Travelling with house rabbits
by Lizzie Smith

From time to time, it may be necessary for your rabbit to travel. Perhaps a visit to the vets or maybe even a longer journey. Preparing in advance will undoubtedly make your buns trip much less traumatic.

I have three Netherland Dwarf rabbits who regularly make a 200 mile trip without problem. In the beginning, I tried using their indoor cage as a travel pen, but I soon learnt by observing their behaviour that they much prefer to be in a more confined space when travelling - it appears to make them feel safer. Eventually I decided to purchase a pet carrier. The traditional wicker basket carriers are very smart, but I feared my rabbits would soon nibble their way out of it! Finally I settled on a Hagen 'Atlas' pet carrier. Constructed of sturdy plastic making it easy to clean, it has a geod strong carrying handle, a plastic coated metal grid door and slats to let in the light and allow a good air circulation - perfect! These come in a wide range of sizes so you are sure to be able to find one to sui

Preparation pays off

It is important to encourage your pet to investigate the carrier before taking to the road. Put in some hay, litter and a bowl of food (making it a home from home!) and put in a place where your bun is bound to notice it. Rabbits are curious creatures by nature and love nothing more than to explore new places. He/she will soon wander inside. it is important however, that you do not force the rabbit into the carrier as such actions are bound to alienate your pet. Leave the carrier around for a few days so that your rabbit can come and go of his/her own free will.

Once your pet has 'bonded' with it's temporary home, you are almost ready. There are however, other factors to consider before setting off. It is strongly advised that rabbits have access to water at all times. Unfortunately, I found using the usual drinking bottle a rather messy affair, with the majority of the water ending up on the floor of the pen at the end of the journey. What I now use is a bowl with a large lip, which prevents spillage and clips to the bars of the carrier. This came free with my carrier but you can purchase them from pet shops at a reasonable price.

Ready for the off

Now you are ready! Entice your pet into the carrier with some tasty treat and shut the cage door (checking that it is firmly shut before moving it off the ground). When you place the carrier in the transport you must ensure that it is unlikely to be jolted should the driver make a sudden stop, so either place it behind one of the seats of the car or strap in using the seatbelt. If you are travelling by coach or bus, sit the carrier on your knee or hold onto it.

Keep your pet cool

Travelling on a hot summers day could distress your bun, so steps should be taken to keep the carrier out of the sun. I always take a towel to cover the carrier and on really hot days, I dampen the towel with cool water before draping it over the cage. This gives an excellent cooling effect. It must be stressed at this point that rabbits like any animals should not be left in the car on summer days as the temperatures inside the car can soar resulting in certain death!

Pit stops

If you are making a long journey, stops should be made at regular intervals to check on your pet. Refill the water bowl and allow a little time for your rabbit to eat and drink. (It is fairly common however, for rabbits not to take food and water through fright).

When you reach your destination, open the carrier and let you bun come out in his own good time. Put out fresh food and perhaps a few treats and let him adjust to the new surroundings slowly. Your pet may be a little unsettled at first, but should soon settle down and with a bit of luck will come to regard the carrier with fondness rather than alarm, thus making your next trip much easier!