Transporting rabbit via flight…

[Deleted User]

I am relocating to a new town and I want to bring my rabbit with me. I had asked and know what are the procedure to send over her…. but the thing is… would you recommand me the best way to cargo the rabbit? how can I ensure the safety of her.

 

I’m from Malaysia, the airline I am using is MAS (Malaysia Airlines) they dont allow pets on board. Destinations is, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Sarawak, from Kuching,Sarawak, Malaysia. Flight durations Approx: 1 hour 45 min…. plus waiting and everything approx 2 hours. There is no where else to turn, please advise.

Travel by land is not an option.

[Deleted User]

I was very nervous whenever I had to cargo any of my pets. Rabbits are usually subject to the same rules as dogs. If this is the only way, make sure your rabbit is in excellent condition prior to boarding, you might need vet papers stating this to the Cargo Desk. You will need one of those airline-approved pet carriers in the correct dimensions. Make sure she has food and water in a bottle. Put ice cubes into her water bottle with the water so it stays cold for longer. Also, attach your contact info on the carrier in a way that it cannot get lost. My biggest concern would be temperature. In can get very hot in cargo holding areas. Inquire about the temperature at the destination airport. Make sure there is no hold-up when picking up your rabbit.
If this is the only way for you to keep your rabbit, I would do it.

[Deleted User]

what if i put a frozen bottle of water to maintain the carrier temperature. The carrier is not suitable to fit in a water dispenser….

[Deleted User]

does anyone here had the experience of transporting rabbit via flight?

[Deleted User]

victorswt, I have had one rabbit on a 2-hour domestic flight, and it went well. I was able to attach a water bottle to my carrier gate. The frozen bottle of water is a good idea. If you cannot attach a bottle leave wet foods inside the carrierl, like celery and romaine lettuce, a little orange. Chances are your bun will be too scared to eat. It is very stressful for them. I once, as a teenager, had two guinea pigs shipped with me on a flight as cargo. There were very perky and fine, but it helped that they were two together. Don’t you have two rabbits? I’m not sure if they allow two in one carrier where you are.

[Deleted User]

Very sad to say, I had to give up one of my rabbit. The profile picture I am using. However, I am sure she is now in very good hands. She is bonding well with new owner… but not with me. petzy, thank you very much for assuring me of transporting them through flight. This is one of my possible worries, would they turn deft after the flight?

[Deleted User]

is there anyway to counter the air pressure issue?

[Deleted User]

From the flight time you stated I see that it is a short flight. Short flights fly lower and have less pressure change. I do believe a rabbit’s ears are very much more sensitive to slighter changes in pressure so it might bother your bun. Give her lots of quiet rest and love afterwards. Human ears can hurt for days from pressure pain. I don’t know of a way to counter the pressure.
Sorry to hear about your other bun, what happened?

[BunnyLiz]

I remembered seeing this in the FAQ forum.  Hope my link works!

binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/aff/2….aspx#7020

[Deleted User]

The black rabbit more or less became a delinquent, nothing that i do can patched up the bonding. (Between the black and my other white rabbit) they were in a bad fight, and the while rabbit (Cleo) got wounded badly. So had to raise them separately… after a while, she just out of control… then without a choice, she was given away.

[KatnipCrzy]

I know in the US requirements vary by the airline you are using- so it might be a good idea to check with the airline and see what they say.

 

[Deleted User]

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I did before, I check with the MAS HQ…

Me: “How do I transport my pet?”

The MAS clerk: “Give me a moment, let me consult someone.”

came back to me after 20 mins…..

The MAS clerk :”You will need a vet cert.”

Me : “So any vet clinic in the city would do?”

The MAS clerk: “yes”.

 

The story starts after that, so I went to a vet called,” City Vet”, paid and obtained the health cert. Was happy, coz thought that was it. On the day of departure, went to the counter for check in, so presented the pet. The MAS officer asked for documentation. So I pass the letter to them. They looked at it and state its not valid. Then they state to check with the airport veterinary. Went there, they state need export and import permit and this and that… all that is rubbish. If the clerk in the first place, didn’t give me that statement. I would had look for more clues on how the procedure was. I felt  I was played for a $*&!arse.

Pardon me I am still cursing those idiots.

[Deleted User]

You’d want to go to the airport veterinary in advance to get everything sorted out for your bunny now.

[Deleted User]

I’ll know to get there a few hours early to get the things done before departure… thanks for the advise

[LittlePuffyTail]

Good luck on your trip!

[RabbitPam]

BunnyLiz,

Thanks for posting that link. I remembered seeing one too, and whent searching. That’s the good one to link to.

Here’s one other item that happened in a post from someone earlier who was travelling from Hawaii. After a two page thread, in which the link that BunnyLiz already provided appeared, there was this one solution that someone was able to arrange:

“Well, I talked to the Humane Soc lady today (Dr. Becky) who has been fighting for me, and she said the airlines still wouldn’t back down, but she knows of an awesome solution!

I can get my bun registered as a Companion Animal!

That would mean she can ride in the cabin with me no matter what because I need her. It will be like having a service animal, only she doesn’t have to work so hard… All I havve to do is get her certified by a vet, which my boss is taking care of, once again, his connections. Hehe, I’m so happy. And a coworker is giving me her outgrown porter that will fit under the plane seat. I put my bun in it and she loved it!”

So try your vet and talk to your local Humane Society for more tips. They may have already had experience with this and will know what you need to do. Also, you may need to buy a new carrier that is better equipt for travel. One of the good things about a frozen bottle in the cage (take a small Coke or water bottle, peel off the label, empty and clean out thoroughly, almost, but not totally fill with water. Freeze.) is that it will warm up slightly and condensation will form on the outside. Your bunny will be able to lick the bottle for a very small amount of moisture.

[Author]

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