Whether you’re taking your pet rabbit to the vet or taking them on vacation, you need to find a safe way to transport your furry friend. This is where a quality rabbit transport carrier comes in handy.
A rabbit travel cage makes it safe to go traveling with rabbits in the car, on an airplane, and in a range of scenarios. But there are several different pet travel cages to choose from, so finding the best rabbit carrier for your pet can be difficult.
Keep reading for our picks of the best pet carriers for rabbits and how to pick the best bunny carrier for your needs.
1. Petmate Two-door Top-load Carrier
If you’re searching for a durable and reliable pet transport carrier, it’s hard to go past this two-door carrier from Petmate. Measuring 19 x 13 x 10 inches (approx. 48 x 33 x 25cm), this carrier is designed for pets weighing up to 10lb (approx. 4.5kg).
It features a steel top-load door to ensure that you have easy access to your pet at all times, plus easy-squeeze latches to help keep your bunny safe and secure. There are vents on all sides to promote airflow into and out of the carrier, while there’s an ergonomic handle on top for easy carrying.
The Petmate also satisfies most airline cargo requirements and comes in four color choices.
- Plenty of ventilation
- Easy access
- Made in the USA
- Not the cheapest option
- Some customers complain about missing parts
2. AmazonBasics Pet Travel Carrier
Next on our list of the best rabbit carriers is this popular option from AmazonBasics. Measuring 19 x 12.5 x 10 inches (approx. 48 x 32 x 25cm), this travel carrier is an affordable option when you need to transport your pet.
Made from durable plastic and featuring a steel-wire front door, this carrier also opens at the top to ensure easy access to your bunny. You can open the top door to the left or the right as needed, and there’s a spring-loaded latch to keep your rabbit safely locked away. Ventilation is provided on the top, back and sides of the crate.
- Durable
- Affordable
- Easy access
- Some customers complain that the top door is not secure
- Some customers complain about build quality
3. KAMEIOU Small Pet Carrier
If you’re searching for a soft-sided bunny carrier, you may want to consider the KAMEIOU Small Pet Carrier. Made from waterproof Oxford cloth, this carrier measures 15.8 x 7 x 11 inches (approx. 40 x 18 x 28cm) and is suitable for pets up to 7lb (approx. 3.2kg) and under 14 inches (approx. 35cm) body length.
Designed to be breathable and comfortable for your furry friend, it features a mesh window and curtain. It also features a shoulder strap so it can be carried as a shoulder bag or handbag, so it’s well worth a look if you prefer soft-sided pet carriers.
- Lightweight
- Soft and comfortable
- Shoulder bag or handbag
- Not suitable for larger bunnies
- Risk of bunny chewing
4. Favorite Portable Pet Carrier
When you’re comparing products in your search for the best rabbit carrier, make sure you check out the Favorite Portable Pet Carrier. Another top-load model with two doors for easy access and cleaning, this carrier measures 23 x 15.5 x 13.5 inches (approx. 58 x 39 x 34cm).
It comes with screws to help tightly secure the top and bottom halves together, while ventilation on the sides, top and back helps your pet stay safe. A spring-loaded latch ensures easy opening, and the cage is designed to meet most international airline standards.
There’s also a top handle for carrying, plus an included belt if you’d like to carry it over your shoulder.
- Carry by hand or over the shoulder
- Well ventilated
- Safe and secure
- Some customers complain top is difficult to open
- Some buyers report that top lid doesn’t stay closed
5. Petsfit Soft-sided Pet Carrier
Another soft-sided pet carrier you might like to consider is this unique carry bag from Petsfit. Made from EVA material, this carrier measures 16 x 9 x 9 inches (approx. 41 x 23 x 23cm), so it is suitable for small animals like rabbits.
It comes with a top carry handle for convenient transportation, while a shoulder strap is also included. It features side ventilation holes and a mesh door to ensure adequate airflow, while there’s also a removable and machine-washable pad for easy cleaning.
Finally, the carrier can be packed flat for easy storage.
- Top handle and shoulder strap
- Easy to clean
- Can be packed flat
- Customer complaints about zipper getting stuck
- Risk of bunny chewing
Rabbit Carrier Buying Guide
Why Buy a Rabbit Carrier?
The main reason you should buy a bunny carrier is to ensure the safety of your pet.
Throughout his life, you’ll need to take your rabbit with you when you travel. This may be for trips to the vet, short outings, holidays, and even flights — if you’re moving home, you’ll obviously need a safe way to bring your bunny with you.
But letting your rabbit travel loose is a huge risk. If he escapes, he faces hazards like predators and busy roads. If you’re in a car accident or even brake suddenly, he could be seriously injured — or worse. He’ll also be stressed out and frightened by loud noises and unfamiliar situations.
A rabbit travel carrier ensures that your pet is safe and secure when traveling. It keeps him properly restrained, protects him against a wide range of dangers, and is an essential requirement if you want to take your pet on an airplane.
