Keeping Your Pet Healthy and Safe During Travel with a Transporter - Questions to Ask
- lkrunner
- Nov 11
- 2 min read
Key questions are listed below, to ask of a dog transporter to prevent the spread of Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Coccidia, Leptospirosis, kennel cough, etc. These are threats that could impact your puppy during travel. Transporters should focus on their hygiene, environmental control, disease-management protocols, and vehicle sanitation. Many known parasites are highly contagious and can be spread through contaminated water and fecal matter.
Questions about hygiene protocols
How often are crates and other equipment cleaned and disinfected? It is crucial for transporters to use disinfectants effective against certain pathogens, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium oocysts. Products such as Rescue (accelerated hydrogen peroxide) or a quaternary ammonium disinfectant are highly recommended, as many common disinfectants are not effective.
What type of disinfectant is used? This ensures the chosen product is appropriate for killing these specific parasites. Some cysts are very resistant to disinfectants, so this is a key question.
What is the process for disinfecting? Proper sanitation involves removing feces, scrubbing with detergent, applying the disinfectant for the correct contact time, and thoroughly drying surfaces, as cysts survive longer in moist environments.
How are shared spaces and transport vehicles cleaned? This is especially important if multiple unrelated dogs are transported together.
How is cross-contamination prevented between different litters or dogs? This includes handling different animals and their belongings, as well as washing hands between interactions.
Questions about environmental control
How do you ensure dogs only drink fresh, clean water? Giardia, Lepto, and Cryptosporidium are commonly transmitted through contaminated water sources, so transporters should bring an ample supply of water from a trusted source and not let dogs drink from puddles or natural water sources.
What is the protocol for cleaning up fecal matter? Feces should be removed promptly and carefully from all areas to prevent environmental contamination.
How are stop locations chosen and managed? Transporters should use clean, safe areas for potty breaks and keep dogs away from fecal matter. And, stop for potty breaks at locations where other dogs typically do not go.
Questions about health and disease management
What is your policy if a dog shows signs of illness during transport? A transporter should have a clear protocol for isolating sick animals and seeking veterinary care.
Do you require pre-transport veterinary checks? Reputable transporters often require a 10 day prior to travel, health check to ensure dogs are fit for travel and not showing signs of illness.
What are your practices for managing stress during transport? Stress can suppress a dog's immune system, making them more susceptible to illness. Comfortable and safe traveling conditions to reduce stress, correct sized crates, enrichment toys, blanket or toys from Breeders’ home, and minimizing crowding, can help.
NOTE: Rescue disinfectant is considered safe for puppies because when the in-use dilution, Rescue has been proven to be non-toxic (acute oral, dermal and respiratory), non-irritating to eyes, non-corrosive to skin and non-skin sensitizing. Rescue is also fragrance free and dye free. This product can be purchased on Amazon.
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