Saturday, July 7, 2012

Helpful Tip's for Animal Transport

The following Transport Guidelines are recommended for land transport.
Most important Requirement is to have Health Certificates for all animals when going across any state lines. This is USDA APHIS Law and each State as well.
a. Transport vehicles must be cleaned and sanitized to industry standards prior to transport.

b. Proper climate control must be maintained—the vehicle must be able to provide heat and or a/c to the animal housing areas and there must be sufficient air ventilation.

c. Temperatures should not fall below 60° F or above 85° F. Thermometer must be placed in an area where kennels are located and be easily visible.

d. Animals should be transported in separate enclosures (except in the case of litters) with solid, leak-proof bottoms and adequate bedding. Animals should be able to comfortably stand up, lie down and turn around.

e. Ensure access to fresh water for every animal at breaks.

f. At a minimum, stop every 4-6 hours in a safe area to perform a visual check and to clean transport kennels, feed, and water the animals.

g. Puppies should be fed a small meal or snack every 4-6 hours.

h. Adult dogs should be walked or exercised on trips longer than 8 hours.

i. Maximum transport time to a kennel (intermediate or final destination shelter) should be no more than 12 hours.

j. All trips should be made with a minimum of (2) drivers and sufficient personnel to appropriately handle and care for all animals.

k. Driver and staff safety is of utmost concern. Drivers should travel with cell phones, maps, preferably GPS and emergency equipment.

l. The organizations should have an agreed upon contingency plan to address weather, mechanical or other unexpected situations that may go awry during the transport.

m. There must be appropriate Identification on each animal and its carrier during transport.
credit NFHS

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