Air Travel With Rabbits—How Does it Work?

Hi PetRelocation,

I would like to know the requirements for relocating my pet rabbit from India to the USA.

What documents and vaccinations would he need? Can he travel as a carry-on in the cabin? Which international airline would permit this? Is there a quarantine for rabbits entering the United States?

Thanks,

Keerthi


Hi Keerthi,

Thanks for the questions! Information about traveling to the United States with a rabbit can be found on the USDA website. You'll probably be happy that there doesn't appear to be a quarantine or any other regulations for rabbit imports to the United States from India or any other foreign country.

Unfortunately, many airlines do not allow rabbits and other animals to fly in the cabin. We recommend checking with the carriers you're considering to see your options. We have helped a couple of rabbits travel recently, including Amber from Japan to the United States and Daisy from the United States to Hong Kong, so know that it is possible to handle them safely with the right preparation.

Regarding documents and vaccinations, although there are no specific vaccination requirements for rabbits entering the United States, it's always a good idea to have your pet's health records up to date. This may include a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in India stating that your rabbit is healthy and fit to travel.

Some airlines may require a health certificate, so you must check with the airline you'll use for their specific requirements. Additionally, a microchip is not mandatory for rabbits but can be helpful in case your pet gets lost during transit.

As for international airlines that permit rabbits to travel, it varies from one airline to another. You must check with the airlines for their pet travel policies. Some airlines that have allowed rabbits in the past include Lufthansa, KLM, and United Airlines, but policies can change, so it's crucial to confirm with them directly.

Finally, we also recently ran across this helpful website that might shed some light on the experience of flying with rabbits.

Good luck with everything, and feel free to contact us if you'd like some help arranging your rabbit's move!

Pet Travel Question Details:

Name: Keerthi
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Rabbit
Pet Breed: Angora Cross
From: India
To: USA