Diet
General Diet Info
Hay intro
Hay types new!
Vegetables
Pellets
Treats

Care
Bunny-Proofing
Housing
Grooming
Long-haired rabbits new!
Unwanted Litters: know the facts
Short distance traveling
Long distance traveling
Losing a loved one new!

Behaviour
Get to Know Your
Rabbit
Bonding
Bonding: Trios new!
Bonding Stories new!
Chewing/Digging
Litter Training
Types of litter
Spaying/Neutering
Toys

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Long distance traveling/moving and plane rides

Taking your rabbit on a road trip with you requires some preparation, but can actually be fairly stress-free for both you and your rabbit if planned carefully. Here are some helpful tips that will hopefully help to provide a safe and happy journey for your bunny:

• If possible, pack plenty of food, hay and litter in case your rabbit's brands are not readily available once you're away from home. Produce selection varies by region so you may not be able to get your rabbit's favourites. Take an assortment of fresh veggies - things that will entice your rabbit to start eating after you've arrived at your destination.You may also want to bottle some water and take it with you. Some rabbits will refuse to drink water that tastes differently than what they are used to.
  
• While driving, it's best to have your bunny caged for your safety as well as his. If possible, secure the carrier with a seatbelt by running it through the handle. Your rabbit's carrier should be large enough so that he can stretch out comfortably, but not so large that he will slide around. Starter rabbit cages make great travel cages for two bunnies.
  
• Unless your carrier is quite large, you probably won't have room for a litter box. Your bunny will use the cage as his litter box, so it is important to provide something absorbent on the floor of the cage. Artificial sheepskin is a good choice since it wicks the moisture away from the surface and is washable. Carry several pieces with you to change as necessary. Disposable absorbent bed pads (which are designed to hold many times their weight in liquid) are not a good idea because they may cause a blockage if ingested.
  
• If traveling in the summer, cover the carrier with a white or light coloured towel so that it isn't in direct sunlight. If your car is not air-conditioned you will need to provide your bunny with something cool to lie against. Freezer packs or frozen water bottles wrapped in towels work quite well.
  
• Never leave your bunny unattended in a car in the summer. Even with the windows open on a mild day, the internal temperature of a car can become high enough to kill your bunny.
  
• Many bunnies won't eat or drink while the car is in motion, but you should provide food and water anyway. A small water bottle attached to the front of the cage works well, and should be spill-proof. There are also a variety of food bowls available that clip to the grill on the cage door. The bird section at a pet store will have some smaller sizes. Keep some hay in the cage in case your bunny wants to nibble. Romaine, kale or small chunks of carrot in the cage will sometimes entice them to eat even while the car is moving.
  
• Stop every 2-3 hours and give your bunny a chance to relax and eat or drink. Provide your rabbit with plenty of wet leafy greens - if he's not drinking much he will at least get some moisture this way. (Romaine lettuce is an especially good choice.)
  
• Many hotels and motels accept pets.
  Call in advance to find one that will allow your bunny to stay in your room. The following link provides a list of hotels across Canada that accept pets: http://www.petswelcome.com/milkbone/canmap.html. Keep the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the room door while you are away so that hotel staff do not enter your room and bother your rabbit.
  
• Because your rabbit's litter-box habits may not be perfect in a strange environment, it may be best to keep him in a room with tile or linoleum. Bring a rubber-backed mat, straw mat, or cotton mat to provide traction for him.
  

It is a good idea to carry a first-aid kit with some emergency supplies, such as force-feeding syringes and Oxbow's Critical Care in case you have to forcefeed your rabbit. Although supplies such as simethicone, Pedialyte, baby food and canned pumpkin are generally readily available, it may be helpful to pack brands that you are familiar with. Having these supplies on hand may also save you from making a midnight trip to the pharmacy.

Preparation is the key to having a safe and pleasant car voyage with your bunny - and being equipped with whatever your bunny needs will certainly reduce your stress, too. Bon voyage!

Article from Binky Brief newsletter Summer 2001