Flying with pet rabbit

Question
Thank you very much for answering my previous question, your professional information has been helpful and greatly appreciated. The only reason I would guess they would ask about the breed, according to some information I found online, is that dwarf rabbit might have some breathing problems on the flight due to something with their skull structure. We�re flying from the Middle East back to the US and we�re going to take two flights one for 4 hours and then after 4 weeks we will be taking another 12 hour flight.
I understand that�s a lot of stress on the rabbit but I�m not willing to leave my pet behind. We�re taking care of all the papers to make sure everything go smoothly just as you had previously advised. On both flights pets are not allowed in the cabin but have to stay in a pressurized cargo area for pets. We bought him the recommended carrier for the flights kind, with enough space for him to be comfortable.

What is left I need some advice on is:

1.   What do I lay at the bottom of his cage?
2.   Should we give him any vitamins?
3.   What exactly am I supposed to leave in his cage (food, water, pellets, ect.)?
4.   What should I do to make sure no matter what situation is in the animal cargo hold, he�ll be ok.
5.   Is there anything he might hurt himself with that I should we aware of?  

Answer
Dear Suzan,

I commend you for taking so much trouble to bring your friend back with you!  There are certain airlines (Finnair, Delta) that allow rabbits in the cabin, so you might wish to check for flights on those.

In answer to your questions:

1. What do I lay at the bottom of his cage?

If you can get pelleted sawdust litter, that would be ideal.  If that's not possible, then a layer of clean, *slightly* damp (so it doesn't fly around) sawdust covered with a clean towel will prevent him from soiling the carrier.

2. Should we give him any vitamins?

Not necessary.

3. What exactly am I supposed to leave in his cage (food, water, pellets, ect.)?

I would provide a large container of pellets, fresh hay, and a selection of wet greens that he can nibble on the way.  He might not eat them, but the wet greens are a good way to keep him from getting too thirsty.  Water bottle or bowl will just spill and get all over, so I would avoid those.

4. What should I do to make sure no matter what situation is in the animal cargo hold, he�ll be ok.

You can't be sure.  That's the problem.  I would still try to find a way to get him in the cabin with you, even if you have to contact very high airline officials to get special permission.

5. Is there anything he might hurt himself with that I should we aware of?

As long as the cage is well sealed, cannot accidentally come open, and is well padded with towels, I can't think he could hurt himself.  But be SURE there is no way anyone can open the cage except you.

Good luck!

Dana