Requesting Transport

Please review this document in its entirety before requesting transport assistance or asking questions. The information provided here will answer most, if not all, of your questions on the requirements of Many Paws Volunteer Transport.

After reviewing this guide,  if you feel you meet our requirements,  contact us directly to request transport assistance.

Eligibility Getting Started General Info Transport Requirements Submit Request

Many Paws VT is able to provide transport for…

Reuniting with Owner

Pets who went missing or were stolen and who have been found can be transported through our system to get home to their families.

Rescue Transportation

A registered 501(c)(3) non-profit rescue that is sending or receiving a pet. We will help transport the pet between rescues if at least one is a registered 501(c)(3)

Shelter to Adopter

An adopter is found for a pet in a different part of the country. We will assist in transporting the pet from the shelter to their new owner.

Military Deployment

The pet owner is on a deployment or is about to deploy. We will assist in transporting the pet to family or friends or back to the owner after a deployment.

Domestic Violence

The pet owner is getting out of a dangerous situation and needs transportation or a foster for their pet. Working with the Purple Leash Project, we will assist in finding the pet a temporary foster or getting the pet to family.

Dogs

Cats

Small Animals

Farm Animals

Getting Started

Many Paws Volunteer Transport is a volunteer relay transport team with approximately 13k volunteers across the nation with the same like-minded focus of saving pets and getting them to the better life they deserve. 

Many Paws require the person requesting transport assistance to furnish initial requirements before a TRANSPORT REQUEST FORM  can be completed. 

  • The route from the city of origin to the destination city is broken into segments (aka legs). 
  • The request for transport assistance is posted in the private group on facebook.  

Since most of our volunteers are not on social media, MPVT admin team will reach out to each contact along the route to assist until the transport is filled.

Our volunteer drivers commit to drive a segment (leg) at their own expense of both time and money, in their own vehicle to help the VIP. 

On some occasions,  volunteers may need your assistance with fuel expenses.    

Occasionally we may need to hire a professional pet sitter if we can’t find a slumber PAWty host for the overnight.  

  1. Determine which category your specific situation falls under. 
  2. Read the requirements for that transport situation. 
  3. Provide the necessary initial documents for transport. 
  4. Our admin team will review your documents before approving the request for transport. 
  5. Our admin team will provide you with the link to the next step which is REQUESTING TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE APPLICATION.

Many Paws needs approx 2 to 3 weeks to post and fill transport. Emergency transports are reserved for our regular PAW-PARTNERS. 

Transport typically starts on Saturday at 7 in the morning.  If possible, we will request your sending party helping with leg 1,  to start transport  at 6:00 am. Sometimes we might ask to start earlier if we need to get the pet to a certain area by a date. 

We mostly do transport on weekends. In California or on the east coast, we can sometimes do weekdays, but it’s not always easy to find drivers. We generally don’t do weekday transports.

Many Paws will not accept a transport if we are concerned about filling the route. 

Many Paws may also exercise its discretion to decline transport requests that are deficient or have reason to believe that the requester is being dishonest with the  VIP’s info.

Many Paws reserves the right to deny requests that do not meet our focus.

The link to the on line transport request form will be provided once the initial requirements are completed and the request for assistance  is approved. 

Incomplete forms will result in your transport request being denied.

For example, responses similar to “TBD, I don’t know,” “Ask the foster,” “Will find out,” etc., will result in your request for transport assistance being denied. We are also volunteers and need to provide our volunteer drivers and slumber PAWty hosts with complete info when they agree to commit to transport. 

We are unable to proceed with transport requests if the submitted form is not honestly completed.

  • A through understanding of the requirements for transport. We recommend reading through it multiple times.
  • Picture as proof of the Rabies Vaccine Cert issued within the past 12 months.
  • Picture as proof of the Bordetella vaccine issued within the past 6 months.
  • Picture as proof of the DHPP vaccine issued within the past 12 months.
  • Proof of spay or neuter.
  • A picture of the VIP.
  • 1 single picture of each pet that you are requesting transport assistance.
  • Do not include children, people or other pets in the picture.
  • The picture must be a profile picture, without a fence, cages or barrier between the pet and the camera.
  • A firm understanding of the VIP’s behavior and temperament.
  • Proof that the pet can stay in the new home unconditionally
  • Proof that the home is owned and there are no breed restrictions preventing this pet from staying, OR
  • Proof that the landlord is allowing the pet to stay unconditionally

