This information applies whether you are welcoming a dog off a transport truck from Texas, picking up a dog locally in your area, or anywhere in between. The Transport Safety Guidelines are recommended for all dogs to ensure safety and the safety of those around them.

Transport Safety Guidelines

Transport can be one of the most stressful moments in a rescue dog’s life. The following are recommended transport safety practices designed to help keep dogs secure during pickup, travel, and transitions between caregivers. While these guidelines are especially important during initial transport, they are also good general safety practices for anyone caring for a dog. Situations such as vet visits, travel, transfers between caregivers, or busy environments can be stressful for dogs and increase the risk of unexpected behavior or escape. Keeping these safety principles in mind during everyday situations can help decrease risk of accidents and ensure dogs remain safe and secure.

The following are recommended transport safety practices.

Assume Every Dog Is Scared

Whether a dog is arriving from Texas, or being transferred locally between fosters/adopters, every dog should be assumed to be frightened, disoriented and that they may react unpredictably. They do not know you yet and they do not know where they are going. Even confident dogs can panic in new environments. A scared dog may bolt through a small opening, slip a collar, or run unexpectedly. Transport safety measures exist because these situations happen quickly and without warning.

Crates Are the Safest Option

Whenever possible, a crate is often the safest way to transport a dog. If you have access to a crate, we strongly recommend using one during transport. (we understand this may not always be possible)

Crates:

• Prevent escapes when vehicle doors open

• Keep the dog contained if they panic

• Reduce distractions for the driver

• Provide a sense of security for many dogs

Martingale Collars and Leashes

If you are picking up from transport, another foster or adopter locally, the dog should also be transferred with their martingale collar and leash already attached. It is recommended to not remove the leash until the dog is safely inside your home with doors closed. 

The leash should remain attached:

• While getting to the vehicle

• While loading the dog into the vehicle

• While closing vehicle doors

• During the entire drive home

• Anytime vehicle doors may open

• Getting from your vehicle into your home

*Harness Considerations and Back Up Attachments

Harnesses can be a useful tool for many dogs, but it is important to understand that standard harnesses can sometimes be easy for dogs to slip out of, especially when they panic or pull backwards. For this reason, properly fitted martingale collars are often the more secure option. If you choose to use a harness at any point, it is recommended to use a backup connection to a collar as an added safety measure. This is called a safety clip or backup clip. A safety clip connects the leash to two attachment points, such as both a collar and a harness (or two collars). This creates a secondary connection so that if the dog slips one piece of equipment (or one piece of equipment breaks), they are still attached to the leash. Another common practice is double leashing. This means attaching two separate leashes to different points on the dog (for example, a martingale collar and a slip lead). This may be more difficult to manage and can sometimes get tangled.

Secure the Dog Before Opening Doors

If your dog is not in a crate, the leash should ideally be secured to something inside the vehicle before any door is opened. This prevents the dog from bolting if a door is opened. Even a small opening is enough for a frightened dog to escape.

Examples include:

• Looping the leash around a seat

• Attaching it to a seatbelt anchor

• A helper holding the leash securely while seated

Always secure the dog before opening doors, including when:

• Stopping for gas

• Opening the trunk or door

• Retrieving items from the car

• Letting passengers enter or exit

• Opening your doors at home

Leash Awareness

Leashes are recommended to remain attached during transport, but be mindful that leashes can become tangled.

Check periodically that:

• The leash is not wrapped around the dog

• The leash cannot tighten unexpectedly

• The dog has room to sit or lie down comfortably

*Whenever possible, avoid transferring the leash from person to person in open areas. If a transfer is necessary, it is safest to ensure one person has a secure hold on the leash before the other person releases it.

Keep Dogs Separate

During transport pickups or handoffs, do not allow dogs to approach or interact with one another. Not all dogs are dog-friendly, and even dogs that normally enjoy other dogs may react differently when they are stressed, frightened, or overwhelmed. Transport can be stressful, and dogs may feel the need to defend themselves if another dog enters their space. For safety, give dogs plenty of space and keep dogs separated at all times during pickup and transport. 

Go Directly Home

After picking up your dog, it is strongly recommended to go directly home without additional stops whenever possible. Avoid introducing the dog to new people, pets, or busy environments during transport. This includes letting your dog meet/interact with other dogs, stopping at places such as dog parks, pet stores, hardware stores, or meeting friends and family along the way home.

When You Arrive Home

Before removing the leash or opening your vehicle door at home:

• Ensure all gates and doors are closed

• Make sure other pets are contained

• Bring the dog directly inside

Microchip Registration Before Pickup *Adopters

Whenever possible, adopters are encouraged to register their dog’s microchip before picking up their dog. Microchips are one of the most effective ways to help a lost dog return home. While we hope these situations never happen, accidents can occur. 

Why These Guidelines Matter

Dogs can slip collars, bolt unexpectedly, or panic in new environments. These guidelines are not meant to create fear. They exist because lost dog situations most often occur during transport or within the first few days in a new environment. Taking simple precautions dramatically reduces the risk of escape.

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