Your Dog's Journey Starts With Us
Getting Started:
John and I started transporting dogs in April 2020. We first learned about transporting dogs when we rescued our 9 year old Miniature Schnauzer from Texas and needed to have her transported to us. We used the company Citizen Shipper and found someone to transport her and it was a very positive experience. We are both lifetime dog owners and have
7 of our own (we are the crazy dog people)! When we first started out transporting dogs, all our jobs came from an online bidding site, Citizen Shipper We have met so many people along our travels and have built a network that provides us with opportunities outside Citizen Shipper. For us the best part about this job, is the reaction people (especially children) have then we hand them their new puppy or dog owners who weren’t able to move cross country with their dog and we deliver their dog to them. It's very rewarding to be able to provide them with that happiness is priceless. Sara's Experience:
In 2003 my parents opened their first pet resort in Central Pennsylvania and it was my place of employment throughout high school and during summer home from college. In 2017 I started a gourmet dog treat business that I operate out of our house. Working at home has allowed me to pet sit for friends and foster dogs for a local rescue when needed. It's something I enjoy doing and it's always bitter sweet when they leave for their forever homes. Before starting my own business I worked for a CPA firm after graduating college with my degree in accounting. John's Experience:
John has over 50 years of owning dogs, specifically large breeds. In 2015 he retired from his job, after 25 years in law enforcement and because working for a pet resort in 2016. He is certified in both first aid and CPR for dogs and is a certified dog trainer. Level of Service Provided:
We do all our trips together, working as a team. There are a lot of benefits to hiring a transport business that has 2 people traveling together versus an individual transporting, even if they are only transporting one dog. It allows one of us to tend to your puppy during their entire journey to their forever home, ensuring it is both comfortable and happy. Your dog's safety is our number one concern, which is why when we are diving your puppy will be in a crate, which we provide, along with a fresh blanket and brand new toy. We travel in a large SUV and while traveling, we fold the third row of seats down, which makes for a large open space. Since John does most of the driving, I sit in the middle row which the crates are behind, so I can hear if anyone is fussing and I'm able to check on them and tend to their needs! When transporting young puppies, we place a p*e pad on top of their blanket in their crate. As soon was they go to the bathroom, I immediately remove and replace their p*e pad, replace their blanket and wipe their paws off. If their blanket needs replaced, we travel with lots of extra supplies. If your dog is having a hard time in the crate, we will immediately let you know. Depending on their age and weight, we have the option of them using a dog car seat or a dog seat belt. Before we would try using one of those options, we will first ask for your permission. For young puppies, they don't have the option to use a car seat or seat belt. However, we can remove them from their crate and home them to calm them down, which would only be done with your permission. The first couple hours usually are the hardest for puppies because they are leaving the only place they know. They are not used to being in a crate and not used to being the only puppy along with two strangers. We have used all the above options since we first started. Bathroom Breaks:
For dogs 3 months and younger, they do not leave our vehicle once they are in our care. It is not safe for them to walk around at rest areas. When we stop for bathroom and water breaks, the are able to walk around the back of our SUV where there is a tarp with p*e pads for them to use. Once they are done, the area is cleaned up and sanitized before the next puppy is let out. They are able to walk around at the hotel and we have our favorite hotels in all different directions that we try to stay at when we can because they have large grass areas for the pups to run around in and is safe. Travel Standards:
When we deliver your pup to you, we want them to be happy! Therefore, we drive no more than 8-10 hours per day and only stay at pet friendly hotels, which we map out prior to departing for a trip. This allows us to provide your puppy with plenty of time to run around the hotel room and for us to play with them. Once they are tuckered out, then it's time for lights out. For our passengers that are not a puppy, we have two enrichment activities we try to have them play. Once they figure at least one of them out, they love them equally as much as playing with their toys. If your puppy is not able to sleep throughout the night, I get up with them and help calm them down until they are able to fall back asleep. In the mornings we make sure all our passengers have had enough time to eat breakfast and play before we start the traveling for the day. Communication:
We both know from personal experience how exciting it is when you know your puppy is on its way to you, which is why we stay in constant communication with you from the moment we pick up your pup to the moment we are pulling into your driveway. Each morning we will let you know how they did overnight and throughout the day we will send you photos and videos along the way, and updates on how your pup is doing. When we stop for bathroom brakes, it's not safe for them to walk around in the grass areas, therefore, when we stop, we lay p*e pads down in the open area in the back of our SUV, for them to walk around and stretch their legs and go to the bathroom. Location Sharing:
For those who have an iPhone, I share our location with you the entire time your dog is in our care. If you don't have an iPhone, I will send you screenshots of the GPS, showing you where we are throughout the day. Regardless of which phone you have, I will send you the name, address and phone number of the hotel we are staying at each night.