Can you take your bunny outdoors?

The short answer is yes! However, there are a number of precautions to take.

Here are a few places we've taken Nugget + Tutu and what precautions to take. Remember, rabbits don't do well in the heat, so we recommend avoiding taking them out when it is 75F and above.

The Park. We like to picnic at the park on a nice sunny day (we really don't get much of those in Seattle!) and have Nugget + Tutu run on the grass with a leash, of course.

1. What to bring: transport them via a pet carrier. Throw some hay in there for them to munch on. If you'll be out for long, ensure they have water access (and maybe even some treats to ease their first-time anxiety!) Leash up your bunny, as they could run away and get lost.

2. What to watch out for: dogs, really anything that could be a wild rabbit's predator. We have seen a coyote chasing a squirrel up a tree nearby Nugget one Thanksgiving. Phew, almost became a coyote's thanksgiving rabbit roast dinner...! Bicycles, pedestrians, and runners are also imminent to pay attention to. If the grass in the park is treated with pesticides, it is best to limit their consumption of wild grass.

3. Must do: 2 doses of RHDV vaccine to protect your little furry friend.

Cafes. We love, love, love coffee. We occasionally take Nugget + Tutu out to coffee with us to enjoy the sun and sip on coffee on an outdoor patio.

1. What to bring: same as what you'll bring if you were taking them out to the park (above).

2. What to watch out for: in case you wanted to see how rabbits react to coffee, this is no no. Coffee should never be a part of a rabbit's diet. Let's say you ordered a fruit tart to go with your coffee, just make sure the fruits in on the approve food-approved list and have no added sugar or been glazed with syrup if you are feeding it to your bunny. Again, watch out for dogs, pedestrians, etc., really anything that is bigger than your bunny can portentially hurt them!

On the Plane. Did you know that we picked up Tutu from North Carolina ourselves, and brought her to our home in Seattle? Yes, she took the plane. Fun fact, we got a free upgrade to business class with an empty seat beside us, so she sat right next to us - a first bunny!

1. What to bring: transport them via a pet carrier. Throw some hay in there for them to munch on. We also sprinkled a tiny bit of dry hemp leaves to ease her anxiety. Note, many airlines does not allow sedatives to be given to your pet prior to and in flight, so consult your airline and vet before doing so to ensure it will be safe for your bunny.) Ensure they have water access, since flights are normally more than a few hours.

2. What to watch out for: you should be carrying your bunny through the security scan with you (not through the x-ray machine with your carry on luggage). Your bunny may be anxious through the journey, so your bunny may not pee or poop throughout the entire journey. This was what happened to Tutu. Oh well, she peed on me as soon as we got home. If possible, give your bunny a bit of probiotics pre/post flight to boost her immune system.