Relocating

Question
We Recently purchased a Netherlands Dwarf Rabbit about 3 months ago, and we just found out this week that we're getting relocated to Hurlburt Field, Fl, we currently live in Virginia. We love our lil bunny and we want to take him with us, But we also want him to be healthy, happy lil buy. Would he be ok to take the 15 hour drive with us?

Answer
Dear Fallyn,

Sorry for the long delay!  I had meant to put my self on "vacation" on Allexperts, but got the dates wrong.  Busy with advising here at UM!

Anyway...

If you take the proper precautions, a 15 hour drive won't hurt your little guy.  You can set up his carrier in the back seat with 100% cotton mats, some fresh greens (water bowls will spill) and some pellets and hay, and he'll be quite comfy.  When I travel with a bunny on long trips, I usually leave the door open so bun doesn't feel trapped, but can get into the carrier if he wants to feel more secure.  

He'll be disconcerted by the car at first, but this will pass.  You might want to take him on a couple of short "practice" drives so he gets to know that his whole life won't become a driving marathon once you start your trip.

If you stop overnight, he'll have a chance to recuperate in your motel room (to prevent anyone from complaining, set up his litterbox in the bathroom and use a portable baby gate to keep him inside.  (Be sure to close the toilet!)  That way, he won't mess the carpet or cause problems.  

Once you've arrived, be sure his little "home base" where he'll live is set up promptly so that he can get out of the car and start to rest and feel at home.  Watch for any sign of inappetence or lethargy, and read this in advance, so you'll be prepared in case the stress of the move has an adverse effect on him:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sickbun.html

Check ahead for competent rabbit vets in your new area here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope you have a safe trip!

Dana