Road Trips with Rabbits: A Guide to  Keep Them Calm

Packing up to go on a road trip with your rabbit is like packing for an adorable, very fragile toddler, aside from the fact that this toddler can’t tell you what’s wrong, and the digestive system of this toddler is as sensitive as a soap bubble. 

If you prepare yourself, and have some humor about it, your fluffy companion should feel safe and comfortable through the journey. 

Below is a deep dive into all the information you need to know!

1. Getting Your Rabbit Ready for Travel

Get Them Used to Their Carrier

Like rabbits, sudden changes stress them out. You place the travel carrier in its normal place a few weeks before the trip. Let them explore and sniff all they want, leave the door a crack for them to see if they want to come. Make sure to toss some of their favorite treat or toy in so that the carrier isn’t associated with negative experiences.

Short Practice Runs

Once your bunny is comfortable, take short drives before beginning a multi hour one. These are 'mini road trips,' that help them get used to the motion and the noises of the car without feeling overwhelmed.​

Veterinary Check-Up

Check that your rabbit is as healthy as they can get! Potential risks such as gastrointestinal stasis, dehydration or stress induced disease can also be discussed. A vet might suggest safe sedatives for a bunny who has a history of stress on trips.

2. Essential Bunny Travel Kit

Your luggage is not as much as yours as much is it of your furry ball. 

Here’s what to pack:

Food Supply: Main staple hay, pellets and leafy greens. Put greens in a cooler to keep them fresh.

Portable Water Bowl and Syringe: A syringe will also help hydrate them when they stop, because many rabbits refuse to drink in transit.

Towels: These should be used for cushioning, and for wiping up accidents. Extra bonus points for bringing extra to swap out for pit stops​.

Toys and Chews: Familiar items filter out stress and are a distraction.

Litter Box: Make sure these usual substrate to encourage them use it.

First Aid Kit: Styptic powder for minor injuries; small comb; and critical care formula if they stop eating.

3. Making the Ride Comfortable

Vibration Control and carrier Placement

Insert the carrier on the car floor or between seat to decrease pick-ups. Underneath place a folded towel to absorb vibration​​s​.

But either way, keep the carrier out of direct sunlight, and not right next to where the air conditioner vents on your rabbit.

Temperature Control

Rabbits can overheat quickly. Turn the AC on only to keep the car cool, but keep sure that air flows gently through out the car. Don’t get your car inner environment too cold, however, remember rabbits like cooler temperatures than humans​.

Sounds and Scenery

You should probably avoid high pitch music as rabbits have very sensitive hearing and loud noises can cause serious injuries. So, it’s better to put something light and classic to calm your furry friend.

Drive Like a Grandma

Gently accelerate, slowly brake, and turn as if you’re trying to balance an egg on your windshield. It’s not all about stirring up the rabbits but a smooth ride for them.

4. Rest and Snacks…regular breaks.

Pit Stop Protocols

If so, pull over in a safe quiet shady spot every 2-3 hours. If you don't, let your rabbit stretch out in the car or hop around in a secure enclosed area (if they're leash trained). Keep their digestion moving offering water and their favorite greens.

Safety First

It’s never safe to let your rabbit out of an unsecured area or in front of open doors. Rabbits dart off unexpectedly quickly and curiously.​

5. Overnight Stays: Bunny-Friendly Accommodations

Choosing the Right Spot

Schedule your research on advance to find one of the many pet friendly hotels research. Try to find rooms with direct closed access (no awkward lobbies of people staring and asking what you’re doing with your strange guest).

Setting Up a Temporary Home

Bring a playpen or, if you have younger children, consider bringing two or three similar sets of diapers and a nightlight. Scatter a few toys and then lay down familiar bedding to do your best to re-create a comforting environment.

 Here’s a recurring theme; always supervise your rabbit in new spaces, you don’t know when they might prove to be professional escape artists.

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6. Keeping an Eye Out for Stress or Illness

Signs to Monitor

Stress can manifest in subtle ways: Hiding, unusual aggression, refusal to eat, lethargy. Stress can be very prolonged and lead to gastrointestinal stasis, it can be life threatening condition.​

Emergency Measures

Make sure to bring along contact for rabbit savvy vets that can be reached during your journey. Learning where to go in case of an emergency can save you valuable time.

7. Hacks for a Smooth Trip (that everybody don’t know)

Towel Layering: Place many layers in the carrier. If the rabbit soils the towel, you can easily peel the top layer off without disturbing them​.

Don’t Rely on Hanging Water Bottles: They normally leak and make a mess. Instead, during breaks, offer water.

Stay Calm: Rabbits seem to be able to read your expression. The more reassured they’ll feel, the calmer you are.

8. Addressing the Destination

Know the Rules

Find out what pet policies your destination has. While rabbits are permitted in some parks and accommodations, others will restrict the animals. If they need it, they’ll have the vaccination records or other documentation with them and be ready.​

Post-Trip Check

On your return, look at your rabbit for signs of injury, sign of discomfort, sign of illness. It’s better safe than sorry, even if they seemed calm.

Conclusion

With preparation and care, rabbits and road trips can be both safe and fun to both you and the rabbit. Although your furry pal probably won’t get excited about car rides, you will make sure it’s a memorable and stress free journey by showing your patience and taking care of your furry pal’s needs.

Throw on your seatbelt, load that hay, and it’s time to go! And don’t forget to share your own personal experience in the comments below. We would love to hear your story and anything new we might not know yet!

Happy Road Trip with your fur balls.

FAQs

Q# Should I sedate my rabbit?

A: Only under a vet’s guidance. Your first approach should always be natural calming methods​.

Q# What if my rabbit doesn’t want to eat when it’s travelling?

A: Hay should be kept available and greens offered during stops. Consult a vet if they do not eat within 12 hours.​

Q# How can I clean up accidents?

A: Pack pet safe disinfectant and paper towels. Take a small carpet cleaner, for stubborn stains.​

Q# Is leash training necessary?

A: Is helpful for secure breaks, but not required. Train well, well, before your trip​.

Q# Can I take multiple rabbits?

A: Yes, bonded pairs should travel together and bond pairs should not be split up should they stay together to reduce stress. Ensure the carrier is large, but do not be cramped.

Q# What’s the best carrier type?

A: Find a carrier with good ventilation, sturdy locks and just the right amount of room, but not too much room for roaming.