Traveling with your rabbit companion can be stressful, both for you and your furry friend. Having the right rabbit carrier is key to keeping your bunny safe, secure, and as comfortable as possible on the journey. This comprehensive guide explores the 10 best rabbit carriers available in 2024 based on durability, ventilation, ease of cleaning, accessories, customer reviews and rabbit-friendly design.
Table of Contents
Key Features of the Best Rabbit Carriers
When choosing a rabbit carrier for car travel or air travel, there are a few key features to look out for:
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is vital to prevent your rabbit from overheating. The best rabbit carriers have wire mesh doors and panels to allow air flow. Some also have extra ventilation holes or built-in fans for added breathability.
Padding & Comfort
Cushioned bases and removable pads or blankets create a cozy, comfortable environment for your rabbit while traveling. Fleece and other soft materials are gentle on paws and prevent sores.
Easy Cleaning
Accidents happen, so choose a carrier that is easy to clean and disinfect inside. Plastic bases or removable tray floors allow you to wipe or dump out messes.
Secure Doors & Locks
Escape-proof doors with secure latches keep your rabbit safely contained. Some have additional ties or zippers for reinforcement. Locking mechanisms give added protection.
Portability & Convenience
Look for carriers with handy features like carry handles, shoulder straps, seat belt loops or backpack straps. These make transporting your bunny smooth and hands-free. Collapsible and foldable designs are great for storage and travel.
Visibility
Transparent sides, doors or roofs let you keep an eye on your rabbit while on the move. This helps reduce stress and monitor wellbeing.
The 10 Best Rabbit Carriers for Travel
1. Texsens Large Rabbit Carrier
The Texsens Large Rabbit Carrier is exceptionally well-ventilated to keep rabbits cool and comfy. It features wire mesh panels on all sides plus mesh windows, a ceiling and triple doors. Despite the ample ventilation, the carrier feels private and secure for nervous rabbits.
The steel wire construction makes it very sturdy but a cozy fleece pad lines the floor for padded comfort. Two lockable door latches and zip ties keep escape artists contained. The top handle and shoulder strap maximize portability.
- Dimensions: 18.9 x 14.6 x 14.2 inches
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Door type: Triple wire mesh doors
- Portability: Top handle & shoulder strap
2. Necoichi Ultra Light Collapsible Carrier
For a super portable, convenient and compact rabbit carrier, the Necoichi Ultra Light Collapsible Carrier fits the bill. It folds completely flat for storage and travel between uses. The mesh panels provide ventilation that collapses down into a solid, supportive structure.
Despite the light, collapsible design, the steel frame is quite durable and stable when set up. Cushioned pads keep your rabbit cozy for the journey ahead. There are two wide openings for easy access.
- Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 12 inches
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Door type: Two full width mesh doors
- Portability: Folds flat; shoulder strap
3. Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel
The Petmate kennel is a travel staple for rabbits and other small pets. This durable plastic carrier is well-ventilated, with wire vents along the sides and rear. The non-slip floor keeps litter or bedding contained and the top load design makes it easy to put your rabbit inside.
The Petmate kennel meets most airlines’ carry-on requirements. It also has an ergonomic handle and seat belt loops to securely fasten in your car. While not collapsible, it holds its shape well for frequent transport.
- Dimensions: 19.25 x 12.5 x 10.25 inches
- Weight: 4.75 lbs
- Door type: Top load; side wire door
- Portability: Ergonomic handle, seat belt loops
4. Iris USA Rabbit Carrier
For a roomy rabbit carrier with lots of convenient features, Iris USA’s small animal crate fits the bill. It comes with a free traveling water bottle that attaches inside. Both wire and plastic panels allow ventilation and visibility while containing mess.
The large double doors provide easy access from multiple angles. They securely latch and lock to prevent escaping. There’s a handle for carrying by hand plus straps for wearing as a backpack. It folds flat for storage and travel.
- Dimensions: 23.75 x 16.75 x 16 inches
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Door type: Double wire doors
- Portability: Top handle, backpack straps
5. PawHut Deluxe Small Animal Carrier
PawHut’s deluxe rabbit carrier provides great ventilation and visibility thanks to transparent plastic and wire mesh panels on all sides. The steel wire frame gives it excellent durability with two stable carry handles on top.
Inside, there is a comfy fleece mat over a plastic base and removable tray. Two doors – one wire and one transparent plastic – offer easy entry. The plastic door holds a water bottle while the wire one has a lock. There are also adjustable air vents near the back.
