road trip with bunny

Ultimate Guide to a Bunny-Friendly Road Trip: Tips and Essentials

Moving day. You’ve thought of everything: packing, hiring the movers, planning your route to your new home, how you’re going to transport your valuables. But what do you do about your most fragile, beloved valuable of all, your house rabbit?

I’ve relocated eight times across several states during my years with rabbits. I’ve driven along sleek smooth highways and gritty dirt roads, into glaring bright mornings and deep velvet nights, every hour spent with my bunnies at my side, and I’m going to share with you a few of the lessons I’ve learned.

The Basics: I Know You Know This, But…

They must travel in the car with you. Don’t put them in a trailer, or anything else just attached to your vehicle. These are your house rabbits; keep them inside the car with you. You should be able to monitor them the entire trip. If it’s hot , they’ll need the air- conditioning. If it’s cold, they’ll need a little heat. And just like in your home, they should be shielded from drafts and extra loud noises.

What if it’s hot and your car doesn’t have air conditioning? Filled, frozen plastic water bottles placed inside each cage. Depending upon the length of your journey, you can prepare a cooler of them before you go.

What if it’s cold and the heat isn’t reaching them? Extra towels or blankets they can snuggle against.

Prep Work: No One Likes Smelly Towels

There’s some debate about traveling with your buns in carriers vs. cages. Several factors can contribute to how you manage it, but usually, it comes down to the space available inside your car. If your trip isn’t a long one, you might consider a carrier instead of a cage. The rabbits will have less room, but you can strap a seatbelt around a carrier a lot more easily than you can a cage. In case of sudden starts or stops, bunny will not be flung as far.

Wire cages can also damage your car’s seats; place a sturdy rug or bathmat beneath them so they don’t. Drape the cage with towels or blankets so that the bunny will feel safer. In either case, surround your rabbits with soft things, especially familiar plush toys or clean towels. Don’t put anything hard (except possibly the frozen water bottle) or with sharp edges inside their traveling environment; again, think about the effects of sudden stops. They have no sure way to steady themselves.

Bring extra towels for them, even more than you think they’ll need, and a sealed container for the soiled ones. They will likely mess up whatever’s beneath them several times during the day, so when you stop to get gas, check. You don’t want your rabbits hunched up on sodden towels all day.

If you’re lodging overnight, a bottle of carpet spot cleaner and a roll of paper towels could come in handy.

Bonded pairs of buns should be kept together. Their journey will be much, much easier with a trusted partner at their side.

Keep single bunnies within view, if possible. You are their rock and the only thing they know in this frightening, shiting new world. Let them realize you’re there with them.

Your rabbits are likely accustomed to grazing during the day, and you definitely want to make sure there is nourishment available to them on the road. I’ve placed pellets in the cages/carriers before, but honestly, I’ve never had a rabbit eat while the car was in motion. So feel free to put some hay in there with them (it’s soft!) but pellets require a bowl, and that can be dangerous. Unless they’re on some sort of emergency diet, I suggest saving the pellets for whenever you’ve stopped for the day.

Do not try to drive with a hanging water bottle attached to a cage. No matter how you position it, it will make a huge mess and soak everything. Have fresh water in bowls ready to offer during temporary stops, but don’t be surprised if your buns don’t drink. They are stressed.

Getting There: It’s All About the Journey

This is going to sound obvious, but don’t drive like a maniac. We’ve all been stuck behind that person puttering along so leisurely that you roll your eyes and grit your teeth and wonder from which particular circle of hell they got their license. You are that person now. Who cares what the people in the cars behind you think? You’ll never see any of them again. Your rabbits are your priority. Take turns slowły. Accelerate gently: decelerate gently. Smile cheerfully at all the angry, rabbit-less people whipping past you. Your blood pressure is going to be so much healthier than theirs.

Some bunnies like music. A lot don’t. Keep things as calm and soothing as you can. No blasting the stereo. If you stop and have to leave the car, don’t be gone long. Remember, as always, that temperature fluctuations in cars are dangerous to all pets.

Should your trip require more than one day on the road, you’ll need to find lodging. Don’t push yourself to drive all night; that’s never safe, and you want to get to your new location all in one piece. Just find a clean, well-lit place to stay and get some rest.

Do not leave your rabbits in your car overnight. Not unless you’re also planning to sleep there with them, which I assume would be an emergency measure. Think about the overnight environment inside your car: strange noises, odd lights, people walking back and forth, maybe rapping on the window because they see a pet inside. The temperature changes, completely beyond your senses or control. And, frankly, what if your car gets broken into, or stolen? If you’re moving, you’ve probably got a lot of stuff crammed in there. Even if you’re not, people are opportunists, and they’ll take what they can find. Do not risk sleeping apart from your rabbits, any more than you would your jewelry or wallet.

Try to find a hotel/motel that has access to the rooms not too near the check-in lobby, and definitely don’t stay at one that requires you to walk through the lobby to get to your room. Happily, hotels/motels with rooms physically apart from the main building aren’t very difficult to locate, especially in the little towns you’re likely to encounter along highways. You want to be able to park as closely as possible to your room and get the buns inside as swiftly as possible. Rabbits are a curiosity to most people, and the less you have to deal with questions from either hotel management or the other guests, the better.

Walk quickly. Act like you know what you’re doing, If people notice you’re carrying rabbits and say anything about it, just smile vaguely and reply something noncommittal (“Why, yes, they are rabbits!” Or, if you’re a smart aleck like I am: “Oh, no, these aren’t real!”). and then get the heck out of the situation.

Why am I suggesting you act like a thief hastening away from the scene of the crime? Because, bluntly, you cannot trust strangers with your bunnies. I’m sorry to say it, but it’s true. Even well-meaning people can accidentally hurt your rabbits by mishandling them. On several occasions, parents who noticed I’m traveling with bunnies have approached and said something like, “Hey, my kid wants to pet/play with your rabbit”—and have gotten belligerent when I declined.

No. The answer is always no. You owe nothing to strangers or their children, at a hotel or anywhere else. You might think it could be a good learning experience for the child, but remember: this is not a normal day for your bun. Your rabbit is delicate, anxious, and totally your responsibility. You need to put her first.

I let my rabbits roam the hotel room while I’m there to watch because I want them to hop around and stretch their legs, and I want them to know the room is safe. (Obviously, if you leave, they should go back into their cages.) The bolder ones usually do explore; the more timid, however, tend to hide in their safe place, unwilling to risk it. That’s okay. too. Remember, this is all just temporary.

Now is the time to ensure they have fresh food and water within reach. They may not eat or drink yet, but overnight, in the dark, they will probably do so.

Be responsible: don’t let them damage the furnishings, and clean up any messes they make.

Remember that you’re all tired. Try to sleep. Put out the Do Not Disturb sign even while you’re there, especially if you go out (leaving the buns in the room). If there are windows that might reveal people walking by, close the curtains. You want to create a mini-sanctuary for your rabbits, keeping things as tranquil as you can.

Tomorrow, you begin anew. When you settle them back into the car, remind them that they are precious to you. As you start the motor and commence the rest of your journey, let them know you’re still there with them. Say their names. Tell them how brave they are and how much you love them.

And drive safe.

Ultimate Guide to a Bunny-Friendly Road Trip: Tips and Essentials was originally published as, “Bunny Road Trip!” in House Rabbit Journal Volume 5, Number 11

Shana Abé is the award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of seventeen books, including the acclaimed Drákon Series and the Sweetest Dark Series. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California, and currently resides in the mountains of Colorado with her very patient husband and a lot of pets.

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15 Tips for Safe Car Travel with a Rabbit

Traveling in the car is always stressful for rabbits. The car vibrations combined with the unusual sights and smells make it very frightening. This means traveling with a rabbit, especially over long distances, can be a difficult and stressful affair. If you don’t plan and take precautions, your rabbit can easily end up sick because of the stress.

Always travel with a rabbit in a carrier in the car. It’s safest to place the carrier on the floor behind the driver or passenger seat unless you have a safety carrier for your rabbit. If you are traveling far, make sure to take frequent breaks to help your rabbit de-stress.

If you take the time to prepare you can bring your rabbit for a car ride while limiting the amount of stress they feel. By using these tips, you can keep your rabbit calm and comfortable during your trip.

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1. Make a plan ahead of time

If you are going for a long car trip with your rabbit, the worst thing you can do is go in without a plan. Rabbits can get seriously ill from the stress of a car ride. It can cause them to go into GI Stasis , a condition that affects the rabbit’s digestive system and subsequently causes their body to begin to shut down.

By planning ahead, you can be prepared with a safe carrier for your rabbit. You’ll know where to stop along the way to help your rabbit de-stress and remain comfortable. You can also make plans for possible emergency situations. You’ll have supplies ready if your car shuts down and you’re stuck on the side of the road, and you’ll have emergency supplies ready just in case your rabbit starts to get sick.

2. Get an appropriate carrier for your rabbit

When choosing a carrier for your rabbit, you want to find one that is the correct size. A carrier that is too large is not good because it’s easier for the rabbit to get injured in the event of a car crash or sudden stop if they are thrown against the side of the carrier. On the other hand, you don’t want the carrier to be so small that your rabbit is uncomfortable.

A correctly sized carrier will give your rabbit enough room to turn around inside and lay down along the length of the carrier. Typically, small cat carriers (about 19” long) are a good size for rabbits, but if you have a large rabbit or multiple rabbits together, you may want to get a size up.

When prepping the carrier for travel, you want to make sure your rabbit has a soft footing available. Slippery plastic floors of carriers are not good for rabbit feet and can cause added stress during travel. Place a towel along the bottom of the carrier to give your rabbit some traction.

If possible, you also want to allow your rabbit to go into the carrier on their own on the day of travel. Being held and forced into a small space can be frightening for rabbits, and would end up starting the day off on the wrong foot. To encourage your rabbit to go in on their own, try luring them with a treat. You can also leave the carrier with the rabbit for a few days before travel, so they will already be used to it and may already be using it as a hiding house.

The safest carriers

Most pet carriers have not been crash-tested. If you get into a serious car accident, they will typically offer very little protection to your rabbit. While there are ways of securing a carrier in a car to make it safer (that we’ll get into later), there are only a couple of brands of carriers that have put the effort in to make them safe for car travel.

The Center for Pet Safety tested several carriers and found that the only two carriers that passed the safety test were:

The PetEgo Jet Set Forma Frame with the ISOFIX Latch Car Connection
The SleepyPod Mobile Pet Bed

Unfortunately, because of the durable build and the safety testing involved, both of these carriers are on the expensive side. However, if you do get into a serious car crash, these are the models that are most likely to protect your rabbit.

3. Put together an emergency travel kit

Before going for that long car ride, you want to make sure you have emergency supplies available. These are the items that will be useful if your rabbit gets sick, or if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having the car break down. This means you want to include medical supplies but also think about having extra days worth of food, hay, and water for your rabbit.

Emergency packing list

A box of hay
A few days worth of pellets
Extra bottled water
Fresh leafy greens
Critical care (for if your rabbit refuses to eat) ( learn more )
Gas drops (simethicone) ( learn more )
A heating pad
A cooler with an ice pack (in summer)

4. Pack an enclosure and supplies

In addition to emergency supplies, you also want to make sure you have the supplies for your rabbit when you reach your destination or stay in hotels along the way. These supplies will make sure your rabbit has everything they would normally need in their day-to-day life and will make sure they are not destructive in their temporary living spaces.

Rabbit supplies packing list

An enclosure ( an exercise pen is easy to transport and set up)
A litter box and supplies (pooper scooper, litter, etc.)
Food and water bowls
A variety of toys

5. Offer extra water

One concern for rabbits on car trips is the potential for dehydration. Most rabbits will not want to eat or drink while on car trips, but you still want to find ways to give them the option to drink when you take breaks along the way.

One way to do this is to attach a pet water bottle to the side of their carrier. The problem I’ve found with this is that most water bottles will leak with the vibration of the car, and you don’t want your rabbit sitting on a wet towel the whole trip. You will have to do some experimenting to find a water bottle design that doesn’t leak.

The other option is to make sure that you offer your rabbit a bowl of water whenever you take a stop. Bring extra water with you along and pour it into a little water bowl. Offer it to your rabbit to decide if they’re thirsty or not.

6. Secure the carrier in the car

If you have one of the two safety-tested carriers mentioned earlier, then the safest place to put your rabbit’s carrier is in the back seat. In the front passenger seat, the airbags run the risk of denting the carrier and injuring your rabbit.

If you don’t have one of these carriers, both the ADAC and the Center for Pet Safety advise putting the carrier lengthwise on the floor in the back of the passenger or driver’s seat. They found this position safest because most pet carriers are not made to withstand the force of a car crash. When tested, the pets (not real) were thrown straight through the plastic side and the door of the carriers. The carriers also tended to be crushed by the use of seat belts, making them unsafe.

By placing the carrier on the floor tucked between the front and back seats, the initial impact is reduced and absorbed by the surrounding seats. The dummy pet in the carrier did not sustain any major injuries.

Since there are typically more vibrations on the floor compared to up on the seat of a car, it can be helpful to place a folded towel on the ground underneath the carrier. This can absorb some of the vibrations and make the ride less stressful for your rabbit.

7. Keep the car cool

Because of their fur coats, rabbits can easily become overheated. This means there is an increased risk of your rabbit developing heat stroke since cars tend to collect heat even in mild weather. To prevent this, you’ll want to make sure you keep the car cool for your rabbit at all times.

It’s better if you can use the AC and not rely on open windows, since the many foreign sounds from outside can potentially be frightening for rabbits. However, you also don’t want to point the vents directly onto your rabbit, since that may cause respiratory issues. Instead, direct the air vents upward to allow circulation of the air throughout the vehicle.

Since rabbits can overheat so easily, you also want to avoid placing them in direct sunlight. Bring another towel along to cover the top of the carrier if the sunlight is too strong.

Cold is not so much of a problem for rabbits. In the winter just be sure to keep the car a little cooler than you normally would, so your rabbit can stay comfortable.

8. Avoid loud music and radio

Rabbits can also be stressed out by a lot of loud noises in the car. While some car and outside noises are unavoidable, you can at least control the music and radio inside the car. At the very basic level, you want to avoid putting music on at loud volumes. To take it even further, however, you can avoid music altogether or only play calm classical music. An audiobook or podcast can also be good options to help you pass the time without scaring your rabbit.

9. Plan for frequent pit stops

Rabbits typically won’t eat when they are stressed in the car. However, it’s very important to their digestion for rabbits to be eating frequently throughout the day. This means if you are planning on traveling for more than a couple of hours, you will need to make plans for pit stops along the way.

These stops will give your rabbit a chance to destress without the vibrations of the car. They’ll be able to eat and drink some water to stay healthy for the next leg of the trip. While you are planning your trip, check out the route you are taking. Look for rest areas along the way where you can park for a while. Plan to make these stops for 30 minutes to 1 hour long, so that your rabbit has time to relax a little.

During these stops, you can let your rabbit out in the car to let them stretch out a little. Avoid letting them out while the car door is open, however. The last thing you want is for your rabbit to get lost at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere.

If your rabbit is leash trained, you can bring them out and let them hop around, but otherwise, I don’t recommend bringing your rabbit out onto the grass.

10. Keep fresh greens available

Since it is vitally important to get your rabbit to eat as soon as possible, it’s a good idea to bring fresh leafy greens along in a cooler. These are tasty and enticing for rabbits but also don’t have too much of the sugars that sweet fruits and vegetables do, making them a healthy option.

Every time you make a stop, pull some leafy greens out and offer them to your rabbit. It may take a few minutes before your rabbit decides to eat them, but it’s a good sign that your rabbit is starting to destress when they finally take a nibble. If you are going on a long car trip, leafy greens can be vital for keeping your rabbit eating throughout the day.

11. Comfort your rabbit

Whenever you stop, you’ll also want to take the time to comfort your rabbit. Pet them and talk softly to let your rabbit know that everything will be okay. Being around someone that they trust can keep your rabbit calm and help them recover more quickly.

If you are not the one driving, you can also do this while the car is on the road. Be careful, however, about opening a carrier while a car is in motion because you don’t want the rabbit getting out of the carrier and being a distraction in the car, potentially causing an accident. You may want to consider getting a carrier that has a little window for your hand to pet your rabbit or a top opening that your rabbit can’t easily escape from.

12. Watch for health concerns

Both during and after your car ride, you’ll want to watch for any signs of illness in your rabbit. These symptoms are not always easy to notice since rabbits often show very subtle signs. The two illnesses that you want to look out for most on car trips are heat stroke and GI stasis .

Heatstroke occurs when your rabbit’s body overheats and they are no longer able to regulate their body temperature. They are at increased risk during car rides because of the way cars trap heat inside, and the rabbit will likely be drinking very little during the journey.

Symptoms of heatstroke include:

Hot, red ears
Head thrown back (as if they’re struggling to breathe)
Trembling or shaking

If you believe your rabbit is starting to overheat, use the ice pack you brought, wrap it in a towel, and place it next to your rabbit. You can also wrap them in a damp towel (not soaking wet) or spray some cool water behind their ears to help them cool down. Turn down the temperature in the car and try to get your rabbit to drink some water.

GI stasis occurs when your rabbit gets too stressed out. It will cause them to stop eating altogether, which will cause their digestive system to stop and begin to shut down. During this time, their body temperature will start to fall and the rabbit’s condition will start to deteriorate.

