Moving is stressful enough when you know what’s going on. Imagine being a rabbit and having your life upended without warning! At All Things Rabbits, we know that our furry little friends can have a tough time with moving and getting settled into an unfamiliar environment. To help keep your move as stress-free as possible, we’ve created a guide packed with tips and resources.
Moving Interstate with Pets
Moving to another state is slightly more complicated when you have pets. Some states require that pet owners provide proof of vaccinations or health certificates to ensure that only healthy animals can cross state lines. Specific requirements vary by state, so it’s important to read up on the laws that will apply to you. For example, if you’re moving a rabbit to California, a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) is recommended. Many other states require CVIs for rabbits and some will even need to see official health certificates.
Make sure you also understand how your move will impact your finances. If you’re on a tight budget, Redfin suggests arranging to stay with friends and family for a few days while you look for housing options and secure a job in your new area. Just make sure your rabbit is welcome!
Preparing for Moving Day
The better you prepare for moving day, the easier the moving process will be on your pet. Preparing for a smooth move starts with the packing process! As you pack your belongings, leave all of your bunny’s stuff in the same spot to help them avoid the stress of watching their things disappear into boxes. With any pet, their supplies should be the last thing you pack and the first thing you unpack once you arrive at your new home.
On moving day, you will need to get your bunny into a pet carrier to transport him. To keep his stress levels low, The Spruce Pets recommends encouraging him to enter the carrier on his own by placing some enticing treats inside. If you’re only moving a short distance, it could be a good idea to move your bunny into your new home the day before you move all of your other stuff. This will allow you to give all your attention to your rabbit during his transition.
Rabbit Proofing Your New Home
One of the first things you should do as you get set up in your new home is rabbit-proof your new place. Rabbits can cause some serious destruction around the home, especially if they’re stressed. Before letting your bunny loose in your home, take the time to cover electrical cords with flex tubing, move plants out of reach, and block bunny-restricted areas with baby gates. Try to get all of your stuff unpacked and put away quickly so that your bunny can’t get into your moving boxes and cause trouble.
Adjusting to a New Environment
Your bunny will take some time to adjust to your new home, but there are a couple of things you can do to help him feel comfortable more quickly. First, place your bunny’s cage in its new permanent location so he can start getting accustomed to his new environment right away. Surround him with all of the stuff that’s familiar to him, like his food bowl, water dispenser, and toys. It's important to keep his environment quiet and calm while he gets his bearings. Once your rabbit appears relaxed and is comfortable eating normally, you can let him out to explore your new home one room at a time.
Planning ahead and taking it slow is the key to success when moving with pets. Do what you can to keep the transition as calm and stress-free as possible for your rabbit. Are you looking for more rabbit care tips? All Things Rabbits is a great source for everything you need to know about rabbit care, from creating a comfortable living space to bonding with your furry friend. Check out our website to learn more!
Contributor Writer Cindy Aldridge