Flying home over Christmas

[Namy]

Hey everyone, my boyfriend and I are both students in Los Angeles and adopted our bunny a few months ago. We both have family on the east coast and will be flying home for about 3-4 weeks over Christmas. 

Originally I was thinking I could keep her with a friend, but it’s a long time and all of my friends will be gone for at least part of the time I’ll be away. I only know of a couple of bunny boarding services in the LA area that I hear book up fast, and we’re on a budget so I’m worried about paying for that long of a board. Hiring a pet sitter is another option, but is also really costly for that long of a stretch and I’m worried she’ll get lonely and/or that the apartment will get too cold for her, etc. I’m just really nervous about leaving her. 

So my other option is to fly her with me. I’m likely flying Continental (will be booking in the next week or so) and I know they allow bunnies as carry-ons with you in the cabin. I would be taking her home to my parents’ house and she would be staying there for the duration of the trip. However, I hear so many horrible warnings about flying with bunnies that I’m now a little nervous to do so. 

Has anyone else been in this situation? What are your suggestions? Does anyone have experience flying with their bunnies? Thanks!

[LongEaredLions]

You could leave her with me! (I wish!)
I would think about the pros and cons of each(although I am sure you have already done that) and go from there.

Leaving her at home:
Pros:
Bunny in a familiar environment
Less stressful for bunny
Cons:
Sitter may not know how to care for bunny very well
She may get lonely
Expense

Taking her along
Pros:
You can continue her normal care and can watch her well
She wont be lonely
cheap
Cons:
stressful for bunny

If you choose to take her with you, I wound find out:
What will her setup be like at the family’s home?
Are there small children/other pets that could be dangerous to bunny?
Where is the nearest exotic vet to where you are staying?
Will family coop with her Hay/litterbox/floortime?

Either way, I would go for a “well bunny” checkup before vacation to ensure she has no conditions that could causes issues.

Sorry if this wasn’t any help/just gave you more to think about, I have never personally traveled with my bunnies. Hopefully another member with more experience will give you a more definite opinion on what to do. You are doing a great job to think about this early, a and I hope you have a great trip!

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