Don't forget to sort out care for your bunny when you book your holiday!
It can be to arrange holiday care for houserabbits, especially in winter. The RWAF has a "Bunny Boarding Co-ordinator" who holds a database of businesses and individuals able to board indoor rabbits, but unfortunately we are only able to offer this service to current members of the RWA and some areas of the UK are not well represented on the list yet.
The most obvious consideration is that you can’t put an indoor bunny in an unheated outdoor environment in winter, although they’re okay staying outdoors in summer. A free-range housebunny will come to no harm being caged for a fortnight (although he’ll sulk when you get home)—so don’t feel too guilty if this is the only option!
Many RWAF members belong to local social groups ("Hopper" groups) and look after each others' rabbits, which solves the problem nicely. If you don't know other houserabbit owners in your locality (you could always join the RWA to meet up with some!) you will need to explore other options.
The options
1. Many rabbit rescue centres accept rabbits for boarding and on-site rabbit expertise is guaranteed. However, few rescues have indoor rabbit accommodation.
2. Ring round local boarding kennels and catteries—some catteries are suitable for rabbits, or will accept rabbits in cages. They may be able to put your bunny in the staff room or somewhere else indoors. Some pet shops board small animals. Only you can judge the suitability of the care and accommodation on offer which varies from superb to abysmal.
3. Ring round the vets in your area. Some have facilities for boarding small animals, or they may have animal nursing staff who board small pets for a fee.
4. Noticeboards in veterinary surgeries and pet shops often hold adverts for "animal nannies" who will visit your home daily for a fee, but you must ensure that they understand the special needs of rabbits and are trustworthy and reliable.
5. There are agencies (e.g. "Animal Aunts") who arrange house-sitters to stay in your home and look after your home, garden and pets when you are away. This type of service is expensive but offers peace of mind. Again, you must ensure the animal sitter knows about rabbits. They may be more used to looking after dogs, cats and horses!
7. You might think of employing a local animal-care student (many agricultural colleges have pre-veterinary nursing courses) either to live-in or visit daily. However, unlike a professional sitter arranged by an agency, a student isn't going to have any insurance cover and you may prefer a mature person rather than giving run of your home to a teenager.
8. If all else fails, you could ask a neighbour, friend or family member to pop in twice a day. The rabbit can then stay in familiar surroundings. The problem is that if your bunny should fall ill, your neighbours may not recognise that there is a problem. If you have to use an inexperienced carer, leave them a copy of the Rabbit Welfare Fund "Bunny MOT" leaflet to refer to.
Whatever holiday care you arrange, make sure that your rabbit is fully vaccinated (VHD/Myxomatosis) and that he stays on his usual diet. It's a good idea to leave a cheque, payable to the vet, with your rabbit's sitter. Make sure your rabbit is insured, too. Treating a rabbit after illness or accident can easily cost hundreds of pounds - if your bunny is insured, your sitter can agree to whatever treatment is necessary without worrying about what you will say if you come home to a huge bill! Ring Pet Plan to arrange cover - 0800 282009.
This information is brought to you by the Rabbit Welfare Fund - the charitable wing of the Rabbit Welfare Association. If you love rabbits, please consider supporting the Rabbit Welfare Fund. You can make a donation, or you may like to join the RWA. The £17.50 adult subscription includes a subscription to "Rabbiting On", a fabulous quarterly magazine packed with health, behaviour and care advice to help you build a wonderful relationship with your bunny - whether s/he lives indoors or out.
© Rabbit Welfare Association 2001