Stokeshire Designer Doodles · Internal Use

Transport SOP

This Transport Standard Operating Procedure ensures that all puppies and adult dogs moved by Stokeshire Designer Doodles receive safe, humane, and compliant transportation. This SOP meets or exceeds requirements from:

  • USDA/APHIS Animal Welfare Act – Transport Standards
  • Wisconsin ATCP 16.26 – Transport of Dogs
  • Purdue Canine Care Certified™ (CCC)
  • Stokeshire internal welfare and client-experience standards

Applies to: Stokeshire owners, staff, guardian families, transport partners, and contracted flight nannies.

1. Transport Requirements & Eligibility

  • All dogs must be healthy enough to travel, confirmed by:
    • Veterinarian exam (for puppies under 12 weeks)
    • Transport Readiness Checklist in the Glide Compliance Console
  • Puppies transported interstate must have:
    • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)
    • Up-to-date vaccinations per Stokeshire PVC
    • Deworming within 14 days
  • Puppies never travel younger than:
    • 8 weeks for in-cabin domestic flights
    • 10–12 weeks for ground transport > 6 hours

2. Approved Transport Modes

  • Stokeshire Ground Transport (Owner or Staff)
  • Guardian Delivery to Stokeshire HQ
  • Flight Nanny (in-cabin only)
  • Client Pick-Up at Stokeshire HQ

No cargo transport. No temperature-risk travel. No third-party unknown carriers.

3. Vehicle Standards (Ground Transport)

  • Vehicles must have:
    • Functioning A/C and heating
    • Cross-venting windows or fans
    • Secure area for crates (no sliding or tipping)
    • Clean interior free from chemicals or loose objects
  • Temperature inside vehicle must remain:
    • 60°F – 80°F
  • Dogs must never be left in the vehicle unattended.

4. Crates & Containment

  • Crates must allow puppies/dogs to:
    • Stand
    • Turn around
    • Lie comfortably
  • Crates include:
    • Absorbent bedding
    • Secure latching door
    • Sanitized surfaces (bleach-free disinfectants)
  • Each puppy/dog rides individually unless littermates <12wks and safe to co-ride.

5. Transport Procedures

  • Dogs visually checked every 4 hours (USDA/WI requirement).
  • Water offered every 4 hours minimum.
  • Potty/exercise breaks at least every 6–12 hours depending on age.
  • Clean soiled bedding immediately; use spare liners and wipes.
  • Keep noise and stress low:
    • Soft music
    • Dim lighting if night travel
    • No rough driving, loud radios, or sharp stops

6. Air Travel (Flight Nanny)

  • All puppies fly in-cabin only with a verified nanny.
  • Airline-approved soft carrier sized to puppy’s comfort.
  • Required documents:
    • CVI (within 10 days of travel)
    • Vaccination record
    • Flight Nanny Contract
  • Nanny provides:
    • Flight updates
    • Photos at hand-off
    • Arrival confirmation

7. Emergencies During Transport

  • If a dog exhibits:
    • Labored breathing
    • Continuous vomiting
    • Heat stress signs
    • Unresponsiveness
    transport stops immediately and:
    • Contact veterinarian
    • Move dog to climate-controlled environment
    • Document incident in Glide Transport Log
  • In vehicle breakdown:
    • Move dogs to alternate vehicle or safe indoor space immediately
    • Never leave dogs roadside or in uncontrolled temps

8. Guardian Responsibilities (Transport of Breeding Dogs)

  • Guardians must transport dogs safely for:
    • Breeding appointments
    • Return-to-Stokeshire at Day 52 of gestation
    • Scheduled medical exams
  • Stokeshire reimburses mileage for required breeding-related travel if pre-approved.

9. Documentation & Logs

  • Every transport must be recorded using the Glide Transport Log:
    • Date & time
    • Driver/handler
    • Origin & destination
    • Puppies/dogs onboard
    • Environmental temps
    • Breaks taken
    • Condition on arrival
    • Incident notes (if any)
  • Flight nanny trips include:
    • Upload of boarding pass
    • Photo at hand-off
    • Arrival video
  • All logs sync to Stokeshire’s Compliance Console.

10. Client Communication

  • Clients receive:
    • ETA windows
    • Driver name/photo
    • Tracking updates via text
    • Arrival confirmation photo/video
  • Any delays are communicated immediately with explanation.

Last Updated

November 21, 2025

This SOP is reviewed annually and after any transport-related incident or regulation change.