rabbits don't travel far out of range of their homeThe reasons for traveling with them should be considered before discussing how to transport them.Longer periods away from home are not good for rabbits, but they are okay with one- or two-day trips.It's fine to take your rabbit to the vet or a rabbit show.He will need to travel with you if you are moving to a new place.If you want to bring him on vacation or travel the same way you would with a dog, it's not appropriate for a rabbit.There are some things to consider for a stress-free transport if you need to travel with your rabbit.
Step 1: Obtain a carrier for rabbits.
Rabbit travel cages should be well-ventilated and secure to ensure that the rabbit cannot chew through or escape them.The top opening of your cage should allow rabbits to be removed easily.If the rabbit urinates or if it rains, cardboard boxes are not appropriate.At most rabbit shows, travel cages for rabbits are available.
Step 2: The right size carrier is needed.
The carrier should be large enough for all the rabbits being transported to enter easily, lie comfortably in any direction, and turn around unimpeded.You will want to make sure the cage is big enough for all of the rabbits to be comfortable.The cage should be small so that the rabbit doesn't get slammed into the wall while moving.To recreate the safety of a small burrow, you will want a partially covered section in it.If the cage is partially covered, make sure there is adequate air flow.
Step 3: The carrier's floor should be lined with a material that repels odors.
If the bottom of the carrier is not wire, you want to make sure your rabbit doesn't slide around.The bottom of a bunny travel cage can be lined with puppy training pads.These can be found at pet stores.Adding a paper litter to the bottom will help absorb odors.Many people going this route use a rabbit litter, or for less expensive options, bird litter or cat litter.Or you can have a towel at the bottom, with a puppy training pad on top, and a small towel or blanket to cuddle up in and to prevent the rabbit from sliding.It is possible that pine, cedar, or other aromatic wood is harmful to bunny's health.
Step 4: hay and a water bottle
Hay is a nice snack to include just in case, as most rabbits won't eat much during travel due to increased stress.The bunny could be injured by a regular food dish in the carrier.Most travel size water bottles for rabbits are 3-6 ounces and can be attached to the side of the cage with spring clips.It's a good idea to give your bunny time to get used to drinking water from the travel water bottle before you travel.If the travel time will be longer than a few hours you want to avoid having him get dehydrated because rabbits can be picky about water sources.If your rabbit won't drink from the bottle while traveling, have someone in the back seat take the rabbit out and put some of the water on their hand.Some rabbits don't eat hay on the drive.Give a piece of food if this is the case.
Step 5: Your bunny should be allowed to explore the carrier.
The bunny will associate stress and fear with the carrier if he is pushed into it.In order to get him to go in there with snacks, open the door of the carrier.He can come and go as he pleases if the door is open.It's best to start doing this a day or two before the actual travel date, so he gets used to the carrier and isn't afraid of it.
Step 6: Place the carrier on the floor behind the seat or strap it into the car with a seat belt.
The cage is moving around.If the car needs to brake suddenly, put the side of the cage toward the front so the bunny won't hit his face.Don't put a bunny carrier in the trunk of a car.He could run out of air because it was too dark.If they are well-ventilated, bunnies can ride in a covered truck bed or trailer.If it's hot outside, avoid this.The rabbit carrier needs to be fastened tightly.
Step 7: The car should be kept cool at all times.
If it's warm outside, run the AC.Rabbits are more sensitive to heat than we are.If it is hot, leave the car on and the air conditioning on while you park in shaded areas.It is possible to lock the doors while you are out of the car if you have two keys with you.It is possible to travel during cooler parts of the day, such as early in the morning or after the sun goes down.Unless the temperatures are below freezing, it won't be too cold for a bunny in the car.If it is safe for you to travel, the bunny can stay in the car.
Step 8: If it is warm outside, bring the bunny inside.
If you are going to stay in a hotel, make sure that rabbits are allowed in the room.Wait until after the sun has gone down and the temperatures have dropped if the hotel doesn't allow it.Lock the car doors and leave the windows down.The early morning sun can stress a bunny, so park in the shade.
Step 9: During travel, check on your rabbit.
The water bottle should have a continuous supply of water.Offer treats like apples or carrots when you stop.He may not eat them, but it is nice to have them in the carrier.If they start to go bad, remove them.If you want to help with the strain of transporting your bunny, offer a supplement such as Vita-Stress.
Step 10: Look for signs of overheating.
If your bunny becomes overheated, you need to get him to a cooler place and make sure he is out of the sun.To get his temperature back down to normal, he should damp his ears with cool water.If a rabbit can't be kept in air conditioning, it's a good idea to keep secured soda bottles full of frozen water in the cage.There are a number of signs of overheating in a rabbit.
Step 11: If you are traveling by air with a rabbit, you should know airline regulations.
It is possible to fly with a rabbit.If you have to take your rabbit on a plane because you are moving, make sure you know what to expect.You can find an airline that allows pets.Delta, Continental, Frontier, and United are some of the popular ones.You should research the prices and regulations of each airline.An airline approved carrier can be obtained.You have to conform to the guidelines of the airline regarding the type of carrier you can use.This will be dependent on the airline.Check the dates.Most airlines only allow pet travel during certain months of the year, when the weather is safe for the animals to travel.You can use a cart to walk around the airport.At the airport, be sure to use a wheeled cart and secure the rabbit cage onto it to wheel it around.
Step 12: Give your rabbit some time.
It will take some time for your rabbit to get used to a new location.The stress of travel may make him seem like himself during the adjustment period.Just be sure to let this happen on its own and not force him, as he will start investigating his surroundings in time.
Step 13: His normal environment should be recreated as much as possible.
He should be put back in his cage as soon as possible.Give him the same type of food and toys that he had before.You should spend time with him talking and petting.
Step 14: Look for signs of illness.
After the transport, you will want to keep an eye on his health.rabbits try to hide their illnesses and injuries because they are a prey animal.If your rabbit is sick, you should bring him to the vet as soon as possible.There are a number of signs of illness, including teeth grinding, open-mouth breathing, and Enlarged abdomen.