Traveling with your rabbit

A visit to the vet or traveling on a longer journey may be stressful for your rabbit. Make sure that you are properly prepared to avoid your rabbit being frightened.

An indoor cage can be used as a travel pen but your rabbit may prefer to be in a more confined space when traveling which will make it feel more secure. Your rabbit could start chewing on the traditional wicker basket carriers so a plastic carrier may be a better choice. But make sure that it easy to clean, strong and allows light and good air circulation. The carriers come in a wide range of sizes. Choose a design with a top opening. It can be tricky to persuade a reluctant rabbit to leave a carrier with with only a small front opening. Rabbits may find an all-wire carrier too exposed so drape a towel over the top or place a cardboard board box inside.

Encourage your rabbit to investigate the carrier before traveling. Put in some hay, cat litter and a bowl of food or a carrot. Rabbits are curious and will love exploring the new carrier but do not force it into the carrier. Leave the carrier around for a few days so that your rabbit will become accustomed to it.

Rabbits should have access to water at all times. A bowl with a large lip which prevents spillages and clips to the bars of the carrier, may be less messy than the usual drinking bottle. However, rabbits rarely drink or eat when traveling so if spillages become a problem, just remember to offer drinks when you stop.

Entice your rabbit into the carrier with some tasty treat (if necessary) and shut the door, checking that it is firmly shut before traveling. Place in the car in a position where it is unlikely to be jolted in the event of a sudden stop – either place behind a seat or strap in using the seatbelt. If traveling by bus, sit the carrier on your knee.

Never leave your rabbit in the car for long periods – a car on a hot day quickly becomes an oven and the rabbit could easily become overheated. If you are traveling on a hot day, try to keep the carrier out of the sun (it is best to avoid traveling in daytime). A towel can be draped over the carrier and on very hot days, you can dampen the towel with cold water. Freezer-bag blocks or a plastic bottle filled with ice wrapped in a towel placed in the cage is a good idea to keep your bunny cool.

If making a long journey, make frequent stops. Refill the water bowl and let your rabbit eat and drink. However, if your rabbit is frightened, it may not be interested. When you reach your destination, open the carrier and let your bunny come out in its own time. Let the rabbit adjust to its new surroundings, put out fresh food, and perhaps a few treats. It should soon settle down and may even come to enjoy the carrier and traveling.

Pet passports are part of the European Union (EU) Regulation on the movement of pet animals. Certain non-EU listed countries may also issue a passport. Since the UK left the EU rules have changed so you will need to check national rules of the country you are planning to visit for information on the entry conditions if you are wanting to travel with your rabbit.

There is an EU Regulation that sets out the requirements for the movement of pet animals (dogs, cats and ferrets) traveling within the European Community, and into the Community from non-EU countries. The same EU regulation also refers to importation requirements applying to rodents, domestic rabbits, birds (except certain poultry), ornamental tropical fish, invertebrates (except bees and crustaceans), amphibians and reptiles. Further information can be found on the European Union website at https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/animal-plant/index_en.htm.

Contact the airline well in advance to find out their rules on transporting rabbits. Check if the rabbit can fly in the cabin with you – you will be asked to put the carrier under the seat in front of you. However, this may only be permitted on some US domestic flights and it is more likely that you will have to put your rabbit in the hold.

If you are traveling abroad, check with your vet well before traveling to find out what vaccinations and health certificates are needed.

Rabbits are particularly prone to stress which can have dramatic effects on their health. Think carefully if it is worth taking you rabbit on a flight – the effects of air pressure changes, exhaust fumes and temperature changes in a cargo hold can make any flight risky even for a healthy rabbit.

• Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) – www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain.
• Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain (Northern Ireland) – www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/travelling-pets.
• Travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland – www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-an-eu-country-or-northern-ireland.
• Travelling to a non-EU country – www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-a-noneu-country.
• Travelling with pets and other animals in the EU – europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/animal-plant/index_en.htm.