1. Booking the Transport

Rescue transports with Zootaxi always start with a clear, structured booking. Shelters, rescue organizations, or adopters contact us via our online form or email, sharing key details such as the dog’s size, weight, health status, behavior, and pick-up and drop-off locations. We confirm the date, approximate time window, and route, and clarify who will be present at both ends of the journey. You receive written confirmation with all agreed details, including emergency contacts and any special instructions.

Before the trip, we coordinate directly with shelters and rescues to collect medical records, vaccination proof, and any legal documents required for transport. This ensures a smooth handover and helps our drivers understand each dog’s individual needs before they even step into the vehicle.

2. Preparing Before Transport

In the days leading up to transport, we send a preparation checklist to shelters, foster homes, or adopters. It covers feeding times, recommended exercise before pick-up, and what to pack for the dog, such as a well-fitted collar or harness, ID tag, medication, and a familiar blanket or toy. We ask that dogs are not fed a large meal right before travel to reduce the risk of motion sickness.

Our vehicles are cleaned and disinfected before every trip, and we pre-assign crates or harnessed spots based on each dog’s size and temperament. For bonded pairs or puppies from the same litter, we can often place them together when it is safe and calming for them. All this preparation helps reduce stress and keeps the journey as comfortable as possible.

3. Safe Handling During Pick-Up

At pick-up, our driver introduces themselves calmly and moves slowly around the dog, allowing time to sniff and adjust. We work closely with shelter or rescue staff, who often know the dog best, to guide safe handling. Dogs are always loaded using secure leads and, when needed, slip leads or double leashes to prevent accidental escapes.

Each dog is placed into a size-appropriate crate or secured with a certified safety harness attached to fixed anchor points in the vehicle. Crates are never stacked in unstable ways, and we avoid overcrowding. The driver double-checks all doors, latches, and harness clips before departure, and confirms that paperwork and any medications are on board.

4. Comfort and Safety During the Ride

During the journey, dogs travel in a temperature-controlled vehicle with good ventilation. We schedule regular breaks on longer routes so dogs can stretch, relieve themselves, and drink fresh water. Breaks are done in safe, low-traffic areas, and dogs remain on secure leads at all times. We never open crates or doors in unsecured environments.

Water is available throughout the trip, and absorbent bedding or pads are used in crates for comfort and hygiene. The driver monitors the dogs frequently, watching for signs of stress, overheating, or discomfort. If a dog appears anxious, we adjust the environment where possible, such as reducing noise, covering part of the crate for a den-like feel, or repositioning them away from busier areas of the vehicle.

5. Special Care for Anxious or Special-Needs Dogs

Zootaxi places special emphasis on dogs that are fearful, shy, or have medical or behavioral needs. Before transport, we ask for detailed notes from shelters, rescues, or foster homes about triggers, calming strategies, and any medication schedules. When appropriate and pre-approved by a veterinarian, we can administer prescribed medications according to written instructions.

For anxious dogs, we use gentle handling, quiet voices, and minimal sudden movements. We may seat them in a quieter part of the vehicle, use crate covers to reduce visual stimuli, and allow extra time at pick-up and breaks. For special-needs dogs, such as seniors, dogs with mobility issues, or those recovering from surgery, we use ramps, extra padding, and careful lifting techniques to keep them safe and comfortable.

6. Cooperation With Shelters, Rescues, and Adopters

Our service is built around close cooperation with shelters, rescue groups, and adopters. We coordinate timing so staff or foster carers are ready at pick-up, and we keep communication open throughout the journey via phone or messaging updates. This can include estimated arrival times, route changes due to traffic, and reassurance that the dog is doing well.

For multi-stop rescue transports, we plan routes that minimize total travel time and stress, while respecting legal rest requirements for drivers. We can also help coordinate handovers between different organizations or volunteer legs of a transport chain, ensuring that every transition is documented and safe.

7. Drop-Off and Handover

At drop-off, we unload dogs slowly and carefully, confirming the identity of the receiving person or organization before opening crates or doors. The driver reviews any important notes about the dog’s behavior during the trip, feeding times, bathroom breaks, and medication given. We hand over all paperwork, including medical records, transport logs, and any travel accessories that came with the dog.

For adopters, we take a moment to explain how the dog coped with the journey and offer simple tips for the first hours at home, such as providing a quiet space, access to water, and time to decompress. Our goal is to ensure that every rescue dog arrives safely, as calm as possible, and ready to start the next chapter of their life.