Transport Volunteers

Where do transports go?

MSIR uses volunteer transports to move dogs to their foster homes and to move supplies to areas in need.

There are dogs in need and foster homes all over the midwest - including rural areas that are not near major interstates! Most transports occur in the following states: IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, OH, SD, WI

How much time does a transport take?

While our transports can cross many states and take all day, each volunteer is only responsible for one portion of the drive that is 100 miles or less. Here are some examples:

• Pick up dog in Seward, IA at 12pm, drive to Council Bluffs, IA and hand off dog to next volunteer at 1:20pm

• Pick up dog in Indianapolis, IN at 9am, drive to Rensselaer, IN and hand off to next volunteer at 10:40am

Each volunteer driver is typically committing to about 3 hours of driving on a Saturday or Sunday, are welcome to take as many photos as they want, and get to know they helped save a dog’s life!

How big of a car do I need?

Dogs are always transported in a crate - and must remain in their crate for safety. Each crate is roughly 30” x 24” x 20” - and fits into most vehicles. Occasionally, a transport will include multiple dogs and we will ask for larger vehicles to help with the transport.

Can I bring my kids / pets / friends with?

Transports are feel-good experiences for volunteers, but they can be terrifying for these dogs who may be coming from a shelter, a puppy mill, or experiencing the loss of the only family they have known. The shibas often have infections like Giardia, that can make you, your pets, and your children sick. Therefore, personal pets are not allowed on transports. Young children or kids that aren’t able to give dogs personal space should be avoided on transports for their health and safety.

Friends are fun and can make the drive go by easily. But, anyone over the age of 18 who joins on a transport will need to sign a waiver.