Symptoms to look out for include:

Not pooping
Lack of energy
Loud stomach gurgles
Small poops

You’ll want to look out for these symptoms even after reaching your destination. Monitor your rabbit closely until their energy levels and eating habits return to normal.

If your rabbit starts to go into stasis, you’ll want to warm them up and try to get them to eat. Use the heating pad or your own body heat to get your rabbit’s body temperature up. Then entice them with leafy greens to try to get them eating. You can also try giving your rabbit some simethicone (gas drops), since the car ride may have unsettled their stomach causing painful gas.

13. Pack cleaning supplies

Don’t forget the cleaning supplies while packing for your trip. Rabbits will have to pee while inside their carrier, and the urine can leak out and get on the car. To start with, you can have a towel underneath the carrier to prevent leakage, but having basic cleaning supplies will also come in handy.

If you are staying in any hotels or as a guest at someone’s house, these supplies can also come in handy for cleaning up after your rabbit. Even just having extra towels, an all-purpose cleaner, and a dustbin can do a lot to prevent destructive messes that your rabbit can leave behind.

14. Plan for any overnight accommodations

If you need to stay in any hotels along the way to your destination, you always want to book your stay in advance. Since many hotels don’t allow pets, this will prevent you from having to call every place last minute to find a place that allows pets.

It will also give you a chance to plan out your trip better. You’ll know approximately how long it will take between rest stops and then the hotel at the end of the day, so you can give your rabbit adequate relaxation time along the way.

When you get to your hotel or your final destination, you’ll also want to give your rabbit time to adjust to a new place. Encourage them to eat and drink, but for the most part, you’ll want to leave them alone to let them de-stress until their behavior returns to normal.

15. Look up rabbit veterinarians

Before heading out, you also want to look up contact information for veterinarians or emergency clinics at your destination and along your route. This way, if you find yourself in an emergency where your rabbit is developing heat stroke or GI Stasis, you’ll be able to get them to a doctor as soon as possible. Visit the House Rabbit Society for a list of veterinarians across the US.

You’ll also want to have your regular veterinarian’s information available. If you’re worried or unsure what to do about symptoms, you can give them a call to get their professional advice. For example, if your rabbit hasn’t been eating, they may advise you to feed them critical care to help your rabbit recover.

Boyd, Emma. “Traveling With Rabbits.” RWAF . 2017. https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/ownership/travelling-with-rabbits.
Praag, Esther Ph.D. “Best Type of Carrier for Rabbit Transport.” MediRabbit. http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Transport/Carrier/Carrier.htm.
“Pet Travel Tips.” Center for Pet Safety . https://www.centerforpetsafety.org/pet-parents/pet-travel-tips.
Sandner, Volker. “Test Report: Securing Pets in Cars.” ADAC . February 2008. Accessed: https://wachusett.pssweb.net/Test%20report%20pets%20in%20cars-1.pdf

Amy Pratt is a lifelong rabbit owner who has been specializing with rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance. She helps to socialize the rabbits and educate volunteers on the care and behavior of these small mammals.

How to Travel With a Rabbit in a Car

Sarah Scott is a fact checker with more than 16 years of experience in researching, writing, and editing digital and print media. She has verified and edited articles on a variety of subjects for The Spruce Pets, including pet behavior, health, and care as well as the latest trends in products for animals in the home.

DAJ / Getty Images

Your rabbit may be happier staying with a pet sitter at home rather than coming along for a road trip, but sometimes you have no choice but to travel with your rabbit. Because travel can be quite stressful for rabbits, there are a few things you should do to make the trip safe and a bit more enjoyable.

Get a Good Carrier

If your rabbit cage fits in your vehicle, your rabbit can travel this way, but most cages take up too much room and may allow your rabbit to hurt themselves if you have to stop or turn suddenly. Some people use small crates meant for dogs, but it can be awkward to get your rabbit in and out of a front-opening cage if they won't willingly hop in it. Instead, consider getting a travel carrier that opens on the top and sides. With this type, you can easily lift your rabbit in and out of the carrier. Additionally, the solid walls make it private for your rabbit to feel secure, rather than open to the elements like a dog crate would be.

Get Your Rabbit Used to Their Carrier

Allow your rabbit to get used to the carrier before the car ride by following a few steps.

First, allow them to explore the carrier on their own. Place it on the floor during playtime and put a few favorite treats inside on top of a towel.
After a while, gently put your rabbit in the carrier for a few minutes at a time with their favorite treat or toy.
To get them adjusted to having to stay in the carrier, start out by placing your rabbit in their carrier on the blanket with the treats. Close the door securely and pick up the carrier making sure to keep it close to your body, not swinging by your side like a bucket.
Walk around the house and hold the carrier on your lap for a few minutes.
Eventually, work up to keeping your rabbit in the carrier for 30 minutes before letting them hop out on their own.

Cool the Car Before Traveling With Your Rabbit

Now that your rabbit is comfortable in its carrier, consider the temperature of the car before going on a real car ride. Rabbits do not tolerate temperatures over 75 degrees F. Therefore, you need to make sure they stay cool.

Don't allow the carrier to sit in direct sunlight in the car to prevent overheating.
Never leave your rabbit unattended in the vehicle on a warm day.
Turn the air conditioning on, but don't allow the vents to blow directly onto your rabbit's carrier.
On a really hot day (or if you do not have air conditioning), place a damp towel over the carrier along with an ice pack wrapped in a small towel inside the carrier for added cooling.
If it's the other extreme and cold outside, make sure the heat vents are not blowing directly onto the carrier.

Practice Going on a Car Ride

Once your rabbit is used to their carrier and the car is a safe temperature, place the carrier on the floor of your car or buckled into a seat. Start out taking short trips around the block and work up to longer trips of 30 minutes to an hour to acclimate your rabbit to both the carrier and the sensation of a moving vehicle.

Plan Ahead for the Car Ride

Now that your rabbit is ready to travel, you must make sure you don't forget to pack for them.

Pack extra food that your rabbit normally eats , a water bottle that can attach to the carrier, and some favorite treats.
Get a health certificate from your vet if you are crossing state lines or attending a rabbit event, and consider getting your rabbit microchipped in case they get away from you.
Pack some cleaning supplies like paper towels and a safe pet cleaner for any messes or spills. You can also place a blanket, trash bag, or cardboard piece over the seats in the car where the carrier will sit to protect from any stress-induced urine spraying or spills. Consider placing a puppy training pad on the bottom of the carrier for extra absorbency or if the carrier has room, a corner litter box .
Place some pellets and hay in the carrier for your car ride and offer the water bottle regularly for a few minutes every hour if it isn't attached to the carrier. If your bunny prefers, you can give him water in a dish during stops.
When you stop, offer your bunny their favorite treats as many rabbits don't eat much due to the stress of traveling.
If your trip is longer than a single day, pack an exercise pen to use as temporary overnight housing.
Only take your rabbit out of the carrier in enclosed spaces to prevent escapes. A stressed rabbit may dash away in a panic if they get out of their carrier outdoors.

Keep Your Rabbit Cool in Summer. House Rabbit Society.

Traveling with your Pet FAQ. American Veterinary Medical Association.

Companion Animals. USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Vacations and Travel. House Rabbit Society.

Understanding Your Rabbit: Rabbit Body Language. The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals.

Traveling with Rabbits in a Car: The Complete Guide

Written by: Ellyn Eddy

Last updated: January 19, 2023

Traveling with a rabbit - bunny in a car

Table of Contents

Are you planning a trip with your bunny by your side? Whether you’re hitting the road or taking to the skies, your rabbit may be able to travel with you – as long as you plan carefully.

The stress and irregular eating patterns that come with travel can be dangerous for rabbits, and bunnies can quickly overheat in a car. So this article will walk you through all you need to consider to have a smooth and comfortable journey, including:

Whether you should travel with rabbits.
A safe transport cage.
A packing list of supplies.
Where to place the carrier in the car.
Warning signs to watch for.
How to take travel breaks with a bunny.

How to Travel With a Rabbit

Research and purchase the best rabbit travel carrier.
Get your rabbit accustomed to the carrier.
Prepare everyday and emergency supplies to bring.
Position the rabbit in the best place in the car.
Take a 1-2 hour break for every 8 hours of travel.
Watch for signs of distress.
Keep your rabbit comfortable overnight.

Should You Bring Your Rabbit on Vacation?

While the White Rabbit from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland led the charge through strange and mysterious lands, most real-life rabbits are not so adventurous.

Long-distance travel is completely foreign to a rabbit’s natural way of life. Rabbits in the wild have a territory that spans only about 6 acres . They never climb to significant heights and never travel faster than they can run. And they only run their fastest when they’re running for their lives.

So flying through space at 60 miles an hour in a large and noisy machine, only to arrive at a new place with unrecognizable sights, sounds, and smells, is a terrifying experience for most rabbits.

Some rabbits are better travelers than others. I’ve had a couple of bunnies that were unfazed by car trips and the arrival destinations.

But, in general, bringing rabbits with you on vacation is unrealistic and stressful. Investing in the equipment to do it safely and comfortably is also expensive.

In most cases, leaving your bunny with a caretaker or pet sitter is a better option for your rabbit.

How to Plan a Trip With a Rabbit

There may be times – like when moving cross-country – that you cannot avoid bringing your rabbit on a long car trip. In these situations, preparation is crucial for protecting your rabbit from the stress of travel.

Step 1 – Choose a Travel Carrier

Many of us brought our first rabbits home in a cardboard box, but that’s hardly a suitable transport carrier.

Good transport carriers for rabbits can be wire, plastic, or made of soft cloth. There are pros and cons to each.

Wire Transport Carriers

Show rabbit exhibitors, who travel with their rabbits frequently, usually use wire transport carriers . Wire carriers are easy to clean and keep the rabbit off its droppings at all times. Because they have a litter tray that you can fill with shavings, they reduce odors and the risk of bunny pee reaching the floor of your car. They are also secure; there is no way a rabbit can escape from a closed wire carrier.

However, wire carriers have one major risk: your rabbit’s feet can catch in the wire. If this happens during an accident, your rabbit’s foot could break.

Plastic Transport Carriers

Hard plastic transport carriers are suitable for carrying rabbits if you make a few modifications.

Look for a carrier with a wire door and good ventilation. The floor of a plastic transport carrier is too slippery for rabbits, so you will need to place a towel on the floor so the rabbit can rest on a safe surface.

Your rabbit may chew on the towel during transport and urinate on it. But it’s better to change the towel than to have a rabbit sliding across the carrier every time you brake.

Plastic carriers are secure, with little chance of a rabbit escaping. The semi-solid sides simulate a hole or a den, which is calming to bunnies.

Cloth Transport Bags

There are a few cloth transport carriers that are suitable for rabbits, depending on the length of the car ride that you’re taking.

Cloth transport carriers are best for short car trips. Rabbits are usually too frightened to gnaw, eat, or go to the bathroom during a car ride. But if a bunny does decide to do any of those things, cloth carriers don’t fare well. There’s also no good place to attach a water bottle on a cloth carrier.

And unless cloth or polyester transport bags have mesh sides for ventilation , rabbits carried in them can quickly overheat.

Polyester or cloth transport carriers are never suitable overnight housing for your rabbit.

Safety Ratings for Rabbit Carriers

Most pet carriers on the market have not been crash-tested or proven safe in case of an accident. However, a few are tested, approved, and certified by the Center for Pet Safety.

One of these carriers is the SleepyPod Mobile Pet Bed . The SleepyPod Pet Bed stands out as a comfortable, well-ventilated carrier for bunnies that can be buckled securely onto the car seat without the risk of crushing the animal inside. However, this is a polyester fabric carrier, so it’s better for short jaunts than for 8-hour road trips.

Features to Look For in a Rabbit Carrier

Top-loading. A top-opening door makes it much easier to remove a rabbit without frightening it.
Ventilation . Overheating is a huge risk to rabbits traveling in a car.
Visibility. You need to be able to observe your rabbit while it is traveling and watch it for signs of illness.
Sturdy. The carrier should protect the rabbit from impact, as well as things falling on it.
Chew-proof. Rabbits can gnaw through hard plastic if given enough time, but it’s unlikely that they’ll do it when the car is moving.
Sense of Security . Rabbits feel safest in a dark, enclosed area with secure footing. You can cover a section of the cage with a dark cloth while leaving the rest open for ventilation.
Ease of Cleaning . From hay to droppings and spilled water, rabbits do make a mess.

How Big Should a Rabbit Carrier Be?

A rabbit carrier should be long enough for your rabbit to lie down comfortably. Some bunnies – the smart ones! – prefer to take the bumps of the road lying down rather than standing rigidly.

However, a transport carrier should not be so large that a rabbit feels insecure or could slide a long way across the cage in case of a sudden stop. Rabbits won’t use the time in the car to exercise for fun. If your rabbit dashes in terrorized circles around its transport carrier, your bunny may do better with a smaller cage.

Pack along an exercise pen so your rabbit can stretch its legs once you arrive at your destination.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Rabbit for Travel

Before a long journey, some people recommend taking short practice trips with your rabbit to help your bunny get used to the car.

From what I’ve seen, most rabbits dislike car trips no matter how often they experience them. Going on “practice trips” may stress a rabbit more than necessary.

However, getting a rabbit used to spending time in the carrier can be helpful so it recognizes it as part of its normal environment.

Place the carrier on the floor during playtime with the door open. Place your bunny’s favorite treat or toy in the transport cage so it smells familiar.

Experiment at home to see if your rabbit enjoys music or white noise. If your bunny has a favorite jam, you can play this in the car to make it feel more like home. If your rabbit isn’t used to hearing music, hearing it in the car will probably scare it even more.

Step 3 – Pack For the Trip

What do I need to travel with a rabbit?

If you are bringing your rabbit on a short car ride, like to the vet’s office, you won’t have to bring many supplies. Give your rabbit a handful of vegetables and a water bottle, and bring him along.

But if you are going somewhere overnight with your bunny, here is a packing list of supplies to bring:

Rabbit transport carrier.
8 oz travel water bottle
Food dish that attaches to the cage
2 liters of the same water your rabbit drinks at home , whether tap or purified water.
Hay and/or hay cubes . (Hay cubes are less messy for the car.)
Fresh vegetables and treats.
Litter box and bedding for your overnight stay. You may want to bring puppy pads, depending on your setup.
Pet-safe cleaner and paper towels.
Rubber mat to catch hay or messes in your car.
Exercise pen.
Thermometer to monitor the temperature of your rabbit’s environment.
Towel or blanket to cover the carrier and block out drafts.
Towels to place in the carrier for absorbency and security.
Rabbit first aid kit including items like critical care formula , probiotics, wound care supplies, and medications your rabbit may be taking.
Grooming brush if you have a long-haired breed.
Contact information for a rabbit-savvy veterinarian at your destination.

4 – Obtain Health Certificates if Necessary

If you are flying with your rabbits, you must get health certificates from a veterinarian before making the trip.

If you are driving, most states do not require health certificates. However, you can check the requirements of your destination state at the APHIS pet travel website.

If your rabbit is elderly or has other health concerns, a checkup at the vet may help you determine the risks of travel for your bunny.

Should You Sedate Rabbits for Travel?

No , sedation of small animals, including rabbits, carries more risks than the car ride itself.

Traveling with a Rabbit in the Car

All ready to go? Here are some tips to help your ride with a rabbit go as smoothly as possible.

1 – Prepare the Carrier.

Place a towel in the bottom of your plastic carrier. Fill and attach a small water bottle, and place some hay cubes and a handful of refreshing vegetables in the carrier. Treats like watermelon , carrot, or rabbit-safe herbs can provide some moisture, even if your rabbit won’t drink in the car.

2 – Preheat or Cool the Car.

Don’t shock your rabbit by moving him from the house to the frigid car, and definitely don’t risk heat stroke by putting your bunny in a hot vehicle.

Warning! Rabbits can get heat stroke in a car in the winter! If the heat is on and blowing directly toward the rabbit, your bunny is at risk of overheating.

3 – Position the Carrier in a Safe, Comfortable Location in the Car.

Where is the safest place to put the rabbit carrier in the car? Thanks to a German auto tester ADAC, we have a research-based answer to that question. ADAC ran a series of crash tests with different pet carriers and restraint systems to determine the safest way to carry pets in a car.

The safest place for a rabbit carrier in a car is on the floor behind the vehicle’s front seats.

Rabbit Car Safety Do’s and Don’ts:

Do place the carrier on the floor of the vehicle. The ideal location is on the floor behind the front seats. However, the boot of larger vehicles is acceptable if there is good airflow.

Do position the carrier in the boot so the door is opposite the direction of travel. You don’t want your bunny to slam into the cage door, the door to open with the impact, and your rabbit to hit the side of the vehicle. And yes, this actually happened in the ADAC tests.

Do keep the carrier level at all times, using a rolled-up towel under it if necessary to keep the carrier floor level.

Don’t hold the rabbit unrestrained on your lap.

Don’t keep the carrier in the front seat, either on the seat or on a passenger’s lap. Airbags can kill a rabbit if they deploy.

Don’t use the seatbelt to secure the carrier unless you use a SleepyPod or other carrier with safety ratings. In crash tests, the seatbelts crushed the carriers that were not designed to be buckled in.

Don’t stack luggage or items on top of the rabbit carrier, or stack the carrier on anything else.

