Many new rabbit owners worry about how to transport their rabbit when the time comes.
Traveling can be stressful for rabbits, and we don’t recommend you make them travel for unnecessary reasons. So, it’s probably best if you leave them in the care of someone else while you go on your road trip or enjoy a week or two overseas on a vacation.
However, transporting your bun is inevitable at certain times in their life. You’ll have vet appointments to take them to, or you might even be moving house.
But how do you go about doing it safely? Will the trip be too stressful for them? How do you make them feel at home while in the car? We’ve answered all your questions about bunny transport below, so keep reading on to find out more.
How To Travel With Rabbits
When we talk about traveling with rabbits, we are usually talking about traveling with them in the car. (We go into detail about flying with your rabbit further on).
Traveling is usually something most rabbits are not so fond of, so try to only make trips when necessary. For example, if you’re taking them to the vet, try to make sure the veterinary practice is located close to your home.
Rabbit carriers are the best way to transport your bunny. Use the seatbelt to secure the carrier in place on the seat, or place the carrier in the footwell of the car. You should place the carrier lengthways if possible, so that your rabbit is not thrown forward into the carrier door if the brakes are suddenly applied.
You’ll want to make sure your car is not too hot or cold for your rabbit when driving them. You should also try to avoid driving during the hottest parts of the day, and give them plenty of breaks, especially if the journey is longer. If the weather is very warm, place a frozen water bottle in your rabbit’s carrier.
You should never leave a rabbit unattended in a vehicle as heatstroke can occur even on cool days. Also keep noise (such as radios) and disruption in the car to an absolute minimum for the length of the journey. Don’t forget, rabbit’s have very sensitive hearing!
Rabbit Carriers
The best way to transport your rabbit is in a special rabbit carrier. The most important thing to look out for when choosing a rabbit carrier is the size. The carrier should be large enough for your rabbit to lay down and turn around comfortably inside.
Aside from the size, you should also check that the carrier is sturdy, well-ventilated, secure and non collapsible. It should also have a removable top. We generally recommend a plastic carrier with darker sides that stops your rabbit from feeling exposed. If you opt for a wire type carrier, we recommend you cover half of it in a towel so your bun feels they have somewhere to hide.
Line the bottom of your rabbit carrier with a towel and/or hay. A towel will help to soak up any accidents, and the hay will give them a sense of home and something to eat! You could include a snack and their favorite toy in their carrier, too.
You will probably find your rabbit doesn’t want to drink anything while the car is moving, but you could put a bottle or a bowl in the carrier.
If you have more than one rabbit (and they are bonded) it is not a good idea to split them up when traveling. Even if only one of your buns is going to the vet, we recommend you bring the other rabbit in the carrier with them. Not only will this help your rabbit’s to feel more relaxed as they have a companion with them, but it will prevent rejection from the companion rabbit(s) if they smell different when they return home.
Although rabbit carriers are often the same type of carrier that are used for dogs and cats, it is not a good idea to use an old carrier that once carried other pets. Even if you clean it as best you can, you will never get rid of the scent of the other animals and your rabbit won’t be feel safe!
We advise you buy your bun(s) a new carrier that is only theirs, which will end up smelling like them and make them feel secure.
Acclimating Your Rabbit To Their Carrier
Rabbits should never be forced into their carrier. To get them comfortable with their carrier, place it in their hutch or playpen and allow them to explore it for a few days before they have to use it. You can also entice them in with a little treat or snack.
Next, place your rabbit in the carrier, and close the carrier up. Walk around the house holding the carrier (with both arms, in front of you) and hold the carrier on your lap for a few minutes. You can do this a few times until your rabbit feels more comfortable with the carrier.
Eventually, you can try practising leaving them in the carrier for up to 30 minutes at a time before letting them hop out.
If you haven’t traveled with your rabbit before, you may want to do a practise trip before you take them anywhere. Take short rides in the car to get your bunny used to being in the car, and always reward them with treats when you get home for doing a good job!
How To Take Your Rabbit To The Vet
If you’re only traveling to the vet, you may be wondering why you even need a carrier. Why can’t you carry your rabbit your arms?
First of all, this isn’t very safe while driving. If your bunny is sat on your lap, they could jump onto the driver’s side floor and quickly cause chaos. They would also be less secure in the event of a car crash — in a carrier, your bunny is slightly more protected.
When you get to the vet, it is a good idea to have your rabbit in a carrier. You don’t know what other animals are going to be in the waiting room, and dogs and cats can be very daunting for rabbits, especially if your bun has never met one before!
Consider covering your rabbit’s carrier with a blanket so they don’t get spooked by other animals.
Traveling Long Distances With Your Rabbit
If you’re moving house or moving states, you may find you need to take your rabbit on a much longer car ride than just a quick trip to the vets. Many of the same factors apply to both trips — such as keeping the car cool — but there are some extra things to know when traveling long distances.
First of all, make sure you take the time for lots of breaks along your journey. During these breaks, give your bunny access to food and water. They may want to be let out of their carrier, but make sure they are secure when doing this (ie. on a leash). If your rabbit is stressed, they may dash away very quickly if they are not secured or enclosed.
You may also want to offer your rabbit their favorite treats when you stop for a break. Rabbits tend not to each much when in the car because they are too overwhelmed or under too much stress, so keep them eating with something tasty.
If you are staying overnight somewhere before you reach your destination, pack a puppy pen or exercise pen for your rabbit. This can be used as temporary housing while you are on the road. Don’t forget to pack some cleaning products, too — having your bun in the car for an extended period of time can get messy!
Flying With Your Rabbit
If you can, you’ll want to avoid flying with your rabbit. Many humans find flying stressful, so you can imagine how stressful a little bunny will find it!
However, in some cases, flying with your bun is unavoidable. For example, you may be moving to a different country and need to find a way to take your rabbit with you.
Unfortunately, not all airlines allow rabbits to travel in the cabin. Some do, and on these airlines you can use your rabbit carrier to transport your bun, just like you would in the car. You may want to choose a soft-sided carrier instead of a hard-sided one, because the carrier will most likely have to sit under the seat in front of you.
However, on other airlines, your rabbit may have to go in cargo. This can be a horrible and daunting thought for all rabbit parents. If you have to put your bun in cargo, you should contact the airline for all the requirements.
You won’t be able to use a soft-sided carrier, and the hard-sided carrier should be big enough that your rabbit can move around comfortably. Inside the carrier you should put plenty of hay, food, water, and possibly a litter box if there is room. This will help your bun to feel a little safer. You should also be aware of the extreme temperature restrictions there may be for pets traveling in cargo.
If you need to fly your rabbit internationally, check the requirements of you destination. Some places will have quarantine needs, as well as vaccination requirements.
Travel Tip!
If you are concerned about losing your rabbit while you travel, use a Sharpie to write the name and phone number of an emergency contact in the ear of your rabbit. A Sharpie is non-toxic and will eventually rub off in a week or two.
