1. We will not pick up a canine directly from a shelter/pound/animal control facility. They must be in a Foster Home/ Quarantine Facility/ Vet’s Office or Kennel for at least 2 weeks to ensure the animal is not harboring any contagious illness. This also allows vaccines time to take effect.

2. Read rule 1 again.

3.  Federal Regulations require that all canines being transported within the United States have a current Department of Agriculture Interstate Health Certificate issued from a Veterinarian licensed by the state, which the canine was picked up from. Dated no longer than 10 days before the canine is dropped off in New England. This certificate MUST accompany the canine along with copies of all vaccine and medical records. This certificate insures everyone involved that the canine is healthy, up to date on vaccines, and not communicable in even the slightest way. The Health certificate should be addressed to the adopter or foster who is picking up the dog. 
ANY DOG LACKING THIS DOCUMENT WILL BE REFUSED TRANSPORT. DON’T EVEN ASK!!!

3 a. A copy of the Adoption Contract must be included in the paperwork packet traveling with the dog.

4. Along with the Health Certificate, we also require Medical Records to show vaccine and fecal history. History must include Bordetella (Kennel Cough) at least 10 days prior to transport, Rabies (canine 14 weeks or older) with tag, and DA2PPv (5 in 1 shot) or DA2PPvL (7 in 1 shot). 7 in 1 shot is required for dogs going into Maine. All shots/vaccinations should be up to date and clearly marked on the paperwork and Health Certificate if possible. All canines should be treated if necessary for any intestinal parasites, coccidia, giardia, and hook at least three days prior to transport.  The dogs should complete a full round of treatment as prescribed by the vet before transport starts. Negative fecal is a must.The negative fecal must be listed on the Health Certificate or the canines paperwork.  Lyme and influenza shots are not a requirement. However, you are sending your dog to a part of the country that has a serious problem with Lyme, and influenza seems to be a growing problem.  

5. All canines are required to be on some type of prevention for external parasites. Canines with external parasites will not be permitted to board transport. Applying topical flea treatment three days before transport is optimal and preferable.

6. Puppies 12 weeks to 26 weeks should have 3 sets of booster vaccines including Bordetella. Puppies must be at least 12 weeks of age to ensure they have finished the vaccine protocol.

7. We will not transport any canine that has been diagnosed with a contagious condition such as Heartworm, Kennel Cough, intestinal parasites (coccidia/giardia/hook/tape), mange, ring, etc. If a dog is 6 month or older it must have a recent Heartworm test (within 6 months). That HW test must be negative. If your dog tested positive for HW and was treated, it must have a negative microfilaria blood test. The results of the microfilaria test must be listed on the Health Certificate or the dogs paperwork. We will not transport a dog for a minimum of 30 days after Heartworm treatment.

8. Canines on Antibiotic medication such as Albon, Amoxicillin, Cephalexin, Baytril, Doxycycline, etc will not be permitted to board our transport.

9. All dogs are required to ride in a crate. If your dog is unable to be crated, please find an alternative way of transporting it.

10. Pregnant canines are not permitted to board our transport!

11. The canine should be wearing some type of ID whether it’s a tag on a collar or type that’s written on. Information should include the canines Name, Name and phone number of either where he/she is going or coming from. Micro chipping is also a great idea and highly recommended. We feel ALL dogs should be chipped, though it is not a requirement to transport.

12. ALL canines or felines MUST be spayed/neutered to be transported. Remember we are “Rescue”. Any canine that has been spayed or neutered in the last 4 days will not be permitted to board our transport.  This is not only a safety issue but a comfort one as well. While on transport the animals are in kennels and it’s possible for them to lick and chew on the stitches and this could lead to a critical problem.

13.  The only items accepted on transport is the canine and required medical records. Please send all baggage/ luggage ahead of your dog via FedEx or UPS. We feel toys and blankets are choking hazards and will not be aloud in the crate with your dog. Any toy or sample of dog food must be small enough to fit into the envelope (9.5×11) with the paperwork. Please don’t try to fit something the size of a Volkswagen into a 9.5’X11” envelope. If you are planning on sending your dogs most favorite couch, we’re gonna have a problem. If what you need to send is so important for the canine to have, send it ahead of the canine via FedEx, UPS or USPS.

14.Last but not least. I know of no polite or professional way to say this other than just saying it. If, at the load point, your canine looks sick or is displaying any behavior that makes me think it is an unhealthy dog (eyes gooped shut, uncontrollable hacking and vomiting, worms crawling out of it, hair falling off of it, green stuff coming out of its nose, unable to walk on its own, open wounds, fleas jumping off of it, covered in ticks, etc., etc.), “IT AINT’ GETTEN’ ON!!!!”