and effective nasotracheal intubation. Total relaxation of the rabbit was essential, modification of the classic blind position eased placement, a correct approach was necessary, and a unique method of securing the tube improved tube management. Total relaxation of the rabbit was achieved by premedication with ketamine and xylazine and by administering isoflurane in O2 by face mask until the rabbit lacked muscle tone and had lost the gag and pinnae reflexes. In addition, modifying the rabbit’s position improved the ease of nasotracheal intubation. The rabbit’s head was held in dorsoflexion during dorsal recumbency. The correct approach entailed gentle insertion of the tube into the nares medially and ventrally toward the nasal septum and hard palate. Finally, the shape of the rabbit’s head and the dorsoflexion position of the tube discouraged using gauze to secure the tube. In contrast, the modified tape and suture method for securing the tube did not result in a single tube displacement. The present study described the development of a nasotracheal technique for rabbits, compared the orotracheal and nasotracheal techniques, and identified nasotracheal intubation as the preferred methodology for New Zealand White rabbits. Although nasotracheal intubation has been thought to present a risk for introducing pathogens into the lungs and to require high oxygen flow rates, neither concern was realized in the present study, but additional research is needed to determine the pathology of nasotracheal intubation. During the 2-mo time span between intubations, no clinical signs of respiratory disease were noted, and typical flow rates delivered sufficient oxygen to the rabbits. Rabbit intubation has long been described as being technically demanding and time-consuming; numerous articles describe diverse techniques. As described in this report, the use of nasotracheal intubation and the novel method of securing the endotracheal tube have several benefits over traditional orotracheal intubation of rabbits. Nasotracheal intubation provides minimal trauma, unlike previously reported laryngeal injuries from orotracheal intubation.8,21 Placing the endotracheal tube nasally affords the surgeon increased access to the oral cavity without interference from an endotracheal tube. In addition, suturing the tube to the rabbit’s nose facilitates maintaining the airway, allowing the surgeon to work without fear of dislodging the tube. After a few technical modifications and some practice attempts, operators preferred nasotracheal intubation as an easy, atraumatic method of rabbit intubation. The benefits of nasotracheal intubation were the ease of performing the procedure, lack of complicated equipment and supplies, and the lack of rabbit complications. Clinical observations of the intubated animals suggest that nasotracheal intubation can be used as a humane, atraumatic alternative method for safe and effective rabbit intubation.