INTRA-STATE TRANSPORT TIPS

The Maine Federation of Humane Societies recommends the following protocols to help ensure the safe transport of dogs from one shelter to another:

Sending Organizations :
• should be willing to transmit any information about bite history, behavioral issues, health issues or circumstances of acquisition of the animal that might affect the receiving organization's decision about whether than can serve the animal.
• understand that the dog does may not fit the adoption criteria of any of the receiving organizations.
• All paperwork should accompany dog on transport. This includes licenses, medical history, microchip info, dog profile/bio, pictures. ( can also fax to receiving shelter ahead of time.)
• surrender all ownership rights to the animal when it enters the receiving shelter’s possession.
• Should not place dog in receiving participant’s arms where dog’s muzzle is close to face.

Receiving Organizations :
• if not done by sending organization will provide or make arrangements to provide a health check including a heartworm test, spay/neuter, rabies and DHPP shots and a microchip.
• If the animal fails to pass the organization's temperament evaluation or health check, the receiving reserves right to re-place dog with another receiving organization.
• will place the dog with an appropriate adoptive family.
• must have facility that meet basic health and safety standards.
• must be an organization, a 501C or under the umbrella of a city or town.
• must have established written adoption policies and procedures
• Make Sure Transporting Shelter Has all paperwork accompany dog on transport. This includes licenses, medical history, microchip info, dog profile/bio, pictures.
• Do not accept transport dogs if displacing own shelter dogs

Both Organizations:
• Only transporting s/n dogs. Behavior evaluated if possible.
• Multiple Dogs best transported in crates.
• All Dog(s) should have no-slip collar before placed into crate.
• Dogs should be delivered by leash or carried into shelter while still in crate. This means two people for large dog crates. (Should not receive dog in arms where dog’s muzzle is close to face.
• Don’t group adult dogs together.
• Be sure to include in your agreement who is ultimately responsible for the dog. What usually works best is to agree that once the transporting shelter relinquishes ownership it is receiving shelter’s final say what happens to dog.
• Include on your paper work: Why did you choose to transport this particular dog