Do make sure your rabbit gets good airflow, but don’t position the vents to blow directly onto your rabbit. Keep your rabbit from drafts.

4 – Watch Your Rabbit’s Behavior in the Car

While traveling, check your rabbit often to make sure it is tolerating the stress. Don’t expect your rabbit to eat or drink much while the car is moving.

Observe your rabbit for signs of GI stasis, heat stroke, or extreme fright. These signs include:

Very heavy panting
Wet nose and mouth
Loud teeth grinding
Frequent foot stomping that doesn’t subside after a few minutes.
Throwing itself against the side of the carrier.

If your rabbit is getting panting heavily and drooling, stop immediately and move your rabbit to an air-conditioned location. Don’t hold your rabbit against your body. Instead, place a bag of ice over the cage, and moisten your rabbit’s ears so the evaporation will cool them down.

If your rabbit doesn’t resume eating, drinking, and using the bathroom once you have stopped for an hour or two, watch for signs of GI stasis .

How Do You Calm a Rabbit Down in the Car?

Keep a rabbit calm by talking in quiet voices , avoiding loud music, and giving the bunny a secure, dark corner of the carrier where it can hide.

If your rabbit doesn’t calm down after a few minutes in the car, you can play white noise or take a break so the rabbit can get out of the carrier.

5 – Take Strategic Breaks

When traveling with a rabbit, more breaks are not necessarily better. Many rabbits won’t resume eating and drinking until they’ve been out of the car for around an hour.

Taking an hour-long break every 4 hours is better than taking a 5-minute break every half hour. It’s best to get the trip over as quickly as possible.

If you stop at a rest area, don’t take the rabbit out of its carrier outdoors. Each rest stop has new, frightening sights and smells for a rabbit. If your bunny is afraid and jumps out of your arms at a rest area, it may be impossible to catch.

How long can a bunny be in a car?

A rabbit can safely travel 8 hours a day in a car , as long as it has a 1 or 2-hour rest stop in the middle of the trip.

6 – Take the Rabbit Out of the Car Overnight

Never leave a rabbit in a vehicle unattended, especially not overnight.

Pack an escape-proof exercise pen and a litter box to create an overnight habitat for your rabbit similar to its enclosure at home. Add pet-safe electrolytes and probiotics to your bunny’s water to help it recover from the stress of the trip.

Airline Travel with Rabbits

Several airlines will allow rabbits to travel in cargo, and a few allow you to keep your bunny with you in the cabin. Airlines such as United, Alaska Air, and Frontier have traditionally been friendly to carrying rabbits, but regulations change frequently, so check current guidelines before booking your flight.

Airlines usually require a carrier with a solid top and may have other requirements, such as no open water dishes. Airlines typically require a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 7-10 days before the flight.

Read more: Can Rabbits Travel on a Plane?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do rabbits enjoy car rides.

No. Unlike dogs, most rabbits find nothing enjoyable about car rides. However, you can take steps to make it less stressful for them, like choosing a secure carrier and playing white noise.

Is Travel Stressful for Bunnies?

Yes, travel is a very stressful experience for most rabbits , but a few take it in stride. Since you don’t know how your rabbit will react to the car’s motion, you should prepare for any outcome.

Do Rabbits get Car Sick?

Rabbits physically cannot vomit , and it’s unlikely that they suffer from motion sickness. However, make sure your rabbit has lots of high-quality hay at all times when you’re traveling to keep its digestive system moving.

I hope this guide helped you see travel from your bunny’s perspective, so you can prepare for the smoothest trip possible. Who knows; if you take the necessary steps to ensure your rabbit is comfortable, you may discover he has a bit of the White Rabbit’s adventurous spirit after all.

What’s the longest distance you’ve traveled with a rabbit? Let us know in the comments!

Can I Take My Rabbit on a Road Trip Safely?

As pet parents and animal lovers, we often talk about the joys of road-tripping with cats and dogs, but what about the many other pets we call family? What if you share your heart (and home) with a rabbit?

Great news! Whether you’re planning a family vacation and want to include your bunny in the fun, or you’re moving across the country and need to figure out how to transport a rabbit to your new home, taking your furry family member on the road IS possible.

To help you plan for your next big trip, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about taking a road trip with a rabbit, including the safest way to travel with your rabbit, tips for the most enjoyable trip for both you and your rabbit, and when it’s best to leave your rabbit at home with a friend, family member, or trusted pet sitter.

Let’s get started…

Is it Stressful for Rabbits to Travel?

One of the most important questions we must ask ourselves whenever we consider travelling with a pet is whether travel will bring more stress than it’s worth. If your rabbit is going to be stressed and anxious the entire time, they won’t be able to enjoy spending this time with you.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Instead, we each need to learn to read our rabbit’s body language and recognize when they are uncomfortable in a situation.

The most common signs of stress in rabbits include:

Ears flattened to their back
A rigid, crouched posture
Thumping of hind legs
Restlessness
Lethargy or lower-than-normal energy levels
Loss of appetite or increased appetite
Change in bathroom habits
Loudly grinding their teeth
Wide and bulging eyes
Rapid, shallow breathing
Making frustrated grunting noises
Sudden, unexplained aggressive behavior
Hiding or acting withdrawn
Reluctance to be touched or held
Loss of interest in their favorite activities
Self-mutilation habits (excessive licking, biting, etc.)

For your first rabbit travel experience, start small. Introduce them first to the vehicle in your driveway, waiting to turn on the engine until they are comfortable with it off. You can then work up to a longer trip by starting with the engine going but sitting in the driveway, moving slightly up and down the driveway, and then taking a short trip around the block.

Throughout the conditioning process, pay careful attention to your rabbit. If you notice any of the above signs of stress, slow down and avoid moving on to the next step. This may mean, in time, acknowledging that your rabbit isn’t comfortable travelling despite your best efforts – and that’s okay! Many rabbits are happier relaxing at home and being spoiled by a loved one while you are on vacation.

Can Rabbits Go on Long Car Rides?

Yes! If you take the time to condition your rabbit to travel in the car comfortably and they show that they are relaxed when the vehicle is in motion, there is a good chance that they will handle a longer car ride. Of course, there are some additional considerations for a longer car ride.

First, you should pay extra attention to the area where your rabbit will spend their time. This means providing them with a carrier that allows enough room to move around slightly and stretch their legs, as well as a comfortable place to lie down.

When planning your road trip route, account for regular breaks. This is your opportunity to offer your bunny fresh water and a snack. If you litter-trained your rabbit , give them time to use the box before hitting the road again. If not, you can harness your rabbit and take them into the grass to do their business. This is also your chance to check their travel space and do necessary cleanups.

Can You Sedate a Rabbit for Travel?

While sedation may sound like the perfect solution, experts don’t recommend using sedation before a road trip with your rabbit. It may even have the opposite effect, adding to the problem.

Consider, for a moment, you have a highly anxious rabbit that has been sedated. As you’re travelling, that sedation starts to wear off. As your rabbit starts to come to, they will be in a foggy state of mind, which can cause more confusion, making them more nervous as they try to figure out what they are experiencing. Then, as their mind starts to clear up, they recognize that they are in a situation that has proven to be stressful in the past. Not only will this make the current trip more stressful, but it sets the stage for your rabbit to associate fear and anxiety with the idea of travelling in the future.

Additionally, there is the risk that sedation can have unwanted side effects, including affecting your rabbit’s ability to breathe.

If you must road trip with a rabbit that isn’t comfortable in the vehicle, such as an upcoming long-distance move, make an appointment with your veterinarian. This will allow you to express your concerns, discuss your options, and find a solution under a professional's knowledgeable care and watchful eye.

Photo credit: Toey Toey / Shutterstock.com

How to Travel with a Rabbit Safely: X Tips

Schedule a vet checkup.

Before heading on any trip, schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. This is an opportunity to ensure that your rabbit is in top shape and can travel comfortably. Rabbits are masters of hiding pain and illness, making a proper checkup even more critical. If you have questions, like whether sedation is a solution for your rabbit, this is the perfect time to have that conversation.

Plan Your Trip Well in Advance

Many travel lovers enjoy hopping in the car and heading out on the road with no plan, trusting that the road will take them somewhere exciting and it will all work out somehow. This is great if it’s just you and your spouse, but it doesn’t work well if your rabbit is joining in on the adventure. Instead, take the time to sit down and plan out where you are going, what breaks you will be taking, and what is waiting for you when you arrive at your destination. Take note of any small animal veterinarians along your travel route, including their location and contact information. This will make it easier to find help in an emergency.

This allows you to predict any potential setbacks or problems that you may encounter and prepare to manage those situations accordingly.

Stress is more than just an annoyance for your rabbit. High stress levels can make them physically ill by triggering conditions like GI Stasis . This condition may present as nothing more than digestive upset at first, but left untreated, it can quickly turn fatal.

Pack a Fully Stocked First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is an essential element whenever you are traveling, even if it’s just you on a solo adventure. Of course, your first aid kit isn’t going to be much good if you don’t take the time to check that it’s fully stocked before heading out on your journey. For those of us adventuring with a furry friend, this means packing some specialized items to address the unique challenges our pets may face.

Some supplies you may want to add to your first aid kit for traveling with a rabbit include:

A few days' worth of extra food pellets
A box of hay
A heating pad
Critical Care powdered formula
Feeding syringes
Gas drops, like simethicone
Fresh leafy greens
Small pet nail clippers
Styptic powder
Any medication your rabbit is currently taking

Keep all your first aid kit essentials in a waterproof container where you can access it quickly, for example, under the front seat of the vehicle, where you can easily grab it without moving other items out of the way.

Purchase a Pet Carrier

What is the safest way to travel with a rabbit? Unlike humans and larger dogs, you can’t secure your rabbit properly using a seatbelt. Instead, secure your rabbit safely in a travel carrier . This will prevent them from being thrown in the event of an accident. To keep the carrier from moving during travels, use the seatbelt to hold it firmly in place on the seat.

Choose a carrier that provides plenty of ventilation. If your rabbit is slightly nervous or unsure about car travel, selecting a rabbit travel carrier that allows them to see and engage with you easily can help ease their mind.

Line the Carrier with a Pee Pad

Adding a puppy pee pad to the bottom of your bunny travel carrier can make cleanup far easier if your rabbit has an accident during travel. You can use a low-cost, disposable pee pad that can be quickly disposed of wherever your travels take you or, if you’re more concerned about your impact on the environment, there are reusable pee pads that you will bring home and wash after your trip.

Include Items with Familiar Scents

Another great way to ease the anxiety your rabbit experiences during travel is to include a favorite item in their carrier. This could be a bed they often sleep in or a toy they regularly play with. Including a familiar scent in their setup will provide a relaxing and calming effect, helping them settle into their carrier with less stress.

Consider Draping a Blanket Over Your Rabbit Travel Carrier

Rabbits are naturally more comfortable in a den-like setting. You can recreate this by draping a blanket over your rabbit's carrier to darken the space and provide the feeling of being safely underground. Take it a step further by placing blankets or hay inside the carrier that your rabbit can burrow into. But pay careful attention to the ventilation, ensuring you aren’t cutting it off entirely.

Avoid Playing Loud Music

One thing often associated with a successful road trip is a killer playlist – but you must pay careful attention to the volume of your music during your travels. Loud music can contribute to your rabbit’s stress levels, worsening a difficult situation. This doesn’t mean you must avoid playing your favorite tunes. Just keep the volume down.

On the other hand, music can be used to help reduce stress. If you notice your rabbit is starting to show signs of stress and anxiety, try turning on calming music. Classical music has been found to have a calming effect on animals. You can also try playing a podcast or audiobook showcasing a calm voice.

Final Thoughts: Road Trip with a Rabbit

Traveling with a pet can be stressful, especially if it’s a pet that doesn’t usually join you for road trips and vacations. But this doesn’t mean you can’t set your rabbit up for a safe and enjoyable trip. The most important thing you can do when considering a road trip with a rabbit is to take the time to plan out the various elements of your travels well in advance, including setting up your rabbit’s travel carrier, identifying places to stop along the route, ensuring you have a list of small animal veterinarians in the event of an emergency, and more.

We can’t control everything that happens, especially when on the road or visiting somewhere new. However, we can identify potential complications or challenges and ensure that we are ready to take them in stride. This will significantly increase the chance of your trip being enjoyable for both you and your furry best friend.

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Indiana and Lucifer – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Dog Finds A Forever Home After Spending 1,007 Days at Delaware Shelter

Tessy, now a 5-year-old black Labrador retriever mix, spent 1,007 days at a Delaware animal shelter before being adopted into a forever home. This cute pooch arrived at Humane Animal Partners (formerly Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA) on January 17, 2021, hoping to be adopted in no time.Unfortunately, finding her people proved challenging for Tessy. Days, weeks, months, and years went by, and Tessy was still living at the shelter with no prospective adopters in sight. “Tessy is loyal, goofy, snuggly, and remarkably smart,” said Leigh McKinley, a director at the Humane Animal Partners, according to PEOPLE. Like many other shelter dogs, Tessy had some trust issues and was wary of new people and experiences. These problems were the reasons for Tessy’s longer stay at the Humane Animal Partners shelter. “Tessy exhibited fear-reactive behaviors in the form of lunging, barking, and growling towards unfamiliar stimuli. Our goal was to help her overcome those fears and learn to trust humans and her surrounding environment, essentially changing her emotional response from a negative to a positive,” McKinley explained.The shelter used a behavioral modification plan, which consisted of positive reinforcement training techniques to help Tessy overcome her fears. Fixing a problematic behavior takes a lot of time, patience, and effort, but the shelter’s staff didn’t give up on Tessy.“Changing an involuntary physiological behavior takes dedication and consistency to be successful, and while we were determined to see this through, the nature of being in a shelter, with different staff members working with her on any given day, and for varying amounts of time, means the change would take time,” said McKinley. “We also needed to make sure her adopters were the right fit for her. We took a very thoughtful and careful approach to introducing her to people, and it took time for the right family to find her.”Then, almost three years later, all of Tessy’s hard work paid off! After 1,007 days at the shelter, this cute pooch has finally found her forever home. The family who adopted Tessy, met her several times to help her feel at ease. For the adopters, it was love at first sight, and Tessy instantly felt safe around them. “When her adopters Jeanine and Jeff first met her, we all tried to keep a level head about it, not getting our hopes up too high. After their third meeting, though, we could tell Tessy had already established a level of trust with them that we had never seen so quickly before,” said McKinley. Jeff and Jeanine adopted the pooch shortly after the third visit, and the shelter’s staff was ecstatic that Tessy had found a loving home.“It was a rollercoaster of emotions leading up to the adoption day, everything from celebrations to disbelief to sadness, excitement, a bit of anxiety, and everything in between. Mostly, though, we felt proud. Proud of her, proud of everyone who helped get her to this point, and proud of the results,” McKinley shared.  “We all know she’d do okay, we are also quite aware that going from three years in the shelter into a loving home is a big adjustment, and it will take her a while to fully acclimate. We tried to instill in her adopters to be confident and patient but never to be complacent.” the shelter’s director added.It’s important to know that not every visit to an animal shelter ends with ‘love at first sight.’ A lot of adoptable dogs have experienced some level of trauma and neglect, and are generally more anxious inside the shelter. Keep an open mind when visiting your local shelter and remember that each of these pups deserves a loving family and a forever home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How To Tell if a Cat Is Cold

Despite your cat’s luxurious coat, they can feel cold sometimes, and it’s important to make it easy for them to warm up because, if they get too cold, they could become hypothermic. Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs that your cat is cold, and how to help them feel warm and comfortable.Signs Your Cat Is ColdCats of all ages and breeds can feel the effects of the cold, but kittens, seniors, and those who are ill are more susceptible. And, of course, hairless cats can get cold even faster. Here are some of the ways to tell if your cat is cold:Your cat’s body feels cold – Feel your cat’s body to see if they’re cold to the touch. If their ears, paws, and tail are colder than normal, they may need help warming up. Your cat’s posture changes – A cat who’s cold may curl up in a ball to try to warm up. You might also find them puffing up their fur or they might be in a hunched position as they try to conserve heat. Your cat is looking for warmer spots – A kitty who’s feeling the chill in the air will find the warmest spots in the house. They might get under the thick blanket on your bed, or they might insist on sitting in your lap. And you might find them spending more time near a heater or fireplace. During the day, they might also move to areas that get more sunshine to feel its warmth.Your cat isn’t as active – When a cat feels too cold, they may become less active. If your pet is sleeping more or appears lethargic, first make sure that another medical issue isn’t to blame. If it’s because they’re cold, take action to warm them up, including turning up the heat in your home. Bear in mind that cats with certain conditions, such as arthritis, might feel even more discomfort when it’s cold, and this can lead to changes in activity level and behavior too.Your cat starts shivering – Like people, cats shiver when they’re very cold, and this is a sign that you need to warm them up right away. But because this could also be a symptom of other problems, from illness and pain to stress and fear, be sure to determine if temperature is really the culprit.What To Do if Your Cat Is ColdThere are many ways to help your feline friend feel cozy and comfortable, such as:Give your cat a cozy bed and blanket in a warm spotWhen you see that your cat is feeling cold, give them a warm bed that they can rest in to warm up. There are heated beds that you plug in, as well as self-warming beds that work without electricity. Plus, there are heated pads that can be helpful in making your kitty feel cozy. And you can let your cat crawl under a soft blanket for extra warmth. Just be sure to use heated beds and pads as directed to prevent injuries. Let your cat relax in a warm area in the house, such as near a heat source or in a spot where the sunshine streams in during the day. Move your pet away from drafts.Snuggle with your catOnce your cat finds a comfortable spot on the bed or sofa, you can lie down next to them to help them warm up with your body heat. They’re sure to love the attention, and you’ll get to be near your purring feline friend.  Put sweaters on your catAs long as your kitty doesn’t mind wearing clothes, you can use sweaters to keep them warm on chilly days. This is especially useful for hairless kitties. And you can use clothes to keep your cat warm while exploring the outdoors with you.Protect cats who spend time outsideIf your pet is an adventure cat who goes outside with you, or an indoor/outdoor cat who goes out on their own, check outdoor temperatures first. Generally, it’s best to let them spend time outside only when it’s at least 45°F (7°C), but every cat is different, so some might only feel comfortable when it’s even warmer than that.Whenever it’s cold, raining, windy, or snowing, keep them indoors until the weather clears and warms up. Remember, cats who are cold or wet for too long are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia.Note: If you have an outdoor cat, they’ll look for shelter to stay as warm as possible, so give them a safe and dry outdoor enclosure that will protect them from the elements if you can’t bring them into your home, which would be preferable.Check Out These Products That Help Cats Stay WarmHere are a few products we recommend for keeping your cat warm: K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed Deluxe Hooded

