Bunnies on a plane

[kelbel]

i have 2 house rabbits which I am head over heels in love with. I may be moving abroad for 1-2 years and would LOVE to take them with me. I live in the UK and we’d be moving to Canada. My options are to leave them with someone i know for 2 years or rake them with me. It breaks me heart to think about leaving them. However, i would never put them through something that would harm or kill them.

Has anyone had any experiences with bunnies on a plane? I would find a flight that allowed them to be in the cabin with me etc. I just don’t want them to die mid flight or die afterwards from fright! Any advice/tips?

Kelbel xx

[Mocha]

This is a late reply, but i’ll post anyway.

I would never take my rabbits on a plane. It’s too risky. They’re already terrified of short car rides, and it would be cruel for me to put them through that. I would leave them with a friend.

[jayne fine]

it seems pretty extreme to me for a rabbit to die mid-flight/afterwards from fright.  I don’t think it would be the most pleasant experience for them but if I was going to move abroad short-term there’s a good chance I’d take my rabbit with me.

I’m a college student and have to go between school and home a few times a year- beginning and end as well as two or three long breaks (2-4 weeks).  A few times she had to come with me home and then back, a 10ish hour bus ride each way in a small crate under a bus seat (never was sure whether she was allowed on the bus so I had to sort of hide her).  She was always a little unhappy for the few days after the trip each way but it didn’t really phase her.

You might have trouble with customs and health stuff getting them into the country, though, not sure how difficult that is in places other than the US.

[BelarusianBunny]

I moved with my two rabbits (who have both since passed) from Belarus.  We knew we were moving permanently so taking the rabbits was a no brainer.  There is a lot of research and consultation that goes into the process.  I would stress that it is understandable for long term moves but if someone plans to be abroad for a few months or a short period, it would be best to leave the rabbits at home with somebody.  In short term moves, I just think it is really hard to expect to make a rabbit take an extremely long flight only to make it do it again in a few months.  However, 1 to 2 years between incoming/outgoing flights is doable.

Firstly, as I am sure you know, you must research what are the entry requirements for a rabbit into your destination country.  Following that, you must find an airline that allows rabbits in the cabin.  Not all airlines allow it and can be very strict with their regulations.  Finding a flight can be the most difficult process (well, besides the actual flight) so make sure you give it a lot of time.  Call the airline as well to discuss their policies and make sure 110% (even get them in writing, or letter form) that the rabbits can fly in the cabin.  You’ll encounter extra charges for a rabbit up in the cabin but it usually isn’t astronomical.  Talk with your veterinarian (obviously a rabbit savvy one!) about completing health certificates as well as if any sedatives can be given on the day of the flight to ease the rabbits’ stress.  My two rabbits were very laid back but I made sure I was prepared.  Find out the carrier size limitations as well as how you can make their airline carrier “rabbit friendly”.  In your carry on bag, you’ll need rabbit supplies if they are up in the cabin with you.  (Just food/pellets, obviously, no greens.)

My rabbits handled it alright.  After the move, they lived on to old age.  It is stressful on rabbits, no doubt.  That’s why I stress for long term moves, it is permissible.  Short term moves, I wouldn’t suggest it.  Sometimes we have to think what is best for the rabbit’s wellbeing and not what makes “us” feel good.  I “think” you could get away with 1 or 2 years.   

Hope that helps.

[Canada_bun]

I second BB – if it’s a permanent migration situation, you definitely want to take them with you considering you love them a lot but I also understand everyone else’s perspective – it depends on the bun!

Here is a list of bun-friendly airlines

And the House Rabbit Society has a post on the subject! They know better than me so here it is 

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