Transport Corner

All Transports

Thanks for your interest in transporting OBG dogs!

Make sure to bring along all the paperwork from the shelter or owner and any medications they may be on (and find out the last time the med was given).
If an Owner Turn In, make sure that the owner has completed the legal surrender form (intake can confirm if they received it already)

When arranging or driving transports, especially for new intakes, remember that dogs need to be crated for the dog’s and driver’s protection. Even very gentle dogs can get stressed in these situations.
Ask how much a dog weighs ahead of time so that the proper size crate* and a proper size vehicle will be selected. If more than one dog is coming in the same vehicle, each dog needs their own crate. One exception can be for small pups from the same litter.

You should have a slip lead* (pictured) to use with the dog. They are essential as a second line of protection even if the dog has on a regular collar and leash.
Be prepared for possible doggie upset stomachs or other GI problems etc. Pad your crate with towels or diapers or newspapers. Bring along paper towels and trash bags.

*If you need a crate or slip lead, please contact board@cockerspanielrescue.com for help locating one

Never, ever let a dog be off leash at any point of the process.
First look in the crate prior to opening the door and make sure the dog has not somehow slipped out of the collar or eaten a leash during the transport.
Be very careful when opening a transport crate that a dog does not bolt out with the leash and collar on. Try to drape the end of the leash out through the crate gate (leaving lots of slack) when the dog is placed in the crate. That way you do not have to reach in the crate when you reach the destination.
If you anticipate or have any problems upon arrival to a vet or foster site, just go in or call in and ask for assistance.

If it is possible and there is a safe place to do so (waiting room, for example), please take photos of the dog. Remember, you’re probably the only OBG person who has met the dog in the fur.
Place the dog’s paperwork/records/tags in an OBG foster folder (intake vets have these).

Email intake@cockerspanielrescue.com to tell them that the dog arrived safely. Please include any observations about the dog that you made (personality, condition etc)
Send photos to webpix@cockerspanielrescue.com

The previous information also applies to long distance transports, but there are a few additional items to remember.

Never leave a dog(s) alone in your vehicle except for short, very essential driver breaks. In those cases make sure the doors are locked and that windows are open enough for air but not for anyone to break in to the vehicle.
If any bystanders along the way are asking about a dog, tell them you are on the way to a rescue, the dogs need to be assessed, and are not available at that time. Do not let strangers go to the crate to pet dogs or to interact with them.
Try to avoid taking the dog out of the crate while en route to your destination. It is better for the dog to go a few hours without water or a potty break than to have the dog get loose at a rest stop and to be lost forever (there are many horror stories of this happening to rescuers over the years).
Be careful to arrive and depart at the scheduled times and not run late or arrive too early (unless there are true extenuating circumstances). Always keep the next driver or the transport coordinator in the loop about problems or delays that arise along the way.

Please check with the OBG Intake Committee (intake@cockerspanielrescue.com) for help or questions at any part of the process!