General Information

Please Note: Our transportation request form is provided to you AFTER you personally contact us with the proof of vaccine requirements.
  • The form will take approx 30 min to complete.
  • You need to have all the VIP’s info available and the answers to complete the form.
  • We will not edit your answers.
  • You can not edit your answers after it’s submitted.
  • Our board will review the transport requests and make a decision based on your submitted answers.
  • If you select a date and then try to finish the form later, and that date is no longer available, the form will not submit, and you will need to select a different date.
  • We have required questions and ask info regarding the pet because we need to make sure the pet is transported safely and our volunteers are safe while handling the VIP.
  • Please remember it takes us approx 1 to 2 hours for us to build the run sheet document.
  • Followed by approx 25 hours of combined volunteer effort of the admins to fill the legs on the run. This can take longer then 25 hours, depending on the length of the transport.
  • The monitor is also a volunteer and will assist 8 to 10 hours each day of transport. In return, you know the pet is safe, where exactly the pet is, who has the pet, and if there are any issues. You will get the pictures are driver transfers and be in direct contact with MPVT admins.
  • We have been around for years, and we are great at what we do. We pride ourselves on establishing great communication with the sender, foster, rescue, adopter, etc.

Many Paws Volunteer Transport’s primary focus is working with registered 501 rescues and shelters to save the lives of animals in their care. We transport from crowded shelters to rescues across the United States (except Alaska and Hawaii). In addition, we assist rescues by providing safe transport to out of area approved adopters.

Many Paws Volunteer Transport is not a company. We are a team of volunteers helping our rescue community save the lives of pets. We are a volunteer relay transport team. Donations are always appreciated, but not required.

Base Requirements for Transport

We reserve the right to refuse our volunteer transport services if the need does not match our focus.

  • When requesting transport assistance, our requirements are not optional.
  • We will NOT help you acquire a pet from a breeder.
  • We will not transport an intact pet unless it’s going to a registered rescue.
  • Pet must not have a bite history
  • Pet must be healthy (see below for additional details)
  • You must complete the requirements on or before the due date

Requirements for Transportation

  • Must provide proof of the following three (3) vaccines. Proof must be submitted before the transport request form is provided.
  • Proof is an electronic picture or PDF of each vaccine record with a veterinarian or rescue.
  • A hard copy of the vaccine records must be sent with the pet’s luggage.
DHPP Vaccine

The DHPP vaccine is a combination vaccine that provides protection against canine distemper (D), infectious hepatitis/adenovirus (H) and parvovirus (P), as well as parainfluenza (P). Vaccines for distemper, infectious hepatitis and parvovirus fall under the ‘core’ category, which means that every dog should be given these, regardless of lifestyle or location.

  • Required within the past 12 months before transport starts
  • Please submit a picture of proof of vaccine to us
Bordetella Vaccine

Description: The Bordetella vaccine is a noncore vaccine usually given to dogs that are frequently exposed to other dogs in boarding or social settings. Canine facilities, such as dog daycare centers, boarding kennels, shows, dog parks, and training classes, often require dogs to have the vaccine. This is because Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common bacterial agent responsible for kennel cough in dogs.

This vaccination comes in two forms: an intranasal spray that your vet will administer in your dog’s nose and an injection. Both are comparably effective. The injectable Bordetella vaccine isn’t suitable for dogs younger than eight (8) weeks, but the nasal spray version can be administered to dogs as young as six (6) weeks old.

  • REQUIRED FOR PUPS SIX (6) WEEKS AND OLDER.
  • Please submit a picture of proof of the vaccine to us.
  • Vax must be given within the past six (6) months prior to transport starting.
Rabies Vaccine
  • RABIES VACCINE CERTIFICATE is required by law for all dogs, cats and ferrets over 4 months of age.
  • Please submit a picture of proof of the vaccine CERTIFICATE to us.
  • Vax must be given within the past 12 months prior to transport starting.
  • We do not accept an invoice from the vet. The document should say RABIES VACCINE CERTIFICATE and be signed by a licensed vet.
Many Paws believes in 100% transparency. UNLESS SPECIFICALLY PRE-APPROVED BY THE MPVT ADMIN TEAM, A PICTURE OF THE VACCINES & RABIES CERT IS REQUIRED TO BE POSTED IN THE TRANSPORT CHAT.
REQUIRED HEALTH CERTIFICATE aka CERTIFICATE OF VETERINARY INSPECTION IS DUE 10 DAYS BEFORE TRANSPORT STARTS. 

You can obtain one of these certifications from a properly certified veterinarian after the veterinarian checks your pet for certain diseases such as rabies or distemper. The USDA National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) authorizes your veterinarian to regulate the movement of animals from state to state based on the presence of any diseases in the animals. Only USDA accredited veterinarians may issue one of the certificates.

How to Obtain a Certified Letter of Veterinary Inspection
  • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection – Similar to the picture listed below of CVI
  • CVI is valid for 30 days from the date of issue*
  • CVI is due 10 days before transport starts
  • The complete official form has a RED seal stamp from USDA
  • The complete official form will have a unique ID number

* Several states require the form to be dated within 10 days of the pet’s arrival – Please contact us to review the requirements for the destination state.