Study Finds Pet Parents Care More About Their Dogs Than Their Cats

Pet parents tend to place themselves into one of two categories. You can either be a dog person or a cat person - there’s nothing in between. This may come as a shock to all cat lovers, but scientists have found that dog owners care more for their dogs than cat owners care for their cats. At least that’s the case with pet owners across Denmark, Austria, and the United Kingdom.Although these findings have been observed in older studies, veterinary scientists from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, wanted to find out whether cultural factors had any effect on the results. Their results were first published in the Journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “We and others have found that people are willing to spend much less on their cats than on their dogs,” said Peter Sandøe, professor at the University of Copenhagen and the study’s lead author. “We wanted to find out whether cats could eventually end up having the same high status as dogs do today.”The scientists surveyed 2,117 pet owners, including 844 dog owners, 872 cat owners, and 401 owners who owned both cats and dogs. Participants were asked questions about their pets’ health insurance, their willingness to pay for life-saving medical treatment, and other questions designed to determine how much owners care for their pets. Pet owners from all three countries had a higher attachment score for dogs than for cats. Dog owners were more likely to buy insurance for their dogs, and said they were willing to spend more for life-saving treatment for their dogs. However, the results of the study varied greatly across the countries. The differences were most noticeable in Denmark, where 41% of dog owners said they were willing to pay a high cost of life-saving medical treatment for their dogs compared to 26% of cat owners. On the other hand, the United Kingdom’s results were in favor of dogs, but only slightly. Around 34% of dog owners in the UK said they would pay more for their dogs’ medical treatment compared to 28% of cat owners. According to scientists, such a slight difference isn’t statistically significant. ‘While people care more about their dogs than their cats in all countries, the degree of difference varied dramatically between countries,” said Sandøe. The researchers originally hypothesized that people in Denmark might be more unaccustomed with cats living indoors than people living in Austria and the United Kingdom since Denmark became urbanized much later than these two countries. Thanks to a much more recent rural history, cats in Denmark might be seen as just another farm animal.According to researchers, several studies hypothesize that when cats are more likely to spend time indoors, they tend to become much closer to their owners, who consequently care more about them. This was confirmed by studies in the U.S. and Mexico, where many cats are indoors-only felines.So it comes as no surprise that in Denmark, where just one out of five cats is kept strictly indoors and many have outdoor access, most pet owners care less about cats. Researchers think that pet owners’ level of care for their pets may depend on the level of interaction and dependence, as well as other factors. "There seems to be no natural limit to how much people will end up caring about their cats compared to their dogs,” said Sandøe. “The British are often portrayed as a nation of cat lovers, which is certainly confirmed by our study. The Danes have a long way to go, but they may eventually get there.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Are the Benefits of Dog Massage?

Everyone likes a nice, relaxing massage – no doubt about it. It helps us unwind, soothes sore muscles, and can promote the release of “happy hormones” such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. So why shouldn’t our four-legged friends enjoy the same perks as we do? That’s right, dogs can enjoy getting a massage as well, and can also provide a range of benefits for our four-legged besties, the same as it does for us.What Are the Benefits of Dog Massage?Canine massage can offer several benefits to dogs, both physically and emotionally. Just like us, our dogs can be tired, sore, grumpy, or sad. And a good massage can really help them shake it off and feel more at ease and relaxed. But people often wonder if there are any additional benefits for dogs who enjoy a massage – apart from it feeling nice, that is. And the answer is yes! Here are just some of the advantages they get from a massage:Stress and Tension Relief:A nice soothing massage can help relax tense muscles and reduce stress in dogs. This is especially beneficial for dogs that may be anxious or nervous.Better Circulation:Massage can enhance blood circulation, promoting better oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells and tissues. Improved circulation can aid in the healing process and contribute to overall well-being.Pain Relief:Massaging sore or tight muscles can help alleviate pain and discomfort. This is particularly relevant for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other musculoskeletal issues.Better Flexibility and Range of Motion:Regular massage may enhance a dog's flexibility and improve their range of motion. If you have a senior dog or a dog recovering from injuries, a massage can be of great help with improving their overall mobility.Better Joint Health:Massage can contribute to the health of joints by promoting synovial fluid production, which lubricates and nourishes the joints. Senior dogs can benefit from regular massages either to treat existing joint issues or to prevent them in the first place.  Pet-Owner Bonding:Massage provides an opportunity for bonding between the dog and their owner and can improve and strengthen your relationship. It can also help with socialization, especially for dogs that may be timid or have trust issues as it will help them relax when petted.A Stronger Immune System:Some experts suggest that massage may stimulate the lymphatic system, potentially boosting the immune system's function in dogs. While there aren’t any extensive studies done that could confirm this, it would be great if a “side effect” of canine massage is better overall health!Spotting Health Issues:Through massage, you may identify lumps, bumps, or other abnormalities that may require veterinary attention. Regular massage can help in the early detection of potential health issues on time to provide the right treatment.Postoperative Recovery:Dogs recovering from surgery may benefit from gentle massage to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and aid in the healing process. Just don’t apply too much pressure or any pressure on the incision site – and be sure to get your vet’s approval (and possible instructions) before doing anything on your own,It's important to note that while a dog massage can be beneficial, it should not be used as a substitute for veterinary care or, in some cases, without the go-ahead from your pet’s vet. Before starting any massage regimen, it's advisable to consult with a veterinarian or a professional canine massage therapist, especially if your dog has pre-existing health conditions. Additionally, learning proper massage techniques is crucial to ensure that you are providing a safe and effective experience for your dog.

Watch As Adorable Shelter Dogs Pick Their Own Christmas Toys

The holiday season is associated with traditions and festivities as we gather with family, put up festive decorations, and exchange holiday gifts. For pet parents, these traditions often carry over to spoiling our furry companions. But what about the thousands of pets sitting in shelters and rescues around the world, waiting for their forever home?One rescue based in Ireland has embraced a heartwarming tradition since 2017. Each year, Dogs Trust Ireland collects donations from the public. Hundreds of donated toys are placed in a room, and the pets are brought in one at a time to select their perfect holiday gift. They record the selection process, sharing the adorable footage on their YouTube channel for animal lovers worldwide to enjoy. “The reason we love making the video so much is that it’s so special to witness each dog’s individual reaction. Some burst in the door and scatter toys everywhere in an excited frenzy, and when they choose ‘the’ toy, they do excited zoomies,” explained Corina Fitzsimons, Public Relations and Communications Manager. “For dog lovers, it doesn’t get much better than seeing dogs doing Zoomies! Others prefer people and, after a sniff, will come over for cuddles. Then there are those who test every toy three or four times before picking, and many of the Collies who find a plain ball, throw it at our feet, and look at us as if to say, ‘Please throw human,’ which we are happy to oblige with.” This year, a total of 54 dogs were recorded as they carefully made their selection. While some dogs quickly found that perfect holiday toy, others took as long as 20 minutes to settle on a favorite. The organization promises that every one of the 264 dogs in their care will receive at least one toy during the holiday season, thanks to the generous donations they received.

Golden Retriever Nurses African Painted Dog Pups Rejected by Their Mom

The Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, Indiana, recently welcomed a litter of eight endangered African painted dog puppies. After a rough start, only three puppies survived thanks to an unlikely surrogate mother - a golden retriever named Kassy.The Potawatomi Zoo announced that the pair of their African painted dogs, Bleu and Maurice, had a litter of eight puppies born in late September. However, it was soon clear to the care team at the zoo that the pack would not be able to raise the puppies successfully.“Bleu, an inexperienced mother, was not caring for her pups the way she should have, and Maurice was following her lead,” said the zoo. In their natural habitat, African painted dogs live in large packs with unique vocalizations and social dynamics. All adult dogs in the pack work together to help feed and raise the pups. The success of the birth and raising of the pups can be endangered if the pack doesn’t work together as they should. “We knew within 24 hours that we had to separate them,” the zoo’s executive director, Josh Sisk, told the South Bend Tribune. The zoo’s animal care staff consulted with the African Painted Dog Species Survival Plan (SSP), a group of zoo professionals who form the breeding plans for this endangered species in accredited zoos across the United States. The staff at zoos usually try to remain uninvolved, letting the packs raise the puppies as they would in the wild. This approach is often successful and helps the pups learn the complex social structure of their species. However, in this case, the decision was made to intervene and hand-raise the litter. Instead of bottle-feeding the puppies, the SSP recommended finding a surrogate dog to nurse the puppies. Within a few hours, the Indiana Council for Animal Welfare connected the zoo with a golden retriever named Kassy, who recently had a litter of puppies and had milk to spare. Kassy and her litter arrived at the zoo a day after the painted dog pups were born and immediately accepted them. The zoo’s staff watched as Kessy nursed and cared for the pups as if they were her own.“It was a crazy first month,” Sisk said. “Our team was there for four weeks, 24/7. We had a mattress next to the dogs.”The zoo’s veterinarian and care team worked around the clock to ensure that all of the puppies, including Kassy’s litter, were getting enough food and time with Kassy. However, despite everyone’s efforts, not all of the African painted dog pups survived. Four weeks after the litter was born, only three puppies remained. The surviving pups were named Blue, Red, and Orange for the colors staff used to track them since they were born. Originally, the zoo planned to reintegrate the pups with Bleu, Maurice, and Colby. However, the adult dogs didn’t show a positive interest in the pups, so the plan was changed. The zoo decided to build a home for the pups next to adult dogs, so they could still learn how to behave like painted dogs. Once the puppies get older they can either be integrated with Bleu, Maurice, and Colby or moved to another zoo.“Blue, Red, and Orange have had an unusual and challenging start to life, but the zoo hopes they will have a bright and successful future,” the zoo shared in a release. “These three healthy, active pups are just the start of this story and the zoo hopes to share more positive updates of their milestones in the future.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

New Study Reveals More About How Cats Purr

Pet parents love hearing their cats purr while in a relaxed and blissful state, and it’s believed that a kitty’s purr could be healing, too. But, no matter how long you’ve shared your home with felines, you might still wonder how your furry friend is able to make such a unique sound. New research now sheds some more light on how cats purr, so people can learn even more about their feline companions.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

Essential oils have a variety of uses and can be quite beneficial. And that’s not true for human use alone, as these natural oils found their way to the world of pets as well, and can be used to help eliminate a range of issues such as skin irritations, allergies, and fleas, and to boost the overall health of your dog’s coat. But, while there are plenty of pet products that contain essential oils, many owners are wondering: are essential oils really safe for dogs? It is a good question, so let’s try and find the right answer.Essential Oils for Dogs: The BasicsWhile some essential oils can be safe for dogs, it's important to use them with caution. Dogs have a more sensitive sense of smell than humans, so strong scents can be overwhelming, even if they are of natural origin. Certain essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, are generally considered safe in small amounts and when properly diluted. That being said, it is important to know what you are buying and to find essential oils that are made for pets especially. These are likely to be properly diluted and formulated to be safe for dogs. Essential oils can have various effects on dogs, both positive and negative. Some oils, like the aforementioned lavender and chamomile, may help with relaxation and anxiety, and help your pet sleep easier. On the other side, specific oils such as tea tree, citrus, and peppermint can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided.When using essential oils around dogs, it's crucial to dilute them properly. Always dilute essential oils before using them around your dog. Most experts recommend a ratio of 1:50, meaning one drop of essential oil to 50 drops of carrier oil. Of course, you should always observe your dog's reactions. Watch for signs of distress or discomfort in your dog when you introduce a new essential oil. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop using the oil immediately.Ultimately, you should be wary of the application methods you are using. Avoid applying essential oils directly to your dog's skin. Instead, diffuse them in the air or use a diffuser. You can also add a few drops to your dog's collar or bedding if the goal is to deter parasites. Needless to say, it goes a long way to properly familiarize yourself with essential oils and how they are used in the dog world. You can go in-depth with  a book that specializes in this topic, and gain the ultimate knowledge about these helpful oils before utilizing these natural products for your pet’s well-being. 

A New Four-Legged Robot May Soon Replace Guide Dogs

Robots aren’t only taking human jobs! Our four-legged colleagues may soon need new jobs because there’s a new AI-powered robot guide dog in town. Named RoboGuide, the four-legged robot guide dog was born and bred at the University of Glasgow. The research team that created the robotic pooch, says that RoboGuide could help blind and visually impaired people move more freely in indoor spaces. Their new design solves some of the most common problems in assistive tech.“One significant drawback of many current four-legged, two-legged, and wheeled robots is that the technology which allows them to find their way around can limit their usefulness for the visually impaired,” said Olaoluwa Popoola, the project’s principal investigator. “Robots which use GPS to navigate, for example, can perform well outdoors but often struggle in indoor settings, where signal coverage can weaken. Others, which use cameras to ‘see’, are limited by the line of sight, which makes it harder for them to safely guide people around objects or around bends.”To overcome these limitations, the RoboGuide uses a series of sensors that analyze its surroundings. Software created by the team allows the robotic pooch to find optimal routes between locations and interpret sensor data in real-time, so it can avoid hitting obstacles while guiding a blind or visually impaired person.This robotic pooch also obeys its owner. Thanks to large models, RoboGuide understands speech, and can even talk to its handler. The RoboGuide was showcased at the university’s Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Center. The team working on the prototype said that the robotic pooch uses several innovative technologies and that their goal is to release a complete version in the following years.Professor Muhammad Imran, dean of graduate studies at the James Watt School of Engineering and co-investigator on the project said: “Our assistive technology project for the visually impaired embodies innovation, fostering inclusivity.”“In Glasgow, we’re pioneering world-changing technologies that hold the potential to transform lives and reshape societal norms. This achievement was made possible through collaboration with industry and charity partners and co-creating the design with the invaluable input of end users.”The prototype was tested for the first time with volunteers at the Hunterian, Scotland’s oldest museum, in December. During the trial,  the robotic pooch guided the volunteers around the museum and provided interactive speeches on six different exhibits. With an estimated 2.2 billion people in the world living with some form of vision loss, the team hopes to create a commercial product to help guide visually impaired people indoors.“Ultimately, our aim is to develop a complete system which can be adapted for use with robots of all shapes and sizes to help blind and partially sighted people in a wide range of indoor situations,” said Wasim Ahmed, who’s also a co-investigator on the study.  The RoboGuide project is backed by two leading charities. Both the Forth Valley Sensory Centre Trust (FVSC) and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) are supporting the development of RoboGuide. “Mobility is a big issue for the blind and partially sighted community,” said Jacquie Winning, the chief executive of FVSC. “RoboGuide is a wonderful solution to that problem, and we are delighted to help test this innovative and creative robot.”James Adams, the director of RNIB Scotland, added: “We’re delighted to be supporting the research and development of technology that could be part of making the world more accessible and empowering blind and partially sighted people to live their lives confidently.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Holiday Gifts for Dogs to Include Them in the Fun

It’s the gift giving season, and you’re thinking about all of the people you’ll buy presents for, but why not also add your canine companion to the list? With so many great products on the market, you can find the ideal gift for your dog so they can participate in the opening of presents with everyone they love. Here are some tips to help you find something that your pooch will get excited over.

Unexpected Things That Helped Me Cope With Loss of My 17-Year-Old Cat

Getting to share your life with a pet is truly a privilege, as there’s not much that can rival the sheer joy and genuine love these little creatures bring to us. But when the time comes to say goodbye, the weight of grief can feel overwhelming. In these moments, it feels like nothing can help lighten the load we carry, but it’s crucial to remember that the journey through pet loss is a shared experience among countless others who have navigated the same emotional terrain.I recently found myself grappling with the profound loss of my beloved four-legged companion, a 17-year-old cat called Luna. Luna was not just a pet; she was a loyal friend for more than half of my life, a source of comfort during challenging times, and a bundle of joy who brightened even the gloomiest days. When Luna passed away, a void opened up in my heart, leaving me adrift in a sea of grief.