- Dimensions: 19.5 x 14 x 14.5 inches
- Weight: 4.4 lbs
- Door type: Plastic and wire doors
- Portability: Two top handles
6. Petsfit Expandable Rabbit Carrier
For maximum adjustability, choose Petsfit’s expandable rabbit carrier. It extends from a compact 16 inches long up to 22 inches to accommodate larger breed rabbits or give smaller buns more room to relax. The transparent panels also unzip to expose more mesh for increased airflow.
Despite the flexibility, it remains very sturdy and secure for safe rabbit travel. There are stability boards and a steel frame plus mesh windows all around. Two padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to wear as a backpack.
- Dimensions: Adjusts 16 – 22 x 11 x 11 inches
- Weight: 3.3 lbs
- Door type: Top and front entry
- Portability: Padded shoulder straps
7. OxGord Airline Approved Bunny Carrier
For hassle-free air travel, OxGord’s airline-approved rabbit carrier takes the guesswork out of choosing a compliant crate. It is accepted for carry-on by most domestic airlines. There’s ample ventilation on all sides with three mesh doors for accessibility.
Despite meeting airline regulations for size, it does not skimp on comfort. There is a fleece pad over a removable plastic tray. For portability, use the extendable handle or shoulder strap. Zip ties, stabilizing feet and locks keep your rabbit secure.
- Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 10 inches
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Door type: Three mesh doors
- Portability: Telescoping handle, shoulder strap
8. MidWest Homes for Pets Wabbitat Folding Rabbit Cage
While designed as a folding rabbit cage for home use, the Wabbitat from MidWest makes an excellent portable carrier too. It sets up and folds down quickly thanks to a simple wire frame and transparent plastic base. The full-width front door provides easy access.
Since it’s intended for extended rabbit housing, the Wabbitat prioritizes comfort and space. There’s ample floor space for a litter box, hay feeder, toys, etc. The leak-proof plastic pan catches messes. Top and side doors secure with slide bolts.
- Dimensions: 36.25′′ L x 21.5′′ W x 16.75′′ H
- Weight: 12 lbs
- Door type: Full width front entry
- Portability: Folds flat; handle
9. Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Pet Carrier
For a flexible, lightweight option, try this soft-sided carrier from AmazonBasics. The breathable mesh panels keep your rabbit cool while the padded sides maintain structure. Inside there’s a fleece pad and removable cushion for comfort.
The carrier features both a top and side entry for easy rabbit access. An adjustable shoulder strap lets you wear as a bag and the sturdy carrying handles make it easy to transport by hand or attach to your car seat belt.
- Dimensions: 18 x 11 x 10 inches
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Door type: Top and side entry
- Portability: Shoulder strap & carry handles
10. PetPeppy Transport Carrier
Last but not least, PetPeppy’s rabbit carrier is a great budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. It folds up neatly when not in use. The wire frame and mesh panels offer plenty of ventilation for stress-free travel.
There are two wide doors at the top and front that securely latch and lock. An ergonomic handle facilitates carrying while built-in straps allow you to affix it to your car seat. The leak-proof plastic pan is easy to wipe clean afterwards.
- Dimensions: Unfolded 19 x 13 x 13 inches
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Door type: Top and front entry
- Portability: Handle & seat belt straps
Rabbit Carrier Travel Tips & Safety Precautions
To ensure safe, stress-free travel for your rabbit in their carrier, keep these tips in mind:
- Allow your rabbit to get familiar with the carrier before the trip through positive reinforcement training
- Place familiar items like toys and blankets in the carrier for comfort
- Ensure your rabbit empties their bladder/bowels shortly before a long car or plane ride
- Offer fresh vegetables and hay to munch en route
- Never leave your rabbit unattended in a hot or cold vehicle
- Secure the carrier firmly using seat belts or ties to prevent sliding
- Consider anti-anxiety medication from your vet for anxious rabbits
- Check airline regulations about traveling with rabbits in advance
- Attach identification tags and your contact info to the carrier
- Pack critical supplies like medications, wipes, extra food/water in case of delays
With an appropriately sized, well-ventilated and comfortable rabbit carrier plus some safety precautions, you and your bunny companion can hop along on many adventures together. The carriers reviewed above are top-rated for making rabbit travel more secure and stress-free.
Tara Ragatz is an accomplished writer specializing in rabbit care and housing, holding a Master’s degree in Animal Science. With over 8 years of experience, Tara provides expert advice on creating the perfect living environments for rabbits through her articles on RabbitCage.org. Her extensive knowledge and practical tips help pet owners ensure the best care for their rabbits. For more insights and inspiration, follow her on Pinterest.