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 fine 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 home.Taking him on a vacation or travelling around town with a dog are both things that are considered inappropriate 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 option 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 should have 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 absorbs odors.
If the bottom of the carrier is not wire, you want to make sure your rabbit doesn't slide around.Puppy training pads are good for lining the bottom of a bunny travel cage.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.Pine, cedar, or other aromatic wood may be harmful to bunny's health.
Step 4: Hay and a water bottle are needed.
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 if a regular food dish is put 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 from the travel water bottle before you travel, and be sure to use water from home as much as possible.If the travel time will be longer than a few hours, you want to make sure he doesn't 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 won't eat hay on the drive.Provide 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 for a while.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 a seat or strap it into the car.
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 and scary.If they are well-ventilated, bunnies can ride in a covered truck bed.If it is hot outside, avoid this.The rabbit carrier needs to be fastened tightly.
Step 7: The car needs to be kept cool.
If it is 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 running and 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 will not 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 staying 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, make sure to check on your rabbit.
The water bottle should have a continuous supply of water.Offer 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, just remove them.Provide a supplement to help with the strain of transporting your bunny.
Step 10: There are signs of overheating.
If your bunny gets 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 some signs of overheating in a rabbit.
Step 11: If you travel by air with your rabbit, you should know airline regulations.
It is possible to travel by air with a rabbit.If you have to take your rabbit on a plane because you are moving, make sure you know what to expect.There is an airline that allows pets.Delta, Continental, Frontier, and United are some of the popular ones.Do your research, each airline has different prices and regulations for pets.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 depend 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 at 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 time for your rabbit to get used to a new location.The stress of travel may have made him seem like himself during the adjustment period.Just be sure to let this happen on its own and don't force him, in time he will start investigating his surroundings out of curiosity.
Step 13: His normal environment should be recreated as much as possible.
He should be put back in his cage as soon as possible after the transport.Give him the same type of food and toys he used to have.Just like you did at home, spend time with him talking and petting him.
Step 14: There are 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.