I used a plastic carrier with the wire front to transport Bumpy when I brought him home.  He was put in the backseat, turned sideways with the wire front facing facing the middle, so he could see me.  He didn’t bother to look.

But… I’ve yet to actually get him to the vet as of today.   My husband, who DOES like the rabbit, still isn’t sold on taking him to one when nothing is wrong with him.  One of the main issues is our vet (3 miles away) doesn’t really treat rabbits.  The 3 closest hospitals that DO have rabbit savvy vets are all 2- 2 1/2 hrs away.  I do plan on having him neutered in the near future, irregardless of the hubby’s let’s-wait-and-see-if-he-sprays-where-he-isn’t-supposed-to attitude.    But to be perfectly honest, I’m terrified of having to take him on such long car rides.

Two of the three vets want me to either bring him in for initial visit and blood workup, and then bring him the next day for the neuter.  That’s 8-10hrs riding time!  It seems like it would be a very long time for him.  The 3rd vet said because of the distance, that bringing him in first thing in the morning and them doing a check and, provided everything is fine, do the neuter and letting me pick him up before they close would be an acceptable option.  The 3rd vet was also recommended to me by a vet who I worked with and trust 110%.  On top of that, the 3rd vet is also in my old hometown, so I could keep myself occupied for those hours he would be in the hospital.  Needless to say, this vet is seeming the most ideal option for me.

I am still concerned about the time in the carrier, though.  When we brought him home, he did eat some hay while riding, so he didn’t seem too stressed about it.  But it was only about a 30min ride.  For a two hour ride, wouldn’t I need to consider water as well?  His water bottle would likely drip, should I just put in a lot of bedding to absorb it?  What do you all do for extended car rides?

He also grooms himself a lot.  I’m not sure if it’s the average amount of grooming a rabbit does, or if it’s excessive amounts. lol  But I’m thinking with the distance to get to the vet, bringing home an e-collar would probably be a good idea, just in case.  With being drowsy from the anesthesia, do you think I could get away with NOT having him wear it in the crate?  Or should I go with the old adage: An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure?  I do tend to worry excessively… so I’m not sure if I’m being properly cautious or going overboard with paranoia.