Drive or fly cross country? Having second thoughts…

[DanaNM]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been very nervous about making our move from CA to MA with the bunnies, and now with all the insane storms I am even more nervous.

It would be about 7 days of driving (8-9 hours per day) with staying in motels, vs. basically a full 12 hour day of traveling if we fly (prob 4 hours driving total too and from airports, 9 hour trip cross country including a 2 hour layover).

One of us would need to make a second trip if we fly to get our cat. We would also probably need to ship our gecko overnight, because most airlines don’t allow reptiles, but people ship reptiles all the time and they usually handle it well.

I am really worried that if one bunny gets overly stressed driving… then we get stuck and still need to keep driving. If we fly and one gets stressed, at least it’s over that day and that’s it. But is the stress of flying so much worse that they could have a heart attack? I feel like when I see people talking about flying and rabbits being bad it’s mostly about riding in cargo… but we would have them in the cabin with us.

What do you all think? Any personal experiences with this?

For context, we have 4 bunnies. All are healthy but one is 12, so I’m especially worried about him. He does not like the car at all, but will eat about an hour or two after the drive is over.

 

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Susanne]

That’s a tough call.  I feel the quick way may be better than days of driving, but probably depends on what issues you could run into at the airport or delays. I think in the cabin makes it feasible, do you have a carrier you could maybe put padding around to keep out some light and noise? If it were mine, I’d prefer the flying route but have zero experience just basing off how much a couple hours in a car affects them.

[Wick & Fable]

I would double-check that all four could be with you when flying. Regulations change often.

Re: driving, you have more control in that you can better manage if things are going wrong. Car transport is important I’m sure, but something that might be helpful is investing in a spacious rental you can set-up might make the ride easier?

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[DanaNM]

Just spoke to our vet, and she thinks driving will be better, so sticking with driving!

You are right about control and being able to stop when needed. We actually already have a minivan rented so we will have more space and be more comfortable. The vet brought up that getting stranded at an airport with the bunnies would be horrible, which I hadn’t considered. She’s going to set us up with extra sub q fluids, pain meds, etc. in case we need them. She also said that the bunnies and cat can all have gabapentin if needed for the stress.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Susanne]

Sounds like a good plan and I’m sure everyone will be fine. Are you driving through Cincinnati?

[DanaNM]

Current plan is through Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, Tennessee, and then up to Mass. I think the original route we planned was more northern, but we shifted it south try to have better weather! Bonus was visiting friends in Tennessee. 🙂

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Susanne]

Great reasons to do the southern route!

[Author]

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