It’s that time of year when vacation is on our minds! We’ve all seen those awesome photo’s of bunnies on vacation: at the beach, near a pool, on a plane etc…These images may tempt you to take your bun on holiday, but is it in your rabbit’s best interest? This quest should be given serious thought first. Changes in routine, living situations, food, smell and noise can all affect a rabbits sense of security so consider how your rabbit handles stress. Remember stress can lead to serious health issues such as GI Stasis.
I recently did a poll on Instagram about vacation. 19% said they take bun on vacation, 6% said they board their bun, 44% said they get a bun sitter and 31% said they do a staycation! I was not too surprised with the results as I too tend to do a staycation. However when the need arises that I must go out of town, I do have a trusted bun sitter.
Vacation Tips
Whether you’ve made arrangements for your rabbit while you are away on vacation or you’ve decided to take them with you, your bun will experience some level of stress. You can help to keep it at a minimum by having their familiar items on hand such as a blanket, special toy or a hidey hut.
Leaving Your Rabbit Home
You have made the decision to go on vacation… so now what do you do with your pet rabbit? You actually have several options to ensure your bun is well cared for while you are away. As with anything, there are pros and cons to any choice we make. Choosing the best option depends on your rabbit’s temperament, your personal preferences, and the availability of reliable care options.
Whichever option you decide on, make sure your rabbit’s caregiver knows to adhere to the daily routine as closely as possible. By this I mean feeding at the usual time, cleaning their litterbox/pen and letting them out for play. Pre-pare meals ahead of time so the sitter can just hand them out. I also like to keep a pitcher of water near the water bowls so the sitter can refill them easily. If you are gone more than 2 days, your sitter will have to wash the bowls before refilling.
1. The In-Home Bunny Sitter
The best option for your rabbit while you are away on vacation will always be to have an in home sitter, ideally a family member or close friend, especially someone already familiar with your bun. Depending on how long you intend to be away, this can either be someone that comes in twice a day for feeding, changing litter and giving some loving playtime or someone who stays at your house in the case of longer vacations. Note: If your rabbit has any special needs or medical conditions, make sure the sitter is capable and comfortable managing them or consider boarding them with your exotic vet.
You must educate this person on how to take care of your rabbit: how to pick them up properly, how to clean the litter box, proper feeding, explain signs of illnesses. Keep a first aid kit, a carrier, pre-filled extra litter boxes and any other supplies in a central location.
Pros: Having your rabbit stay in his/her own environment can reduce their stress. An in-home sitter will be able to give them quality play and social time (especially those “only” rabbits that don’t have a bonded mate), as well as be able to identify any health issues that may appear quickly. You can remote monitor your bun by installing cameras in their living area.
Cons: You may have a hard time finding a knowledgeable and reliable rabbit sitter. If your sitter just drops in for care, your rabbit may get lonely and bored causing them a bit of stress.
Need to hire a rabbit sitter? Choosing a bunny sitter is an important decision to ensure your rabbit is well-cared for while you are away.
- Look for a sitter who has experience with rabbits or is specifically knowledgeable about their care. Note: the benefit of this over a friend or family is that they will be educated in rabbit care and experienced in case of emergency.
- Ask for references and/or check reviews from other rabbit owners.
- Ensure the sitter knows basic first aid for rabbits. They should be able to recognize signs of illness or distress in rabbits (teeth grinding, temperature, runny eye, drooling, loss of balance, lethargy, not pooping), take appropriate action and handle emergencies.
- Arrange a meeting between the sitter and your rabbit before committing. Observe how they interact with your rabbit and make sure your rabbit seems comfortable with them. The sitter should understand rabbit behavior and be able to provide enrichment and attention.
- Do a short trial run with the sitter to see how well they manage your rabbit’s routine and any special needs.
- Choose a sitter who is punctual, responsible, and dependable as well as willing to provide regular updates, including photos and messages.
- Make sure the sitter is good at following detailed instructions.
- Have a clear agreement regarding the services provided, the costs, and any cancellation policies. Document everything in writing.
Where can I find a rabbit sitter? If you have no family or friends available, finding a reliable rabbit sitter can take some research and networking. Always check references and arrange a meet-and-greet to ensure the sitter is a good fit for your rabbit’s specific needs.
