Safe transport by car

Rabbits are frail animals that are easily stressed, and their transport represents a challenge. The carrier used for transport should be sturdy and protect the animal from exposure to the environment as much as possible. Allergens, sunlight, car lights, cold temperatures, visual observation by people or even other animals could potentially stress a rabbit in a carrier. The carrier should have a solid bottom, without a grid or holes as these can also cause injury.

Nylon or cloth material carrier bags for pets, or a cardboard box should be avoided since a rabbit can easily make a hole in these materials.

NO The slippery plastic bottom of the carrier does not give support to the rabbit during transport, during a brusque unexpected move. The rabbits can hurt itself, e.g. fracture of a limb, of the spine, or luxation of the shoulder or hip.

YES To ensure a safe transport, the rabbit should be placed in a carrier padded with soft bedding, e.g. a cushion, towels, a blanket. A carrier should not be oversized in relation to the size of the rabbit. It should nevertheless provide comfort, and enable laying down and stretching out.

Safe methods of transport

Transportation in a carrier should not be longer than necessary, from home to the veterinary clinic. If the trip is long, stops should be scheduled at regular intervals. The car should be well ventilated, and the inside temperature not reach higher than 24°C (75.2°F). Unless restricted by the veterinarian for some reason (e.g: before a surgery) food, hay and water should be supplied. Fresh vegetable or herbs can be provided if the travel is long.

The carrier with the rabbit should never be left alone in a car, even when parked in the shade. Temperature inside a car quickly climbs to reach 30 to 45°C (86 to 113°F) on summer days, even when a window is left open for ventilation. Very quickly, the parked car environment becomes fatal to the rabbit.

Several methods are available for proper and safe transport of rabbits. The following pictures suggest safe methods of the transporting of rabbits in their carrier by car. Depending upon the car, the experience of the owner, the size and weight of the carrier, safe car transport methods may differ slightly. 

	The carrier can be placed with the front opening to the front. This will enable fresh air to enter the cage. This cage is surrounded by a protective cover made of thin cotton cloth. This enables ventilation, but prevents the rabbit from seeing its surroundings. It also protects against draft or cold winds
	A towel or small blanket (arrow) is used under the carrier to make it level in the car seat.
	The carrier can be placed with the front opening to the side. When placing it this way, it must be assured that fresh air can enter the cage to assure proper ventilation.
	A towel or small blanket (arrow) is used under the carrier to make it level in the car seat.
	When the carrier is placed on a seat, it should be secured with the seat belt. This will keep the carrier from falling, moving or even being accidentally thrown into the windshield should any unexpected braking or stops occur.
	The carrier can also be placed on the floor, in front of the seat. To decrease vibration during the drive, a towel or a blanket can be placed under the carrier.
	The carrier can be placed in the back of a station wagon. The floor of the car should be skid proof, or covered with non-slippery material. The carrier must then be secured so it will not move or roll over. If the floor is slippery, the carrier must be secured with bungee cords or strong rope. NEVER use adhesive tape.

NOT SAFE

	The carrier is not level (straight). This puts enormous strain on the limbs and hip joints of the rabbit which then cannot sit or lay comfortably in a carrier when the carrier is on a slant or slope.
	The carrier is not level (straight). This puts enormous strain on the limbs and hip joints of the rabbit which then cannot sit or lay comfortably in a carrier when the carrier is on a slant or slope.
	Although the carrier is kept horizontal, holding it on the lap is not safe. During a sudden stop, it can slip and fall, or even be thrown through the windshield of the car.

Thanks to Duncan, Yara and Stampi, for their help.

e-mail: info@medirabbit.com