How to travel Internationally with rabbit (US to UK?)

[Cassie119300]

Hello

I am having a very difficult to impossible time finding any type of airline that will allow me to take my rabbit in the cabin with me on a flight from the USA to the UK. My fiancé and I plan to begin our fiancé visa for me to move permanently to the UK within the next 6 months. I have a large rabbit who is free roaming in my bedroom currently (I live at home with my parents) and the thought of A.) Leaving her her with my parents seems very very sad  to me (she is unspayed and usually hops up on my bed with me and everything) as well as the idea of rehoming her assuming I could even find someone around my area that would give her a good life. I never got her spayed as… well, the vets around my area have a horrible reputation for this and are not very knowledgeable. She has already been rehomed twice. ( I am the third home) I took her in as my sister who to be honest does not care for rabbits very well said she was going to take her if I didn’t (after I just lost my prior rabbit) So I said no way and took her in about 7 months ago. Also around my area good vets are very limited… I would need to travel an hour or two out to even find one. I have contacted Cunard cruise lines for the queen mary 2 to see if it would even be possible to bring her this way as there are very strict requirements. I have been looking at flights from Syracuse, NY or JFK,NY to the United Kingdom… but to no avail. So I am really stuck in a bad situation here and am at a loss with what is the right thing to do. I know here she may not have the best access to care and vet’s… if she were with me she will (provided I can even get her to the UK with me) then get through the 4 month quarantine. As a last resort (rehoming) which may be fairer than her staying here with my mom who said she will do her best to provide her company (and where I frequently call to check in on video chats) still seems selfish to me… and not in her best interests. I am not sure however around where I live (Binghamton NY  or Syracuse NY) area where I could find a home where someone would let her live in the house and so forth and take good care of her.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[LBJ10]

United allows pets in a carrier that fits under the seat within the continental US. I don’t know about international flights.

 

ETA: Maybe this will help? https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Rabbit-friendly_airlines

[sarahdaiisy]

Maybe try and call into some of the listed airlines below and see if they allow rabbits onto international flights to the UK? I’m not sure if all of these airlines fly towards the UK, however, I think it’s best to look into it and give it a shot.

7 Airlines That Allow Rabbits in Cabins [2022 Guidelines]

[Cassie119300]

Thank you LBJ10 and sarah daiisy, I looked into both of the links posted. Unfortunately no matter which of the very few airlines that will accepts rabbits (in cabin) the real issue is that, any flight regardless of where it’s coming into the United Kingdom from, will not allow any rabbit or even cat or dog in the cabin, cargo only which.. for our bun’s is a huge no. It’s due to the very strict rules. At first West Jet was looking promising until you read on to the country specific information for the UK, Service dogs only which even then is under very strict requirements. I think as of recently as well United is no longer allowing rabbits period and reversed this. 🙁 It seems my options are very limited for right now. I even saw a petition on change.org to allow rabbits on delta, united and so forth in main cabin and not cargo (and this is just for domestic routes around the United States).

[Bam]

We have a member (Q8) whose bun flew LuftHansa from Kuwait to Canada a cpl years back – in cargo. 1 month home  quarantine in Canada. This bun (Chewie)  is still thriving in Canada. If you’d like to, we’d be happy to put you in contact with the owner. There was no possibility of in-cabin transport, but cargo went perfectly well.

[Cassie119300]

I’ve heard so many horror stories regarding animals being put into the hold’s of aircrafts, I think they must have been very lucky. I’d be fine if I knew I could check on her and make sure she is doing ok, so many have warned against it though. You also have to take your bunny out of the carrier for security check so I’ve read, which with my rabbit… she would probably freak out and run all over the place and you must request this private screening, in my case being it’s one domestic flight into another domestic airport.. I can see issues there. The only one I found that will fly a rabbit in cabin is ita airways but they cannot then cargo the rabbit from there, each one i looked into is pretty much a dead stop. Unfortunately, you also have to have a designated person from a quarantine facility arrive at the airport after applying for your rabbit to be allowed into the country, where your bunny is then taken in for 4 months and after 4 months a vet then has to apply to release your pet from quarantine, it all sounds so daunting. The place I found would be approximately 2,600 in cost excluding any additional fee’s and medicines for the 4 months. In addition to all other fee’s. To say its daunting is putting it lightly. You must also have a vet see the rabbit within 10 days of leaving yikes.

[Cassie119300]

So to update, I reached out to my probable place of quarantine for my rabbit in England. They have been more than helpful. They are going to put me in touch with someone who is planning to use a pet shipping service for their rabbit from JFK to LHR so I can look into the same shipping company. It’s the only way to go. They pretty much take care of most of the daunting tasks for you, such as applying for specific licenses, the boarding my rabbit would stay in looks awesome, it includes help with customs clearance, the applications for license, a vet check, you can visit your rabbit during the week, receive updates, pictures..etc… pretty much the whole deal. So I’m feeling a lot more relaxed about this. When faced with having to leave her behind or taking the chance, I’ve decided I need to take the chance of having her in the hold of the plane, because the alternative is being separated from her and that’s not something I can bear honestly. I will keep everyone updated as it goes a long.

[Wick & Fable]

Thank you so much for the update, and I’m glad you are feeling more relaxed.

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.

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