heres some tips for travelling from RW
Rabbit transport without tears!
All rabbits need to travel at some point - whether it be coming home for the first time; going on holiday; or for routine trips to the vet.
Travelling need not be a traumatic experience for your rabbit. Just like dogs and children, rabbits travel better if they are accustomed to it. It's well worth taking your rabbit for brief trips in the car and getting him used to his travelling box. Rabbits who travel regularly sometimes seem to enjoy it, but even those who travel infrequently usually settle down eventually.
Choice of travelling box
Rabbits are prey animals. They will feel much more secure travelling in a snug, dark box that will act as a substitute burrow. Too much space is not a good idea, as bunny may get thrown around if you have to brake suddenly. Carrying the rabbit on your lap is not a good idea either. If he becomes startled, his natural instinct is to flee, and you will end up grabbing hold of him which means you end up playing the role of predator - not the best way to build up a trusting relationship with your pet!
Traditional wooden carrying boxes are still used for show rabbits. They're warm, draught proof, and strong. However, plastic cat carrying boxes are equally suitable, far less heavy, and easier to clean. Try to choose a design that has a top opening. Those with only a small front opening may make a great substitute burrow but it can be tricky to persuade a reluctant rabbit to emerge from within!
Relaxed rabbits who travel regularly may be okay in an all-wire basket with a solid floor, but most rabbits find this type of basket a bit too exposed, although you could throw a towel over the top or put a cardboard box inside.
Most rabbits simply go into "slipper position" when travelling (the legs-tucked-under-and-no-feet-showing pose) but some will sprawl out, so choose a box that allows bunny to lie down, even if his back legs end up going round a corner! If your bunny seems to hate his box, leave it out on the floor, with nice treats hidden inside, so he starts to associate the box with pleasant experiences.
On the move.....
Rabbits rarely eat or drink when they are on the move, but you should always pop a carrot and some hay into the box. Providing water is more of a challenge - bowls always spill, bottles tend to drip, and most rabbits ignore them anyway. Most people resort to just offering a drink when the car is stationary - your bunny needs comfort stops as much as you do!
Try to avoid travelling in daytime if the weather is very hot. If you must, and you are travelling any distance on a hot day and your car isn't air-conditioned, you must take extra precautions. Try to travel early or late in the day; carry water; and take a supply of freezer-bag blocks (or lemonade bottles full of ice) wrapped in a towel to lay next to the bunny.
Finally, when you are moving, place the box so the longest side faces the direction of travel. That way, if you make an emergency stop, your bunny (who will probably be sitting along the length of the box) won't end up being thrown forward onto his face.
Air travel
Rabbits travel remarkably well by air, if they have to. Although the aircraft environment is noisy and somewhat stressful for the rabbit, it's only for a few hours. Obviously, you should not travel any animal by air for "fun". But if you are relocating the rest of your family, there's no need to leave your pet bunny behind because of concerns about air travel unless s/he is particularly frail, in which case you should discuss matters with your vet first.
Although it's preferable to take rabbits in the cabin with you as hand luggage, we've only heard of this happening routinely on some US domestic flights. We are aware of one (and have heard rumours of a second) bunny who has managed to fly in the cabin on an international flight, but only after very determined owners managed to wangle a waiver of policy from an individual airline! (If you've managed it, please let us know!)
Hence, it's more likely that your rabbit will need to travel in the hold. Many people are most unhappy at this thought, but aircraft holds are both heated and pressurised.We understand that some US domestic airlines have a poor safety record when transporting pets in the hold, but we have yet to hear of any problems with the international airlines, who have a great deal of experience travelling pets around the world.
There are very good animal holding facilities at many international airports, and you can use specialist agencies to help you make the necessary travel arrangements. Don't forget that you will need an airline approved design of travelling box, and that if your bunny is travelling internationally you'll have to sort out the necessary import/export permits and health certificates which can take several weeks.
Pet rabbits from outside the UK & Ireland cannot enter the UK without undergoing six months' quarantine. Despite repeated rumours that rabbits are to be included under the Pet Travel Scheme, this hasn't yet materialised. However, show and commercial rabbits from registered holdings are allowed to enter the UK without quarantine from other EU countries under the Balloi Directive. More information on the UK quarantine situation and rabbits.
This information is brought to you by the Rabbit Welfare Fund - the charitable wing of the Rabbit Welfare Association. If you love rabbits, please consider supporting the Rabbit Welfare Fund. You can make a donation, or you may like to join the RWA. The £17.50 adult subscription includes a subscription to "Rabbiting On", a fabulous quarterly magazine packed with health, behaviour and care advice to help you build a wonderful relationship with your bunny - whether s/he lives indoors or out.
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