- A local rabbit rescue or sanctuary may be able to recommend experienced sitters from their volunteers
- A vet’s office: sometimes vet tech’s will rabbit sit
- your local rabbit 4-H club
- Pet sitting Associations such as Pet Sitter’s International and National Association of Professional Pet Sitters have directories of pet sitters some of which are rabbit qualified. You can find a list of US based sitters and boarding places here.
- Colleges or Universities: Students, especially those studying veterinary science or animal care, may be interested in pet sitting for extra income
- Online communities such as Facebook have rabbit groups where members might offer sitting services or recommendations
- Platforms like Nextdoor will allow you to search for local pet sitters
- Pet stores or specialty shops may have bulletin boards with sitter ads
2. The Trusted Friend or Family Member’s Home
Letting your rabbit stay at a friend or family member’s home is an option. Your rabbit may feel more comfortable around someone they know, however they may still experience some stress being away from their own home. When making this choice it is important to educate your caregiver on how to handle your rabbit. Another issue to consider is if your friend or family has other pets in their home.
Pros: Familiar faces can reduce stress, and care is often free or low-cost.
Cons: Friends or family members must be well-informed about rabbit care. The stress of a new environment is also something to consider.
3. A Rabbit Boarding Facility
Boarding your rabbit with an exotic vet is one option. Should they become ill, they will get the best care, however, you need to consider that most vets are not in the office on the weekend, so your rabbit will most likely be kept in a cage during that time.
A rabbit only boarding facility may be a better option if you are lucky enough to have one near you. They should be equipped to give your rabbit more personalized care and will have a dedicated area for your rabbit to have play time. A third option is a bun sitter that runs their business from their home. In this instance, your bun may be the only one boarding which would give them a lot of quality care
With any boarding option, you should read any online reviews and tour the facility before making any decision. You’ll be able to asses the living and play areas and determine if this is best for your rabbit. Questions to ask potential boarding facilities:
- What will my rabbit’s accommodations be? How often are they cleaned? Will they get exercise outside of their pen? Will their pen be kept near other rabbits? Do they take rabbits outside? Are their living quarters sanitized between clients?
- Who will be the primary caregiver? What is their level of rabbit experience? Do they groom (if necessary)?
- Is there a vaccination policy? Do they need to be neutered/spayed?
- What is the protocol if my rabbit becomes ill? Will there be vet transport? (Tip: ask what GI Stasis is and how would they handle it… they should be able to give a concise explanantion)
- Can we bring our own supplies? (rabbits can be finicky about their hay and food, but also changing foods can cause GI issues) Is there refrigeration for fresh greens?
- What are their bio-security measures? Are there other animals in the home/facility? If there are, will they be kept separate from your rabbit?
- How often will your rabbit be monitored or taken care of?
- What are the drop off and pick up times? Is there flexibility in these times?
- Will they be able to extend your rabbits stay in case of emergency? Are there penalties for picking up early?
- What are the fees? What methods of payment are accepted? Do they require a deposit? What happens in case of cancellation?
Pros: Any of these options will yield professional care with experience in rabbit needs.
Cons: This option can be expensive. Some rabbits may find the change of environment stressful, there could be loud noises that upset your rabbit and they could potentially be exposed to other rabbits that may be ill.
4. A Pet Hotel or Boarding Facility
This option will not always be ideal, however if it is your only choice, give it some serious thought. You’ll want to read reviews, tour the facility and ask the same questions as listed above. Not all caregivers understand the intricacies of pet rabbits. These facilities also take on many types of pets, including predatory animals such as reptiles or dogs that are bred to chase prey.
Pros: These facilities are designed for animal care.
Cons: This option is expensive and the quality of care can vary. The noise level can be a huge stressor and they might not have a suitable environment for a rabbit. There could be potential health risks being exposed to other animals as well as stress around predatory animals.
5. Rabbit Sitter Service Exchange
This option is a great one especially if you adopted your rabbit locally. The rescue or sanctuary probably has volunteers or other adopters that would love to do an exchange when they take their vacation! At any rate you would be getting care from a rabbit savvy person.
Pros: Exchange services with another rabbit owner, ensuring mutual understanding of care needs.
Cons: Requires finding a trustworthy and local rabbit owner.
Tips for Ensuring a Smooth Experience While Away on Vacation
Now if you are like me, there is absolutely nobody that could ever care for my rabbits the way I do, however, I do have a trusted bun sitter that I use for the occasional night or weekend away. You can feel assured about your caregiver as long as you are totally prepared and walk them step by step through your expectations.
- Preparation: Provide detailed care instructions, including feeding, cleaning, and handling.
