Animal Transport Tips

DO NOT BRING PERSONAL PETS! While it may be hard for you to leave your own pets behind on a transport assignment, leaving them behind is best for your pet and for the animal being transported. Transport is often stressful on animals in and of itself - adding unfamiliar animals into the mix will only put more stress on the transported animal.

A good first aid kit is a great addition to the list of equipment to be carried on transport. Also be sure to keep a variety of muzzles for critters with teeth - if an injury would occur, even the most docile animal can become difficult to handle.

Have a bottle or two (Gallon size) of drinking water. DO NOT just fill a jug at the beginning of the transport with the local water as it could change along the route and there is a chance for diarrhea to develop. Keep a record of treats given to the dog(s) en route, if any. Upset stomachs can be a real problem as well.

It is a good idea for transporters to have the names and phone numbers of veterinarians located along their portion of the trip. This can come in handy if a transport of a pregnant animal is involved, or if an emergency occurs along the way.

Keep a spray can of Clorox Disinfecting Spray in the vehicle. This will kill most airborne germs that may be floating around your vehicle. Use this immediately after the transported animals exit the vehicle and also in the pet carriers you are bringing back home. This can save lots of possible problems that a transporter's pets may encounter when they get in the vehicle or crate later on.

Don't mix cleaners. The combination of bleach and ammonia can result in dangerous fumes.

Birds

Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. In cold weather, wrap a blanket over the carrier and warm up the car before placing birds inside. During warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the birds' feathers periodically. Do not put water inside the carrier during transport. Provide a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content. Have a photo for identification and leg bands. If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels and change them frequently. Try to keep the carrier in a quiet area. Do not let the birds out of the cage or carrier.

Legal Issues

We are working on compiling transport regulations and laws so that we can post them here - but in the meantime, be SURE to find out what the laws are in your area regarding licenses that may be required, shots and vaccinations needed, and so on.

Have a Tip?

As we continue to accumulate feedback and suggestions from transporters and rescues, watch for this section to grow quite a bit! In the meantime, if you have any suggestions, please send them to tips@rescuetransporters.com