Here’s a quick version with a few explanations of a list I made to remind myself of what I needed to bring to my local rabbit show:

  • Rabbits (seriously…don’t forget anyone!)
  • Carriers
  • Water/feed dish for carriers. (I don’t fill them in transit if it’s less than half a day, otherwise water and food ends up everywhere)
  • Show records/list (for noting who wins what)
  • Pens to write with
  • Nail clippers
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Paper towel roll
  • Mask/allergy eye drops (for allergies if needed)
  • Spare towel or two (to keep clothes clean when handling rabbits)
  • Baby wipes (cleanup for you and rabbits)
  • Change of clothes (sooner or later you will be peed on)
  • Water and feed for rabbits
  • Water and food for humans
  • Extra cash money (raffle, lunch, that rabbit you just have to have, etc)
  • Toll money or electronic payment method (if any toll roads)
  • Money to pay entry fee (if not prepaid)
  • Cart to bring carriers into show
  • Something to sit on (I use a 5 gallon bucket that holds my supplies)
  • Phone and charger
  • If kids coming that might get “bored”, QUIET entertainment and headphones
  • Copy of your payment receipt (if prepaid) and entry forms
  • Bungee cords to close carriers/strap together on cart
  • First aid kit for humans/rabbits (bandaids, quick stop powder or flour, etc)
  • Spare carrier just in case something extra comes home

Things to do before the show:

  • Check and touch up/do ear tattoos (3 or more weeks out preferably for healing time)
  • Submit your entry early and pay ahead (if allowed)
  • Trim everyone’s nails (judge will be happy)
  • Double check teeth etc for last minute issues
  • Clean carriers and add fresh bedding
  • Pack up supplies and put everything in car except rabbits and humans
  • Gas up car
  • Print out directions to/from the show (in case GPS doesn’t work)
  • Check fluids/oil/etc in vehicle (bring spares as needed, no gas in same compartment as rabbits or humans!)

At the show:

  • Get there early
  • Don’t block the aisles
  • Observe good sportsmanship
  • Control your kids/self…rabbits do not like loud noise and fast movement and you may injure your or someone else’s animal
  • Have fun!

After the show:

  • Unpack car
  • Dump out carrier bedding
  • Quarantine any rabbits that went to the show and any new ones that came back with you for 30 days minimum
  • Keep an eye on rabbits for signs of stress, illness and treat if needed
  • Keep in contact with any new raisers you met 🙂
  • Plan out breeding based on information you learned
  • Get ready for the next one!