Transport Guidelines Agreement

Many of us like checklists to remind us of details that we might otherwise forget.  Here's one for transport.  All transport drivers must read and agree to the below instructions for transporting an NNR dog. 

DO NOT USE A FLEXI LEASH, EVER! If the person you are meeting to give the dog to from transport arrives with only a flexi leash to put on a dog, you are empowered to refuse to release the dog to that volunteer, foster or adopter until a different leash is used. If you are unsure, you can call the dogs placement coordinator, transport coordinator, or the rescue board of directors at (833) 639-3588 ext 0. 

We have a well-established rescue transport protocol for the safety and welfare of our precious passengers and their wonderful drivers. The following checklist for transport is created after YEARS AND YEARS for rescue dog transport experience and all volunteers are committing to review and use ACTIVELY this before and during transport.  If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out to the transport coordinator

BEFORE:

• Print and bring a copy of the run sheet, or at least your leg and the prior and following legs, and dog descriptions.  Or have access to it on your phone
• Bring your cell phone and charger, and keep your phone ON at least one hour prior to your planned departure from home.
• Bring extra leashes to use on your leg in your vehicle.
• Bring any crates you want or need to use.  Dogs do NOT come with crates, unless specified in advance from the transport coordinator.
• Bring some water and bowl(s) to offer dogs at meet locations.  Bring dog treats if you want. (Healthy ones please)
• Bring some towels and/or handwipes and a trash bag.
• Bring an extra vehicle key and keep it on your person.
• Cover your seats and/or cargo area with something to protect from accidents and messes.
• Take your personal potty break and get gas ahead of time. Or arrive early at meet spots, unless absolute emergency, Sometimes you have to pee. 

DURING TRANSPORT:

• PLEASE don't be late to arrive at your transport meet location.  It is discourteous and inconsiderate to the other volunteers and causes the entire transport to be delayed for the rest of the day.
• Keep all paperwork and passenger supplies together in ONE LARGE BAG to be carried by ONE DRIVER per leg.  
• Don't forget to transfer paperwork/possessions with dogs at meet locations! 
• TEXT your transport coordinator with updates or questions or if you're going to be more than 10 minutes late & let the next driver know.  Do NOT use email, as volunteers may not have access to it during the transport.
• Use slip leashes ONLY around dog's neck.  Do NOT attach leash to its collar unless it is a properly fitted martingale collar (if you are not familiar with what this is, plan to use a slip lead).  The dog can slip out of its collar and escape.  Any leash can be made into a slip leash.  If you don't know how, just ask someone. It Is recommended to use double leashes on larger, stronger dogs.
• Do NOT stop during your leg for potty break or gas, unless absolutely necessary.  Every stop is a risk for escape and delays the transport.
• Check security of each dog BEFORE opening any of your doors, including cargo area.  Dogs must be crated or securely tethered to the vehicle so that they cannot exit the vehicle on their own when the door is open.  This applies for dogs already in your vehicle when you're loading or unloading.  Ensure that crates are still fastened closed and leashes are not chewed thru. 
• Do NOT open your window.  Dogs can jump out and escape or strangle themselves.  Do NOT leave any of your doors open while attending to other dogs.
• Puppies younger than 6 months must be crated or held and canNOT touch the ground.  Transfer them hand-to-hand between vehicles and crates.  We don't want them to go 12+ hours without food, so please offer them a handful of food several times during the day.
• Do not tether more than 2 dogs in your vehicle, and tether them so they cannot reach each other, unless you know they are bonded.
• We all have something in common - our love for dogs.  Please save your socializing until you have transferred your passengers at the end of your leg.  Doing so at the beginning of your leg can cause you to not be attentive to your passengers and can cause delays.

THANK YOU for your willingness to help these amazing dogs get to their foster or adoptive homes. We couldn't do what we do without volunteers like YOU!!!