Moving to Hawaii with my Bunny

[Genevieve]

So, I’m moving to Honolulu on August 30th. I called every airline before booking, and none of them were willing to accept my dutch rabbit, Ami, as a carry on, even though she’s a registered ESA. I’m very uncomfortable with putting her in cargo, but I’m willing to do it, as no one back home can watch her. She’s a tough little nugget, and in her year and a half of living with me she’s been on multiple long car and train rides, and we escaped an abusive household together. 

From Chicago to Honolulu it’s about 10 hours on a plane, and there will most likely be a transfer somewhere in there. What can I do to make this trip easier for her? I want to line her carrier(I’m using a cat carrier) with towels for her, and hay. I intend on attaching a water bottle to the wire door, but she hasn’t used one of those in over a year. Will she still remember how to drink from it? I also want to put veggies and pellets in there for her. I wanted to put a few toys in there, but according to united petsafe, toys are not allowed. Has anyone had a positive experience with united petsafe that they’d like to share? Has anyone moved a rabbit that far before? I’ve seen the thread about Rufus, and it gives me hope. What can I do to make this trip easy for her? I love her so much, and she makes my life so much better. I don’t think I could ever forgive myself if she died in transit. 

[Azerane]

I’ve not had to move a rabbit long distance before, but regarding the water bottle, give one to her now, encourage her to use it by dabbing some mushy banana or some of her favourite treat onto the end so that it encourages her to use it so that you know that she can, and perhaps even some days when you’re home, remove the water bowl from her cage so that you can observe her drinking from the bottle so you can be sure she knows how to use it.

Are you only moving temporarily?

[bluepaws]

so MANY airlines allow rabbits since they don’t bark and they are small I’m surprised you have trouble finding an airline! I know Alaskan airlines lets rabbits fly under your sit! all you need to do is ask google for a list of airlines that allow pets to fly with you, theres usually an extra fee of $60 dollars I think goodluck

[Q8bunny]

Actually, sorry to tell you, but very few airlines allow bunnies in cabin. Some have pressurized cargo holds for pets, but there are only a few left that allow buns on domestic flights in cabin, and I’m having trouble finding even one that will allow them on international flights

[bluepaws]

oh no! I know Alaskan airlines will let you!

[Q8bunny]

I don’t doubt it. I think United still do too on domestic flights. But few still do.

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