How to Transport a Rabbit

So you have that cute little bunny and you want to take him someplace out of the house, the yard or out of his hutch. If you're going someplace close by, you can get away with transporting the little fluff ball in a recyclable container like a cardboard box, but you might want something more substantial if you're going on a car trip and definitely something durable if you're going by airplane. Traveling is not something rabbits would do in the wild, alone in a box, so naturally they tend to get stressed out with dramatic changes. Try and make him comfortable. Rabbits are a burrowing animal, so keep this under consideration when you're packing up your pet to go anywhere. They do best when they feel safe and hidden.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The best idea for any rabbit is not to transport them unless you need to. Rabbits can get stressed when traveling, and aren't the best companions in a moving vehicle. But every now and then, if there's an important bunny function you can't miss, well, your bunny won't die from the experience. His comfort should be your first concern.

2. If you're going by airplane, you'll need to buy a small animal carrier that can fit under the airplane seats. This is the best way to travel by plane with your bunny. The crate should have a water bottle, food dish and be lined with newspaper or towels.

3. An animal carrier is also the most convenient thing to use when you're traveling by car. It should be made cozy inside, with the same things (food, water, newspapers, a toy perhaps) inside. The climate should stay cool in the car, and he should be in the shade at all times because rabbits can't tolerate heat.

4. If you're just going up to a friend's house or to visit a kindergarten with your bunny and you have no animal carrier, a cardboard box with a lid you can fold over securely to keep him from jumping out will work just fine. Line the bottom with rags or newspaper and expect a certain amount of bouncing around in there as he freaks out initially.<br><br>Disposable cardboard animal carriers are pretty cheap and durable. They are available at most pet stores. They come with a handle and are easier to carry than a regular cardboard box.

5. To transport your bunny by holding him (if you're walking next door to a neighbor's house, let's say), you'd want to gently but firmly grasp him by the scruff of his neck, while cradling him against your body in your arms. Your arms will help him to feel safe, but you'll have that extra hold on his loose neck skin in case he starts kicking and scratching you. That way you can hold him by the scruff of his neck away from your body to avoid dropping him, and then reposition him back in your arms when he calms down again.