In our rescue work, we sometimes need to transport animals, too. However, we bring animals to places of safety—never slaughter. Besides transporting animals safely to our New York and California sanctuaries, we have brought animals to trusted homes across the U.S. through our Farm Animal Adoption Network.
“There is no school of rescue,” says Mario Ramirez, Farm Sanctuary’s Director of Sanctuary Environment & Transport. Every rescue and every animal is different, he says, but there are some things we can always do to make transportation as stress-free as possible.
Below, Mario shares some of the ways that we transport with compassion:
- Check weather conditions as far in advance as possible so we can plan alternate dates as needed
- Get animals cleared as fit for transport by a veterinarian, and if they’re not, assess and plan for higher-risk transport
- Inspect the truck and equipment pre-transport
- Fill trailer with fresh bedding pre-trip and post-trip, disinfect trailer completely
- When ready to go, “load” animals last to minimize their time in a trailer
- Don’t overcrowd a trailer to avoid stress, injury, and overheating
- Provide access to food and water during travel
- Drive gently, not accelerating or braking quickly
- Stop every 3-4 hours so we can switch drivers, check on animals, and top off water
- Always bring a med kit and have someone on call for veterinary care
- Bring corral panels in case the vehicle breaks down and we need to build a “barn” on the spot
- In cold weather, provide extra bedding and close all vents
- Avoid extreme heat transports, except when necessary
- In hot weather, avoid peak heat hours, open all vents, keep fans running, provide ice water, make minimal stops, and only park in the shade
- Shut off the engine while parked to avoid fumes
- Keep a thermometer that we can check from the front of the truck
- Know animal behavior and signs of stress or overheating
- Plan overnight stays at other sanctuaries if needed
