[2/3] Dog transport: cautionary tales and a must-have checklist

In which Jill wishes she knew then what she knows now.

Every successful animal transport is a story of hope in motion. But before we celebrate a safe arrival, it’s vital to recognize that the journey’s outcome depends not just on the dog, but on the people you trust to move them.

Whether you’re a shelter worker, a rescue volunteer, or an animal lover arranging a cross-state trip for a dog, you’ll likely need to work with a dog transporter. These drivers play a crucial role in the process—but their experience, professionalism, and practices can vary widely. The right transporter can make the trip smooth and safe; the wrong one can create delays, stress, or even put the animal at risk.

Before you hand over the leash, it’s essential to know what to look for—and what to watch out for—when hiring a transporter. I’ve captured all this in a checklist below. But first, I’m including three real-life stories, which serve as cautionary tales about what can go wrong when expectations aren’t clear, standards aren’t met, or communication falls apart.

If you’re preparing for a multi-day transport by van, car, truck, or bus, these lessons are for you. Learn from our experiences so your next journey is as safe and predictable as possible—for both you and the dogs.

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1. The unprepared driver: why every transporter needs their own gear.

We recently needed to send two German Shepherds to a trusted partner in South Dakota. A friend of mine had met a guy at the dog park—that sentence typically means that things didn’t end well—and urged me to try the guy out.

I called Bryan (not his real name), and we talked. He usually worked through Citizen Shipper, a website that connects people who want to send something—a boat, a large oil painting, a dog—with a driver who can haul it to its destination. But Bryan wanted to work with me directly “to save your rescue money.” He quoted me a reasonable rate, we agreed on the deposit and payment, reviewed the dog’s health records, and scheduled a pickup time.

It soon became clear that Bryan wasn’t used to transporting more than one dog. When picking up the Shepherds, he explained to the foster that he needed two more crates—one for the second dog and one to serve as a clean crate since the dogs always get carsick. He then explained that he needed food, water bowls, collars, leashes, and poop bags. Of course, we had questions, the big one being: If this guy is an experienced dog transporter, why doesn’t he have his own stuff?

Bryan was disorganized and inexperienced. He was also looking for free stuff. Sure, we should have clarified his equipment needs sooner. But then we heard that rather than delivering the Shepherds to their new family, Bryan had stopped at home in Colorado so he could take his partner to the airport. He intended to deliver the dogs to their adopter the following day.

What actually happened: the adopter ended up driving from South Dakota to Colorado to get his two dogs. Bryan was paid in full for an incomplete job. We won’t make that mistake again.

Lesson: Don’t assume your driver has the essentials. And make it clear that payment in full means a successful delivery.

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2. The detour disaster: when your dog’s trip turns into a roadside business.

There’s a dirty little secret in animal transport: most drivers solicit business while transporting your dogs. You think you’ve just said goodbye to two rescue pups who will be in their forever home by tomorrow. Little do you know your driver is dialing for dollars as he’s driving your dogs, and it could be DAYS before they see their new home.

A trainer friend of mine, Heather, once hired Izzy, a well-referenced driver, to transport a Belgian Malinois from L.A. to New Jersey. Izzy was one of two drivers; he estimated a 4-day trip.

On the first and second days, Izzy sent photos of himself walking the Mal. On the third day, there was no photo. On day 4, Heather called Izzy and got no answer.

In the meantime, the adopter was asking about the estimated time of arrival (ETA). Still no word from the driver. On day 5, Heather made several panicked calls that went unanswered.

On day 8, Izzy casually rolled up into the adopter’s driveway with the Malinois—and 3 Dachshund puppies, a senior terrier, a cranky mastiff, and a litter of kittens—in tow. He had ended up taking what would generously be called a circuitous route to pick up and drop off additional animals on his way across the country. After all, no one said he couldn’t.

Drivers looking for business on their way to deliver dogs will often ghost their clients rather than be grilled on their current locations and ETA by apprehensive senders and receivers. Buyer beware.

Lesson: Make sure your transporter isn’t picking up extra animals or running side gigs that could delay your dog’s arrival and compromise their safety.

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3. The overconfident transporter: don’t rely on roadside impressions.

Most animal transporters are also animal lovers. Transporters can often become attached to the dogs they carry and might even see the dog exhibit some new behaviors. However, a dog being in your SUV for a couple of days isn’t the same as a dog who’s been in your home for six months.

Senders and receivers of dogs have usually shared information with and about one another. Senders—who have very often rescued and/or fostered the dog—have likely learned a lot about her in the time they’ve had her. They’ve probably fallen in love with her, too—enough to want her to live a long life in a happy adoptive home. An animal transporter cannot possibly share the same depth of understanding about the dog.

We once had a transporter who—while unloading Nala, a small shepherd we were sending to an adopter in Colorado—announced that she hated bully sticks and didn’t like men. It was strange information to share, and neither Nala’s rescue nor her foster had ever seen Nala turn down a bully stick or act differently around guys. Then again, maybe Nala just didn’t like the transporter?

