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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Travelling with rabbits internationally

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    • Sydneyfinch
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        Hi guys,

        I know that there have been similar topic threads in the past but i wanted to throw this question out there so that I could get the most up to date information. I currently live in Sydney, Australia and own a pair of rabbits. Between October 2017 and March 2018 I will be permanently moving back to Europe.

        I am currently trying to figure out which option is best for my rabbits, to find a good home for them here in Australia and leave them behind or bring them with me. My preference is to bring them with me as I’m not comfortable that I would be able able to find them a suitable replacement home, I hate the idea that they could end up in a small cage with little interaction. They are currently house rabbits with free access around the house when I am home and the rest of the time they have an entire room as their “home enclosure”. However the journey is around 24 hours and I know would be very stressful, I’m not sure if I am just being selfish if I were to take them on this trip. 

        To help make the decision I am currently trying to look through the logistics of taking my rabbits on a long international flight. My preference would be to have them travel in a cabin with me but from the research I have done so far this is looking quite unlikely and they may be forced to make the journey in cargo. I am currently thinking that if cargo is my only option that that would be a deal breaker for me and I couldn’t justify taking them this way. 

        Has anyone had any experience with flying their rabbits in cargo on a long flight (12 hours plus) or better yet been able to travel with their rabbit in the cabin on an international flight?

        I would be very interested to hear about anyone’s experience travelling with their rabbits on long international flights, particularly if they have made a similar to trip to what I will be making. 

        I am currently looking for a vet who may have had some experience with rabbits travelling on long journey to check my pair out and see if they have any useful information. 

        Thank you for any assistance, 

        Lisa  


      • Sydneyfinch
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        18 posts Send Private Message

          I’m so sorry, I didn’t realise there was already a very similar thread started just a couple below mine.


        • jerseygirl
          Moderator
          22338 posts Send Private Message

            I myself don’t know of anyone that has travelled out of Australia with rabbits. I don’t think we have any airlines that will allow them in cabin for just domestic flights even. 

            Maybe Richard Branson would have been better off focussing on a international pet airline then a space program. 

            From what I understand, the cargo area for pets has an attendant, is air conditioned and the air suitably pressurised?

            Would you be able to fly a leg out of Australia with them in cargo, then transfer them into cabin at a stop over??
            I was aware of a few airlines (from House Rabbit Society) that allowed it but I think recently there may have been changes, so it’s becoming harder to find airlines that will allow it.

            Regarding rehoming them, I’ll ask a few of our Aus members here if they know of groups where you could start putting some feelers out for potential home for them. Are you a member of any rabbit facebook groups at all?

            It’s good that you have some time before the move to work out the best solution.
            I wish you the very best of luck! It must be consuming a lot of your thoughts. Im sorry I couldn’t be of more help.


          • Azerane
            Moderator
            4688 posts Send Private Message

              Hi Lisa, in terms of Facebook groups as suggested by Jerseygirl, I believe I already saw your post on one, but there’s also Australian Rabbit Owners, and Australian Bunny Carers and Friends. In terms of rehoming, the Rabbit Rescue Sanctuary or I think Charlotte’s Rescue are both in NSW. I imagine that either one or both of them would allow you to specify that they be rehomed to an indoor only home if that’s the way you wanted to go.

              I wouldn’t have a clue regarding flying. Train them to use a water bottle if they’re not familiar with it, and put lots of hay in the carrier (destination permitting).

              Have you considered a pet transport company? Extra money but I think likely worth the added cost knowing that they design the itinerary especially for your pet and I think they organise all the paperwork for you. I know of one called JetPets that does international transport to and from Aus, but there are probably many more. http://www.jetpets.com.au

              How old are your rabbits? Age may play a part in deciding whether or not they’ll be alright with such long distance travelling. I know in other countries rabbits are flown quite often, when you think about breeders sending rabbits to each other etc. These flights are obviously much shorter, but it can be done. I’m not sure if there’s a required quarantine period for your destination, but I have also heard sometimes of doing quarantine periods before leaving the country, so your rabbit would be in a facility in Aus for say 30 days prior to the flight, which may be better than 30 days after. But I think that largely depends on where you’re going and the species.


            • jerseygirl
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                Ooh! Didn’t know JetPets did International transport.

                Regarding Quarantines, I do wonder if the situation would be better re-entering the UK?  As they already have myxomatosis and calici viruses that we have here. Where as it may be more stricter or a longer quarantine period for Canada. 


              • Azerane
                Moderator
                4688 posts Send Private Message

                  I think they only introduced it a little while back. They were Australia only for a while.

                  Actually, just after a super quick google search, I think you may have a little more trouble than there previously would have been. There is no quarantine period when importing a rabbit to the UK from another country in the European Union (which meant you may have been able to transport to elsewhere in EU than hop on over to the UK no problem). However given that they just voted to leave the EUnion, I’m guessing that option will no longer apply shortly and a mandatory 4 month quarantine period will apply. See here: https://www.gov.uk/bringing-food-animals-plants-into-uk


                • Roberta
                  Participant
                  4355 posts Send Private Message

                    Hi Sydneyfinch, I think I saw a post on Facebook that may have been yours. You could check out Australian Rabbit Network, Australian Rabbit Owners etc. Depending on what state you are in there are other groups too.


                  • Cinnabunn the bunny
                    Participant
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                      I know recently some airlines have allowed ESA (emotional support animals) in the cabin with you. Try do some investigation into that. I’ve honestly heard too many horror stories of pets flying in cargo to make me feel comfortable but try see if maybe you could get plenty of layovers for your buns if you do plan to fly with them. I also know that you should look into what types of shots or even if they will even allow a bunny to travel internationally since disease vectors is such a huge thing and some places don’t want you to introduce that. Sorry I’m not too much help but hope it works out for you and your bunns

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                  Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Travelling with rabbits internationally