It's a challenge to figure out what crates to bring to a transport and what will fit in the car. Passing along tips and ideas helps a great deal. It occurred to me today there is one driver in our primary group who has solved the issue of how to load to large crates into his SUV's back area: he build a shelf for one of them. So he gets two back there, next to each other, one about 4 inches higher than the other. This allows the widest section of the crates to be at different heights. That's the place where the tops and bottoms are latched together. (TIP: Use pull ties because they are easy to cut and then you can stack crates to haul home after transport. Plus they are easier and faster to use in cold weather.) I know I should have taken a photo of the arrangement but you're smart; you can figure this out.
Although a pallet is too wide to use, that is the height that will work. Thus the reference. You can make your shelf yourself. Be sure it is long enough and just wide enough to hold the crate. You don't want to rock the passengers needlessly. The other crate will help hold it in place. If you just want to try this out and see if it works I suggest you grab four bricks and put them in your vehicle then load two large crates in so you see how it works. Or, if you have a pallet and it has a middle support board cut the pallet in half so the middle board becomes a side board; that may work as an experiment too!
I must confess, one of my pups escaped today. I opened the crate door and he leaped on top of the crate and took off. I was in a discussion with another transporter. Bad me. Danny didn't have my slip lead around his neck YET so he did get away but didn't get too far as he fancied interacting with a companion dog. Notes to self and everyone who transports: Get a slip lead and use it all the time...double leash. If you have a dog who backs up he/she can get out of the collar you think is secure. The slip lead keeps the dog at hand. In fact, get two so you always have one available. And, pay attention to the dogs. They are not certain what is going on; we are all strangers to them. They may not be used to crates, cars, leashes, other dogs, lots of people. Respect that and focus on what you are doing.
It's SUCH a rewarding way to volunteer! There are plenty of transport groups and, unfortunately, a seemingly endless supply of critters - all who appear to be PERFECT no matter what the age, mix/breed, gender, personality, energy levels, or challenges. You will have unconditional love heaped upon you.
Today as I was taking my five passengers I thought what a grand, heavenly welcoming team they will be, along with any fosters, shelter helped, owned, or client dogs I've been able to love. For me that's hundreds and I'm glad. Even if you save just one, you're an angel to that animal.
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