What to Look for When Choosing a Rabbit Carrier
Consider the following factors when comparing the best bunny carriers:
- Size. How big should a rabbit carrier be? There should be enough room for your bunny to sit, lie down and move around comfortably, while many rabbits will enjoy a little extra space. Check the product dimensions closely before buying to make sure your rabbit will fit.
- Ventilation. Safety is crucial when transporting your pet, so any rabbit carrier you choose must provide adequate ventilation for your furry friend. This will prevent your rabbit from overheating while in transit.
- Materials. Most pet transport cages are made of heavy-duty plastic, but there are also wire and soft-sided fabric travel bags available. Plastic is generally considered the best choice thanks to its durability and ease of cleaning, and many airline-approved plastic pet carriers are available.
- Durability. The best rabbit cages should be durable enough to stand the test of time. It’s worth checking customer reviews to find out whether a carrier can stand up to punishment and regular use.
- Security. Next, check how secure the carrier is for rabbits. How do the gates/doors lock? Is there any risk of them accidentally being unlocked by a curious pet? Are there any gaps that a bunny might try to exploit?
- Where you’ll be traveling. A basic pet carrier will often suffice if you only need a portable carrier to take your bunny to the vet and back. But if you’re planning on taking a flight with your rabbit, for example, if you’re moving home, you’ll need an airline-approved pet carrier.
- Ease of carrying. Whether you’re going to the vet or taking your rabbit on holiday, you’ll need to spend a bit of time carrying the travel cage. Check whether the carrier has one or more handles, shoulder straps, or even wheels for easy movement. You may also want to check the specifications to make sure the carrier isn’t overly heavy.
- Ease of access. Check the size and location of door openings on the carrier. Will they make it easy to load and unload your pet? Some carriers only have one door, others open at the top and at the side.
- Ease of cleaning. A clean and hygienic travel space is essential to keep your bunny safe and comfortable. Make sure the carrier you choose will be simple to wipe out and disinfect when needed.
- Storage. Depending on the amount of space you have at home, you may want to look for a bunny carrier that folds flat when not in use.
- Price. Finally, don’t forget to shop around for the best price. Once you know the style of rabbit carrier you want, you may find that several manufacturers produce travel cages with similar designs. Compare these options to find the best value.
How Do I Get My Rabbit Into a Carrier?
Rabbits are generally timid creatures, so the number-one piece of advice is to take it slowly.
Don’t just pop your rabbit into the carrier without warning and expect them to endure a car ride and a long sit in the vet’s waiting room before letting them out. Instead, give them time to become familiar with and comfortable in the cage before taking it on the road.
To do this, let your bunny explore the carrier at his own pace. Place the carrier on the floor in his playroom at home and put a few treats in it. Let your bunny sniff and inspect the carrier before entering it when he’s ready.
You can then get your rabbit used to spending a few minutes in the carrier at a time, making sure to include food and toys to help him feel at home. You can gradually increase the time your pet spends in the cage, and then let them get used to the idea of being moved around in the carrier.
This will help reduce stress for your bunny when it’s time to use the carrier in a real-life situation.
FAQs About Rabbit Carrier
Are There Any Types of Pet Carriers That Aren’t Suitable for Rabbits?
The main thing to remember is to avoid carriers that your rabbit is likely to chew and destroy, such as cardboard or wicker carriers. Some soft-sided carriers also may not be suitable for bunnies that love to chew.
Some rabbits will also feel too exposed in wire cages with mesh on all four sides, so these are often best avoided.
What Do You Put in a Rabbit Carrier?
You’ll need to put more than just your rabbit inside the carrier. A decent supply of hay will give your rabbit something to chew on, comfortable bedding is essential, and water is also a must. A couple of your bunny’s favorite toys will help him feel right at home, while some carriers will even have space for a litter tray.
How Can I Help Keep My Rabbit Safe While Traveling in the Car?
There are several simple steps you can follow to help keep your bunny calm, safe, and comfortable during car travel:
- Ensure that the car is nice and cool — rabbits can’t tolerate high temperatures
- Make sure the carrier is tightly secured in the car. Depending on the carrier, this may mean strapping it in with a seatbelt or placing it on the floor behind the passenger’s seat
- Don’t place the carrier in direct sunlight
- Never leave your pet unattended in a car
- Make sure your rabbit has food and water
- If you’re traveling a longer distance, make regular stops to check on your pet’s wellbeing
Final Thoughts
For our money, the practical features of the Petmate Two-door Top-load Carrier make it hard to beat. But if you’re looking for a soft-sided travel bag, the KAMEIOU Small Pet Carrier is also worth a closer look.
The main thing to remember is that it’s important to compare a wide range of options. Consider how you’ll use the carrier and then weigh up the pros and cons of suitable products to find the best rabbit carrier for your needs.
