Make Room for Bunny

Although they’re small, rabbits need a lot of room. When traveling, make sure your pet has enough room to move and burrow. The minimum recommended cage space for 1 rabbit of a small- to medium-sized breed is 4 feet wide, 2 feet deep and 2 feet tall.

Other Carrier Requirements:

• Choose a carrier made from hard plastic
• Make sure it’s ventilated
• Make sure it has a solid bottom
• Strap in the carrier in your car’s backseat

Let Your Bunny Know You’re There

Rabbits can become very lonely. Make sure your pet knows you’re there!

Cage Lining

• Avoid newspapers (even though they clean up easier). Your pet will probably be nervous and will want to burrow in the material he/she is used to: straw, hay or aspen shavings
• Make sure you clean the carrier as needed
• Bring fresh material to fill the carrier after cleaning
• Carrier should be filled with hay or other material at all times

Bring Safe Chew Toys

To prevent your friend from chewing the carrier, include plenty of safe chew toys, such as:

• Cardboard boxes
• Chew sticks from pet stores
• A “digging box” with soil or shredded paper

Moving More Than One Bunny

If your pet rabbits are used to being together, keep them together during travel. But if they have their own cages at home, they should travel in separate cages.

The Right Temperature

Bunnies are more likely to die from heat stroke than from getting too cold. Keep the temperature between 65-75 degrees during travel.

Avoid Bowls of Water

To avoid water spilling, freeze a bowl of water for your bunny to lick – or use a water bottle.

Give Them Familiar Snacks

Give your bunny familiar treats only. Any major changes in your pet’s diet will cause him/her to avoid food entirely or get diarrhea – especially with the stress of travel.

Rest Stops

Never let your bunny roam at rest stops without a special harness made for rabbits. Make sure your bunny is used to the harness long before the trip. Don’t let your pet eat any vegetation at rest stops.

Air Travel

Call your airlines first. Airlines usually require a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Other restrictions may apply.

Health Certificate Required When Crossing State Lines

If your move involves crossing the state line, your pet must have a health certificate issued within 10 days of your trip. Authorities could ask to see the certificate if you are stopped.

Boat, Bus or Train Travel

Greyhound Bus and Amtrak only allow service animals. Call individual boating lines to find out their requirements.

Never Move a Sick Rabbit

It is never a good idea to travel with a sick pet. Instead, ask a friend to keep your pet until he/she is well, or ask your veterinarian where you can safely board your pet.

If Your Rabbit Gets Sick During Travel

Before you begin your trip, you should always identify animal hospitals on your route in case of an emergency. Click here to find AAHA hospitals.

Traveling by Mail

Never mail a rabbit.

Settling into Your New Home

When you arrive at your new home, move your pet to his/her permanent cage. Rabbits are very social, so you can take them out and pet them after arriving. Let your pet explore at his/her leisure. Extra toys and treats can help ease your bunny’s transition.