“The righteous care for the needs of their animals …”
Proverbs 12:10a

Transport Guidelines

We transport shelter dogs from New Mexico, Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma to Colorado, where there is an abundant desire for dogs. We pull dogs from overcrowded kill shelters and transport them to Colorado twice a month. After arriving in Colorado, the dogs are dispersed to various shelters/rescues where they are fostered and/or adopted to loving homes.

We do not transport privately owned canines. However, we will transport a dog to adopters or foster-to-adopt homes and request a $100 donation that will assist in more transports.

Much coordination is required between source and destination shelters. The chosen dogs are listed on a roster for transport and each roster is a mix of sizes and breeds. Destination shelters in Colorado review the proposed roster and partner shelters accept the dogs. Some shelters are breed specific and select dogs accordingly.

"Enjoy the Ride."

The following are some of the rules and regulations required to transport a dog inter-state:

Any dogs with contagious or communicable diseases will not be transported.

All dogs transported must be over eight weeks old (federal law) and are USDA certified before transport in order to cross state lines. Each dog must obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) signed by a licensed veterinarian within 7 to 10 days of transport, which is required by law with the USDA. In addition, each dog will have a physical exam by an animal care professional within 24 hours of transport. The name of each dog being transported should be listed on the certificate.

"Adventure Awaits."

The week of transport, each dog must be de-wormed with Drontal, Strongid-T, or Panacur. The latter also treats Giardia, which is prevalent in southern states. At least one dose (can be given 3 days in a row) of Ponazuril should be administered to treat protozoan and coccidian infections.

Forty-eight hours must transpire after spay/neuter surgery for the dog to be suitable for transport. Each dog travels with its prior medical records and rabies tag.

Within a week prior to transport, dogs should be bathed and flea/tick/ear mite medication should be administered.

"This is how I roll."

Prior to transport, selected dogs should be quarantined from other shelter dogs for at least 7 to 10 days, either by a separate area in the shelter or by fostering. This requirement is in place to help prevent the widespread risk of communicable diseases within the shelter environment.

Symptoms of possibly ill dogs include lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea, mange, loss of appetite, loose stool, trouble breathing, nasal discharge, runny eyes (conjunctivitis), and sores, wounds. A visual exam should be performed on the day of transport for the above symptoms.

Dogs should be fed the night before transport to avoid motion sickness.

We use Vari crate kennels with a moisture magnet for the absorption of possible accidents. The kennels are strapped together, secured to the vehicle, and each dog is at all times safely secured within the enclosure.

"After this ... botox."

We ensure that each dog has sufficient heat in winter and air ventilation in summer to provide for their health and psychological well being and that we can perform a visual check without moving kennels.

To avoid cross-contamination, each dog has its own suitably-sized, disinfected crate, clean bedding, and fresh water.

A press-a-ply-tape collar (TabBand collars) indicating the name of the dog accompanies each dog (required by law).

All medical records will be attached to the crate, as well as any paperwork regarding the dog’s temperament and past (if known), which will ultimately be given to the dog’s foster/adopter.

Each transport is equipped with an animal first-aid kit, disinfectant, hand sanitizer, paper towels, and gloves.

"Happy Camper."

Great care is given to ensure that each dog is medically suitable for transport and has a comfortable ride to freedom.

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