The Journey from Shelter to Home: How We Transport Dogs to Safety
Every year, countless dogs find themselves in overcrowded shelters, facing the grim reality of euthanasia due to a lack of space. At Take Me Home Transport, our mission is to eliminate this heartbreaking scenario by transporting dogs from these overburdened shelters to no-kill facilities where they find their loving homes. This journey from shelter to home is a labor of love, requiring meticulous planning, dedication, and support from our community.
The Transport Process
Transporting dogs to safety involves several critical steps to ensure their well-being throughout the journey.
1. Preparation and Health Checks: Before embarking on their journey, each dog undergoes a thorough health check. This includes vaccinations and obtaining the necessary health certificate, ensuring they are fit for travel. The cost of transporting a dog, approximately $150, covers these medical expenses and the transport itself. It is a small price to pay for a life saved.
Preparing the Dog for Transport
Shelters preparing dogs for transport must follow specific guidelines to ensure the safety and comfort of the animals during the journey:
Health Checks and Documentation: Each dog must undergo a complete health check, receive necessary vaccinations, and have up-to-date health certificates and shot records. This ensures that all transported dogs are healthy and reduces the risk of spreading diseases.
Hygiene and Cleanliness: All leashes, collars, harnesses, blankets, crates, and food dishes should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent the spread of viruses and ensure the dogs are comfortable during the journey.
Supplies for the Journey: Shelters must provide enough food for at least the duration of the trip, treats, size-appropriate leashes and water. All dogs are treated for fleas, ticks and worms prior to transport to ensure the health and safety of all onboard.
Collars and Leashes: All dogs are properly leashed during walks and interactions to prevent escape and ensure safety.
2. Climate-Controlled Transport Vehicles: Our transport vehicles are designed with the dogs' comfort in mind. Each vehicle is climate-controlled and equipped with individual kennels, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride for each dog.
Drivers play a crucial role in this process. They must stop periodically to allow the dogs to stretch, relieve themselves, and get some fresh air. These breaks are vital for the dogs' physical and mental well-being, making the long journey more bearable.
Essential Steps for Shippers and Receivers
1. Meeting Locations: All pets must be brought to the driver at a safe location chosen by the driver. 2. Health Certificate: Ensure the pet has a valid health certificate. 3. Shot Records: The vet will determine the necessary vaccinations. 4. Food and Treats: Provide enough food and treats for the journey. 5. Bathing and Grooming: Pets should have no fleas or ticks. 6. Collars, Harnesses, and Leashes: Use appropriate, size-related gear for all pets. 7. Crates: Provide a size-related crate for all cats, small dogs, and other pets. 8. Special Requirements: Any specific needs or additional items requested by the driver should be provided.
How You Can Help
Take Me Home Transport thrives because of people like you. Your involvement can make a tremendous difference in the lives of these dogs. Consider becoming a sponsor, fostering a dog, or volunteering your time. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger mission of saving lives and finding homes for these deserving animals.
To learn more about how you can support our mission and be a part of these incredible journeys, visit our Happy Trails page. Here, you can find information on sponsorships, donations, and other ways to get involved. Your support ensures that we can continue providing these dogs with a second chance at life.
Our Commitment to Partner Shelters
Take Me Home Transport partners exclusively with vetted shelters/rescues organizations outside of Texas to ensure that each dog is placed in a facility committed to their well-being and successful adoption. This network of rescue partners provides the best opportunities for these dogs to find permanent, loving homes. We ensure that each step of the process is handled by professionals dedicated to animal welfare.
The Impact of Your Support
By supporting Take Me Home Transport, you are directly contributing to the rescue and rehoming of countless dogs facing euthanasia. Your donations help cover the costs of transportation, veterinary care, and other essential needs, giving these dogs a second chance at life.
About Take Me Home Transport
Take Me Home Transport is a dedicated not-for-profit organization committed to saving the lives of dogs in overcrowded shelters. Our mission is to eliminate euthanasia due to lack of space by raising funds and coordinating transport for these dogs to no-kill shelters with adoption waitlists. By providing these animals with a second chance at life, we help fulfill the demand for adoptable dogs in regions experiencing shortages. Join us in our mission to save lives and bring joy to families by giving these wonderful dogs the opportunity to find loving, forever homes. Learn more at Take Me Home Transport.
Conclusion
The journey from shelter to home is one filled with hope, dedication, and the unwavering belief that every dog deserves a chance to live a happy, healthy life. At Take Me Home Transport, we are committed to making this journey possible for as many dogs as we can. Join us in our mission and help us continue to transport dogs to safety and into the loving arms of their new families.
By understanding the importance of these transports and supporting our cause, you are not just saving a life; you are changing the world for a dog in need. Together, we can make a difference, one journey at a time. For all inquiries on pet transportation services, please email us at: susan@takemehometransport.org or carol@takemehometransport.org.