Transportation Logistics

A dog being transported to its forever home is exciting because this is the last leg of that dog’s journey to begin its new life. Absolutely nothing is left to chance and no assumptions are made. We check and double check reservations and bookings particularly with certain airlines. Every detail needs to be defined and then, often, we have backup plans in case of weather concerns, flight delays, tricky connections, etc. Crates are labeled, dogs are labeled, micro-chipped and the flight is tracked online.

When a dog arrives and the photos with tears of joy from the new family as they greet their dog are posted, the reward for all of the effort is immeasurable.

Labels are everywhere and nothing is left to chance. This is precious cargo.

Locations:

  • La Paz, BCS, Mexico
  • San Diego, CA, USA
  • Los Angeles, CA, USA
  • Seattle, WA, USA
  • Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • Anywhere else
Seeing happy owners with their new dogs at the arrival airport makes it all worthwhile!

Key Responsibilities:

  • Obtain flight details from prospective pet escorts.
  • Communicate logistics to prospective pet escort inquirers.
  • Develop transportation plan for dogs in transit.
  • Update database transport details as required.
  • Make kennel reservations with airlines.
  • Analyze flight details to assess whether live animal transport is allowed, safe, and feasible.
  • Research and, if necessary, call airport officials to obtain details concerning procedures for live animals.
  • Track flight status of each dog and ensure safe arrival and hand off of dogs and documents.
  • Track kennel status, sizes, and airline ratings.
  • Assist with in-transit instructions if necessary.
  • Create and file USDA (for US transports) and CFIA (for Canadian transports) permits in advance of flights.
  • Coordinate with other members of the transportation team.

Training:

  • Baja Dogs La Paz Volunteer Orientation
  • On-the-job training

Qualifications:

  • Understanding of live animal transport requirements by airline, country, and, in some cases, airport.
  • Extremely detail oriented.
  • Ability to research data concerning airlines, airports, and transport requirements.
  • Keep commercial live animal permits up-to-date.
  • Ability to answer questions for adopters, pet escorts, and other volunteers with patience.
  • Understanding of the stress and impact that a transport has on dogs at various airports based on climate changes, connection and layovers, etc. and determine whether a particular flight is the best one for the dog.
  • Understanding of customs laws concerning the importation of live animals for the US, Canada, and mainland Mexico.
  • Knowledge of airline embargoes
  • Ability to work with a team of transportation coordinators and willingness to ask questions of other team members concerning flights for a particular dog.

Time Commitment:

  • Approximately 2 hours per week. During a transport, approximately 3 hours + a maximum of 10 hours “on-call” for questions, delays, etc.