- Emergency Contacts: Ensure your caregiver has contact information for your vet. In the case of an elder bun, please have a credit card on file (or a blank check) with your vet and emergency vet. Make your wishes known in case of an emergency or the unthinkable happens.
- Trial Run: If possible, do a short trial run to see how your rabbit and the caregiver manage. First try a dry run while you are home, then a second run while you take a short day trip.
- Supplies: Stock up on food (hay, fresh greens, pellets & water), bedding, and any necessary medications or supplies. I always leave my rabbit’s first aid kit right on the kitchen counter along with a pet carrier in case of emergency.
Rabbit Travel and Vacation
While we all want to spend every moment with our bunnies, including vacation, traveling with a rabbit requires careful planning and consideration of their specific needs. Choosing pet-friendly accommodations and destinations, ensuring their health and safety, and providing a comfortable travel environment can help make the experience enjoyable for both you and your rabbit.
Some factors to consider before planning a vacation:
- First and foremost is your rabbits personality and how well they might handle the stress of travel. Not all rabbits enjoy traveling, so it’s important to ensure their comfort and safety.
- Look for rabbit friendly destinations and accommodations (such as Airbnb, Vrbo, and pet friendly hotels). Always ensure that any place you visit is safe for your rabbit. Avoid areas with potential predators or harmful plants.
- Next check with country/state/local regulations regarding pets, as some areas have restrictions or specific requirements for traveling with small animals.
- Some places may require proof of vaccinations or health certificates. Make sure your rabbit’s vaccinations are up-to-date and carry any necessary documentation with you.
- In case of emergency, make sure there is an exotic vet in the locale you’re headed to.
- You’ll need a proper carrier and an enclosure of some sort (an exercise pen or a playpen).
- Your bunny’s travel bag should include: food, clean water, hay, food and water bowls, litter, litter boxes, medications blanket, toys, cleaning supplies (paper towels, vinegar, broom or hand vac, garbage bags) emergency first aid kit, towels, ice packs, Pedialyte (in case of dehydration), destressing products such as Bach’s Rescue Remedy, Small Pet Select Zen Tranquility Herbal Blend or The Well Kept Rabbit’s Nervous System Support. Plan to bring twice as much as you would normally use.
If you have made the decision to take your rabbit with you on vacation, bringing familiar items such as your rabbit’s favorite toys, bedding, and food will help them feel comfortable in their new environment. Always supervise your rabbit closely to prevent any accidents or escape attempts.
Air Travel for Vacation
When flying to your vacation destination navigating airline travel with your rabbit can be quite challenging, but not impossible. You will need to do extensive paperwork and phone calls ahead of time. Plan way in advance when travelling to a different country- you may need extra documentation which can take weeks to months to receive. It is NEVER advisable to check your bunny into the cargo hold of an airline.
Be prepared for mishaps. According to Nerdwallet.com “Even on the best airline for flying with pets, Alaska, it’s not a guarantee that your pet can fly. That’s because all airlines limit the overall number of pets allowed in the main cabin and cargo. For example, Alaska’s first-class cabin can accommodate only one pet carrier per flight, and the main cabin accommodates up to five.”
If you are headed to Great Britain on holiday, check out Gov.uk for specific rules and regulations for travelling with your bun.
1. Airline Policies and Regulations: Not all airlines allow rabbits, so it’s crucial to check the specific airline’s pet travel policy. Policies can vary significantly. Read the fine print. Check ALL flights (connecting) to make sure your rabbit is covered on each leg of your trip.
2. Health and Safety Preparations: Schedule a vet visit before the trip to ensure your rabbit is healthy and obtain any necessary health certificates. Some destinations may require specific vaccinations so check the requirements for both your airline and destination.
3. Booking and Reservations: Book your flight well in advance and notify the airline that you will be traveling with a rabbit. There may be a limited number of pets allowed per flight. Be prepared for additional fees for traveling with your rabbit.
4. Carrier Requirements: The carrier must meet the airline’s size requirements and fit under the seat in front of you if traveling in the cabin. It should be well-ventilated, secure, and comfortable. Place familiar items like their bedding or toys inside to reduce stress.
5. Travel Day Preparations: Offer some hay and a water bottle attached to the carrier.
6. At the Airport: Arrive at the airport early to allow time for security checks and boarding procedures. You may need to remove your rabbit from the carrier during the security screening process, so have a secure harness or hold them tightly.