Study Shows Shape of a Dog’s Head Can Actually Affect Their Sleep

If you have noticed that your dog’s sleep quality is reduced, or that they have begun to snore heavily, there might be an unusual reason behind it – the shape of your pet’s head! Snoring problems can be quite common for many dogs, but they are most often seen in brachycephalic dogs – basically, dogs with flat faces. For example, this is the key characteristic of the  French Bulldog, one of the world’s most popular breeds. In the USA, and in Hungary where the research for these claims was conducted, the goofy little French Bulldog holds the place of the number one most common pet dog breed. And that means that some health-related issues, stemming from their flat-face appearance, are coming into the foreground. Their shortened skulls and brachycephalic morphology result in sleep problems, snoring, difficulties with breathing, and deteriorative brain morphology changes. According to the latest  study by a Hungarian research team, flat-faced dogs tend to sleep more because their breed suffers from sleep apnea and thus their daytime sleepiness is increased. Thus, their REM (deep) sleep phase is much longer than their non-REM sleep, while the EEG patterns in their sleep indicate signs of white matter loss. And while some owners across the world see these Bulldogs and their extremely flat skulls as an attractive or unique feature, it is, nonetheless, a major health hazard. These breeds, for example, the French Bulldog, the Pug, and the English Bulldog tend to live around 3 to 4 years less than other dogs, and in many cases, they don’t even live to adulthood.Some will even have to undergo surgery to correct their musculoskeletal, respiratory, and eye problems, which can cause them a lot of problems throughout their lives. To make matters worse, the rounded and short skull of these dogs results in a distorted and rounded brain, which could affect neural functioning.All this resulted in the Hungarian team’s extensive research into the sleep of these breeds. They studied the sleep of 92 dogs, using EEG. "In the sleep lab, dogs spend about three hours with their owners. As nothing exciting happens, the dogs fall asleep quickly. Meanwhile, we conduct the electrical potential generated by the brain activity with electrodes glued to their scalps," says Anna Kis, who is considered a pioneer in the study of sleeping dogs and a researcher at the HUN-REN Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology. "We wanted to investigate whether flat-faced dogs sleep differently from other dogs, as they are known to suffer from oxygen deprivation due to respiratory problems and therefore have poorer quality sleep. We found that the flat-faced dogs slept more in the three hours given to them during the study. More daytime sleep is probably compensation for insufficient sleep at night.”Ivaylo Iotchev, the first author of a study of dog sleep patterns that was published in the Journal of Brain Structure and Function, adds "In the present study, we found that brachycephalic dogs had decreased beta waves and increased delta compared to dogs with longer noses. The frequency of sleep spindles increased. This pattern has previously been associated with poorer learning in dogs and loss of white matter in humans."He also adds "There may be several reasons for our results. The most interesting of these is that it seems as if the flat-faced dogs have retained the sleep pattern of puppyhood, similarly to newborns who spend more time in REM sleep.”If you own a brachycephalic dog and have been seeing a lack of quality in their sleep, these studies might provide the answers you are looking for – your pooch’s genetics might be to blame for their poor sleep.

A Pennsylvania Dog Shocked Its Owners After Eating $4000 in Cash

A Pittsburg couple was shocked to discover that their dog Cecil decided to have the most expensive snack of his life, after wolfing down $4,000 in cash. According to Cecil’s owners, Clayton and Carrie Law, the seven-year-old goldendoodle is a well-behaved boy who has never really done anything bad before. The couple had withdrawn cash to do a home improvement project, but Cecil had other plans for the envelope full of money. Less than 30 minutes later, Cecil was caught devouring thousands of dollars. “I walked back into the room and then all this cash was on the ground. He’s just like this, standing there, and I’m like oh my gosh, he ate some of this money and was in shock. I yelled to Carrie ‘He ate the money, he ate the $4,000,’” said Clayton Law to CBS News. After the initial shock, the couple discovered that Cecil ate a lot of the bills, but that some were still on the floor, albeit torn up and chewed into pieces. Carrie and Clayton describe their pooch as laid back, weird, funny, and almost human-like, and say that he is typically more of a snuggly couch potato. “He doesn’t do many dog things, he doesn’t chew furniture or clothing, that’s why we were extra shocked when he decided to do this,” said Clayton Law. “He has never in his life tried to get anything from the counter, even coffee table. We could leave dinner and go to the kitchen and grab wine, and he would not touch the food, and he just doesn’t care. He just took this opportunity and ran with it,” said Carrie Law. Once the initial shock passed, the couple contacted their vet to see if the dog needed any treatment. Given the goldendoodle’s size, there was no risk of bowel obstruction and he only needed to be monitored at home. At first, Cecil seemed fine, but in the middle of the night, the Laws were awoken by the sound every dog owner knows - the retching of their dog about to vomit. “When you hear that, you immediately just react, so I jumped out of bed and just made sure that he didn’t throw up anywhere,” said Clayton. “And then I went to pick it up… and I realized there’s a lot of like half eaten and $100 bills and $50 bills here.”That night marked the start of the Law’s unfortunate mission of sifting through their dog’s vomit and poop in an attempt to recover some of their money. Luckily, the couple was able to piece together most of the bills after carefully washing and sorting all the pieces back together. “There we are at the utility sink washing this shitty money, yelling ‘Yay! Yes! We got one!’ It smelled so bad,” Carries confessed. After piecing together as many bills as they could salvage, the couple managed to recoup $3,550. According to Carrie, the bank was really nice about it and told them that these things happen all the time. “They said it actually happens quite a bit because money just picks up so many scents, especially if it’s used in the food industry. I guess dogs pick up on that - they have such a good sense of smell - and something about it just drove him crazy.”Almost a month after the incident, Cecil is doing fine and is still a good boy. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Sleeping With Pets: Here's What Experts Have to Say

Pet parents adore their four-legged companions so much that they choose to sleep with them at night. Research shows that more than half of pet owners sleep with their pets. Most pet owners consider their pets part of the family, so it is no surprise that they will go out of their way to ensure their furry companions’ comfort. However, with an increasing focus on our sleep health, pet parents are starting to wonder about the potential disadvantages of sleeping with pets. In fact, sharing a bed with a pet is the subject of controversy among pet parents.Various studies suggest that there are many benefits to sleeping with pets. And experts tend to agree. According to Audrey Wells, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, a pet can provide an emotional connection and reduce anxiety and stress levels, therefore promoting sleep. “Some people may consider their pets an added layer of security, dependable to alert them to unexpected noises or lights.”Another benefit of sleeping with your pet is that they can keep you nice and warm during the night. People who get chilled easily might enjoy cuddling with a furry companion during frigid winter nights.“Pets are sensitive to routine, and they can help enforce a regular bedtime and better sleep quality for their owner,” explained Dr. Wells. “Similarly, pets can signal wake-up time in the morning and even prompt some time outside for a walk and daylight exposure.”If you enjoy sleeping with your pet and find it beneficial for your sleep, the science agrees with you. According to Amanda Farah, National Training and Behavioral Coordinator at Best Friends Animal Society, studies have found that some people sleep more soundly when their dog is sleeping next to them. “If you and your dog both sleep well together, you’ll enjoy the health benefits that come with a good night’s sleep, such as improved mental clarity, lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and a stronger immune system,” explained Farah.According to Teddy Cralle, Ms, RN, certified clinical sleep educator, some people sleep better when their pet is in the bed, but some don’t. If there’s a chance that you won't get a good night’s rest while sleeping with your pet you shouldn't sleep with them in the first place. For example, if you’re a light sleeper and your dog likes to change positions during the night, sleeping with your pooch may wake you more often, resulting in low-quality sleep. Also, some pups like to claim the entire bed for themselves, leading to a sleepless night and a backache. “Sacrificing your sleep means sacrificing your health, well-being, and quality of life - and that is not a sacrifice to make,” Cralle added.Sharing a bed with a pet may not be the best idea if you’re an asthma or allergy sufferer. Although some dog breeds shed less than others, no dog is truly hypoallergenic because it’s their dander and not hair that triggers an allergic reaction. Zoonotic diseases are another downside of sleeping with pets. Research has confirmed that sharing a bed with a pet can increase the exposure rate to pathogens that might be present. Although no one wants to think about it, pets can bring unwanted guests to your bed. Fleas and ticks are the most active during the warmer months, but the truth is they can infest your pet all year long. If the downsides of sleeping with your pet have made you reconsider your sleeping arrangement don’t fret - you can still have your pooch close by while you sleep. A crate or a cozy dog bed next to your bed will help everyone get a good night’s rest. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

According to ASPCA, These Are The Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2023

No matter how careful you are, accidents happen – this is particularly true when it comes to pet  poisoning cases. Not only that cats and dogs have some uncanny ability to get into stuff that they’re not supposed to get into, but you also can’t always know what things could be a potential toxin to them. And believe us when we say, there are a lot of potential pet toxins in an average household!The annual report by the  ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC)  only goes to prove this. Each year, they examine all the compiled data to determine which are the most commonly encountered pet toxins each year. It helps keep owners aware of the threats, and to keep vets always one step ahead. In 2023, the APCC was extra busy, having received hundreds of thousands of calls about items and substances that pets were exposed to. Incredibly, these substances totaled over 351,000!Even though they were contacted about such an imposing number of potentially hazardous substances, they managed to narrow down the most common culprits and compile the list of top 10 pet toxins in 2023, which will serve as a great reminder of what to look out for.Over-the-counter medications, including cold and flu medicines, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and vitamins and supplements. With 16.8% exposure, these medications are the number one threat in 2023. Almost every home has some sort of medications stored, and they aren’t always expertly hidden. Accidentally, pets can discover them and suffer many dire consequences if they ingest them. Human food and drink are almost equally as dangerous, with 16.2% reported calls. A lot of what we consume daily is toxic to pets. This can range from common items such as raisins, onions, garlic, grapes, or sweets, to more rare items such as protein drinks and bars, xylitol gums, and energy drinks. If your pet gets their paws on any of these, it can end up in an emergency vet visit. Prescription medications for humans are very dangerous to pets, and many reports were made in regard to inhalers, ADHD medications, heart medications, and similar. Prescription medications are often strong drugs and definitely not meant for pets.Chocolate is the number 4 threat for 2023. A staggering 13% of calls were related to this sweet. Dogs are mostly found consuming it as cats do not have sweet taste buds or the appetite of dogs. Still, chocolate is not meant for pets and can cause many side effects.Veterinary products are at number 5 with 8.3% reported exposures. Callers reported ingestion of chewable tablets or soft chews, many of them used for calming pets. Owners are urged to keep medicines locked away, as pets can like their sweet taste and go after them when you are not looking. Plants and fungi accounted for 8.1% of exposures. Dogs are inquisitive and can find these plants on their outdoor adventures. But many plants can cause a threat to dogs, so make sure to acquaint yourself with a list of toxic plants to look out for.Household products are also on this list, with 7.1% of exposures reported. Pets consumed various dangerous items, such as deoxidizer packets, batteries, and various miscellanea lying around the house. Be aware of what’s lying around that’s easy to reach.Rodenticides are a major threat to pets. People can use poisons to get rid of pests, but our pets don’t know that. If they ingest them, it can be extremely dangerous, leading to kidney failure, bleeding, and even death. When you are out on walks, always be careful what is lying around. Insecticides are almost the same. People use bug sprays, ant baits, and poisonous powders all over the place. Always make sure that the area you are in is free from anything that can be a threat to your pet. Recreational drugs are last but not least. With substances such as marijuana becoming increasingly legal, pets can come in contact with them as well. But there are also hallucinogenic substances such as mushrooms, especially psilocybin, and muscarine, which can be very harmful to pets. 

UK Wildlife Park Rehabilitates Potty-Mouthed Parrots

The struggle is real! Profanity-laced parrots may turn park's aviary into an adult-only zone.

What is Red Light Therapy for Dogs?

When your dog gets injured or is recovering from a routine surgery, it can be difficult to keep them comfy and to help heal their injuries faster at the same time. However, innovative red light therapy for dogs proved to be a safe and efficient treatment for a variety of ailments, from skin inflammation to wound healing, and much, much more.Red light therapy is also known as photobiomodulation therapy, and it involves the use of red or near-infrared light to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. The reason for its effectiveness is the specific wavelengths that are absorbed by the mitochondria in cells, which are considered the cell’s powerhouse. As the mitochondria absorb the “red light”, the absorption stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is popularly called the “energy currency of cells”. The entire process then increases blood flow to the treated area, stimulating faster healing, and pain relief. What’s so great about red light therapy is that it is not invasive, and all that is needed is a specialized device that emits specific wavelengths of light.Red light therapy treatment sessions usually last from a few minutes to around 20 minutes, depending on the condition being treated and the specific device used. The frequency of sessions may vary, with some dogs benefiting from daily treatments initially, followed by less frequent “maintenance” sessions. Of course, your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate treatment procedure for your dog's needs – if you’re unsure if red light therapy is the right choice for your dog, be sure to consult an expert before taking any steps.Of course, while you shouldn’t do anything without your vet’s approval, a great thing about this treatment is that it is entirely safe. When used appropriately, it has no risks for your dog. The secret is in the light energy that does not generate heat at all, eliminating any risk of burning or tissue damage. Naturally, it goes without saying that you should closely follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific device you are using. 

A Former Elvis Impersonator Adopts Elvis, the Dog Who No One Wanted

Elvis, the only dog who didn’t get adopted at Anti Cruelty’s Fall in Love adoption event, finally found a forever home with an owner who used to work as an Elvis Presley impersonator. A three-year-old pit bull terrier mix was the only pooch out of 22 dogs and 39 cats who didn’t find a forever home at the November 11 adoption event. After the event, Elvis had to be sent back to his kennel which served as his home for around four months.Shortly after the event, the shelter took to social media to ask for help finding this handsome boy a forever home. The post that has gone viral said: “Elvis is the only dog that didn’t find a home during our Fall in Love adoption event. He met a lot of potential adopters but sadly did not get adopted. Help us find Elvis a family to love!”In the post, the shelter described Elvis as a “three-year-old meatball” with “the silliest personality.”“His giant smile lights up every room he enters. Elvis is a snuggler, so he hopes you’re okay giving up your personal space.”Elvis arrived at the shelter as an injured stray dog. Since the pooch didn’t put weight on his hind leg, the shelter took X-rays which showed a fractured pelvis. Although the fracture healed completely during his stay at the shelter, Elvis might be prone to arthritis in the future. A few days later this handsome boy found his forever home! And this is where things get really interesting. The couple who adopted the cute pup has a special connection to him - one of them used to be an Elvis Presley impersonator.Loren Agron, one of the pup’s new dads, worked as an Elvis-impersonating waiter at Ed Debevic’s, a 1950s-themed diner where staff entertained customers with choreographed dance routines. Agron dressed up as Elvis Presley and called himself Elvis Parsley.“I wore a black cowboy shirt and quintessential giant Elvis sunglasses, I had long sideburns and my hair was all pumped up and slicked back,” Agron told The Washington Post.“Elvis has always been a big part of my life because I’ve always loved music from that era,” he added.First, Agron went to the shelter to meet Elvis alone, and then he came back with his partner, Drew Wilhelm. “While we were sitting in the waiting room to meet him, I felt like a father waiting for his newborn son to arrive,” said Wilhelm. “As soon as I saw him, I knew that was our dog,” he added. “He couldn’t stop jumping on us, he was so excited we were there to see him.”The couple adopted Elvis that day and took him to his forever home.  “Elvis has left the building,” the shelter wrote alongside a photo of the happy family. “His adopters have been waiting for the right time to welcome a dog into their family, and once they saw Elvis on the news, they couldn’t deny that it was fate.”The couple plans to keep the handsome pup’s legendary name and smitten with their new four-legged companion. “The couple is head over heels in love with their new family member and already has a dog bed and tons of toys waiting for him at his forever home,” the shelter wrote in a post. “Loren is a dedicated ACS supporter and has hosted many of the ACS’s fundraising events at Chicago’s fabulous drag queen, Debbie Fox. We couldn’t be happier for Elvis who finally got his happily ever after!”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How to Travel with your Rabbit in a Car [Ultimate Guide]

Travelling with your rabbit in a car may seem like a daunting task. Let’s face it, most rabbits would probably be happier staying in the comfort of their permanent home, rather than coming along for a road trip.

Of course, sometimes you have no choice but to take your rabbit in the car with you. If you need to take him or her to the vet for example, or if you are relocating. You may even want to take your rabbit to a rabbit show.

Most rabbits will be totally fine on a short car journey, but long trips CAN be highly stressful for them.

To ensure your rabbit feels as comfortable and secure as possible while travelling in a car, you will need to prepare:

Use an appropriate travel carrier.

Line the bottom with a grippy, odour absorbing material.
Make your rabbit’s travel carrier a dark cosy den with blankets and hay.
Get your rabbit used to it’s travel home.

Practice travelling with your rabbit in the car.

Pack all the essentials.

Ensure the car is an appropriate temperature.
Strap the carrier into the car with a seat belt or place it securely on the floor behind a seat.

During the car journey check up on your bunny often.

After the car journey try to recreate your rabbit’s normal environment.

In this article we will go into detail on how to ensure travelling with rabbits in a car is stress-free!

#1 Obtain a solid, escape-proof carrier.

Your rabbit’s travel carrier must be rigid, well-ventilated and secure. This is to ensure that your rabbit won’t chew its way to escape.

