by Elizabeth Armstrong-Brown

Created on: January 15, 2009

Unlike most other domesticated pets, such as cats and dogs, rabbits do not like traveling at all. Some rabbits will actually become quite angry at their owners for making them travel by going into a carrier for hours. Even if it is only a short trip to the vet, it will seem like hours for your rabbit. Rabbits do not like being in a small enclosed area, such as a carrier, because they cannot escape from any type of predator.

However, there will be times when you will need to travel with your rabbit, such as moving house and even taking your rabbit to see the vet. In order to make the trip more comfortable for both you and your rabbit, you should make sure that you first buy the correct size carrier for your rabbit. Do not buy a carrier made out of cardboard as your rabbit can and will eat right through the flimsy cardboard and will escape. Another reason to stay away from cardboard carriers, is that the cardboard can become soggy from rabbit urine and will then tear away quite easily.

In order to make your rabbit's new carrier more comfortable for your rabbit, you should place a soft towel or mat inside of the carrier, but make sure that it is something that your rabbit is already familiar with seeing around the house. The best tip is to leave a soft towel lying around your house or in your rabbit's hutch so that your rabbit can lie on it. This way the towel will have your rabbit scent on it and he will feel more comfortable with it and subsequently with the carrier as well. Placing a towel inside the carrier also ensures that the rabbit does not slide around, and has a soft surface to sit on. You will also need to place some food and a water bottle inside the carrier. Before the trip, let your rabbit get used to the carrier, and make it a safe, comfortable area for the rabbit so he will be less stressed when placed inside.

Place the carrier on the floor of the vehicle you are traveling in. This will be more stable for the rabbit, and often darker. Rabbits feel more secure in a darkened area rather than being next to a window. If possible, break the trip up into sections to allow the rabbit to have a rest. This will also allow you to check how your rabbit is coping with the trip.

If you are moving house, when you arrive at your new home, make sure that you immediately set up your rabbit's home first so that he can de-stress and relax after the trip.

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