7. In-Flight Care: Keep the carrier under the seat in front of you, and periodically check on your rabbit during the flight. Talk to your rabbit softly if they seem stressed, and keep the carrier covered with a light blanket to reduce stimuli if necessary.
8. Post-Flight Considerations: Once you’ve landed and reached your destination, offer your rabbit water and some food. Allow them to stretch and move around in a safe space. Monitor your rabbit closely for any signs of stress or illness after the flight.
Additional Tips: Whenever possible, choose direct flights to minimize travel time and reduce the stress on your rabbit. Keep food, water, blankets or towels and a small first aid kit with you on the airplane.
Rabbit Friendly Air Lines
- WestJet
- Horizon/Alaska Air– $100 per carrier (limit to 2 rabbits per carrier)/limit of 4 if you purchase adjacent seat
- Spirit– $125 each way, plus an additional $125 charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S./ limit 2 if in same carrier
- ITA Airways
- Frontier– $99 limit 1 rabbit
- La Compagnie
- Avelo
Emotional Support Pets: As of 2021, ESP’s are NO longer considered service animals that can travel for free and are subject to the same fees as other pets. (Certified service animals are still permitted at no additional cost under the Air Carrier Access Act.)
Vacation and Car Travel
Safety while travelling in a car with your rabbit is of utmost importance whether it is a quick trip to the vet or on vacation. As shown in the video above, this type of carrier is the ideal set up for your rabbit as well as the safest. The carrier should be large enough for the rabbit to turn around and lay down, but small enough to prevent excessive movement that could lead to injury. If you have more than one rabbit and they are bonded, travel with them together in the same carrier to provide comfort. Drive safe and remember…NEVER leave your rabbit in the car unattended. This includes sleeping in the car overnight. They will be scared and looking for reassurance from you.
I’ve read many articles where it’s been suggested to use a dog crate or a large bin, however if you need to make a sudden stop, your rabbit could go flying against the side of the container and seriously injure itself. I myself have soft sided carriers for my rabbits (although they only go to and from the vet in them), but one good point I read, is that if you are going on a long trip, bun may pee through a soft carrier or even chew through it.
Choosing a Proper Carrier: This is crucial when travelling with your rabbit. Liken it to choosing a car seat for a baby!
- Size Matters: Bun should be able to sit and stretch out, but not have too much room where they could get injured.
- Handles: You will want a sturdy handle especially if you are bringing a bonded pair.
- Sturdiness: Your carrier should be of a hard, chew proof material. Check that the latch closes securely.
- Ventilation: Make sure the carrier is well ventilated so bun doesn’t over heat.
- Entry: Ease of access is important. You’ll want to be able to lift your rabbit in and out as well as allow bun to be able to see you during the trip.
- Cleanable: A hard carrier will be easier to clean up with paper towels, whereas bunny may leak through a fabric carrier.
The following types of carriers are not recommended: a wire cage such as a dog crate, cloth or fabric carriers, backpacks, wicker baskets, cardboard boxes and most definitely no carrier at all!
Before heading out on your vacation, get your rabbit used to it’s carrier. Place it on the floor while your rabbit is out playing and let him casually check it out. Next time, keep the door open and place a treat inside to try and coax him in. The following time, put him in for a short period while you sit on the floor next to him. Finally get bunny inside and keep him in for about a half hour. You’ll want to take some short practice rides (approximately 30 minutes) in the car to get your bunny used to riding in the car. Slowly building up to a longer ride will help decrease your bunny’s stress level.
It is debated whether or not rabbits get motion sickness, but one thing for sure is they can not vomit. If your rabbit begins drooling, falling over or acting out of sorts during or right after a car ride, he or she may be suffering from car sickness. The OTC drug meclizine is safe for rabbits so I would have a box in your first aid kit.
For the ride: Secure the carrier either with a seatbelt or placed snuggly on the floor behind a seat. The carrier should not be able to slide or tip over. Cool the car before placing your rabbit inside and keep it at a comfortable temperature (don’t have the a/c blowing directly on them though). Avoid extreme temperatures and direct sunlight on the carrier. If you are travelling on a really hot day (or if you do not have air conditioning), place a damp towel over the carrier with an ice pack wrapped in a small towel inside the carrier for added cooling. Plan for regular stops to check on your rabbit- ideally a 15 minute break every 2 hours. Try not to travel more than 8 hours at a clip. Keep your rabbit hydrated throughout the trip. Offer water (and food) regularly, especially during breaks. Don’t keep their crock in the carrier as it could hurt them in case of a sudden stop. Keep the car ride as smooth as possible. Avoid sudden stops and sharp turns as best you can. Play calming music at a low volume if your rabbit finds it soothing (many do not like music though). Make sure the carrier is well-ventilated and not placed where airflow is obstructed.
