Are you leaving town soon? If so, you may want to consider boarding your bunny. However, in some situations, such as during a long distance move, that may not be an option. Floppy isn’t a huge fan of car rides, so you’ll need to take some precautions to make the trip easy on her. If your travels coincide with a holiday, be sure to read our guide on Holiday Hazards for Bunnies to keep Floppy safe from common seasonal risks. A Fox Lake, IL vet discusses traveling with bunnies below.
Carrier
If your furry buddy has a smaller cage, it may be tempting to just put that in your vehicle. However, that will take up a lot more room that way than it would broken down. It can also be difficult to get your rabbit in and out of the cage once it’s in the car. We recommend getting a hard-shell carrier instead. You’ll need to let your pet get used to her carrier before you take her for a trip. Offering her treats in it will help her form a positive association. Slowly increase the time Floppy is in the carrier. Next, carry her around the house in it. Then, start going for short drives.
Settling In
Put Floppy’s carrier in a spot where it won’t slide around. Put an old towel or some puppy pads beneath it, to protect your car from spills. Make sure your pet isn’t directly under air vents. Only take Floppy out of her carrier when you’re indoors. You don’t want her dashing off during a pit stop!
Temperatures
Make sure the car is at a comfortable temperature before bringing your bunny out. Rabbits overheat easily in temps above 75F. If it’s really hot or cold, you may need to take a few further steps to keep your pet comfy, such as putting an ice pack in a towel in the cage.
Packing
You’ll need to pack a travel bag for Floppy! Include food, a water bottle, grooming supplies, toys, and treats. You may also want to bring some cleaning supplies, like towels and a pet-safe cleaner. Bring an exercise pen for longer trips. Offer your bunny water, treats, and hay every time you stop.
Veterinary Care
Before traveling with your bunny, have her examined by a vet. If you’re going out of state, your fuzzy buddy may need a health certificate. For comprehensive preventative care and vaccinations that may be required for travel, check out our vet wellness and pet vaccinations services. We can ensure Floppy is ready for her journey.
Please reach out to us, your local Fox Lake, IL vet clinic, for all of your bunny’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!