabbit in a 24-hour period–empty water bowl, home accident, illness. A reliable friend or relative who knows your rabbit or a trusted pet sitter who is knowledgeable about rabbits can come to you and your bunny’s home–preferably twice a day. As social animals, a rabbit left at home alone with a single visit per day, may be more “on guard” and less relaxed than one visited more frequently.
Sitter introduction & instruction. Have your in-home bunny sitter meet with you and your rabbit at least a day before your trip to go over care and expectations. Provide written instructions for your rabbit’s feeding and cleaning routines, medicine regimen, signs of illness, and phone numbers for yourself, your veterinarian, and other people who can give advice on rabbits. It’s also helpful to portion out your bunny’s fresh vegetables for the first week into storage bags in the refrigerator. Be sure to discuss plans in case of an emergency–for you or your rabbit.
Helpful and reassuring suggestion: Install a pet camera so that you–or your sitter–can check in online and visit your rabbit while you are away.
Not home alone. Unless you have numerous rabbits and other pets, having your bun stay with an experienced rabbit bunny sitter or with a friend who knows your rabbit well, is often the safest place to leave your bunny while you are away. Leaving only one or two rabbits in your home to be visited once or twice a day, leaves open the possibility that something may go wrong and unnoticed in a 12- or 24-hour period.
What to bring. Be sure to confirm with your sitter what supplies you will need to provide. And don’t forget to bring along your bunny’s favorite toys, blanket, and treats. Also discuss what to do in case of emergency. Is your approval needed before a visit to the veterinary clinic? Is your sitter okay to authorize vet costs up to a certain amount without your approval?
Vaccination, if needed. Do note that a reputable sitter who brings different rabbits into their home should require a copy of each of your rabbit’s vaccination certificates to confirm their current RHDV2 vaccine status, if the disease is endemic to your area. The initial vaccine requires 30 days to be considered effective, and an annual booster is required.
This is usually the least desirable option when leaving your rabbit behind. But if you choose this, there are several things you should consider:
Bring Bunny Along? If you are going on an extended vacation with lots of sightseeing, you would probably do well to leave your rabbit at home. If you are going on vacation where you will be based at friends’ or relatives’ homes, you may be able to take your rabbit. However, you should make sure that your plans agree with your hosts and that there are no allergies to rabbits or their hay. (Many people are intensely allergic to timothy).
Moving? Of course, if you are moving, you will need to plan on how to move with your rabbit. also. People can–and should–bring their rabbits along when the family makes a move, whether it is down the street or a long distance. Rabbits are adaptable to new experiences. After all, when you adopted your rabbit, it was to provide a forever home. And your rabbit is an important part of your family, too. It just takes planning ahead.
Getting Their Car Legs. If your rabbit is not used to car rides (except to the vet), start regular car rides as early as possible before your actual trip. Start with short (30 minute) weekly or twice weekly rides in a pet carrier. Try to have some longer rides (one-three hours.) before the trip. Remember! Don’t leave your rabbit in a warm car at the store.
Long-distance or Multi-pet Car Travel. If you are moving long-distance and are also moving several animals, you might consider renting a panel van with no partition between the driver and cargo. This allows air conditioning and heat to better circulate. Place the carriers or traveling cages on top of carpet remnants or pads to minimize vibration, and secure the containers to the wall of the van.
Safe & Secure. It’s usually not a good idea to travel with your rabbit unconfined. A loose rabbit may climb under the seat, where it may be hot, or under the driver’s feet. If there is a car accident, a loose rabbit could be severely injured from being flung quite a distance into a solid surface. With a carrier–which should be secured to the seat for the same reason a rabbit should not be loose in the car–your rabbit will have protective walls and a solid roof.
Carrier Types. End-opening doors can make it difficult to lift the rabbit out, but they do make it easier for the rabbit to enter and exit on their own. Some carriers have a door on top. On the other hand, for extended car travel (more than a day, perhaps), a small traveling cage with a solid floor can provide more space for your rabbit to move and stretch. The collapsable variety for puppies can be convenient when traveling, for set-up in the car or at your destination,
Carrier Contects. The carrier should be tall enough to allow the rabbit to sit up. A large carrier or traveling cage may accommodate a small litter pan. If there is not space for the litterbox, then line the enclosure with a towel (changed often) or disposable puppy pads. Provide fresh hay and perhaps leafy greens (especially good for the moisture they provide) in the enclosure at all times. Offer water and small amounts of food during stops. Note that water bottles are notorious for leaking during travel in a carrier or cage.
Rabbits cannot tolerate warm weather or heat.
Rabbits do not like drafts
Water bottles often leak out all their water
Rabbits may also not eat while traveling
Create routines where you can try to establish consistent routines each day
Strap the carrier in place in the car, so that it does not slide in sudden stops.
“Imagine being a small animal inside a roaring, quivering airplane for several hours. Your ears may pop, probably for the first time in your life. The air on the floor where your box sits is hot and stuffy, or maybe quite cold. When finally let out, you’re in a totally unfamiliar place. Ask yourself, is this an experience your rabbit really needs?”
–B. Woolbright, House Rabbit Journal, Vol.2, #12
Additional Factors to Consider
If you choose to fly with your rabbit, you will need to make these preparations
Cargo Realities
Not all airlines will allow you to have your rabbit with you in the cabin or you may find airlines that allow rabbits in the cabin too expensive. Many airlines will only allow them to be in the cargo. If so, be sure your rabbit and the airline are prepared for it. Airlines also seem to regularly change their policies with regard to rabbits.
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