Transporting Small Pets: Are Hamsters, Rabbits, and Squirrels Allowed?

Introduction

In recent years, small pets such as hamsters, rabbits, and squirrels have become beloved companions for families and individuals worldwide. While cats and dogs are the most common travelers, many owners want to know whether their smaller furry friends can also accompany them when relocating, traveling abroad, or even going on vacation.

Transporting small pets internationally or domestically, however, is not as simple as putting them in a travel cage. Airlines, border authorities, and local regulations each have specific rules about which animals are permitted, how they must be transported, and what documentation is required.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on whether hamsters, rabbits, and squirrels are allowed during travel, what regulations apply, and the best methods to ensure their safety and comfort.

1. General Rules for Transporting Small Pets

Before focusing on specific animals, it is important to understand how transportation regulations usually work:

Airlines vs. governments: Airlines set their own policies on which pets can fly, while governments determine which species can legally enter their country.
Species categorization: Small mammals like rabbits are often treated differently from rodents like hamsters or exotic pets like squirrels.
Health and safety concerns: Authorities may restrict certain animals due to risks of disease, invasive species concerns, or passenger safety.

In most cases:

Rabbits are the most commonly accepted among the three.
Hamsters are subject to strict airline restrictions.
Squirrels are usually not permitted as pets on planes and often face import bans.

2. Transporting Rabbits

Transporting Small Pets: Are Hamsters, Rabbits, and Squirrels Allowed?

Rabbits are increasingly popular household pets and are often accepted by airlines and international authorities.

2.1. Airline policies for rabbits

Many airlines allow rabbits either:

In the cabin: Small rabbits in an airline-approved carrier under the seat.
As checked baggage or cargo: Larger rabbits or multiple pets transported in the hold.

Examples:

Lufthansa accepts rabbits in-cabin under certain size limits.
United Airlines only allows rabbits as cargo.

2.2. Documentation for rabbits

When traveling internationally, rabbits may require:

A veterinary health certificate issued within 7–10 days of travel.
Proof of vaccination (depending on destination, such as Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease vaccine in Europe).
Import permits for some countries.

2.3. Pros and cons of traveling with rabbits

Pros:

Generally accepted by airlines.
Easier paperwork compared to exotic pets.
Small size makes them easier to transport than cats or dogs.

Cons:

Sensitive to temperature changes.
Easily stressed during long journeys.
Not every country allows rabbit imports without quarantine.

3. Transporting Hamsters

Hamsters, despite their tiny size, face much stricter restrictions. Many airlines and countries do not allow hamsters to travel due to their classification as rodents.

3.1. Airline restrictions

Most U.S. airlines do not allow hamsters in-cabin or as cargo.
European airlines may allow them in-cabin on select routes but require specific carriers.
Low-cost carriers (such as Ryanair or EasyJet) generally ban rodents altogether.

3.2. Legal restrictions

Some countries consider hamsters restricted or banned species due to health risks:

Australia prohibits hamster imports entirely.
New Zealand also bans them to protect local ecosystems.
In the EU, regulations vary by member state.

3.3. Risks of hamster transport

Challenges include:

Stress from noise and vibrations.
High sensitivity to temperature and air pressure changes.
Risk of escape if the carrier is not secure.

3.4. Alternatives for hamster owners

Consider pet boarding services while traveling.
Use a specialized pet courier company if transport is essential.
Check with destination authorities before booking any travel.

4. Transporting Squirrels

Squirrels are considered exotic pets in many parts of the world, which makes their transport particularly complicated.

4.1. Airline acceptance

Major airlines almost always ban squirrels, whether in-cabin or cargo.
They are not classified as typical domestic pets.

4.2. Import restrictions

Many countries prohibit squirrel imports due to risks of disease (rabies, parasites).
In the United States, importing wild squirrels is restricted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The EU treats squirrels as exotic wildlife requiring special permits.

4.3. Why squirrels are restricted

They are wild animals in many regions.
Potential risk to agriculture and ecosystems.
Higher chance of injury or escape compared to rabbits or hamsters.

4.4. Realistic options for squirrel owners

If you own a squirrel as a pet, transporting it internationally may not be feasible. Boarding or finding a caretaker at home is often the safer and more legal option.

5. Comparison of Hamsters, Rabbits, and Squirrels

Pet Type	Airline Acceptance	Import Possibility	Stress Level During Travel	Documentation Required
Rabbits	Often accepted (cabin or cargo)	Generally possible with certificates	Moderate	Health certificate, vaccinations, permits
Hamsters	Rarely accepted	Banned in many countries	High	Health certificate (if accepted)
Squirrels	Almost never accepted	Strictly prohibited in most countries	Very high	Exotic animal permits (rarely granted)

6. Preparing Small Pets for Travel

If your chosen airline and destination allow your small pet, preparation is key:

Choose the right carrier
- IATA-approved travel crate.
- Proper ventilation, escape-proof, absorbent bedding.
Health check-up
- Visit a vet within 7–10 days of departure.
- Obtain necessary certificates and vaccinations.
Acclimatization
- Let your pet get used to the carrier weeks before the journey.
- Provide familiar bedding or toys to reduce stress.
During travel
- Avoid feeding just before departure to reduce nausea.
- Provide water in spill-proof bottles.
- Minimize loud noises and disturbances.

7. Professional Pet Transport Services

For small pets, especially hamsters or exotic animals, hiring a professional pet relocation company can be the safest solution.

Benefits of using a service:

Knowledge of import/export laws.
Handling of paperwork and customs clearance.
Specialized carriers and trained staff.
Reduced stress for both owners and pets.

8. Key Takeaways

Rabbits are the most widely accepted among small pets for international travel.
Hamsters face significant restrictions and are banned in several countries.
Squirrels are generally prohibited as pets for transport due to their classification as wildlife.
Always check airline policies and destination country laws before booking travel.
In many cases, using a pet relocation company is the best option.

Conclusion

While traveling with cats and dogs has become increasingly common, transporting hamsters, rabbits, and squirrels remains a complex issue. Rabbits are usually permitted with proper documentation, making them the easiest small pet to travel with. Hamsters, despite their small size, often face bans, and squirrels are almost never allowed due to their exotic status.

If you are planning to move abroad with your small pet, the most important step is to research airline rules and destination country regulations in advance. When in doubt, consult a professional pet transport service to avoid unexpected problems.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure your furry companion’s safety, comfort, and legal compliance throughout the journey.

Kiến thức

Transporting Small Pets Are Allowed?