Houston has a problem – too many homeless and abandoned pets roaming our streets and filling our shelters. States in colder climates have the opposite problem – not enough adoptable dogs and cats to meet demand. Some rescue groups have attempted to resolve this supply/demand inequity through transport -- sending Houston’s “unwanted” animals to northern states that are begging for companion animals
to go to loving homes. However, the cost of operating a transport service is expensive and often beyond the means of all but the largest rescues. Rescue Rides was created specifically to help smaller local rescues by providing a safe, affordable transport option that doesn’t require a significant investment in vehicles and drivers. Our core services include:
- USDA registration (in process) and insured.
- Experienced animal handlers and drivers who are required to undergo background checks;
- Animal care includes:
o Access to clean water at all times;
o Regular feedings with a high-quality food. Adult animals are fed a light meal once a day to ensure the least amount of stomach upset. Puppies and kittens are fed small meals twice a day;
o Exercise stops every six to eight hours to walk adult dogs with a martingale collar for safety;
o Regular welfare checks and kennel cleaning. Our handlers will check and clean kennels every time they stop for gas, approximately every 3-4 hours. USDA regulations require each animal to be physically checked on every 4 hours. A disinfectant will be used to clean kennels to ensure the least possibility of cross contamination between animals.
- Accountability. We provide Facebook live sessions and check-ins at all stops.
- Ensuring that all animals entrusted to our care arrive at their destinations happy and healthy, and we will do our utmost to provide a stress-free trip. The animal rescues in the Greater Houston area are already overwhelmed with the daily, unrelenting battle to get animals off the streets and out of the shelters. We’d love to take the burden of transport off your shoulders so that you can devote your time and energy where it really matters – saving more lives. Fill out a transport request at - https://form.jotform.com/rescueridesllc/transport-request
