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 and some lifting maybe 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.

• 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 should be taken to ensure that:

Dogs are suitably restrained using a seat belt harness, dog cages 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 regularintervals of not more than 8 hours and given water atintervals 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 undertakenunless 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 over6 hours with a vet check being undertaken before the decision to make the journey.

• You have contact numbers for your adoptionco-ordinator, designated behaviourist and full details

• of anyone else involved in transporting

• You should check that your motor insurance policycovers you to undertake voluntary work and that.

• The policy allows for the transportation of the dogs.

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

Policy implemented: January 2026

Next Review: January 2027

Written and authorised by: Nicola Johnson Trustee