Waiver and Release of Liability

  • Guidelines

    • You must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance.
    •  You are responsible for receiving and handing off, the animal’s required Health Certificate, plus any records, medications, etc, they may be traveling with.
    •  You must have knowledge of dog care and behavior such as, how to recognize signs of stress and aggression, and act appropriately (positively).
    • You must recognize signs of illness to reduce risk of transmission.
    • You must be punctual.
    • You must have a safe, reliable vehicle with functioning heat/air conditioning.
    • You must be reachable on transport day. For those who use Facebook, there will a live group chat. Please be courteous. Each time a comment is added, a notification is sent to the entire group. This is a distraction to those who are driving. Please be brief and remain on topic.
    • You must carry a copy of the "run sheet" with all transport phone numbers and details.

  • Supplies

    • Crates are strongly encouraged but are not always essential
    • Collars/harnesses and extra leash
    • Clean bedding
    • Cleanup items (for car-sick pups)
    • Large clean water bowl
    • Gallon of fresh water
    • Big clean tarp(for puppy transports, so their paws don't touch the grass/ground and pick up diseases)
    • Poop bags (always pick up after the animals)
    • Towels
    • Small first aid kit
    • Food treats (for luring escaped animals)

  • Transport Risks and Precautions

    • Most of our rescues have been through a trauma and almost all were strays. We are limited to what we know about their background. This is a very long and stressful transport for them. Please act accordingly.
    • You must appropriately bond/interact with the dog(s), and respect their personal space! Please no hugging/kissing the animals. Do not put your face near their face/mouth.
    • Keep in mind that, to them, you are a stranger.
    • Never stare or look into the dog’s eyes and never lay on the floor with the dog(s).
    • If you are fostering overnight, they must sleep in a crate or in a separate, safe, room. Do not allow the animal to run free in your home, or sleep in your bed. Never allow them to be unattended with your own pets or with small children.

  • Transporting

    • During transport, always drive safely and be aware of your precious cargo. Windows must always remain closed. Convertible tops must be up.
    • If you are transporting more than one dog, it is recommended to use a crate for at least one. All crates must be in the vehicle and in the back seat. Dogs may never be kept in a flatbed. Not even with a cap.
    • If you are transporting a loose dog, they must be tethered and consider a dog barrier between the front and back seat for the dog's safety and yours.

  • Stressed Animals

    • Assume all animals are suffering from stress of travel, meeting new people and animals. Give each animal a short walk and access to water at each transport spot.
    • Please use extreme caution if bringing along children. Bringing small children/toddlers/babies, is not recommended.
    • PERSONAL PETS ARE NEVER PERMITTED TO TAG ALONG ON TRANSPORTS.

  • Escape of a stressed animal, who could potentially be run over in traffic

    • All dog must have a collar and harness or slip lead on during transport. Please ensure collars are fitted properly and more importantly that harnesses are the proper size and it put on correctly and ask for assistance in fitting if required. Before unloading, ensure leashes have not been chewed through and that snaps and clips are working properly and not broken or cracked. Keep animals leashed, tethered or crated at all times. Put your hand through the leash loop, wrap around your wrist and grasp the leash firmly. Don't leave uncrated, untethered, or tethered animals in vehicles with open windows or hatches. Remember a tethered animal next to an open window may jump!
    • Escaped dogs can be a DEADLY situation. Deadly to our volunteers, to the dog, and to every single person traveling on the highway!
    • Escaped dogs are extremely difficult to capture. Use every precaution!
    • Should an animal escape during transport contact your transport coordinator IMMEDIATELY. Most transport animals will not respond to their names or come when called. This is a very difficult situation. DO NOT PANIC. Use treats to lure the animal, sit on the ground and coax. NEVER EVER CHASE AFTER OR RUN TOWARDS A FRIGHTENED/LOOSE DOG!

  • Damage to your vehicle from chewing or use of claws

  • Accept responsibility for the care of your vehicle. Assume the animals will be under stress from which chewing and pawing manifest occasionally. The rescue and transport coordinator can't assume repair costs from damage during your transport. The animals are not the responsible parties in this situation.

  • Waiver and Release of Liability

  • I, on behalf of myself and my heirs, hereby release and hold harmless, Hair of the Dog Rescue Inc. from any claim of injury, including death, or loss or damage to my personal property that may be sustained during my tasks as an animal transport driver.

    I hereby state and represent that by volunteering and participating in this transport:

    • I hold a current, valid Driver’s License and auto insurance policy;
    • I fully understand the risks and dangers inherent in driving and animal transport;
    • I am voluntarily participating in the transport of animals in my own vehicle knowing the existing weather, road and other similar conditions and factors associated with driving and transporting animals;
    • I expressly agree to assume the entire risk of any personal injury, including death, which I might suffer as a result of my participation in volunteer transport duties
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