Cages made from solid plastic and metal wire are the best option for rabbits as they are strong and escape-proof. They’re also great as they provide your rabbit with some privacy. You want your bunny to feel like he is in a safe little burrow.

Furthermore, you also want the travel cage to have a large door on the top , as well as on the side, so you can easily access your rabbit.

Additionally, be sure to choose a travel cage that will allow you to attach a water bottle on the side.

#2 Choose the right size travel carrier.

Your rabbit’s travel carrier should be smaller than it’s normal cage.

This way it will be light and easy for you to transport. Additionally, your rabbit will feel more safe and secure in a smaller travel cage. Having a smaller travel cage will also prevent potential injuries as your rabbit could risk being thrown around in a large cage.

With that said, your rabbit’s travel carrier must be large enough for him or her to lie down, stand up, sit down and turn around in, without any restriction.

POPULAR RABBIT TRAVEL CARRIERS

Make your rabbit’s travel carrier a cosy den.

#1 Line the bottom with a grippy, odour absorbing material.

You want to avoid your rabbit sliding around the bottom of its carrier during the car ride. This could cause your rabbit to become highly stressed, sick and could even injure your little friend.

Puppy training pads work really well to soak up any accidents, spillages and odour! They’re reasonably cheap and are available at most pet shops.

Alternatively, you could also line the bottom with a towel or newspaper. There is also the option of rabbit, bird or cat litter, which will do a great job of absorbing any odour.

#2 Add a blanket.

Once you have lined the bottom with the absorbant material of your choice, you can add a blanket on top.

A blanket or towel will provide your rabbit with comfort, security and will provide him/her with extra grip.

#3 Add hay and a secured water bottle.

Rabbits don’t normally eat much when travelling, due to stress. However, it is recommended that you provide your rabbit with some hay.

Not only will it provide your rabbit with a little snack just in case he or she does get hungry, but it gives your rabbit something to burrow into. A burrowed rabbit is a happy rabbit.

You could also pop a couple pieces of vegetables in the travel cage. Carrots and celery are ideal as they are dry and won’t make a mess.

Most small or medium sized rabbit water bottles (about 4-6 ounces) can easily be attached to the side of your travel cage.

If your rabbit refuses to drink water from its bottle during the car journey, you will need to offer it water yourself. Make regular stops to take your rabbit out of the cage and offer him/her water from your hand.

#4 Partially cover the travel carrier.

You’ll want part of the cage to be covered to recreate the safety of a small burrow.

Some cages already recreate this feeling with solid walls, however if yours doesn’t then you could use a thin, breathable blanket to cover the cage.

If your cage does come partially covered already, just be sure that there is adequate ventilation.

Get your rabbit used to it’s travel home before taking your rabbit in the car.

You want your rabbit to feel as at home in its travel cage as possible. This will minimise stress as your rabbit won’t feel completely out of its comfort zone.

Try to purchase your travel carrier weeks before your car journey so you have adequate time get your rabbit used to it’s temporary home.

a) Don’t force your rabbit in the cage.

This is VERY important.

You don’t want your rabbit to associate the travel carrier with fear and stress.

Instead, introduce the carrier during playtime, leaving door open so your rabbit can enter it willingly.

b) Entice your rabbit in the cage with treats.

This way, he/she will associate it with good things.

Once your rabbit has started to feel more comfortable in their new travel home, get them used to staying in there for longer periods of time.

Put your rabbit in the cage with their favourite treat or toy for a few minutes at a time. Close the door securely and walk slowly around the house so that your rabbit gets used to the motion and being elevated.

Once your rabbit is used to being in their carrier around the house, it’s time for some test runs in the car!

Start out by taking short car trips around the block and work your way up to longer trips. This way, your rabbit can gradually get used to the sensation of being in a moving vehicle.

As mentioned earlier, rabbits on a car trip don’t normally want to eat. However, make sure that you pack enough food and water for any stop overs, or in case of delays.

Just to be safe, you may also want to consider packing extra supplies such as paper towels, blankets, trash bags or towels .

Additionally, if you have one to hand, you may want to consider bringing along a play pen . If you are planning on staying somewhere overnight, then it will provide your rabbit with more space to run around in. Just be sure that it is 100% secure as you don’t want your rabbit to escape!

Ensure the car is an appropriate temperature before taking your rabbit in the car.

Now that your rabbit is comfortable in their travel carrier, you need to make sure the temperature is okay for your rabbit before going on a real car ride.

You will need to ensure the car is cooler than 23ºC / 75º, as rabbits cannot tolerate any temperature higher than this.

Top tips:

Cool the car before introducing your rabbit.
Don’t allow the carrier to sit in direct sunlight.
Do not leave your rabbit unattended in the car on a warm day.
Don’t allow the air-con/heat vents to blow directly onto your rabbit’s carrier.
If you don’t have air-con, place an ice pack wrapped in a hand towel inside the carrier for added cooling. You can also place a damp towel over the carrier.

Strap the rabbit’s carrier into the car with a seat belt or place it securely on the floor behind a seat.

You don’t want the travel cage to be thrown around during the car trip.

Place the side of the cage toward the front of the car, so that your rabbit won’t hit his face if the car needs to brake suddenly.

Your rabbit can ride in the trunk of the car, as long as the carrier is secured down, is well ventilated, and not closed off.

On a long car journey make regular pit stops to check up on your bunny, if they’re out of your view.

As mentioned earlier, most rabbits won’t want to eat during road trips, due to levels of stress. Therefore you will want to try give your rabbit a snack during a quick pit stop.

If your rabbit hasn’t had a drink, you may also want to offer him or her some water from your hand.

Look for signs of overheating.

Rabbits cannot stand temperatures of over 23ºC / 75º. If they are exposed to temperatures higher than this, they can get seriously ill.

Look out for the following signs:

Fast, shallow breathing
Listlessness
Wetness around the nose area
Tossing head back while breathing rapidly from an open mouth

If your rabbit overheats, immediately take him to a cooler place, out of the sun. Dampen his ears with cool water to help bring his temperature back to normal.

Once the car journey is over, put your rabbit back in its normal cage or recreate its normal home as much as possible.

Offer the same food that he/she is used to, and reintroduce his/her usually toys.

Give your rabbit lots of love and attention, just like you would at home.

Watch out for signs of illness.

Stressed rabbits are more prone to getting sick, therefore you want to keep an eye on your rabbits health after the journey too.

Rabbits are experts at hiding their sickness and injuries so if your rabbit shows the following signs of illness, you’ll need to take him to a vet as soon as possible.

Teeth grinding
Tilted head
Open-mouth breathing
Blood in urine or in his home
Limping or paralysis
Enlarged abdomen that causes your rabbit pain
Crying or whimpering
Decreased appetite for a couple days after the journey
Drooling, slobbering, loss of chin hairs
Discharge from nose, sneezing or coughing, difficulty breathing
Diarrhoea or decreased stools
Skin problems – hair loss, itchiness, flaking skin, or lumps on the skin
Aggressive behaviour (indicates substantial pain in a usually gentle animal)

Rabbits are prone to getting stressed whilst travelling. However, if you plan and prepare ahead, it can be a stress-free experience for you and your rabbit.

Be sure to get an appropriate travel cage for your bunny weeks before your planned road trip. This way, you can make sure your rabbit feels safe and secure in its travel home.

Furthermore, ensure that the car is bunny-safe and remains cooler than 23ºC / 75º at all times.

Look out for any signs of illness during and after the trip, and take your rabbit to the vet if you do suspect that he is unwell.

Hope you have found this helpful.

Happy and safe travels! 🙂

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Can Pit Bulls Swim? [Breed Facts & FAQs]

Do Newfoundland Dogs Like Water? [Breed Facts & FAQs]

Travel With A Rabbit In The Car

You may need to take your homestead or pet rabbit on an extended car trip, especially if family, friends, or a favorite vet are a few hours away. Fortunatley, if you have questions about road tripping with rabbits, you’ve come to the right place!

This post is all about how to travel with a rabbit in the car and will answer the most common questions and share the best practices regarding traveling with rabbits.

First one up is, do bunnies get carsick?

No, bunnies do not get carsick. However, there are a number of important, non-negotiable steps to take when traveling with your bunny in a car that can make the difference between life and death for a rabbit on the road.

Before undertaking travel with a rabbit in the car, make sure to read below on how to safely and surely make it to your destination together, happy and healthy!

How To Take A Rabbit On A Road Trip

While rabbits don’t experience car sickness (aka motion sickness), which is common in other pets or homestead animals like dogs , they can suffer from heat, fatigue, stress and more on a short or long road trip.

Remember, rabbits are natural prey animals and are prone to interpret any unknown, new, or surprising event or object as dangerous. This triggers their natural flight response that results in a faster heart rate, the urge to run, and general stress. Therefore, it is very important that your rabbit becomes familiar with some aspects of going on a road trip before actually leaving!

Preparing Your Rabbit For Travel

A Proper Rabbit Carrier

The safest place for a rabbit in a car is a comfortable animal carrier or crate. Plastic or metal ones are best as they are resistant to damage and are lightweight. A nice carrier offers your bunnies a personal space to rest and relax during the trip while keeping them out of dangerous places like under seats, among the drivers feet, or up on the car dash.

A top loading carrier is preferred over a carrier with a door on the side. Additionally, placing the carrier lengthwise from side to side in the seat and buckling the carrier in place using the seatbelt will help keep your rabbit safe.

Before heading out, it is important to familiarize your rabbit with their carrier. We recommend bringing it into their space and allowing them to sniff and explore it. You can coax them to go inside with some natural fruit treats but should never force them!

Each rabbit must become familiar with their carrier free from fear or alarm. This is essential to making sure your rabbit feels good during the road trip. They will soon enjoy their crate or carrier as it can remind them of being in a rabbit den!

Moreover, if there is a blanket, toy, or treat food that your rabbit especially enjoys, feel free to place it near the carrier or offer him the favorite treat when he is near or in the carrier. This will help your bunny learn NOT to fear the carrier and understand it as a safe, calm place to be.

The darker you can make the carrier the better. This will help the rabbit feel like it is tucked away in a safe, dark place away from predators.

Lastly, temperature matters. If it is summer and the car is hot inside, then before loading the carrier and the bunny in the hot car, take the car for a spin to get the air conditioning pumping and the car cooled down. The car’s air temperature is not as critical in the winter as rabbits are very cold tolerant , as long as there is not cold air blowing directly on them. Similarly, if it is winter and you are running the car heater, then you want to make sure the hot air is not blowing directly on the rabbit.

Water On The Go

Making sure your rabbit has full time access to water during the road-trip is also non-negotiable. Don’t plan to pull over or take your rabbit out of the carrier in the moving car to offer her water.

Instead, invest in a small, easily portable water dispenser that is available to her in her carrier so that she can drink as needed on the go!

Be Aware Of Temperature

Rabbits are quickly stressed in hot temperatures, as it can be very difficult for them to cool their body down if they get too hot. For this reason, ALWAYS cool down the car before placing your rabbit inside and place your rabbit’s carrier in a shaded, but well ventilated, spot inside the car. This will help them remain calm and cool during the trip!

Introduction The Bunny To The Car SLOWLY

Once your rabbit feels comfortable in their carrier, it is time to introduce them to your car.

You must do this slowly, first bringing them inside the car while holding and talking gently to them. Next, placing them in their carrier inside the car, allowing them to familiarize themselves with this sensation. Next, bring them to the car while it’s running for them to get used to the engine. Then, when they are used to this, go ahead and start the car with them in it.

All of these steps will help minimize stress for your rabbit and can be repeated as much as needed for your rabbit to feel safe!

Do A Few Practice Trips

Once your rabbit feels comfortable being inside the car in their carrier, drive a bit with them and allow them to become familiar with the sensation and noises of road tripping. Talking gently to them and offering them small treats can help them feel good during this new experience.

Traveling With Your Rabbit

Alright! Now that you and your rabbit are good to go, here are some important notes for on the road practices with your furry friend

Bring Food and Treats

Be sure to bring food that your rabbits are used to eating (like hay and quality pellets) so that they feel normal and secure while traveling. Changing their food during a road trip can result in high stress and even death!

You can also offer your rabbit a bit more treats (opt for natural fruits, veggies or leafy greens ) during traveling time to help keep them happy.

Schedule Time Outside of the Car

Your bunny will need to stretch their legs after a few hours in the car. Plan to pause at a grassy rest stop or park and allow them to get back on the ground, use the bathroom, and nibble a bit of grass. Feel free to use a proper rabbit harness during this time: Can Rabbits Wear A Harness? .

The most important thing is to BE AWARE as aggressive dogs or loud people can frighten your rabbit and make them bolt!

Many people ask how long can a rabbit travel in a car? and our answer is that, during daylight hours, it is best for rabbits to get a rest from car travel levery 3-4 hours. However, every rabbit is different and you may need to schedule a stop every 2-3 hours if your rabbit seems sensitive. And during nighttime hours, as long as they seem calm and relaxed, you can drive on as they sleep!

Calming Your Rabbit In the Car

Here are some tips for calming your rabbit down if they become stressed when road-tripping!

If startled by loud noises like horns honking, sirens, or large trucks – talk gently to them and offer a small treat to reassure them that it is okay.
If running around their carrier in a frantic manner – pull over and allow them to get back on the ground and walk a bit. This will eliminate any fears or stress they feel and can act as a reset for their nervous system.
If panting heavily or breathing shallowly – make sure there is good airflow through their crate and place them in the shade or near an A/C vent to help cool them.
If traveling with two rabbits who don’t like to be together – use an individual crate for each rabbit, don’t force them to be together as this will prevent them from feeling calm throughout the trip.
If traveling with two rabbits who seem to be stressed when NOT together – allow them to share the same crate for the road trip, just make sure it is big enough for both of them!

Frequently Asked Questions Related To Travel With A Rabbit In The Car

Can bunnies do long car rides.

Bunnies can do lengthy car rides as long as you take the time to familiarize them with the process and feeling of a road trip, bring proper food and water, and schedule time outside the crate and car for them!

Video About Preparing To Travel With Rabbit In a Car

Final Thoughts on Travel With A Rabbit

When it comes to taking your rabbit on a car trip, remember these most important points:

Rabbits do not experience motion sickness like other animals but can become stressed from a car trip.
As naturally nervous animals, a rabbit must feel comfortable and safe in its portable carrier before being taken anywhere.
Bunnies must be familiar with the smell, sounds and space of your car before the road trip happens.
Rabbits should never be outside of their carrier when in the car.
Never place or leave your rabbit in a hot car as this will quickly stress and overheat them.

Overall, prepping yourself and your bunny for a road trip simply requires patience and forward thinking.

Here is a related article: Can You Take A Rabbit On A Plane?

The Complete Guide to Traveling with Your Bunny

At first the idea of taking your bunny on holiday with you may seem a bit unusual, however if there's one thing bunny people can do it is unusual so here's how with a bit of planning and the right pet friendly hotel or sympathetic friends and family you can enjoy a holiday with your bunny. Best of all it is quite easy really.

Our guide to staying away with your bunny

We give you our guide to staying away with your bunny in a hotel or with family.

We also have everything you will need to know about taking your bunny in a car with you. What to pack and how to make sure your bunny is comfortable.

So, don't think you are stuck at home, go on an adventure with your bunny by following the advice here.

Didn't find what you need? Use the search!

Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more .

How to Travel with a Rabbit: 11 Expert Tips & Tricks

Traveling is an exciting time, but it certainly requires some preparation for everyone involved. For pet owners, you not only have to prepare yourself, but you need to get everything in order for your pets, too.

If you plan on taking your rabbit with you during your endeavors, we’ve got you covered. Here are some important tips and tricks to get you well prepped for traveling with your rabbit whether it be a short trip or a lengthy one.

The 11 Tips for Travelling with a Rabbit

1. Pick the Right Carrier

Choosing the right carrier for your rabbit to travel in is essential. Too large of a carrier will put your rabbit at risk of injury if there were to be a sudden stop or even a car accident. Most small cat carriers are appropriately sized for most rabbits but generally, you will want them to be able to lay down comfortably along the length of the carrier and be able to turn around inside.

If you are traveling with more than one rabbit, you will need to get a larger carrier so they can fit comfortably in there together. The carrier needs to have soft padding at the bottom to prevent them from sliding around. You may have to put your own cushion inside if your carrier does not come with anything.

Very few pet carriers are crash tested, but the Center for Pet Safety encourages pet owners to place carriers lengthwise on the floor behind either the passenger or driver’s seat. This is the safest spot in vehicles for these carriers since most are not designed for the impact of a car accident.

2. Introduce Your Rabbit to the Carrier Before Travel

Leading up to your travel date, you will want to introduce your rabbit to their new carrier, so they become comfortable before the stressful trip. Allow your rabbit to have as much access to the carrier as possible in the days before your leave.

Ideally, your rabbit will begin using the carrier as a comfortable place to hide. You can even try luring them into the carrier with their favorite treat, so they have some positive association with it. This will help tremendously in reducing their stress once they are in the vehicle.

3. Have the Car at a Comfortable Temperature

Rabbits are extremely sensitive to hot weather and are prone to heat strokes. Before you leave the house with your rabbit, have the car started and at a comfortable temperature before you place them inside. Do not have the air conditioning vents pointed directly at your rabbit, but have them pointed upward so that the air can properly circulate throughout the car.

