Just in case things get a bit messy. Wipes also come in dog friendly versions.
Slip leads, also called slip leashes, are a must have item for transports. These prevent dogs from backing out of collars and leashes. It is very scary when a dog is lost on transport.
Always be prepared for the unexpected. For example, a shelter that doesn't have collars for the dog to leave or the owner surrender who won't give the dog the gift of their own collar. Martingale collars are recommended as they are secure and are difficult for the dog to back out of when fitted properly.
Most relay transports are long and your temporary canine friend will surely be thirsty.
Please be considerate of others and scoop when there is poop!
Although it is not impossible for a dog to drink from a water bottle, it is much easy with a bowl. Bowls come in collapsible so that you can always have one on hand in our glove box.
It's a long trip and you will want to make friends along the way. Keep an assortment of high value treats to offer. Avoid high fat content and high salt when possible. No treats? Try small pieces of cheese or cut up hot dogs in tiny pieces.
Just in case! You never know what might happen.
Additional leashes are always helpful. It is best practice to have dogs double leashes at times. This can be two collars two leashes, as long as collars are escape proof. Or a collar and leash and a slip leash.
Every transport will need detailed information to be successful. Each transport will have a coordinator who will ensure that each driver has the needed information to make the transport process smooth.
Each relay transport will have a run sheet that gives details for the transport. This will include:
A relay transport will be comprised of legs. There can be any number of legs for any number of miles. Typically legs are 1-2 hours long in one direction. The following information will be shared with drivers so they can successfully drive transport:
As a transport driver you are a key element in saving a dogs life. Many dogs in MAD Rescue were at risk of euthanasia due to over crowded shelters and neglectful owners. Here are some driver Do's and Dont's.
Do's
Dont's
We love photos at each hand off of the transport. The majority of our dogs are great and love people. Some get very nervous when something new is happening. They don't always understand why they are moving and leaving the people they knew behind. When taking photos always use caution with a dog that you don't know well. Hugging may make the dog feel uncomfortable, especially when from a stranger.
Photo Do's:
Photo Don'ts:
Reasons Why to Tether
Ways to Tether
Slip leads add extra security and safety. They are the perfect second leash. They prevent dogs from backing out of collars and escaping. MAD Rescue requires double leashing for all transports.
When double leashing, the leashes and collars should be idependantly connected in case one leash or collar fails.
Crating is always preferred for the safety of the animal and the driver.
Crating is not always feasible, depending on the vehicle.
Some transport runs and dogs require a crate for the dog. Your transpor coordinator will keep you informed when this is the case.
Crating is recommended for puppies traveling together. This is due to their size and activity level. They love to interfer with driving.
Puppy siblings or litters can be crated together but this is not recommended for adult dogs.
Always a good idea to protect your vehicle. A seat cover also gives a comfy and safe spot for your canine passenger.
MAD Rescue provides a FI collar for each dog in our program. Please follow these tips when transporting.
Do's
Don'ts
A harness will add extra security for a dog that is nervous on transport. It allows an additional area where the transport driver can grab on to the dog. Although no device is failproof, harnesses are difficult for a dog to tget out of.
Harnesses are highly recommended on high flight risk dogs.
A variety of safety collar connectors can be used to connect the collar to a prong or a harness. This gives one more level of safety to prevent the dog from escapting. MAD Rescue provides these to the foster homes on request. They must be ordered with enough time to ship them to the foster. They can also be purchased from online stores like Amazon for just a few dollars.
Special covers can be purchased for the back of your vehicle, but a normal tarp can be used as well. Economical tarps can be found at the dollar store. These are useful for dog that may get car sick.
Tarps are required for NPOTG (no paws on the ground) transports.
What is a NPOTG transport? Puppies do not have fully developed immune systems. Therefore, on transport we require that they not be exposured to added risk by walking on the ground. Here are some Do's and Don'ts for a NPOTG transport.
Do's
Don'ts
MAD Rescue provides an id tag for every dog. Here are a few tips:
Do's
Don'ts
Potty Breaks
Most transports take a day or more to get the dog to it's new location. The dog will need to have some breaks along the way. Each run sheet has break time included in the sheet. Here are some helpful tips:
Transfers
On a relay transport a dog will be transferred from one vehicle to another many times. Here are some tips for the h and off.