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Animal Transport
Purpose:
The Animal Transport Guidelines are designed to ensure all animal transport is conducted with
the highest level of safety and reduction in stress. Planning for animal transport must consider
appropriate animal containment, appropriate transport vehicle, environmental conditions,
animal needs such as; food, water, medical treatment/monitoring, transit time, and infectious
diseases. All transport plans must be approved by the lead ASPCA Field Staff and lead medical
professional. These guidelines apply to all transport conducted by or on behalf of the ASPCA.
Animal containment
 Animal containment must be appropriate for species and size of animal to reduce risk of
injury and escape. Animal should have sufficient space to stand up, lie down and turn
around.
 All efforts should be made to house animals in individual containers, except for female
with offspring, or when there is a behavioral benefit. In cases when animals are cohoused during transport both animals should have enough space to stand up, lie down
and turn around.
 All containers must be securely positioned once in transport vehicle.
 Each animal container should be labeled with the animal’s unique identification
number. The animal should have a collar marked with their ID number in case of escape
from container.
Transport vehicle
 The transport vehicle must not increase likelihood of injury or stress and must be free of
internal hazards.
 Transport should have e-tracks, tie-downs, or other types of mechanisms to secure
crates.
 If the transport vehicle has a running generator, the generator must be outside the
animal confinement area so the exhaust does not flow into the animal area.
 Forced ventilation is required.
 Air quality must be monitored every 2 hours. It is recommended to have an air quality
monitor in the animal area.
 Inboard camera system to visualize confinement area is recommended.
 An animal handler in addition to the driver is strongly recommended.
Environmental Conditions
 All efforts should be taken to protect animals from temperature extremes respective to
the species.
 Animals must have adequate ventilation throughout entire duration of transport.
 Animals must be monitored for signs of stress. Non-medical solutions should be
attempted first by identifying the source of stress and trying to reduce it. If the animals
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Animal Transport
stress level becomes unsafe, the animal handler will contact the Medical Director
immediately.
Animal needs
 Under some circumstances, food and water may be provided. The ASPCA team leader
and lead medical professional will indicate in which instances feeding and watering is
appropriate.
 If medical treatment or monitoring is required during transport, the lead medical
professional will provide medical plans and supplies. The lead medical professional
must ensure driver and/or transport assistants are capable of executing medical plans.
Transit
 Every effort should be made to reduce the transit time.
 Driver or transport assistant must remain with the animals at all times. If only one
individual is transporting, reasonable bathroom and food breaks are permitted.
 Animal containers must be cleaned every 24 hours of travel time.
 Animals must be given one walk for every 24 hours if appropriate for that species.
Infectious disease control
 Appropriate measures should be taken to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
 Use disinfected containers for transport operations. Disinfect containers when
transport is complete.
 Position containers in a manner that reduces risk of disease transmission. Avoid facing
container doors towards each other. Appropriate measures should be taken to isolate
sick animals wherever possible, especially away from pregnant animals or female with
offspring.
 Provide appropriate personal protection equipment for driver and any transport
assistant such as gloves, gowns and booties.
Approval
 ASPCA Operations Lead must approve transport plan. Lead must ensure driver has
appropriate information and documentation: destination, contacts, transport manifest,
medical plans, health/rabies certificate (if traveling across state lines).
 The Lead Medical Professional (LMP) must approve transport plan and animals for
transport. In cases where sedation is required, the LMP will administer the most
appropriate sedation protocol and ensure that the animal is monitored and recovered.
The LMP is also responsible for creating any treatment or monitoring plans required
during travel.
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