Never leave your rabbit or any other pet unattended in the car for any reason. Even when temperatures outside are mild, the inside of the car can still get dangerously hot. For example, at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the inside temperature of the car can still reach over 100 degrees, which can quickly be fatal to rabbits and other pets.

4. Have a Passenger Nearby

One way to keep your rabbit comfortable while on the road is to have them close to you or another passenger they are familiar with. You never want to open the carrier while the vehicle is in motion but feel free to open it up and comfort your rabbit when you make any stops.

Just the presence and soft voice of a familiar person can help reduce their stress and make them feel more comfortable. Get a carrier with a window or try positioning it in a way that you can see your rabbit to observe them during the trip and provide comfort as needed.

5. Pack All Your Necessary Supplies

Depending on what type of traveling you are doing, you will need to make sure you have all your rabbit necessities. If you are making a quick trip to the veterinarian and back, there’s no need to get stocked up but if you are going on vacation, you will need their usual care supplies so that they can comfortably settle in once you reach your destination.

Water Bottle
Cleaning Supplies
Related Read: Ultimate Checklist for Camping with a Rabbit
6. Take an Emergency Kit

In addition to having your usual rabbit supplies ready, it’s a good idea to pack an emergency kit just like you do for the family. If your rabbit were to stop eating or experience gastrointestinal upset or you were to break down alongside the road, experience travel delays, or have anything else unexpected happen, it’s best to be prepared.

Cooler with ice packs
Pellet food
Bottled water
Fresh greens
A box of hay
Heating pad
Critical care
7. Start with Short Rides

If you are prepping for a lengthy road trip with your rabbit, it’s going to be a good idea to have them used to short car rides before you leave on the long drive. Rabbits are highly prone to stress so keeping it as minimal as possible is key.

First, get your rabbit used to their carrier inside your home. Once they’ve established comfort and familiarity with the carrier, try taking them out in the car for quick, short rides to get them accustomed to the noise, vibration, and overall feeling of being in a moving vehicle.

Being trapped in the situation suddenly for a lengthy period will stress them out much more than if they are used to the feeling already.

8. Avoid Loud Music

Noise can cause a lot of undue stress for your rabbit, especially in the vehicle where they are already feeling the movement, vibration, and noise of traveling. Keeping the music to a minimum is one way you can help alleviate any additional stress.

If you need to fill the silence of the vehicle, try putting on an audiobook or a podcast while you drive. If you must listen to music, opt for mild genres like classical music, which can have a more calming effect rather than being loud and overwhelming.

9. Plan Pit Stops

If you will be on the road for more than a couple of hours during your trip, you will need to plan some pit stops to ensure your rabbit can destress and eat. It is important for their digestion and overall health that rabbits eat continuously throughout the day.

The movement and vibrations of the car may prevent them from eating and drinking entirely, which is why it is so important to plan these stops. Once the noise and vibration are eliminated, it may entice them to eat and drink. Plan for 30 minutes to 1-hour pit stops to allow time for decompressing.

If your rabbit is social and very bonded to you , this would be a good time to securely remove them from the carrier and provide them with love and affection. If you think this may stress them out more, leave them in the comfort of their carrier.

10. Keep Watch for Unusual Symptoms

During the car ride and your time away from home, you will want to keep a close eye out for any unusual symptoms that could be related to certain health concerns. The most common illnesses for rabbits to be on the lookout for during travel are GI Stasis and heatstroke .

GI stasis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the normal movement of the digestive tract is either slowed or stopped completely. This is largely due to diet but can also be caused by stress or inactivity.

Lack of appetite
Small droppings
Not defecating
Hunched appearance
Grinding of teeth

Heatstroke

As we discussed earlier, rabbits are prone to overheating and will be at risk of heatstroke, especially in the car. Heatstroke happens when a rabbit becomes too hot and can no longer regulate its body temperature, which is potentially fatal.

Drooling or salivating
Panting and
Short, shallow breaths
Lethargy and weakness
Reddening and warmth of the ears
Wetness around the nose
Shaking or trembling
Fitting or unconsciousness
11. Consult a Veterinarian

If you have concerns about traveling with your rabbit, the best thing you can do is reach out to your veterinarian for some advice. They will be able to go over any concerns, talk about what you need to look out for, and may even give you some other useful recommendations for your trip.

If you are traveling out of the area for an extended period, it’s a good idea to look up local veterinarians in the area you will be staying. This gives you peace of mind knowing whom you can contact and get your rabbit to if something were to go wrong with your rabbit during your trip.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with pets isn’t always easy but it can be much less stressful if you are to be prepared beforehand. If you follow these tips, it will keep you well prepared for traveling with your rabbit and help reduce their stress along the way. We always recommend discussing your plans or travel concerns with your veterinarian to ensure the safest, most stress-free travel.

https://www.animalhouseofchicago.com/news/rabbits-gi-stasis
https://www.medivet.co.uk/pet-care/pet-advice/heatstroke-in-rabbits/
https://www.petmd.com/rabbit/general-health/complete-guide-rabbits
https://www.petmd.com/rabbit/care/evr_rb_how-to-care-for-your-rabbit
https://www.centerforpetsafety.org/

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Lindsey Lawson

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How To Travel With a Rabbit

When we move or travel, we can’t always leave our furry family members behind. However, they can become extremely stressed from travel. When a human is traveling, they know what is happening and why. That helps us manage our stress. Our pets aren’t like that. We can’t explain to them in their language why they are in a carrier or why it keeps moving around so much. The experience can upset our animal friends.

Even though most people focus on travel with a dog or a cat, that isn’t the only animal that will travel with their humans. Our rabbit family members can also make trips with us. With the right preparations, we can make this experience a pleasant one for our bunny friends.

Purchase a Good Carrier for Your Rabbit

For their safety and security, your rabbit will need to travel in a carrier. Public forms of transportation like buses or trains won’t allow you to have a rabbit uncaged. If you are traveling by car, you don’t want to take the chance that your bunny could get underfoot.

Get a carrier that will fit your bunny comfortably. This may mean getting a carrier meant for a dog. You want your rabbit to be as comfortable as possible. If the carrier is too small, they will become upset and may even injure themselves.

Think about how you are going to get your bunny in and out of the carrier. If your rabbit may fight, consider getting one that opens on the top. It is recommended that you get a carrier with solid sides, so your rabbit feels secure. Something with too much open space, like a wire carrier, could make your rabbit feel exposed and vulnerable.

Get Your Rabbit Used To the Carrier

The trick that works for cats and dogs works for rabbits as well. If you let your bunny hop around inside the carrier and smell it before you take your trip, they won’t be as nervous about it when it’s time to travel. Any animal is going to be worried and upset if they get pushed into something unfamiliar. Letting them put their scent in it first is always a good idea.

Practice Traveling With Your Rabbit Before the Big Day

If you are traveling by air, you can’t do a trial run. But if you are going by car or other ground methods, you can start taking short trips beforeh and to get your bunny used to the feel of travel. Don’t push it and travel for too long. Trips of 10-15 minutes going around the block will work fine. This will get your rabbit used to the sensations, so they aren’t so nervous on the actual travel day.

Cool Your Vehicle Down Before Putting Your Rabbit in the Car

If you are traveling by car, make things as comfortable as you can for your rabbit before putting them in the car. Cool the vehicle down before putting their carrier inside. Travel will stress your rabbit out; don’t make it worse by putting them in a hot car. And avoid putting your bunny in direct sunlight, but also don’t place them right in front of an air vent.

Plan Out How Much Food & Water You Will Need for the Trip

Make sure you don’t have to dig through the luggage for food or water for your rabbit. Have them easily accessible so you can offer whenever needed. Plan out any stops to clean out the cage, and for bathroom breaks.

Plan breaks and bring enough food when traveling with a rabbit

Bring All Needed Vet Records

If you are traveling by plane, bus, or train, you may need copies of your rabbit’s vet records. They may require certain vaccinations or want additional medical information on your pet. Contact the travel company before your trip to make sure you comply with their policies.

Also, check prior to your trip what the requirements are for traveling with a pet. If you are traveling by air, will you be able to keep the rabbit in the cabin with you? Airline policies will vary, so know before you go. Book a private security screening with TSA rather than springing in on them at the airport. Animal carriers have to be checked just like our carryon bag. Booking in advance means TSA will take you and your bunny to a private room, making it less stressful for everyone involved.

Don’t make a trip any more stressful than it needs to be for you and your bunny. Practice as much as you can before the big day, and it will make traveling much less of a headache for you both. Proper planning is the key to a successful trip with your rabbit.

preparation

Motion Sickness in Dogs

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Bunny Approved – House Rabbit Toys, Snacks, and Accessories

Road Trip – Transporting Rabbits in a Car

The carrier should be sturdy hard plastic. Any other kind can easily be chewed and the rabbit may escape. Also, plastic is a much more hygienic option, since it can be wiped down. This is especially important after an illness. Place a towel on the bottom to prevent slipping.
There should be a door in the front, so the rabbit can hop in and out on its own. Some carriers have an additional opening on the top, which might come in handy when the rabbit has to be lifted out.
The carrier needs to be the right size for the breed of rabbit. It should be big enough for the rabbit to turn around and stretch out all the way in one direction, but not much bigger than necessary. If you have bonded rabbits, they should ideally all fit in one carrier and be transported together. That way they can comfort each other and no rabbit comes back home smelling differently.
Rabbits will appreciate the cave-like quality of a carrier that is dark, but not completely blacked out. Air-holes all around will accomplish that and provide good air flow.
The carrier should always be carried with at least one hand underneath it, even if it does have a sturdy handle on the top.

There are a lot of other ways a rabbit may be transported. However, they all have risks/draw-backs associated with them. Here is what to consider when choosing any of these carriers/methods:

Open Baskets/Boxes: Rabbits can easily jump out and possibly injure themselves or end up in otherwise dangerous situations. Cardboard Boxes: If a rabbit pees, the bottom of the box could get soaked through and may break. Also, a rabbit can easily chew through the material and escape. If you do need to use a cardboard box in an emergency, make sure it has enough air holes all around. Fabric Carrier/Bag: The fabric can easily be chewed and the bag itself is difficult to clean. Cages/Crates: A cage or a crate is generally large and difficult to carry. It also doesn’t provide protection from drafts. In case of an accident or sudden stop small pets get thrown pretty far before hitting the wall, thus increasing the chance of injury. Lap: Transporting a rabbit in someone’s lap or letting it sit on the seat can be dangerous for everyone in the car if the rabbit suddenly panics and jumps around. If the driver breaks just a little harder than normal the rabbit might get thrown around the car and get hurt.

Now we know what type of carrier is best, but where in the car should it be placed?

Every time we drove somewhere with Bunny, my husband and I had a little discussion about where the carrier should be. He thought the carrier should sit on the back seat, I thought it should be on my lap in the front seat, so I can reassure Bunny and pet him to keep him calm. Turns out, we were both wrong.

The ADAC, a German motor club organization similar to AAA in the US, performed several crash tests in 2008 and tested the safety of various ways to transport different pets. Using a car as transportation is always associated with a risk and that is the case for our rabbits as well. We don’t even have to get into an accident to risk the safety of our rabbits; a sudden stop can cause injuries as well. While no safety measures can completely eliminate the risk of injuries or death, there were several things that clearly stood out in their study and some of their results were truly surprising.

Front/Passenger Seat: Placing the carrier on the front seat in any way is dangerous for the pet, because the air bag will open when an accident occurs and destroy or severely dent the carrier while injuring the pet. In case of a full stop, the carrier might get thrown out of the window. Floor of Front/Passenger Seat: While this option is better than the first one, because we are avoiding the airbag, many accidents involve rear-ending the car in front of us. In that case, the pet would likely get fatally injured. Back Seat: The back seat seems like a good place to put the carrier, but the crash test showed that in case of an accident it would get thrown towards the front and could either injure the driver/passenger or go right through the window. Back Seat with Safety Belt: Many carriers come with a little opening in the top that enables us to put a seat belt around it and safely secure it. This sounds like a great option and would prevent the carrier from getting thrown around. However, when the ADAC did the crash test, they found out that the force of the impact was too great for the carrier to uphold. It ended up getting completely destroyed and the animal dummy was thrown out anyway.

A crash at a speed of approximately 30mph; the carrier “secured” on the back seat with a seat belt. Image from ADAC.com

So what is the safest way to transport a pet in a car?

Based on the ADAC’s findings, a carrier made from hard plastic placed behind the passenger seat on the floor is the safest way to transport a pet in the car. The carrier should not be larger than necessary and the longer side of the carrier should be placed perpendicular to the driving direction, so that the pet only gets thrown a very short distance before the walls of the carrier get reached. If the carrier is too big to fit, another option is to drive a car with an open compartment, such as an SUV or station wagon, and lean it against the back of the back seats, with the seat belts fastened to further stabilize the seats.

The safest option: Placing the carrier behind the passenger seat on the floor with the long side touching the seat.

If the pet is too big or there is no room behind the passenger seat, the carrier can also be placed in the open compartment in the back. The carrier touches the back of the seats with the long side and the seat belt is fastened to further stabilize the seats. Bunny’s carrier is available here .

You can view the whole video here (see 1:46) or read about it here . Unfortunately, there was no English translation available, but the images speak for themselves.

When a rabbit is in the car, it is also a good idea to keep the music off or quiet, the temperature steady and comfortable, and drafts away from the carrier. Pre-heat or cool the car before starting any trip and never leave any pet inside a parked car, no matter how mild the temperatures are. Keeping vegetables available helps hydrate those bunnies on a longer trip. Also offer hay at all times.

In the end, everyone has to decide for themselves how to transport their pets, but we hope our research helps make an informed decision.

Tags: adac , approved , best , box , Bunny , car , carrier , crashtest , drive , pet , pets , plastic , rabbit , safe , safest , seat , small , transport , transportation , vehicle Categories: All , General/Other , Grooming & Health

Author: Bunny Approved

This is great! We’re moving cross-country (GA to WA) next year and I’ll need several good carriers for our five buns.

How did your drive go? I am doing the drive this week from ny to ca

[…] We hope this article is helpful and if you have any other tips or ideas, please share in the comments! For safe car transportation ideas, check this article. […]

Thank you so much for this info.

You are great!!

Hi! I know this is really short notice, but i am about to move tomorrow at noon from MS to TX which for me is a 13 hour drive. I’m taking my 11/2 year old rex rabbit with me and I rellu need to know what the highest temp she can be ok in is, and for how long just incase something happens to my AC. Usually the house is kept between 72-77 degrees. Anu tips and advice would be very much appreciated.

I was also wondering what ilI could improvise as a better water bottle for her. Currently I have one of the pet waterers with the metal spout amd call at the end. It leaks bad enough that i have to keep a bowl under it now ( and I don’t want my bunny to be any more stressed than necessary) I need a water bottle solition that wont leave her in a puddle of water.

As I mentioned earlier any advice would be very much appreciated. I might be able to run by tje Co Op or petsence before I leave. Please feel free to call or text 601-248-5608 or email [email protected]

Thank you! Have a nice day! Mytchiko Mckenzie

E-mailed you earlier. Hope you received it!

Just a note I am sorry about the mispelled.words and poor grammer. Ive been doing research on this topic for a few hours, and hit comment without spell check

Hi! Love this information. I’m moving across the country from FL to LA and I am flying. I’m concerned about flying with her for so many hrs. How the altitude will effect her, etc. I need advice!

This is the best article I’ve read on this subject! Since the greater safety of the carrier being placed “sideways” relies on the pet also lying perpendicular to the direction of travel, it’s important to have the carrier small enough that the pet isn’t able to lie down with his nose facing the front of the car. This can be a problem when transporting bonded bunnies, since the carrier has to be big enough to accomodate more than one, which may mean one or more of them will be able to lie in a less safe position.

Can I Take My Rabbit on a Road Trip Safely?

Great news! Whether you're planning a family vacation and want to include your bunny in the fun, or you're moving across the country and need to figure out how to transport a rabbit to your new home, taking your furry family member on the road IS possible.

To help you plan for your next big trip, we're going to break down everything you need to know about taking a road trip with a rabbit, including the safest way to travel with your rabbit, tips for the most enjoyable trip for both you and your rabbit, and when it's best to leave your rabbit at home with a friend, family member, or trusted pet sitter.

Let's get started…

Is it Stressful for Rabbits to Travel?

One of the most important questions we must ask ourselves whenever we consider travelling with a pet is whether travel will bring more stress than it's worth. If your rabbit is going to be stressed and anxious the entire time, they won't be able to enjoy spending this time with you.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Instead, we each need to learn to read our rabbit's body language and recognize when they are uncomfortable in a situation.

The most common signs of stress in rabbits include:

Ears flattened to their back
A rigid, crouched posture
Thumping of hind legs
Restlessness
Lethargy or lower-than-normal energy levels
Loss of appetite or increased appetite
Change in bathroom habits
Loudly grinding their teeth
Wide and bulging eyes
Rapid, shallow breathing
Making frustrated grunting noises
Sudden, unexplained aggressive behavior
Hiding or acting withdrawn
Reluctance to be touched or held
Loss of interest in their favorite activities
Self-mutilation habits (excessive licking, biting, etc.)

Throughout the conditioning process, pay careful attention to your rabbit. If you notice any of the above signs of stress, slow down and avoid moving on to the next step. This may mean, in time, acknowledging that your rabbit isn't comfortable travelling despite your best efforts – and that's okay! Many rabbits are happier relaxing at home and being spoiled by a loved one while you are on vacation.

