Hi everyone, I'm new, actually I just registered because I don't know what to do.... Two months ago me and my mom had a fight, I slammed the door of my room and locked myself for hours. I slept all afternoon. In the evening someone knocked on my door, I got up from bed and opened the door, there was this cage with a sorry note from my mom, and there he was, the most beautiful creature I had ever seen, my baby, Rufus. I love him to bits, I can't imagine my life without him. Such a curious, lazy bunny. After a week in his new home he got really sick, he almost died, he had a very painful UTI/Sludge and almost entered in gi stasis. He wouldn't eat, wouldn't drink, wouldn't move. I felt so helpless and guilty, I did all my best, researched day and night, he got so skinny, I barely slept just to make sure he was alive. Cutting the story short, he got well, he is now healthy and he has gained almost all his weight back.  Now, I'm going back home after 6 years, my flight is on the 22nd. Sadly, no matter how much it hurts me, he has to go in the cargo hold, there is no other way, I am traveling with Qatar Airways from the Philippines to Spain, it's a very very long journey, and the airline wont let me take him in the cabin, only dogs can go in the cabin and only if they are service dogs and only if the flight is from or to the states. I tried the "emotional support animal" route, but they said that it is not possible (again only dogs), he must go in the cargo hold. Leaving him behind is not an option. And i'm so scared, I just can't stop crying, I'm trying to stay positive, but I'm breaking down. I would be devastated if something happened to him, and as the days pass the more I freak out.. Sorry, I just needed to tell someone, as my friends don't really understand my love for Rufus, they think I'm paranoid and that I'm over reacting.... 

I suppose dressing her in Booties, Bonnet and a Onesie and declaring her as a "Babe in Arms" is out of the question ?

Just looked online and flights seem to average between 14 -17 hrs.

With a good travel case and water bottles etc water supply ect shouldn't be a problem. I'm with the others, see the vet about possible pre flight sedatives or try to get a letter from your vet that may convince the airline to let her travel with you.

Hi thanks for replying guys!

@Elizabeth Paige  I did ask the vet, but he said it's not safe to give him sedatives, and the airline will not let any animal board under sedation. Thanks for the stuff toy thing, i'm cuddling it as of now

@Tobyluv Sadly no, there are like only two  airlines that fly to Spain from here and those are Turkish airlines and Qatar, I heard some horror stories of the animal cargo of Turkish airlines, so we chose qatar. 

@Kokaneeandkahlua  The flight is not direct. Manila to Doha 9 hours, then a 4 hour layover at Doha, then Doha to Madrid 7 hours. Carrier is airline approved, it is big enough for him to move around and small enough for him not to get hurt because of turbulation etc.

@Roberta, I hope so, I did try the letter thing, the airline still said that no animals other than service dogs and falcons(business class) are allowed in the cabin.

@Beka27 Sorry it wasn't clear but I'm relocating back, that's why I can't leave him because I'm moving back for good.

I'm also scare of heat stroke, weather at doha is extremely hot from what I've read, and I'm scared that he might be left on the tarmac for too long while on the layover. 

i understand your concern. I would feel the same way. I am so sorry. You've gotten some good advice so far.  

Since your bunny will be peeing in the carrier, try to see if you can get a pee pad or some sort of absorbency litter options, underneath a blanket, so it could help wick away the urine.

Along with the note that says "Live Animal" on the carrier, you could add "Animal Sensitive to high temperatures", maybe that would give the extra nudge to pay attention when you get where it's hot.  

During the layover, will you be allowed to check on your bunny?

I will keep the 22nd in mind and send positive thoughts. Though with the time zone difference, I will have to start sending positive thoughts and vibes on the evening of the 21st here. When you get settled in, please be sure to come back to the forum and let us know how it went.