Our number one goal at H.E.A.R.T.S., LLC is to provide safe and healthy transport for our furry friends. Please read the requirements listed below. Some of these are USDA requirements, some are state requirements, and some are H.E.A.R.T.S. requirements. We have compiled this list of requirements based on past experiences as well as state/federal requirements. Please read them carefully and let us know should you have any questions. We don’t want to be loading a dog and not have the proper documentation.

Quarantine

All animals must have been out of the shelter environment for a minimum of 14 days prior to departure on transport. They can have been in a foster home, reputable kennel, vets office, etc. This can be anywhere besides the shelter/animal control. This will give potential illness time to present itself and time for their vaccinations to take effect.

Health Certificate

All animals boarding H.E.A.R.T.S. will be required to have an Interstate Health Certificate. This must be issued within 10 days of the dogs’ arrival at their destination. The health certificate must be fully completed and signed by the veterinarian. All health certificates must contain the dogs’ vaccination history and heartworm and fecal status. PLEASE ATTACH AN EXTRA COPY OF THE HEALTH CERTIFICATE TO THE PACKAGE. We have to keep copies for our records and don’t have the capability to make copies while on the road. Medical records must accompany the health certificate.

Medical Records/Vaccinations

IMPORTANT- 5 WAY/7 WAY AND BORDETELLA MUST HAVE BEEN GIVEN AT LEAST 10 DAYS PRIOR TO LEAVING ON TRANSPORT. THIS WILL GIVE THEM TIME TO TAKE EFFECT. ALL OF THE BELOW MENTIONED REQUIREMENTS NEED TO BE MARKED CLEARLY ON THE PAPERWORK TO SAVE TIME WHILE BOARDING TRANSPORT.

Rabies-With Certificate– All dogs over 12 weeks old must be up to date on rabies vaccination. All adult animals (dogs and cats) who will reside in the state of Rhode Island must have had their rabies vaccination 30 days prior to entry to the state. If they are 3-6 months old, they can be transported 10 days after the rabies vaccination.
Distemper/Parvo-Annually. Puppies under the age of 6 months old, must have received at least 2 sets of vaccinations with the second one being given at least 10 days prior to departure and at least 2 weeks apart. Puppies are fragile and we simply will not put them at risk. (WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND A 3RD DISTEMPER/PARVO SHOT)
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)-given within the last 6 months and at least 10 days prior to loading transport
Negative fecal
Heartworm negative
Flea and tick free please……
Cats and Kittens. Adults must have had a rabies and FVRCP vaccination at least 10 day prior to departing on transport. Kittens under 6 months old must have had 2 vaccinations given at least 2 weeks apart and the last one given 10 days prior to transport. Rabies is required if the kitten is over 12 weeks old. We will not be able to transport FIV positive cats.
IMPORTANT…..2ND VACCINATION ON ADULTS OR A 3RD VACCINATION ON YOUR PUPPY ARE NOT REQUIRED, BUT WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM. IF YOU DO CHOOSE TO DO THESE, PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE GIVEN AT LEAST FIVE DAYS PRIOR TO TRANSPORT. VACCINATIONS CAN SUPPRESS THEIR IMMUNE SYSTEM AND THEY CAN HAVE ADVERSE REACTIONS TO THEM. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE ARE GIVEN ENOUGH IN ADVANCE TO AVOID ANY PROBLEMS DURING TRANSPORT.

Spay/Neuter

All animals must be spayed/neutered at least 7 days prior to departing on transport. Please make sure that they are healed properly before sending them. We will not be able to transport pregnant dogs.

Age Requirements

All puppies and kittens must be at least 10 weeks of age to travel with H.E.A.R.T.S.

Medication

We will be glad to administer certain medications during transport. Just ask. Medication over the counter or prescription will need to be in the labeled container from the vet or in the original package from the store.

Identification

Although we do not require our passengers to be microchipped, we highly recommend it. Each dog will receive an identification collar when loading. Please leave these on until you arrive home safely with your new dog.

Personal Items

If your doggie has a favorite blanket that you would like to send, please do. All other personal items, with the exception of paperwork, will need to be sent to the new family in advance.

Medical Emergencies

Should any medical emergencies arise while on the road, we will seek emergency care immediately? You, the sender, will be contacted and ultimately responsible for any cost incurred due to an emergency.

Aggression

We understand that some dogs will react in unfavorable ways during stressful situations. But, we have to be able to handle them safely and will not be able to transport him/her if we feel that we cannot do so. If they become aggressive during transport, they will not be removed from the crate until they reach their destination. We are experienced dog handlers and will do everything within our power to avoid this situation.

PLEASE NOTE…..H.E.A.R.T.S., LLC, AND OUR EMPLOYEES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSPORT ONLY. IT IS UP TO YOU, THE RESCUE, TO COMPLY WITH EACH INDIVIDUAL STATES LAWS CONCERNING ADOPTION AND QUARANTINE PERIODS.

*****ANIMALS GOING INTO THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS AND NEW HAMPSHIRE ARE REQUIRED TO GO TO A STATE APPROVED QUARANTINE FACILITY FOR 48 HOURS**** IT IS UP TO THE RESCUE TO COMPLY WITH THESE STATE LAWS*****

***Please note that we at H.E.A.R.T.S., LLC take every precaution that we can when it comes to keeping all of the dogs/cats in our care healthy and safe. We make sure to do all we can to prevent cross-contamination between dogs and making sure everyone is healthy by being proactive with our detailed requirements. By sending/receiving a dog/cat with H.E.A.R.T.S., LLC you understand and agree that there are inherent risks involved and that H.E.A.R.T.S., LLC, nor any employee(s) of H.E.A.R.T.S., LLC will be held liable. Ultimately the sending/receiving parties are responsible for any vet cost incurred during/after transport***