Can Rabbits Go on Long Car Rides?

Can You Sedate a Rabbit for Travel?

While sedation may sound like the perfect solution, experts don't recommend using sedation before a road trip with your rabbit. It may even have the opposite effect, adding to the problem.

Consider, for a moment, you have a highly anxious rabbit that has been sedated. As you're travelling, that sedation starts to wear off. As your rabbit starts to come to, they will be in a foggy state of mind, which can cause more confusion, making them more nervous as they try to figure out what they are experiencing. Then, as their mind starts to clear up, they recognize that they are in a situation that has proven to be stressful in the past. Not only will this make the current trip more stressful, but it sets the stage for your rabbit to associate fear and anxiety with the idea of travelling in the future.

Additionally, there is the risk that sedation can have unwanted side effects, including affecting your rabbit's ability to breathe.

If you must road trip with a rabbit that isn't comfortable in the vehicle, such as an upcoming long-distance move, make an appointment with your veterinarian. This will allow you to express your concerns, discuss your options, and find a solution under a professional's knowledgeable care and watchful eye.

How to Travel with a Rabbit Safely: X Tips

Schedule a vet checkup.

Plan Your Trip Well in Advance

Many travel lovers enjoy hopping in the car and heading out on the road with no plan, trusting that the road will take them somewhere exciting and it will all work out somehow. This is great if it's just you and your spouse, but it doesn't work well if your rabbit is joining in on the adventure. Instead, take the time to sit down and plan out where you are going, what breaks you will be taking, and what is waiting for you when you arrive at your destination. Take note of any small animal veterinarians along your travel route, including their location and contact information. This will make it easier to find help in an emergency.

This allows you to predict any potential setbacks or problems that you may encounter and prepare to manage those situations accordingly.

Pack a Fully Stocked First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is an essential element whenever you are traveling, even if it's just you on a solo adventure. Of course, your first aid kit isn't going to be much good if you don't take the time to check that it's fully stocked before heading out on your journey. For those of us adventuring with a furry friend, this means packing some specialized items to address the unique challenges our pets may face.

Some supplies you may want to add to your first aid kit for traveling with a rabbit include:

A few days' worth of extra food pellets
A box of hay
A heating pad
Critical Care powdered formula
Feeding syringes
Gas drops, like simethicone
Fresh leafy greens
Small pet nail clippers
Styptic powder
Any medication your rabbit is currently taking

Purchase a Pet Carrier

What is the safest way to travel with a rabbit? Unlike humans and larger dogs, you can't secure your rabbit properly using a seatbelt. Instead, secure your rabbit safely in a travel carrier . This will prevent them from being thrown in the event of an accident. To keep the carrier from moving during travels, use the seatbelt to hold it firmly in place on the seat.

Line the Carrier with a Pee Pad

Adding a puppy pee pad to the bottom of your bunny travel carrier can make cleanup far easier if your rabbit has an accident during travel. You can use a low-cost, disposable pee pad that can be quickly disposed of wherever your travels take you or, if you're more concerned about your impact on the environment, there are reusable pee pads that you will bring home and wash after your trip.

Include Items with Familiar Scents

Consider Draping a Blanket Over Your Rabbit Travel Carrier

Avoid Playing Loud Music

One thing often associated with a successful road trip is a killer playlist – but you must pay careful attention to the volume of your music during your travels. Loud music can contribute to your rabbit's stress levels, worsening a difficult situation. This doesn't mean you must avoid playing your favorite tunes. Just keep the volume down.

Final Thoughts: Road Trip with a Rabbit

Traveling with a pet can be stressful, especially if it's a pet that doesn't usually join you for road trips and vacations. But this doesn't mean you can't set your rabbit up for a safe and enjoyable trip. The most important thing you can do when considering a road trip with a rabbit is to take the time to plan out the various elements of your travels well in advance, including setting up your rabbit's travel carrier, identifying places to stop along the route, ensuring you have a list of small animal veterinarians in the event of an emergency, and more.

We can't control everything that happens, especially when on the road or visiting somewhere new. However, we can identify potential complications or challenges and ensure that we are ready to take them in stride. This will significantly increase the chance of your trip being enjoyable for both you and your furry best friend.

can i take my rabbit on a road trip safely, Photo credit Dmitry Dven Shutterstock com

The Travel Bunny

Budget travel blog • Travel more, worry less

10 road trip tricks to know before you go

Road trips are like a rite of passage for everyone. Whether you’re heading to college with your best friend and roomie or taking the kids to see their long-lost relatives, a road trip can create so many great memories. But before you pack your bags and hit the highway, it’s important to put some thought and planning behind the journey. Getting itchy feet? Here are 10 road trip tricks to know before you go.!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, The Travel Bunny will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you!

1. Pack a cooler

Pack loads of refreshments and snacks in your cooler, even some pre-made lunches, and dinners if you want. But make sure to keep everything from spoiling with plenty of ice. One of the best road trip tricks isn’t a trick at all. It’s simple to buy high-quality hard coolers that can hold ice for up to 10 days on the road. When you know how to pack a cooler properly, everything inside will last longer.

2. Inspect your vehicle

Before you even consider taking a road trip for hundreds of miles or more, have your vehicle inspected by a reliable mechanic. Do so approximately a week or so before leaving, having them check everything from the car’s fluid levels to the brakes. Have them check the tire levels (even the spare). More than this, however, is to carry along a pair of jumper cables and to know how to change your own tire.

In addition, bring along a first aid kit and some emergency tools for the road. For example, a flashlight can help you signal roadside assistance on a busy, dark highway.

3. Keep a tidy car

Keep a tidy car and designate a place for everything. Clean the interior from top to bottom with a Shop-Vac and then take it to the car wash. With the dog hair removed, candy wrappers away, and the center console as empty as the day you first bought the car, you’ll feel better and have space for necessary road trip items.

4. Get off the highways

Taking the side streets is a great way to bypass heavy traffic and see a different town. However, only do this if you have the time and nowhere to be. Traveling off the highway, as you might imagine, will be slower but allow you to see parts of the countryside you wouldn’t typically experience.

Still, what you want to avoid is the boring bits like “blue highways” that are only miles of strip malls. So instead, check road maps for the small red dots that indicate scenic routes or use an app like Roadtrippers to see some off-beat Americana roadside attractions when you use this road trip trick.

5. Schedule scenic routes accordingly

Are you getting off the highway to enjoy one of these scenic routes on your map? Don’t underestimate the time it will take you. For example, when you take the Blue Ridge Parkway, follow this road trip trick and take notice of the distance between each exit.

Peak seasons play a role in this, too. Slow-driving foliage peepers will undoubtedly take their time enjoying the colorful mountain scenery. While it’s a stunning view, driving a scenic route when you’re in a hurry can be maddening.

6. Be mindful of rush hours and holidays

If you can, try to avoid rush hours, especially when traveling around a major city. Follow this road trip trick and use the time to grab a quick breakfast or pull off for an early dinner . On the same lines, be mindful of holiday weekends when everyone is in a mad rush to either (a) get home or (b) get on the road for vacation.

7. Preload your playlists

Unless you want to take your chances with the local radio stations, preload and download your playlists for the road. When you sign up for a streaming service like Spotify, create a road trip-inspired playlist and download it, just in case the LTE is spotty. Prefer listening to podcasts or audiobooks? Download those, too.

Part of the same road trip trick, it helps to download your favorite shows and movies. This is especially true for families taking a road trip with kids. There are only so many hours of “I Spy” a kid can play. Instead, allow passengers to put their earbuds in and zone out for a while on the long journey.

For all of your personal electronic devices, make sure to bring plenty of chargers and extra USB adapters for the car.

Renting a car? Double-check and find out what technology or power outlet it offers. Modern vehicles come with Bluetooth, but older models might require something different.

8. Assign passengers tasks

Assign each passenger a task, preferably one they excel at. For example, if someone is good at navigation, ask them to be in charge of maps and getting from Point A to Point B. If someone has good taste in music, let them be the DJ. Another essential task is meal planning. For this, you could assign a foodie to Yelp to find the best restaurant in town or to create on-the-go sandwiches for the road. When you divvy up the tasks following this road trip trick, everyone can feel like they’ve contributed, making a road trip less stressful.

9. Sign up for an emergency roadside service

Getting stranded on the side of the road can ruin any trip. So before you pack the car and go, make sure you have a backup plan. First, check with your car insurance provider to see what is covered. If you discover it’s not sufficient for a long road trip, it’s a wise idea to sign up for an extra roadside assistance service like AAA. When you blow a tire or need a tow, they can come out right away if you follow this road trip trick.

10. Take a rental car

Routine service is one advantage a rental car offers. Rental cars are serviced more frequently, so you can rest assured there will be few issues. And if there is, the rental agency will help you out, replacing your vehicle so you can enjoy the rest of your trip. With this road trip trick, you’re not putting miles on your own vehicle.

Use Qeeq.com to search, compare, and hire cars worldwide:

Featured image source: Krivosheev Vitaly /Shutterstock.com

About the author

Mirela Letailleur is a Romanian travel blogger living in the South of France. She writes on The Travel Bunny travel blog about affordable travel in Europe, creator of unique free travel guides, local travel expert. Problem solver. Wannabe coffee guru.

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IMAGES

HOW TO TRAVEL BY CAR WITH RABBITS
15 Tips for Safe Car Travel with a Rabbit
RABBIT ROAD TRIP! (how to take your rabbit on a long car ride)
Bunny Road Trip Clip Art
Bunny Road Trip Clip Art
How To Travel With Your Bunny in the Car

COMMENTS

Ultimate Guide to a Bunny-Friendly Road Trip: Tips and Essentials
Wire cages can also damage your car's seats; place a sturdy rug or bathmat beneath them so they don't. Drape the cage with towels or blankets so that the bunny will feel safer. In either case, surround your rabbits with soft things, especially familiar plush toys or clean towels.
15 Tips for Safe Car Travel with a Rabbit
This can absorb some of the vibrations and make the ride less stressful for your rabbit. 7. Keep the car cool. Because of their fur coats, rabbits can easily become overheated. This means there is an increased risk of your rabbit developing heat stroke since cars tend to collect heat even in mild weather.
How to Travel With a Rabbit in a Car
Allow your rabbit to get used to the carrier before the car ride by following a few steps. First, allow them to explore the carrier on their own. Place it on the floor during playtime and put a few favorite treats inside on top of a towel. After a while, gently put your rabbit in the carrier for a few minutes at a time with their favorite treat ...
Traveling With A Rabbit: Complete Guide for Safe Car Travel!
How to Travel With a Rabbit. Research and purchase the best rabbit travel carrier. Get your rabbit accustomed to the carrier. Prepare everyday and emergency supplies to bring. Position the rabbit in the best place in the car. Take a 1-2 hour break for every 8 hours of travel. Watch for signs of distress.
Traveling in a Car With Your Bunny
To make the trip more comfortable for your bunny make sure the temperature inside the car is moderate and never leave your bunny in the car when you are not there as the temperature can change inside rapidly. Make sure your bunny is secure. Remember bunnies lose heat through their ears so if it starts getting hot open the window to let a breeze ...
Can I Take My Rabbit on a Road Trip Safely?
When planning your road trip route, account for regular breaks. This is your opportunity to offer your bunny fresh water and a snack. If you litter-trained your rabbit, give them time to use the box before hitting the road again. If not, you can harness your rabbit and take them into the grass to do their business.
How to Travel with your Rabbit in a Car [Ultimate Guide]
During the car journey check up on your bunny often. ... Be sure to get an appropriate travel cage for your bunny weeks before your planned road trip. This way, you can make sure your rabbit feels safe and secure in its travel home. Furthermore, ensure that the car is bunny-safe and remains cooler than 23ºC / 75º at all times. ...
Travel With A Rabbit In The Car · Hobby Farm Heaven
For this reason, ALWAYS cool down the car before placing your rabbit inside and place your rabbit's carrier in a shaded, but well ventilated, spot inside the car. This will help them remain calm and cool during the trip! Introduction The Bunny To The Car SLOWLY. Once your rabbit feels comfortable in their carrier, it is time to introduce them ...
The Complete Guide to Traveling with Your Bunny
Tips on Staying Away from Home with Your Bunny. Taking your bunny on holiday with you is quite easy and fun if you know how. Follow this guide to see how it is done. Traveling in a Car With Your Bunny. If you are taking your bunny a long distance in your car then follow this guide to planning a road trip with your bunny.
How to Travel with a Rabbit: 11 Expert Tips & Tricks
The 11 Tips for Travelling with a Rabbit. 1. Pick the Right Carrier. Image Credit: Shadura Andrey, Shutterstock. Choosing the right carrier for your rabbit to travel in is essential. Too large of a carrier will put your rabbit at risk of injury if there were to be a sudden stop or even a car accident.
How To Travel With a Rabbit
Cool Your Vehicle Down Before Putting Your Rabbit in the Car. If you are traveling by car, make things as comfortable as you can for your rabbit before putting them in the car. Cool the vehicle down before putting their carrier inside. Travel will stress your rabbit out; don't make it worse by putting them in a hot car.
Road Trip
You can view the whole video here (see 1:46) or read about it here.Unfortunately, there was no English translation available, but the images speak for themselves. When a rabbit is in the car, it is also a good idea to keep the music off or quiet, the temperature steady and comfortable, and drafts away from the carrier.
Can I Take My Rabbit on a Road Trip Safely?
When planning your road trip route, account for regular breaks. This is your opportunity to offer your bunny fresh water and a snack. If you litter-trained your rabbit , give them time to use the ...
RABBIT ROAD TRIP! (how to take your rabbit on a long car ride)
Hello Buns! Welcome to Cinnabun Sundays, a weekly video series where we talk about all things bunny. We are road tripping today! I took Cinnabun to the beach...
Tips for a 5-6 ish hour bunny road trip? the thought ...
I put a couple drops of lavender essential oil on the towel or blanket in his carrier to help calm him down. You can also get botanical supplements on Etsy specifically for rabbits to help calm them. I also stop every 1.5-2 hours and take him out to eat and drink and use his litter box. My rabbit absolutely hates the car but I've seen rabbits ...
Roadtrip tips appreciated : r/Rabbits
Hey everyone! I am looking for any road trip tips that you have for traveling with a bunny. My boyfriend and I are relocating from Texas to Connecticut, which is about a 24-hour drive. We plan on splitting the trip over 2-3 days and staying at pet-friendly hotels. This is my first road trip with my bunny. He is a 2-year-old holland lop.
How to Pack for a Trip with Rabbits! Bunny Road Trip Part. 1
Free-roam house rabbits, Cinnamon and Morty are going on a road trip! CB has traveled few times in the past, but this is Morty's first time! In this video, w...
long road trip with rabbits
603 posts. 14 hours is a very long time for rabbits to be in the car, I would recommend giving them time outside of the carrier to at least feed them, and they most likely won't take any food, so most people recommend giving water and food with a syringe. I would also give them some break time to use the litter box and such.
Road-trip with Bunny : r/Bunnies
22 votes, 10 comments. So I am going to go on a road-trip with my rabbit since they are not allowed on airlines. I am very nervous since it's a 2 day…
Bunny's First Road Trip
We took a road trip with bunny; 4 states in 7 days. We decided not to take her buttons this time because, we were going to be doing a lot of camping and we c...
10 road trip tricks to know before you go
10. Take a rental car. About the author. 1. Pack a cooler. Pack loads of refreshments and snacks in your cooler, even some pre-made lunches, and dinners if you want. But make sure to keep everything from spoiling with plenty of ice. One of the best road trip tricks isn't a trick at all.
ROAD TRIP WITH A RABBIT?
Road trip with a rabbit?Who would've thought? Palm Springs here we come! FOLLOW US Lennon's instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lennonthebunny Lorelei's...
Road Trip Planner
Keep exploring with the Roadtrippers mobile apps. Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you when you hit the road! Plan your next trip, find amazing places, and take fascinating detours with the #1 trip planner. Every trip is a road trip.

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15 Tips for Safe Car Travel with a Rabbit

1. Make a plan ahead of time

2. Get an appropriate carrier for your rabbit

The safest carriers

3. Put together an emergency travel kit

4. Pack an enclosure and supplies

5. Offer extra water

6. Secure the carrier in the car

7. Keep the car cool

8. Avoid loud music and radio

9. Plan for frequent pit stops

10. Keep fresh greens available

11. Comfort your rabbit

12. Watch for health concerns

13. Pack cleaning supplies

14. Plan for any overnight accommodations

15. Look up rabbit veterinarians

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1 – Prepare the Carrier.

2 – Preheat or Cool the Car.

3 – Position the Carrier in a Safe, Comfortable Location in the Car.

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5 – Take Strategic Breaks

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Can I Take My Rabbit on a Road Trip Safely?

Is it Stressful for Rabbits to Travel?

Can Rabbits Go on Long Car Rides?

Can You Sedate a Rabbit for Travel?

How to Travel with a Rabbit Safely: X Tips

Plan Your Trip Well in Advance

Pack a Fully Stocked First Aid Kit

Purchase a Pet Carrier

Line the Carrier with a Pee Pad

Include Items with Familiar Scents

Consider Draping a Blanket Over Your Rabbit Travel Carrier

Avoid Playing Loud Music

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