Traveling with our pets is getting easier, whether it’s taking them out with us around town or on a cross-country trip to visit family. Rabbits may require a bit more thought and preparation when taking them along, but they do travel quite well when provided with comfort and safety. ___________ On the town You’re heading out to brunch with your girlfriends and you want to bring, Frisky, your Holland Lop. The best way to do this is in a pet stroller. It may seem a little silly, but a pet stroller is the easiest way to manage your rabbit’s safety in a crowd. The stroller gives room for hay and a water bowl, plus it zips closed to keep the harsh sun out and protect Frisky from curious dogs. With pockets for keys, cup holders, and a basket underneath, you’ve got a place for your water bottle, sweater and whatever else you might bring along. Be sure to put Frisky in a harness so you can clip it to the stroller and prevent her from jumping out when the top is open. Visiting the grandparents A weekend out of town doesn’t mean you have to leave your rabbit at home. If your bunny is fairly mellow and doesn’t mind car rides, by all means take it along. A little preparation will make Oreo’s trip a comfortable one. First, make sure you have a sturdy, hard-sided carrier and line the bottom with a towel and cover with hay. You can clip a water bottle to the door if you think your rabbit will drink while riding in the car. Belt in the carrier to the seat, to ensure Oreo’s safety in case you have to hit the brakes; it will keep him and the carrier from flying out of the back seat and into the front. Bring along a small cooler with some fresh veggies and bottled water for rest stops on the drive. You can also bring along a foldable “puppy pen” to be your rabbit’s housing so Grandma won’t complain that he’s likely to chew her antique furniture. A litter box and some hay in the trunk of your car will ensure Oreo has everything he needs for the weekend. If your rabbit has a tendency to stop eating in new situations, bring along a little bottle of baby Simethicone drops to give for a gassy tummy. That will help it feel better by relieving gas and getting him to eat again. Also be sure you have the name of a rabbit-experienced vet at your destination. In the event of an emergency, you want to know the best place to go. You can check the House Rabbit Society Web site at www.rabbit.org for a list of recommended vets around the country. Cross-country flights Many airlines now allow rabbits to travel in-cabin with you. The most popular and successful of these is Continental Airlines. Frontier, Alaska, Southwest and a couple others also allow rabbits in the cabin. If you plan to fly with your rabbit, plan your trip well ahead. Check which airlines fly to your destination and then check their Web sites for their regulations for bringing pets on board. Some do not allow rabbits at all, so it’s important that you check ahead before purchasing your tickets. Expect to pay $75 to $150 to fly your rabbit in the cabin. You’ll also need a health certificate from your vet no more than 10 days prior to departure. Make actual reservations for your rabbit at the same time you make yours to ensure you have a confirmed spot. Airlines require carriers that can go under the seat. Their websites give specific information on the size and type of carrier they require. Check ahead to ensure your carrier is of the right type or you’ll be running out to get another before they’ll let you take the bunny onboard. Place an absorbent towel and some hay in the carrier and bring along some fresh greens for the bunny to nibble. Plan ahead and you’ll find that bringing Peaches along on your trip to Boston will be much easier than you imagined. For advice on traveling with your rabbit, contact San Diego House Rabbit Society at [email protected], or visit its website at www.sandiegorabbits.org.