What to bring in the car: Pack a water bottle and a portable dish. Bring enough of your rabbit’s regular food and hay. Consider bringing fresh greens and vegetables soaked in water for hydration. Line the litter box inside the carrier with absorbent materials such as a towel or disposable puppy pads to manage waste (be diligent about changing litter or pads on a long trip). Include some favorite plush toys (nothing hard) or a blanket to help keep your rabbit calm.
Be prepared for emergencies: Keep a watchful eye on your bun throughout the vacation. Have contact information for a vet near your destination and along your route in case of emergencies. If your rabbit has a chronic condition, bring papers from previous vet appointments. Carry a basic pet first aid kit that includes items like gauze, antiseptic wipes, and any medications your rabbit might need.
Once you have arrived at your destination, set up a safe, quiet area for your rabbit to relax and explore. This could be a playpen or a rabbit-proofed room. Observe your rabbit for any signs of stress or illness after the trip. Provide fresh water and food and let them adjust to the new environment gradually. Try to maintain your rabbit’s regular feeding and exercise schedule to reduce stress.
Hotels/Motels
Finding a rabbit friendly hotel for your vacation may take some research. Always call ahead to find out their pet policies as they can change. Be aware that some hotels will charge an extra fee for your rabbit. Here are some pet friendly hotels:
- Best Western: requires pre-approval
- Four Seasons: 2 pets max, under 15 pounds
- Homestead Hotels: pets welcome with charge
- Klimpton: some accept rabbits
- Loews: welcome, 2 pets per room
- Quality Inns: varies by location
Tips for your hotel stay:
- Ask for a room far from activity. (not near a noisy lobby, restaurant, pool etc…)
- Park as close to your room as possible. You’ll want to make a quick entry/exit with your bun as well as keep them safe from prying eyes.
- Rabbit proof as best you can before taking your bunny out of it’s carrier.
- Place a sheet under the enclosure to protect the carpet.
- Place a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door if you are out so nobody startles your rabbit.
- Never allow anyone to touch your rabbit!
Camping: Camping definitely has it’s own set of considerations. While you may think it could be fun to be out in nature, this might not necessarily be the best option for your rabbit. If you have an adopted rabbit, you might not know their back story. Rabbits have a great memory and if they have suffered trauma from being dumped outside, it could be a trigger.
There are more cons to camping than pros: wild predatory animals including snakes, bears, foxes, eagles and hawks as well as loose dogs may be drawn to the campsite thus endangering your rabbit. Loud dogs can scare a rabbit to death. Literally. It could be harder to keep them cool unless you have a camper with air conditioning. You would have to keep them in a playpen or an x-pen with a bottom to keep exposure to RHDV at a minimum.
If you are intent on camping for your vacation, a camper is the way to go. You can keep bun inside during heat, inclement weather or any time you head out to hike or swim. Make sure to bring mats and blankets to put on the ground beneath their x-pen so their feet don’t touch the ground. They should be vaxed against RHDV as well. Check the state your camp ground is in to see if there are incidences of RHDV nearby.
Vacation at Home
Staycations: Ever hear of a staycation? Enjoy your vacation time by taking mini day trips locally. Choosing this option can be a happy compromise for you and your rabbit. You’ll be home both in the morning and evening to take care of your bunny. By doing a quick web search, you’ll be able to find places in your location to visit! Some ideas are:
- spend the day at an amusement park or county fair
- play mini-golf, golf, ride bikes
- swim at a beach
- hike a mountain
- visit a state or national park, museum, historical sites or watch a re-enactment
- attend concerts, plays, art exhibits
- shop at outdoor farmers markets, craft fairs, flea markets and antique fairs
- have a picnic
- go to a game
- have an outdoor movie night, a bon fire, watch fireworks
- mine some semi- precious stones
Final Thoughts
Going on vacation should not be a stressful situation for you or your bunny. Ultimately you know your rabbit best and what they may be able to handle. Careful preparation can make your vacation an easy transition for your rabbit whether you choose to have a sitter or take your bun with you.
