RAGOM's transport volunteers provide two essential functions.
Transort coordinators set up the transport of RAGOM dogs from shelters or surrendering homes to their foster homes. Transports can be simple, with just one trip across town. Or they can be lengthy and complex, involving several "legs" covering hundreds of miles.
Transport drivers meet dogs at a shelter or former home, or at a pre-arranged transfer location on multi-leg transports, and drive them to their RAGOM foster homes. Drivers are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of dogs during their journey. Transport runs may be local, intrastate, or interstate between Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and western Wisconsin.
Transport FAQs
Any type of enclosed vehicle will do as long as it's large enough to carry a Golden Retriever!
Some dogs do need to be transported in a crate, but not all dogs. If a crate is needed, the transport request email will include that requirement.
The distance varies and depends on the transport. If you want to participate in a specific transport but the distance is too far, respond to the transport request and state how far you are willing to drive. We will adjust the transport legs to accommodate you.
RAGOM does not pay for your gas; however, if you track your transport details, the expense may be tax deductible. See your tax advisor for complete information.
This is entirely up to you! You can participate in transports as often as you choose or have time for.
Yes. The training is conducted over the phone and takes 30 – 45 minutes. If you attend foster training, transport training is covered in foster training.
We include a dog bio in the transport request sent to volunteers. Once the transport is filled, you will also receive a Transport Runsheet that includes the names and contact information for all volunteers involved in the transport, the surrendering family, and the foster family. The dog’s bio is also included in the Runsheet.
RAGOM does not accept dogs that are aggressive to humans, but you might transport a dog that is scared or traumatized. Read the dog bio to understand the dog's situation and transport needs (e.g., crate required, martingale collar required, etc.). We do everything possible to ensure your safety as well as the safety of the dogs we transport.
You can take non-trained people with you, but your focus should be on the dogs you are transporting. We do not recommend that you bring your dog. Some dogs might not get along with children or other dogs. We don’t always know how a dog will react, and we want everyone to be safe.
The transport process can be stressful on dogs coming into RAGOM, so it's important to limit any additional factors that might create more stress.
