02/23/2017
Hi all just a friendly post relating to a question that often gets asked of me, on how to get in the pet shipping business. People I know and the ones i know on social media ask I guess because they see and hear of all the traveling I do, see all the cute pictures, then they ask, “how can I get into shipping”? They like to travel, they may like cats or dogs. I can tell most perceive it as being so easy and all fun. Which it can be.
First I say, ask yourself a few questions, and most importantly please understand that you have lifes in your hands. These are living breathing beloved pets. It’s not like you're “shipping” a sofa or mattresses. Shipping Pets is a whole different animal. (sorry). Appreciate the trust put in you.
So before anything, for the welfare of the dog and it’s owner peace of mind one should first, contact the USDA United States Department of Agriculture give them your Information, fill out the forms and apply for an Intermediate Handler Lic. They’ll send you the Animal Welfare Act and Regulation book. Read it cover to cover. Learn some basic Animal CPR. too. In my opinion you should start by driving with an experienced driver. Get some miles under your belt before you go solo.
Basics Rile 8-10 wks. Old & All Dogs must have a Vet Health Certificate within 10 days.
There’s a lot more to Pet Shipping then it seems. Some questions you should ask yourself. Is my vehicle up to the job? Personally I wouldn’t use a vehicle over 3 yrs old. (preference) Is the heat and A/C in EXCELLENT condition? (Never leave your passengers unattended) How are your tires, do you have a jack and spare, is the oil changed? Have a GPS and or data on your phone. Is it all mapped out? Now the kennels/crates, do you have the correct sizes for all your pickups? Do you have leashes, treats, gloves, I could go on here. Anyway, do you have the correct bowls? You don’t wanna just put a regular bowls on the floor of the crate. You know the mess and how unsanitary that is. So, do you have the hanging stainless steel bowls. It’s often the little things. So, do the crates or kennels have absorbent padding down for easy changing and separate bedding. Do you have a “top down” Which type of padding to use to use in the crates, cedar shaving, adult pose pads, depending on breed. These are only a small piece of what goes into it. Hopefully other experienced drivers will elaborate. Obviously there is many more factors, and of course you must like Cats, Dogs (have good energy) around dogs, animals in general. Be a patient person, not over reactive, stick with a routine-also good for the animals, which often consist of 10-12hr. Straight Driving. Quick stops, gas, bathroom, walks. Walks which is another concern, you want to be mindful-careful where and how you walk the dogs. Especially the age of the dog. at truck stops, and rest areas with all the different dogs, from different regions of the country that could be a very bad idea to walk them there, which I NEVER do. Many dogs are carrying diseases, like Parvo The canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs. Or Demodectic Mange in Dogs.
I can provide tips and elaborate another time on best places to walk dogs, but I will say plan ahead. Another major point, one should not get complacent of what may seem like a simple monotonous task. So, if you understand you do have folks loved ones with you, you're responsible for the family pet, or the new family pet which will be in your care for hundreds if not thousands of miles, you must understand the owner will have concerns, so communicate and your compassion should reflect when communicating with the pets owners, which you MUST do. Always be honest and realistic with the ETA you give and stick to it. If something comes up- which does- communicate ASAP. Again first I’d say, ride with a driver, give it a try. I wish you the best! Which is why, I’m giving my two cents.
... the only way to know and learn. Is to- try it! :)
