Shelter Puller/Transport

Guidelines

Welcome to rescue! Pulling and transporting is often the first way people get involved in rescue and there is not a

better, easier way to have a huge impact on the life of a rescue dog. On the surface, pulling and transporting a dog

seems pretty clear cut, but there is lot of history and thing going on behind the scenes that we want to make sure

you are aware of to make the process as safe, easy, and fulfilling as possible.

If you are picking up a dog from the shelter, DRSF has a “rescue hold” on the

dog and our Intake Team has gone through each shelter’s process for a dog be-

ing able to be released to us. Unless advised otherwise, any pull fees have al-

ready been paid by DRSF so there is no need to pay anything to the shelter.

Bring a big, old towel or blanket with you to cover the seat. Not only will it keep the

doxie hairs off your upholstery, but nervous dogs can get sick in the car and a blan-

ket can make any cleanup much easier! Also, bring an old leash and collar and be

sure to utilize both upon leaving the shelter as our newest doggie may try to run

away from you in the parking lot. (If you are interested in being a regular puller,

please contact Jennifer at jshessley@comcast.net and we can set you up with DRSF

supplies!

For you and the dogs safety, DRSF recommends using a crate for all transports. If

you do not have one and would like one for your transport, please let us know!

What has happened

already?

What equipment do

I need?

What should I

expect from the

dog?

The most important thing to keep in mind is that DRSF’s newest doxie has been

through a very difficult time. Their entire world has been turned upside down, the

shelter is very stressful for dogs with the barking, uncomfortable surroundings, and

chances are they are sick, injured and the very least very tired.

A dog released to DRSF has been evaluated by the shelter to not be aggressive, but

that does not mean that they can’t be frightened and react aggressively. Greet

them gently, quietly, relax your body language, don’t look at them head on, and

read what they are trying to tell you with their body language. Our first instinct is

to lavish them with love and affection, but make sure their signals are telling you

that they are ready to receive it.

The moment the dog leaves a shelter, their new life begins and by pulling and

transporting, you are officially part of the DRSF team that makes the happy

endings! Help us tell their story and get others involved:

• Take a photo leaving the shelter or in the car so we can share with our Face-

book community.

• Post on your Facebook page and let others know what you are doing! So

many people want to help, but don’t know that volunteering can be as easy

as giving a dog a ride.

• Confirm the dog is safe at the intended donation by confirming via text or

email with whoever organized the transport.

The start of a new

life

Dogs in shelters are like kids in daycare with germs! Use common sense to keep

yourself, your family, and any dogs at home healthy after the transport…

• Wash your hands thoroughly upon arriving home.

• Dogs come from the shelter with many conditions and can have fleas and

ticks. Be sure to wash any towels or blankets that were in the car.

• If a carrier was used, wash it out with hot water and bleach.

Dog handling

protocol

On behalf of DRSF, thank you for giving of your time, your

wheels, and your love of doxies. We could not do what

we do without our volunteers and we hope your experi-

ence transporting is a wonderful one and you come back

for more!