Birds should be transported inside a sturdy carrier. Birds should not be brought into the hospital on your shoulder or inside clothing. Even if your bird is normally very calm and well behaved. Coming to the veterinary hospital can be stressful and may cause your bird to react in unexpected ways. Frightened birds can very easily cause injury by biting or scratching or may fly off. Flying off your shoulder in the parking lot may mean that your friend is gone forever. Flying off inside the hospital could result in your feathered friend flying into a dog or cat that may injure your bird.
Small birds can be transported in their own cage, a smaller travel cage, a small cat carrier or a closed cardboard box with a few holes punched in it. Be certain that the cage, carrier or box is securely closed so your bird cannot escape. The cage or box should be secured in the vehicle so that it cannot be thrown off the seat if a sudden stop occurs. In cold weather the cage or box should wrapped in a thick towel or blanket to prevent drafts from reaching your bird and your car should be preheated to ensure your bird is not chilled.
Larger birds need very sturdy carriers. Cat carriers can be ok, but some very large parrots may quickly chew through the plastic so their behavior should be monitored to ensure they are not in danger of flying off when the car door is opened. Covering the carrier and preheating the car is still important for large birds to prevent chilling.
Cat carriers work very well for transporting rabbits.
Cat carriers also work well for larger rodents including rats, guinea pigs and chinchillas. Gerbils, hamsters and mice can be brought in a small pet carrier or cardboard box with a few small holes punched in it. Some rodents can quickly chew through a cardboard box so they should be monitored to ensure they do not escape.
Guinea pigs and chinchillas do not tolerate excessive heat. On hot summer days running the air conditioning before bringing them into the car to help prevent heat stroke.
Most reptiles evolved in warm climates and do not tolerate rapid changes in temperature. In cold weather a safer way to transport your reptile is to use 2 cardboard boxes, one nested inside of the other. Your reptile is in the smalled box. Between the inner, smaller box and the outer, larger box bottles of warm water can be placed to prevent a sudden change in temperature.
If you are bringing your favorite exotic friend to see us and are unsure the best way to transport them please give us a call or an e-mail. We would be very happy to give you some ideas on making the journey safe for your pet.
