FLYING BUNNIES

Question
Hi i have asked many questions to rhis site so I hope this one can be as successfull in a couple of weeks Iam moving and I am doing so by means of flying in past experances i have experianced a great deal of pain in my ears !I have never flown with my bunnies before i was wondering what or if there is that i can do to make the trip as pleasent as possibole for my two female polish dwarf bunnies without haveing them sadated .it is a short flight 1 1/2 hours is there anything i can do?Is there anything I should look for upon arrival that would tell if there is something wrong with the girls? thankyou cory:)

Answer
Dear Cory,

First of all, be sure you have a reservation for them to fly *in the cabin* with you. Although the airlines claim the pet area is pressurized, temperature-controlled, yadda yadda yadda, DON'T BELIEVE IT.  I know people who work for the airlines who also have pets, and they swear they will *never* allow their pets to fly cargo.  We just don't hear about all the mishaps because the casualties are "just animals."  :(

The airline you choose must allow rabbits in the cabin, and you'll need a special carrier (you can buy it from the airline or at any large pet supply store) that fits under the seat in front of you.

There's no telling whether the bunnies ears will "pop," but if they don't have a history of upper respiratory infections or ear problems, they should be fine.  Just in case, put some damp, fresh herbs in the carrier with them just before take off.  If they're chewing and swallowing, it will help regulate the pressure in their ears and keep them comfortable.

Since they're tiny Polish bunnies, they should easily be able to travel in the same carrier, and this is best for them.  Line the bottom with a thin layer of Feline Pine or other pelleted sawdust litter, and then place a soft towel on top.  They should be quite comfortable for such a short flight.

I hope this helps.  Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana