Flying overseas with our rabbits

Question
Dear Dr. Kremples,
I have already found a lot of information on the Q%26A of your site, but still have a few questions about flying with my two rabbits. In March 2010 my husband and I will be going to The Netherlands for about 1.5 year. We have two 2.5 year old rabbits (Holland Lops) which we love very much and would like to bring with us.  But, of course, we do not want to traumatize or hurt our rabbits in anyway. I hope you can help us by providing answers to the following questions.
1) Do you think our rabbits will survive such a long overseas  flight?
2) We are not sure they can come with us in the flight; do you think they will survive flying in the cargo area?
3) Should or should we not sedate our rabbits during the flight.
4) Most likely we will not be able to have a direct flight, would this make matters worse or better for them? For example, what will happen to them in-between flights if they fly cargo?
5) Is there any way we can do to prepare our rabbits for the trip (e.g. let them get used to their carriers, teach them to drink from a drinking bottle, take them for car rides)?
6) Will our rabbits be affected by the time and climate differences, and how harmful is this for them?
7) The rabbits are really good friends and often comfort each other, should we transport them in the same carrier, and will airlines allow us to do so?

Thank you so much for your time. We would really appreciate any answer on any of the questions.
We are just trying to do what is best for our rabbits.
Kind regards,
Kris Noam


Answer
Dear Kris,

Taking your questions one by one...

1) Do you think our rabbits will survive such a long overseas  flight?

Yes, if it's done properly.

2) We are not sure they can come with us in the flight; do you think they will survive flying in the cargo area?

This is part of the "properly".  I would never, ever ship a rabbit in cargo.  I can't forget the discussion we had on one of the House Rabbit Society lists, and one of us worked at an airline.  She told us that there are horror stories about animals flying in cargo that we never hear, and that *she*, as an airline employee, would NEVER ship an animal in cargo.

3) Should or should we not sedate our rabbits during the flight.

I have never sedated any of my rabbits for airline travel. As long as they are in the cabin with you, they should be fine.  You just need to prepare properly, bringing ziplock bags of wet greens for them, so they won't get too thirsty.  The carrier can be lined with a layer of pelleted sawdust litter, and that covered with a soft towel that can be changed out (bring another bag for that, to contain the smell) if they pee on it.

4) Most likely we will not be able to have a direct flight, would this make matters worse or better for them? For example, what will happen to them in-between flights if they fly cargo?

If they fly cargo, worse.  You never know whether they'll make the connection or not.  They could be lost, if not permanently, then for too long.

If they fly in the cabin with you, it's better to have stops where they can be let out (indoors) for a little while to stretch.  I've always been able to find a small, confined area where my bunny could get out of the carrier to lope around for a bit in between flights, and it helps.

5) Is there any way we can do to prepare our rabbits for the trip (e.g. let them get used to their carriers, teach them to drink from a drinking bottle, take them for car rides)?

No, it's best to just do this once.  If they are very high strung, you could ask your vet about a small dose of Valium (diazepam) for the trip.  But if they are calm and trust you, this probably won't be necessary.  

6) Will our rabbits be affected by the time and climate differences, and how harmful is this for them?

If they are indoors, they shouldn't be any more affected than you are.  There will be an adjustment, but it shouldn't be too hard on them if they are with you (and each other) for comfort and stability.

7) The rabbits are really good friends and often comfort each other, should we transport them in the same carrier, and will airlines allow us to do so?

If the airlines don't allow it, then choose another airline.  They MUST NOT BE SEPARATED under any circumstances.  This would cause them tremendous stress, and make things much worse.

So the thing to do is start NOW to find an airline that will allow you to take them on board with you.  If they are too big for one carrier, but can be with you, then you could each take one carrier with a bunny, and let them see/smell each other all during the flight.  But it's better if they are small enough to share an under-the-seat carrier.

Since this won't be 'til March, you now have time to find an airline, and if they won't allow rabbits, then you can start your letter-writing campaign now.  If you need a letter from me, I do have one ready to go, in case you think it would help.  But first try it without that.  You may find it easier than you think.

Good luck!  I am sure you will find a way to keep the bunnies with you for your trip!

Dana