Many Paws believes in 100% transparency. UNLESS SPECIFICALLY PRE-APPROVED BY THE MPVT ADMIN TEAM, A PICTURE OF THE HEALTH CERT IS REQUIRED TO BE POSTED IN THE TRANSPORT CHAT.
Example of a completed Certificate of Veterinary Inspection
Many Paws Volunteer Transport requires fully vaccinated dogs to always wear Harness, Collar and two leashes while on transport. A picture of the dog wearing the gear is required to be posted in transport chat 10 days before transport starts.

It is the sender’s sole responsibility to ensure that the gear fits properly. We cannot be held liable for dogs escaping from their gear.

The gear should NEVER BE REMOVED.

One Martingale Collar

These are also known as “training collars.” The collar stays loose when the dog is wearing it but tightens when pulled. This provides extra security and control.

One Properly Fitting Harness

Dogs weighing more than 40 lbs are required to wear one No-pull harness. (See example photos)

Best No-pull Harnesses

Two Normal Clip-on Leashes

Must have a clip to attach to the harness and martingale collar.
Must have a handle to fit over a wrist for proper walking.
Each must be at least 5 feet in length.
Leash “chewers” are required to be sent with one (1) chain leash.

NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES!!

DO NOT EVER send a retractable leash. Throw that in the trash before someone gets hurt.

Tethering

  • All transport passengers must either ride in a crate or be “tethered.”
  • Dogs that walk well on leash and are fully vaccinated are still required to ride tethered.
  • For persons requesting transport, or sender and receiver, please watch and understand the tethering process.
Tethering Your Passenger

Examples

Take a moment to look through these examples of proper gear, tethering, and walking.

  • The requestor is required to give MPVT the correct and HONEST info for the requested VIP.
  • MPVT depends on the information provided to inform our drivers/overnight hosts, so they are able to put into place any needed precautions.
  • Safety is a priority and we do not want to set the pet up for failure. Be HONEST.
  • MPVT Can not transport pets that are people aggressive. We can not risk the safety of our volunteers.
  • We will NOT transport a pet showing symptoms of illness or disease, even if there is a valid health certificate.
  • Strep Zoo virus It’s a bacterium. It is highly contagious and spreads most commonly in crowded, stressful environments. When it spreads to dogs, it may cause pneumonia that can be severe or fatal in 72 hours from onset of illness.

The Transport Request Form Will Ask…

  • Does this pet have a bite history?
  • If there is a concern of the pet biting, or the pet has previously bitten, please explain the concern and include:
  • How many times there was a bite incident?
  • What was the situation at the time of the bite? If the pet has a bite history, we need to make arrangements for the pet to be safe during transport and not set the pet up for failure.
  • Heartworm Test & Result ALL DOGS AND CATS 12 months and older are REQUIRED FOR TRANSPORT.
  • Pet must be de-wormed within 14 days prior to transport starting.
  • Fecal test is REQUIRED within 14 days before transport. (Test must include hookworms.) (Must list fecal date/test results on vet’s invoice.)
  • We will not arrange transport for Pet coming from a contaminated shelter/foster/boarding facility/etc until they are removed from the situation for 14 days.
  • Pets testing positive for Parvo & Distemper must have two negative test results following treatment. At least one from a licensed vet within the past 14 days following contagious symptoms.

A crate is required to be supplied by sender for the following types of pets:

  • Cats
  • Small Animals
  • Farm Animals
  • Dogs…
  • That are 13 months and younger without proof of all 3 sets of DHPP puppy vaccines
  • Dogs with severe issues needing their own place and are on a short transport.

Max crate size we accept is 32” crate LENGTH. A larger crate is not an option. If the pet needs a larger crate to travel, Many Paws Volunteer Transport is not able to assist with your transport request.

If the pet can not fit into a 32 inch crate and is a Puppy, please request transport when the puppy has completed their 3rd round of vaccinations so the pet can travel safely tethered.

While riding WHILE INSIDE THE SUPPLIED CRATE, the VIP must be able to:
Sit, lay down, turn around and stand

  • LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT – The exact measurements of the crate are required to be listed on the TRANSPORT REQUEST FORM.
  • REMEMBER the largest crate we can accept is 32” Length. NO EXCEPTIONS!
  • Picture of the VIP in the exact crate they are riding in is required to be posted in transport chat 10 days before transport.

This section only applies for dogs 13 months and younger that are not fully vaccinated.

