Transport Policies

Transport Policies

Effective Date: July 16, 2025

Prepping for the Ride

  • Ensure crates are clean, secure, and sized appropriately.
  • Check climate control: car must be heated/cooled as needed.
  • Bring a transport kit: water, bowls, leashes, paper towels, gloves, waste bags, first-aid supplies.

During the Ride

Animal Safety First

  • No loose animals in the car — crates must remain closed.
  • Keep vehicle temp between 60–80°F (watch for hot or freezing zones).
  • Never leave animals unattended in the vehicle.

Monitor & Care

  • Offer water at every rest stop.
  • Spot-check for signs of stress, illness, or crate accidents.
  • Minimize loud music, smoking, or other stressors.

Drive Responsibly

  • Avoid abrupt stops or sharp turns.
  • Limit transport duration: coordinate relay-style handoffs if needed.

Keep the Crates Secure & Stable

  • Crates should be strapped down or wedged securely to prevent sliding or tipping.
  • Avoid stacking crates unless they’re built for it and airflow is not blocked.

Maintain Airflow

  • Ensure animals have proper ventilation, especially in warm weather.
  • Avoid placing items over crate doors or vents.

Avoid Unnecessary Stops or Delays

  • Keep the route as direct as possible.
  • Don’t run errands or make detours unless pre-approved.

Monitor for Health Red Flags

  • Watch for: excessive drooling, vomiting, heavy panting, listlessness, or abnormal behavior.
  • If anything seems off, call the transport coordinator immediately.

No Feeding During Short Trips

  • Skip meals on trips under 6–8 hours to avoid nausea unless directed otherwise.
  • For longer transports, coordinate feeding schedules ahead of time.

Keep ID Info Visible

  • Crates should be labeled with:
  • Animal’s name,
  • Destination,
  • Emergency contact info,
  • Any special notes (e.g- “Nervous – No loud noises”).

After the Ride

Confirm Handoff

  • Wait for confirmation that the animal is safely received.
  • Notify the team of any issues (vomiting, diarrhea, escape attempts, etc.).

Clean & Disinfect

  • Thoroughly clean and sanitize crates and vehicle area after transport.
  • Restock your transport kit for next time.

🚨 Emergencies

If an animal is sick, injured, lost, or appears severely stressed:

  • Pull over safely and call the transport coordinator immediately.
  • If vet care is needed, go to the nearest animal hospital.

These have been simplified and adapted from the AVMA's "Non-emergency Relocation of Dogs and Cats for Adoption Within the United States Best practices" guide here.