Wooden box for airline travel

Question
Hi Dana,

I'm having a plywood travel box made for my bunny to relocate him by air. I would like to know if a rabbit can gnaw his way out of a wooden box given enough time. The manufacturer was supposed to line the walls of the wooden box with wire mesh but he messed up. I am trying to get him to redo it but in the meantime, I thought I would get your opinion on whether my rabbit is capable of escaping from a wooden box.

Thank you for your help.

Keerthi

Answer
Dear Keerthi,

I would suggest that you instead try to purchase a travel kennel, even if you have to get one online:

http://tinyurl.com/26cjzmw

These are designed specifically for air travel, and are safer than a wooden box would be.  A rabbit could not chew out of such a device, and these can be reinforced with strong tape so they don't accidentally open while in transit.

If possible, you should try to make reservations with an airline that will let you carry your bunny on board with you, as this is much safer.   Special kennels for this can be found here:

http://tinyurl.com/2as7dh2

These fit under the seat in front of you, and act as your carry on.  Most airlines charge a fee for a pet in the cabin, but it's not much more than in cargo.  I know too many cargo horror stories...

A rabbit would not likely be able to chew out of a thick wooden box in the time it would take to fly to a destination.  BUT it's because he'd be so stressed.  I really would re-think this, and get an in-cabin carrier, even if you need to get special permission in advance.

Or just tell them it's a cat.  I've done that and had no problems.

Hope this helps.

Dana