A copy of this policy will be given to all transporters and must be completed with the relevant details
Transporters –
Must have a vehicle, driving licence and appropriate insurance
Must possess a means of securing the dog during transport which must be either a dog grill in the car, or a crate – a car harness can only be used if there is another adult travelling with you to sit alongside the dog in case they get distressed and try to climb out of the harness.
Experience with handling dogs – some lifting is required
Ability to follow correct procedures as instructed to ensure your own safety and that of the dogs.
Keep the doors locked and the windows closed as much as possible, especially in built-up areas and
slow-moving traffic.
Keep alert so that you know where you are. Never pick up hitchhikers.
Take regular breaks on long journeys.
Plan your route and take appropriate maps.
Take warm clothes in case of breakdown or bad weather. Keep valuables out of sight.
Park in well-lit areas, if possible, with the car facing in the direction of exit; when returning to the vehicle, check the back seat.
Carry a mobile phone for emergency use. Carry a torch at night.
Not to stop if they see an incident, unless it is safe to do so; it may be safer to drive on and summon help.
Steps shall be taken to ensure that:
Dogs are suitably restrained (using a seat belt harness, dog cage or dog guard).* Cages are of adequate size, designed to provide good ventilation and firmly secured, out of direct sunlight and away from heating vents. If using a crate, the dog must be able to stand, move around and lie down
Dogs are not transported when the temperature poses risk to the animal
On long journeys dogs shall be – offered food at regular intervals of not more than 8 hours and given water at intervals of not more than 4 hours or as frequently as individual needs require – given the opportunity to relieve themselves
Dogs will not be left unattended in vehicles for unreasonable periods
Dogs will not be left in a vehicle where the temperature may pose a risk
Journeys over 6 hours should not be undertaken unless by exception. A 1 hour stop to enable toileting and water should be taken. After this a further 6 more hours with an 11-hour rest period before transport can commence again for a maximum of 2 days.
The dog should be assessed as fit to travel for over 6 hours with a vet check being undertaken before the decision to make the journey
You have contact numbers for your adoption co-ordinator, designated behaviourist and full details
of anyone else involved in transporting
You should check that your motor insurance policy covers you to undertake voluntary work and that
the policy allows for the transportation of the dogs.
https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/choosing-the-right-insurance/motor-insurance/volunteer-drivers/
If not, we recommend
Pet Business Insurance
Cliverton
Protectivity
*Rule 57 of the Highway Code states: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are
suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves
if you stop quickly”.
In addition to this, motorists could also be penalised for driving without due care and attention,
an offence that carries a fine of up to £5,000 and up to nine penalty points, if the case was to go
to court.
Car insurers are also unlikely to pay out if you have an accident as a result of not properly
restraining a dog
Contact numbers for UK Spaniel Rescue:
Trustees:
Andrea Phillips (Lancashire) – 07935 652999
Lisa Regan (Lancashire) – 07718 173039
Caroline Lewis (Powys) – 07738 715195
Babs Kinnear (Inverness) – 07828 812009
Your adoption co-ordinator:
Your designated behaviourist:
The person responsible for this policy/procedure is: Andrea Phillips
This policy has been approved by the Board of Trustees
Policy approved date 22nd October 2024
This policy is reviewed on an annual basis by the Board of Trustees
Next review due: October 2025