DCIN Ground Transport Instructions

You will have received a link to the run sheet for the cat’s transport. Because anyone with the link can access that document, please keep it confidential, as it has private information for the drivers. There is a link at the bottom of that page to a Google map showing the route and hand-off locations. Please print the run sheet and map to take with you in your vehicle.  You may certainly access the run sheet and map via your phone or other mobile device if you prefer, but remember to take appropriate precautions when using your phone or device while while in your vehicle.  DCIN strongly recommends that you only use your phone or device while stopped. 

We now have a Facebook group for ground transport runs.  You will be invited to join the group by one of the administrators once you commit to a run.  We will provide all transport information via FB posts, with a backup email also being sent out by the run moderator (generally the Ground Transport Coordinator, Amy Sikes).  Updates during the run will be posted on FB, sent out via email, and placed on the run sheet.

The transfer locations on the run sheet are generally set in stone by the time the run begins.  The run moderator will work with drivers as the run progresses and make changes to transfer spots only when necessary.  For example, a run in February 2015 was impeded by snow, and the two drivers involved agreed on a new transfer location that worked better based on that situation.  The schedule permits 15 (sometime 30) minutes to transfer the cat between vehicles, which is generally more than enough time to chat for a moment, transfer the kitty, and get on your way to the next transfer location.

The DCIN transports are moderated.  The name(s) and contact information for the transport moderator(s) is on the run sheet.  The moderator’s job is to monitor that the transport is on time and to address any timing or location problems that occur (see example above).  If you have any trouble with your leg that causes a delay in schedule or a detour, please post on FB or email/text/call the moderator so that she can adjust the plan and alert the future drivers.  Please also post on FB or email/text the moderator when you start and finish your legs.

The cat will always travel in a dedicated hard-sided carrier lined with puppy pads and a towel and:

1. Extra puppy pads
2. Water bowl and a bottle of water
3. Food for the trip, paper plates, and a plastic spoon
4. Paperwork, including (as applicable) rabies documentation, vet records, interstate health certificate, and adoption contract
5. Extra food, if any
6. Insulin, testing equipment, and diabetic supplies
7. Bedding and toys
8. A sheet, towel, or other covering for the carrier, which could be vital for cats fearful of the changing scenery and for those that verbalize in a vehicle

Please carry a clean-up kit with you in case the cat soils the carrier. In my cleanup kit, I carry latex gloves, paper towels, a towel (to replace the soiled one in the carrier), plastic bags to dispose of soiled items, a wetted washcloth sealed in a plastic bag, and a bottle of water.

Do NOT let the cat out of the carrier while the vehicle is in motion, even if you have another person in the car with you. A freaked out cat, especially one that you do not know, could cause an accident. If you let the cat out of the carrier during a stop, please do that only if someone is in the car with the cat, the windows are rolled all the way up, and the doors are closed and locked. There was recently an incident with a dog transport in which the dog bolted at a rest area and was never found.  We do NOT want that to happen with a DCIN kitty.

We do NOT give diabetic cats insulin the day of a transport because we do not want to deal with low numbers in the middle of a transport. 

If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Thank you for helping us get this precious cargo home!

~Amy

(Updated 5/20/16)