Vaccines: 3 sets of DHPP, Rabies, and Bordatella

These puppies are not fully vaccinated! This places them at  increased risk for picking up canine parvovirus, which is HIGHLY contagious, easily transmitted, and has up to a 91% mortality rate, most deaths occurring within 48-72 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Learn More About Canine Parvovirus
We will be following NPOG Protocols for transport:
  • Dogs should never be placed on ANY SURFACE until a clean, fresh tarp, sheet, or other type of barrier has been placed down – this applies to the cargo area and floorboards of your vehicle! Be sure not to step on the surface while spreading it out (or anytime after you have laid out your protective barrier)
  • The luggage (tote bags, crates, food bags) should not be placed on ANY SURFACE other than surfaces with a clean, fresh tarp, sheet, or other type of barrier-this applies to the cargo area and floorboards of your vehicle!
  • REQUIRED TO WATCH:
No Paws On Ground

We understand that it is an added layer in keeping these pups safe while on transport. It is a few extra steps to make sure these puppies arrive at their destination in good health! These protocols are not optional and must be strictly followed.

If you do not feel that you can follow these protocols, please let us know so that we may find a different volunteer. We would rather find a different driver than place you in a position in which you may not be able to comply with these added protocols.
  • Puppies will need to ride in a crate – We prefer that puppies do NOT wear collars or harnesses.
  • Slip leads will need to be sent with NPOG puppies. See example.
  • Foster/Rescue/Sender/Receiver, etc. must fully understand and adhere to the BPOG policy stated on this guide to requesting transport assistance.
  • If NPOG is not followed, MPVT will cancel the transport and will not reschedule.
Cats and small VIPs have additional requirements listed in the next tab.

Luggage

What is the “pet on transport” bringing with them? PICTURE IS DUE BY WEDNESDAY BEFORE TRANSPORT STARTS.

  • Pet’s luggage – only the items that are traveling as baggage. DO NOT INCLUDE GEAR THAT IS BEING WORN BY THE PET.
  • It is required to have a detailed list of   EVERYTHING that will be traveling with the pet. Example:
  • 1 grey (reusable) bag*
  • 1 bag treats
  • 1 orange ball
  • 1 blue blanket
  • Envelope with  vaccine records/health certificate)**
  • Food ***
  • Medication ****
  • **Vaccine Records/health certificate are to be inside an envelope and placed inside the reusable bag with the pets name written on outside of envelope(or ziplock bag) FOLDERS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE! See Example Below
  • ****Medications should be in original bottle(s) and placed in a ziploc bag with instructions written on outside of bag as to quantity and EXACT time the medication needs to be administered.
  • Please note how many pills/doses are being sent
  • Food should be provided if transport is longer than one day.
  • ***Food should be placed in a sealed container with instructions written on outside of container-pls note amount (in measured cups) and the EXACT time(s) the pet is being fed in its current situation so we can stay on their schedule
  • Max of 2 cases of canned food or 2 bags of unopened kibble sacks or food allowed on transport
  • *Max of 2 reusable bags allowed on transport. See Example Below
  • ALL belongings, other than a crate and bed MUST fit inside SENDER’S reusable bag to protect contents traveling with the pet.
  • Please, label the outside of the reusable bag (sharpie or masking tape work great) with 1) the pet’s name and 2) the name of sending or receiving rescue.
  • Send pictures of the following:
  • A single photo of the items laid out next to the labeled reusable bag. (do not include multiple pictures. The object is to have it in single photo)
  • A single photo of the items in the labeled reusable bag with any larger items next to the bag.
ALL Policies regarding vaccines & Luggage & Sender/Receiver/Form still applies. The following is also required.
  • Plastic/hard shell crate (Max size 32″ length)
  • Actual crate size is required when the transport request form is submitted.
  • Sender to provide inside their supplied crate one of these options: BED / BLANKET /TOWEL
  • Small litter box that fits inside the crate with litter inside
  • Recommend a tin foil pan (available from dollar store)
  • Small bag of litter – sealed / taped closed – max 10 lb size
  • Reusable bag for ALL luggage (see Luggage section included in this guide)
  • Sender to supply:
  • Bowls (1 for food, 1 for water. available from dollar store)
  • Litter scoop (available from dollar store)

If you have any questions, or concerns, please contact us through our Facebook page.

Prior to completing the request for transport assistance form, please send the following to us via:

Facebook Page

facebook.com/ManyPawsVT

Email

ManyPawsVolunteers@gmail.com

Incomplete forms will result in your transport request to be denied

For example responses similar to:  TBD, I don’t know, Ask the foster,  Will find out, etc.,  will result in your request for transport assistance to be denied. We are also volunteers and need to provide our volunteer drivers and slumber PAWty hosts with complete info when they agree to commit to transport. 

We can not fill transports without the complete info on our form.

The form needs to be completed by one person.

If you have any questions, or concerns, AFTER the review of the GUIDE TO REQUESTING TRANSPORT, please contact us through our Facebook page.