For many owners, the thought of leaving their rabbit for the first time can be just as nerve-wracking as it is exciting. While you’re looking forward to your holiday, it’s completely natural to worry about how your bunny will cope in a new environment.
The good news is that with a little preparation, boarding can be a positive and stress-free experience for both you and your rabbit.
At Skye Warren, we understand that every rabbit is different. Some settle in immediately, while others simply need a little time to explore their surroundings before they feel at home. By following a few simple steps before drop-off, you can help your rabbit enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Book Early
Rabbit boarding, particularly during school holidays, can fill up months in advance.
If you already know your holiday dates, it’s worth booking as early as possible. This gives you plenty of time to organise everything you’ll need before your rabbit arrives.
Once your booking has been confirmed, you’ll receive details of everything required before your rabbit’s stay.
Make Sure Vaccinations Are Up to Date
Before boarding, your rabbit should be fully vaccinated.
Vaccinations play an important role in protecting not only your own rabbit but every guest staying at the boarding facility.
Most boarding providers will ask to see proof of vaccination before confirming your booking.
At Skye Warren, bookings are secured once we have received:
- Completed booking paperwork
- Deposit payment
- Proof of vaccination
This helps us maintain a safe environment for all rabbits in our care.
Keep Their Diet Consistent
One of the biggest causes of digestive upset in rabbits is a sudden change in diet.
That’s why it’s important to continue feeding the same pellets your rabbit eats at home.
We ask owners to provide:
🥣 Their rabbit’s usual pellets
We’ll provide:
🌾 Unlimited quality hay
🥬 Fresh vegetables (where appropriate)
🌿 Natural forage
🥕 Healthy treats
Keeping your rabbit’s normal routine helps reduce stress and supports a healthy digestive system throughout their stay.
Bring a Favourite Blanket or Toy
A familiar scent can be incredibly reassuring in a new environment.
Bringing a favourite blanket, soft mat or toy helps your rabbit feel more settled and provides a little reminder of home.
While many rabbits quickly become comfortable in their holiday accommodation, familiar items can make those first few hours much easier.
Don’t Forget Medication
If your rabbit requires medication, remember to pack:
- Medication in its original packaging
- Clear written instructions
- Dosage information
- Times medication should be given
If there are any special requirements, let us know before arrival so we can ensure your rabbit receives the care they need.
Label Your Carrier
Please bring your rabbit in a secure carrier that is clearly labelled with:
- Your rabbit’s name
- Your surname
This simple step helps ensure a smooth check-in, particularly during busy holiday periods.
Tell Us About Their Personality
One of the things that helps us provide the best possible care is learning about your rabbit before they arrive.
Every bunny has their own little quirks.
Maybe they love head rubs.
Maybe they’re shy around new people.
Maybe they’ll do absolutely anything for a treat.
The more we know, the easier it is to make them feel comfortable.
Some useful things to tell us include:
- Favourite foods
- Preferred routine
- Things they dislike
- Favourite enrichment
- Whether they’re confident or nervous
- Any health conditions
Arrange Drop-Off and Collection Times
To ensure arrivals and departures run smoothly, we ask all owners to arrange drop-off and collection times in advance.
This allows us to give every guest the attention they deserve and helps minimise disruption for rabbits already staying with us.
Try to Stay Relaxed
It might sound strange, but rabbits are very good at picking up on our emotions.
If you’re calm and relaxed during drop-off, your rabbit is more likely to remain calm too.
Many owners worry far more than their rabbits do!
After a quick explore and a few mouthfuls of hay, most rabbits settle remarkably quickly into their new surroundings.
What Happens When Your Rabbit Arrives?
Once your rabbit arrives at Skye Warren, we begin by helping them settle into their accommodation.
We’ll:
🏡 Show them their holiday home
🌾 Provide unlimited fresh hay
🥬 Prepare food following your instructions
💚 Observe their behaviour as they settle
🐰 Allow them time to explore at their own pace
Every rabbit settles differently, so we never rush the process.
During Their Stay
Throughout their stay, every rabbit receives:
✔ Daily health checks
✔ Fresh hay available at all times
✔ Fresh water
✔ Clean accommodation
✔ Enrichment opportunities
✔ Individual care
✔ Plenty of observation to ensure they’re eating, drinking and behaving normally
Our aim is for every rabbit to feel safe, comfortable and relaxed throughout their holiday.
Before Collection
When it’s time for your rabbit to head home, we’ll make sure everything is ready for collection.
We’ll happily let you know how they got on during their stay and share any little stories about their holiday—whether they were a professional hay muncher, an enthusiastic explorer or the self-appointed king or queen of their accommodation!
Many of our guests become regular visitors, and it’s always a pleasure to welcome familiar faces back.
Rabbit Boarding Checklist
Before leaving home, double-check you’ve packed:
✔ Your rabbit
✔ Secure labelled carrier
✔ Normal pellets
✔ Favourite blanket or toy
✔ Medication (if required)
✔ Proof of vaccination (if not already provided)
✔ Any special dietary information
✔ Emergency contact details
A quick checklist can help make drop-off smooth and stress-free.
Why Choose Skye Warren?
At Skye Warren, we know how much your rabbit means to you. That’s why we treat every guest with the same care, patience and attention we’d give our own pets.
From spacious accommodation and unlimited quality hay to enrichment, daily health checks and personalised care, our goal is to provide a true home-from-home while you’re away.
Whether it’s your rabbit’s first holiday or they’re one of our regular guests, we’ll do everything we can to help them feel safe, relaxed and happy.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your rabbit for boarding doesn’t need to be stressful. A little planning goes a long way in helping your bunny settle into their temporary home.
By keeping their routine familiar, packing the essentials and choosing a boarding service that puts welfare first, you can head off on holiday with confidence, knowing your rabbit is in safe hands.
At Skye Warren, we’re always happy to answer any questions before your rabbit’s stay, so if you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to get in touch.