Disclosure: We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Taking your pet rabbit to the veterinarian for the first time is a scary experience for both you and your bunny. Here are some tips to make the whole experience better for both of you!
Choose the Pet Right Carrier For A Rabbit
The first step is to choose the right carrier for your rabbit. A rabbit carrier should be sturdy, well-ventilated, and large enough for your rabbit to stand up and turn around comfortably. Avoid using cardboard boxes, as they can easily pop open or be chewed through.
We also recommend that you avoid the soft-side carriers that are becoming so popular for cats or small dogs. While these are convenient, they are also easy for a bunny’s sharp teeth to chew through.
Here are some things to look for when choosing a rabbit carrier:
- The carrier should be made of a strong material, such as plastic or metal.
- The carrier should have ventilation holes to allow air to circulate.
- The holes should not be large enough that your bunny could be tempted to squeeze through.
- The carrier should be large enough for your rabbit to stand up and turn around comfortably.
- The carrier should have a secure door to prevent your rabbit from escaping.
If you’d like to see the carrier that we use for our rabbits, here’s an affiliate link to it on Amazon.
Prepare Your Rabbit for the Vet Trip
Once you have chosen a carrier, you need to prepare your rabbit for the trip to your rabbit veterinarian. Start by getting your rabbit used to the carrier a few days before the vet visit.
Place some hay or bedding in the carrier and let your rabbit explore it on their own. Consider moving something from their main enclosure into their carrier so it smells like ‘home’.
You can also give your rabbit a treat or two in the carrier to make it a positive experience.
Here are some tips for preparing your rabbit for the trip:
- Put the carrier in a quiet area of your home where your rabbit can relax and get used to it.
- Place recognized things such as bedding or bunny toys in the carrier to make it feel more like home.
- Place some hay or bedding in the carrier to make it comfortable.
- Give your rabbit a treat or two in the carrier to make it a positive experience.
- Do not force your rabbit into the carrier. Let them explore it on their own.
Transport Your Rabbit to the Vet
When it is time to go to the vet, place your rabbit in the carrier and secure the door. Be careful not to jostle the carrier too much, as this can make your rabbit feel anxious.
Here are some tips for transporting your rabbit to the vet:
- Place the carrier in a secure location in the car.
- Secure the carrier so it can’t slide around.
- Avoid driving too fast or making sudden stops.
- Talk to your rabbit in a calm voice to help them feel relaxed.
- If your rabbit starts to get anxious, stop the car and let them relax for a few minutes.
Arrive at the Vet
When you arrive at the vet, let the staff know that you have a rabbit. They will be able to provide you with a quiet room where you can wait with your rabbit.
Here are some tips for arriving at the vet:
- Let the vet know about any health concerns you have about your rabbit.
- Bring a fresh sample of your rabbit’s stool to the vet.
- Bring a list of any questions you have about your rabbit’s health.
Meet with the Veterinarian
The veterinarian will examine your rabbit and ask you about their health history. They may also recommend some tests, such as a fecal exam or bloodwork.
Here are some things to expect when meeting with the veterinarian:
- The veterinarian will weigh your rabbit and measure their body temperature.
- The veterinarian will listen to your rabbit’s heart and lungs.
- The veterinarian may examine your rabbit’s teeth and gums.
- The veterinarian may recommend some tests, such as a fecal exam or bloodwork.
There you go…follow these tips your pet rabbit’s first trip to the veterinarian will be as stress-free as possible.