Before you go on your vacation, here are some things to think about:

Do you have a reliable babysitter? Someone who knows rabbits and, like Tracy, can tell when something is amiss. Does he or she have the address and phone number of your favorite vet? Make sure your vet has your credit card number on file, so your babysitter has one less thing to worry about in case of an emergency.

As a backup, does your babysitter have the phone number for the area emergency veterinary service? In the DC/Md/Va area, there are a number of emergency offices, including the Alexandria Animal Hospital at (703 823-3601, but ask your vet for the one nearest you that is familiar with rabbits. (also check out our Fall 1997 newsletter or visit our homepage for more tips on what to do in an emergency.) Because accidents can and will happen, especially when there are bunnies on the loose, keep them confined to a condo, with exercise time outside, or in a bunny-proofed room in your absence. As a safe measure, give a duplicate set of keys to your house or apartment to a friend who can check in periodically. Don't forget to give your babysitter and friend a set of detailed instructions. Apart from information about the vet, it should include information on your diet, amount of exercise time, and a phone number where you can be reached while away. Also make sure your instructions describe signs of common ailments, including gastro-intestinal tract slowdown (perhaps the most common problem in bunnies) and keep tubes of Laxatone/Laxastat or other cat hairball remedies handy for your babysitter, with instructions on how much and how often to administer it. If you can't be easily reached, ask your babysitter to leave a message on your home answering machine everyday. Check it regularly. Even when you are around, periodically inspect your home for its bunny-proofing. Do you notice signs of chewing or digging in places that could cause accidents? If your bunny has the run of the house, your task will be that much harder.

Try and prevent accidents by putting sheets of plexiglass or heavy board between stereos/televisions/ washers, dryers and other appliances and the wall. Cover cords in metal or heavy plastic tubing available at places such as Home Depot or the local hardware store.

Because even those are not necessarily fool-proof, check those for teeth-marks periodically. If you can, hang electrical cords out of reach of inquisitive bunnies. Someone suggested a cord that automatically switches off electric power if an animal bites through. I haven't had the time to check it out, but you might want to call Safe Living/Smart Products (813)507-0707 and inquire if it would prevent bunnies with sharp teeth from electrocution. Keep rooms that are not bunny-proofed locked while you are away. If you going away for more than just a long weekend, do a quick check of your home and put away or remove those objects or items that bunnies could get hurt with. Don't forget to leave plenty of chew toys for your bunnies to keep them busy so they will stay out of mischief. Remember, if you can't find a reliable babysitter, ask us. We often babysit bunnies in our homes. And because we are all knowledgeable bunny companions, we are probably more experienced at detecting problems than the typical babysitter who is familiar only with cats or dogs. You may conclude that it might be best to take your bunny friends with you, either by car, or by air.

Home |Adopt | Help Us | Health | Events | Newsletters | Links | About Us