[1/3] It’s time to talk about animal transport.
In which Jill shares some lessons learned when it comes to transporting shelter dogs.
Data from organizations like Shelter Animals Count and Best Friends make it clear: places like California and the Southeast are ground zero for shelter overcrowding and heartbreaking euthanasia rates. Meanwhile, the Pacific Northwest and Midwest often have room to spare. Why not “load balance”—relocate dogs from packed shelters to places where families are waiting?
Animal transport has gone from a last-ditch effort to save a shelter pet to an acknowledged lifeline in modern rescue and adoption efforts. Whether animals are headed a few counties away or across the country, understanding transport best practices can make the ride easier for everyone.
Note: Air transport has its own particular challenges for both animals and humans. This post focuses on ground transport since it is, by far, the most popular means of getting dogs to welcoming destinations.
Animal transport, explained.
When it comes to dog adoptions, Los Angeles (where I live) has become a saturated market. Everyone we know already has dogs and their friends have dogs, too. Add draconian rental clauses prohibiting large-breed dogs and escalating costs for veterinary care, and you have the perfect storm for shelter overcrowding.
Animal transport has blossomed into its own cottage industry. On one end, you’ll find good Samaritans and rescue volunteers who will shuttle a single dog to a neighboring county for the joy of the journey. On the other, professional transporters crisscross the country in Sprinter vans outfitted with crash-tested crates, regulated temperature controls, and enough supplies to rival a small pet store. Some of these pros can move 30 or 40 dogs in a single run—a feat of logistical choreography that would make any event planner sweat.
Of course, the planning, the preparation, and the costs for these services can vary widely depending on the service. Irrespective of the transport company: moving an animal from Point A to Point B is more complicated than it looks. Moreover—and I can’t stress this enough—there are always surprises.
It’s a partnership (but the transporter has the power).
About a year ago, we rescued a lovely little Belgian Malinois, Petra, who was not coping well with shelter life. Few dogs do, but Malinois—with all those smarts and all that energy—tend to bark and spin in their kennels as a way to burn off steam.
We networked Petra and found a wonderful trainer in North Carolina who had been looking for a Malinois on the smaller side to train as a potential detection dog. We talked several times, shared videos, checked references, and determined it was a good fit. We found a transporter soon after who would be coming through L.A. and could take Petra east.
Coast-to-coast transports usually take around 5 days, give or take. The contingencies include weather, road conditions, the number of drivers on the transport, and the number of stops, among other things. We factor in lots of exercise stops and pee breaks for both the drivers and the dogs. We never rush anyone, and the dogs are usually in good hands.
The transporter left with Petra on a Monday. By Friday, he had stopped sharing progress updates. He went dark on us.
In the meantime, the trainer was asking for an estimated time of arrival (ETA) and we couldn’t give him an answer. What followed were three more days of panicked messages inquiring if everyone was okay while silently fearing a dognapping!
Without notifying anyone of his pending arrival, the transporter casually rolled in on Day 9. Luckily, the trainer was ready to take Petra, and Petra was thrilled to get there!
Needless to say, we haven’t used that transporter a second time. And it brought us back to the fundamentals of transport we knew all too well.
Focus on the basics.
As with anything that involves moving an animal, there are basic considerations you can’t ignore. If you’re sending an animal on the road, here’s what you need to nail down:
Crate comfort. Every dog should travel in a crate large enough to stand, turn, and lie down. Crates must be secured—no sliding or tipping during sharp turns. For short, single-dog trips, a well-tethered pup on soft bedding can work. Safety comes first.
Creature comforts. The best transporters plan for rest stops, potty breaks, and even dog-friendly motels. Some have beds in the van; others find pet-friendly accommodations. The goal: minimize stress and maximize comfort.
Supplies checklist. Water, bowls, food, poop bags, and leashes are non-negotiable. Pro tip: send enough of the dog’s current food for the whole trip—nobody wants a carsick pup.
Health and safety. In the U.S., dogs crossing state lines need a current F.D.A. Animal Health Certificate completed by a licensed vet. Reputable transporters require these but always double-check. At a minimum, send the dog with all its health and vaccine records in a Ziploc bag with the dog’s name written on it.
Transparency and timing. Insist on a clear itinerary. How many stops? How many dogs? Will your pup be first off or last? For longer trips, this is especially important as the transporter may be planning to do more pick-ups and drop-offs, changing both the route and schedule. Surprises can mean delays, so the more you know, the better.
Behavior and wellbeing. Only send animals who are healthy enough for travel and behaviorally stable. Stressed, sick, or aggressive dogs are not good candidates for long journeys.
Expect the unexpected.
Even the best-laid plans can be derailed by weather, vehicle trouble, or a missed connection. Have backup contacts, keep phones charged, and share all essential info with everyone involved. Remember: a successful transport is a team effort, and communication is everything.
The bottom line.
Transporting a dog to a new area isn’t just about the road trip—it’s about giving them a shot at the life they were meant to live. With careful planning, open communication, and a commitment to comfort and safety, every mile on the road can bring a shelter pet closer to home.
In part 2 of this post, I’ll share a checklist for rescuers and transporters so that expectations are clear and everyone arrives safely.
One of my best days at the West Valley shelter was the morning I was able to help with the pack of WV dogs you rescued (including my favorite, Moose,) loading up for transport to Chicago.
Great article with critical information—and so well-written. Thank you so much!