A less experienced adopter might have panicked at the new information that Nala might be nervous when meeting her husband. Luckily, our adopter made slow, careful introductions to the entire pack—husband included—and there was never a problem.

Lesson: Only trust behavioral updates from those who know the dog well—last-minute observations can be misleading and unnecessarily stressful for adopters.

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The must-have checklist for safe, stress-free dog transport

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned rescue veteran, the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful ordeal often comes down to preparation and asking the right questions up front.

Below, you’ll find the essential checklist for anyone coordinating a multi-day dog transport. Each section highlights the most important questions to ask your transporter, as well as warning signs and pitfalls to watch out for along the way. By working through these seven sections, you’ll help ensure a safe, comfortable, and predictable trip for every dog in your care.

This checklist covers: comfort & safety, accommodations, essential supplies, itinerary, communication, arrival, and payment.

Let’s get to it.

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Comfort & safety

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

• How do you secure the dogs in the vehicle? Travel crates? Wire crates? Tethers?

• How do you regulate temperature during transit?

• What is your plan for food, water, and rest breaks?

• What happens in case of an emergency?

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR:

• Crates that are too small, dirty, or shared between animals

• Vehicles without climate control or with poor ventilation

• No clear plan for rest, food, or water breaks

• Lack of knowledge about dog stress, illness, or emergency procedures

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Accommodations

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

• Where do you sleep? (If there are two drivers, they might not stop to sleep.)

• If you stop to sleep, where will you and the dogs sleep (in vehicle, in a hotel room, or elsewhere)?

• Will the dog ever be left unattended? If so, how is safety ensured?

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR:

• Vague answers about overnight stops

• A single driver with multiple dogs and no clear rest policy

• Plans for pets to sleep in the vehicle or unattended in unsafe conditions

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Essential supplies

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

• What supplies do you provide, and what should I send with the dog?

• Do you carry a well-stocked pet first aid kit?

• How much food and water do you bring for the trip? Is there extra in case of delays?

• Are cleaning supplies and poop bags included?

• Can you administer medications if necessary?

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR:

• Transporters who expect you to provide all basic supplies (bowls, food, leashes, first aid kit, etc.)

• Insufficient food/water for the trip or no plan for delays

• Lack of cleaning supplies (wipes, towels, poop bags)

• Unwillingness or inability to administer medications if needed

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Itinerary

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

• What is the estimated travel time and arrival window?

• What route will you take? Is this route subject to change?

• Are there backup plans for weather or road closures?

• Will the dog ever change vehicles or handlers during the trip? If so, when and where?

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR:

• Unwillingness to share route details and stop locations

• Plans to transfer the dog between vehicles or handlers without clear details

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Communication

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

• How often will you provide updates during the trip?

• Do you use a location tracking app like Life360 or Glympse to share real-time progress?

• How will you notify me of any changes or delays?

• Are you willing to send photos or videos of the pet during transport?

• How do you confirm pick-up and delivery times?

• Who is your emergency contact if I can’t reach you (the driver)?

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR:

• Vague answers to update and progress questions

• Unwillingness to share contact information or be reachable

• Reluctance to notify about delays or changes

• Refusal to provide photos or status updates

• Poor responsiveness or delayed replies

• Unwillingness to share emergency contact information

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Arrival

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

• How will arrival time and location be confirmed in advance?

• What is the protocol for unloading and handoff?

• Will the transporter provide a final status update or photo at delivery?

• What if there are delays or changes to the arrival plan?

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR:

• Vague or changing arrival details

• No final update or proof of delivery

• Dog appears stressed, dehydrated, or ill on arrival

• Lack of transparency or refusal to address concerns

• Missing or incomplete documentation at handoff

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Payment

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

• What is the total cost of transport, and what does it include (fees, fuel, tolls, overnight stays, etc.)?

• What is the required deposit, and is it refundable?

• What payment methods do you accept (credit card, PayPal, bank transfer, etc.)?

• What is your cancellation and refund policy?

• Are there any additional or hidden fees I should be aware of?

• Will I get a receipt for each payment?

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR:

• Vague or shifting cost estimates

• Unwillingness to provide receipts

• Only accepting cash or untraceable payment methods

• Hidden fees or last-minute charges

• Rigid or unclear cancellation/refund policies

• Pressure to pay in full before service is rendered

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The journey isn’t over: next, the transporter’s perspective

As I mentioned in part 1 of this series, moving an animal from Point A to Point B is always more complicated than it looks—and, as you’ve seen, even careful plans can unravel. Surprises are part of every journey. That’s why asking the right questions and watching for red flags is essential for every animal’s well-being.

This checklist will help you navigate the challenges of long-distance dog transport, whether you’re working with a professional, a volunteer, or doing it yourself. By preparing and insisting on clear answers, you give each dog their best shot at a safe, low-stress trip.

But there’s another side to the story. In the next post, we’ll hear directly from animal transporters—their challenges, their beefs, and what they wish every client knew. Because safe, successful transport goes both ways.