Unfortunately, it’s become necessary to spell out a few of the finer points of transports.

 

These terms may be modified from time to time; it is recommended that you check back on occasion for the most up-to-date version.

RECEIVERS:

 

Although I do not agree with the idea that animals are property, under the law, they are. If you ask me to help you with a transport, these are the terms you are agreeing with.

1. Dogs become property of the RECEIVER the minute they leave the SENDER.

2. If the dogs become sick along the way, the RECEIVER is responsible for paying for the vet care if emergency vet care is determined to be necessary. Due to the urgent nature of this type of care, this decision will be made between the driver/s and the coordinator and will be whatever is in the animal’s best interest.

3. Off-transport adoptions are STRICTLY PROHIBITED.  Anyone interested in adopting one of the animals being moved must apply for the animal through the RECEIVER and must be screened in accordance with the RECEIVER’s standard policies.

4. If a transport requires a week’s layover and the dog becomes sick or injured during that week, the RECEIVER is responsible for the vet care that is needed. The exception to this is if the illness or injury was a direct result of neglect or abuse on the part of the temporary foster or his/her family members or guests.

Examples of illnesses that would be the responsibility of the RECEIVER include but are not limited to: sudden outbreak of parvo, distemper, or complications due to parasites; sudden onset of bloat; aspiration unless original vomiting resulted from something listed below; unexplained illness until such time as the source of the illness can be determined.

Examples of illnesses that would be the responsibility of the temp foster include but are not limited to:  illness as a result of poisoning, whether ingestion was intentional or accidental; injury as a result of fighting between foster dog and personal dogs; illness following a snake bite; injury as a result of being struck by a car, falling into a pool, or any other scenario directly related to the temp foster’s property or actions, or the actions of family members or guests on the temp foster’s property.

 

SENDERS/RECEIVERS:

 

All dogs are REQUIRED to have the following paperwork with them during travel. If paperwork is not in order at the time the transport is to depart, the dog WILL NOT be allowed on board. Any boarding that may be required for paperwork to be put in order is the responsibility of the SENDER.

1. Health Certificate or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).  This must be obtained from a veterinarian. There is usually an exam fee as well as the fee for the Certificate. These fees are the responsibility of the SENDER unless separate arrangements have been made with the RECEIVER to reimburse for costs.

2. Valid Rabies Certificate. All veterinarians issue these when they administer the vaccine. If the animal is being vaccinated specifically for transport, this should not be an issue. If SENDER is an owner surrendering their dog and the original Certificate can not be located, a copy should be obtained from the veterinarian who originally administered the vaccine. If this is not available, animal will need to be revaccinated prior to transport. A current rabies vaccine is required to obtain a health certificate, so the requirement of the original Rabies Certificate should not cause additional expense for anyone.

3. Transfer of Ownership.  If SENDER is a shelter, this would be whatever paperwork the shelter routinely generates when an animal leaves the premises. If SENDER is an owner who is surrendering their dog to rescue, the RECEIVER should have provided owner with an Owner Surrender Form. If SENDER is a rescue and receiver is an adopter, a copy of the Adoption Contract is sufficient.

This paperwork is to be faxed to my attention prior to the transport so I can make sure it is all in order. The fax number is 619-764-4005. Alternatively, you can scan and email it to me.

The paperwork is ALSO to accompany the animal during transport in the event a driver is stopped and required to provide it.

NO EXCEPTIONS!!

 

DRIVERS:

 

As outlined above:

1. If the dogs become sick along the way, the RECEIVER is responsible for paying for the vet care if emergency vet care is determined to be necessary. Due to the urgent nature of this type of care, this decision will be made between the driver/s and the coordinator and will be whatever is in the animal’s best interest.

2. Off-transport adoptions are STRICTLY PROHIBITED.  Anyone interested in adopting one of the animals being moved must apply for the animal through the RECEIVER and must be screened in accordance with the RECEIVER’s standard policies.

Additionally,

3. If you are in a car accident while on transport, liability resides solely with the DRIVER. You are expected to transport the animals in a safe manner, whether tethered, loose, crated, or otherwise confined. This choice is entirely yours, but if the animal hops into your lap during the trip and causes you to have an accident, this is your responsibility.

4. Any injury to the animals as a result of an accident is the responsibility of the DRIVER. An exception may be made if the DRIVER is not at-fault, but DRIVER would be expected to cover any emergency vetting and them obtain reimbursement from the at-fault driver or that driver’s  insurance.

5. Any illness or injury directly related to the mode of transportation or actions of the DRIVER or their friends or family members who may be participating are the responsibility of the DRIVER.

Examples include but are not limited to: tethering a dog with a slip-leash and allowing the dog to hang itself in the vehicle; allowing the animal to injest something that is inside of the vehicle; transporting the animals in the back of a pickup truck without adequate ventilation resulting in overheating of the animals.

 

OVERNIGHTERS / TEMP FOSTERS

 

Reiterating what has been outlined above:

1. If the dogs become sick along the way, the RECEIVER is responsible for paying for the vet care if emergency vet care is determined to be necessary. Due to the urgent nature of this type of care, this decision will be made between the driver/s and the coordinator and will be whatever is in the animal’s best interest.

2. Off-transport adoptions are STRICTLY PROHIBITED.  Anyone interested in adopting one of the animals being moved must apply for the animal through the RECEIVER and must be screened in accordance with the RECEIVER’s standard policies.

3. If a transport requires a week’s layover and the dog becomes sick or injured during that week, the RECEIVER is responsible for the vet care that is needed. The exception to this is if the illness or injury was a direct result of neglect or abuse on the part of the TEMPORARY FOSTER or his/her family members or guests.

Examples of illnesses that would be the responsibility of the RECEIVER include but are not limited to: sudden outbreak of parvo, distemper, or complications due to parasites; sudden onset of bloat; aspiration unless original vomiting resulted from something listed below; unexplained illness until such time as the source of the illness can be determined.

Examples of illnesses that would be the responsibility of the TEMP FOSTER include but are not limited to:  illness as a result of poisoning, whether ingestion was intentional or accidental; injury as a result of fighting between foster dog and personal dogs; illness following a snake bite; injury as a result of being struck by a car, falling into a pool, or any other scenario directly related to the temp foster’s property or actions, or the actions of family members or guests on the temp foster’s property.

Additionally, if you are driving the animals as part of your hosting activities:

4. If you are in a car accident while on transport, liability resides solely with the DRIVER. You are expected to transport the animals in a safe manner, whether tethered, loose, crated, or otherwise confined. This choice is entirely yours, but if the animal hops into your lap during the trip and causes you to have an accident, this is your responsibility.

5. Any injury to the animals as a result of an accident is the responsibility of the DRIVER. An exception may be made if the DRIVER is not at-fault, but DRIVER would be expected to cover any emergency vetting and them obtain reimbursement from the at-fault driver or that driver’s  insurance.

6. Any illness or injury directly related to the mode of transportation or actions of the DRIVER or their friends or family members who may be participating are the responsibility of the DRIVER.

Examples include but are not limited to: tethering a dog with a slip-leash and allowing the dog to hang itself in the vehicle; allowing the animal to injest something that is inside of the vehicle; transporting the animals in the back of a pickup truck without adequate ventilation resulting in overheating of the animals.