Transport – Sending Dogs

This role primarily involves helping us get dogs to the airport and checked in for their flight with paperwork handed off to the pet escort (person flying). Most dogs fly out of the Cabo International Airport, so it is necessary to make the drive to the airport with the dog and kennel. See below for more details.

Locations:

La Paz, BCS, Mexico

Key Responsibilities:

  • Transport dogs safely from La Paz to Los Cabos Mexico International Airport
  • Drive in a safe and responsible manner.
  • Walk and water dogs prior to flight (at a stop during the drive, after arrival to the airport, or after check in)
  • Administer medication, if necessary, and as directed by Amigos de 4 Patas veterinarian
  • Meet pet escorts at the airport
  • Assist with airport check-in of the dogs, presenting appropriate certificates to airline staff when required
  • Load dogs in kennels and ensure kennel doors and sides are properly secured with zip ties
  • Provide instructions to pet escorts and answer questions they have (ensure they know what documents to present to customs officials upon arrival)
  • Conduct oneself professionally and politely at all times
  • Communicate with the Transport Team Leader and other volunteers as necessary concerning progress of the transport

Training:

  • Volunteer Orientation
  • Transportation Team Guidebook training
  • On-the-job training

Qualifications:

  • Willingness to support the Amigos de 4 Patas mission
  • Legal driver’s license, insurance, and legally registered auto for transport
  • Ability to interact with individuals in both English and Spanish (Note: Not necessary to be bilingual, but will need to communicate effectively)
  • Cell phone, charged, with Whatsapp for communication
  • Punctuality is important as dogs must be checked in 2 hours prior to flight departure
  • Familiarity with driving route from La Paz to airport in La Paz and San Jose del Cabo
  • Understand the documentation required for transporting dogs
  • Ability to handle dogs on leash at the busy area
  • Ability to assemble to disassemble airport approved kennels
  • Successful completion of the Transportation Assistance Training Course

Time Commitment:

  • Transports to the Los Cabos International Airport take a full day
  • Drive to airport: 3 hours one-way
  • Check-in at the airport, walking and water the dogs: 1-2 hours
  • Preparation time (includes obtaining documents and supplies): 30 minutes to 1 hour
  • Rendezvous time (meeting rescatistas, collecting the dogs, and loading them into various vehicles): 45 minutes