Transport homeless pets to safety

When you volunteer to drive a pet from one community where they’re at risk to another community where they’re more likely to get adopted, you’re helping to save the lives of homeless pets.

Hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats are killed in animal shelters every year, simply because they don’t have safe places to call home. Transport programs are crucial in preventing this killing because they give at-risk pets lifesaving lifts to areas where they have greater chances of finding homes.

You can be a part of the lifesaving when you volunteer to drive pets from overcrowded shelters to regions of the country where they are more likely to get adopted.

You can drive loving pets — just like this adorable kitten — to safety

Here’s what to expect as a transport volunteer

Volunteer drivers help homeless cats and dogs get from overcrowded shelters to regions of the country where they have a much greater chance of finding homes.

Transport Volunteer Tasks

Typical tasks in the day of a volunteer driver include driving, moving pets in and out of vehicles, feeding pets, cleaning pet carriers, and monitoring the pets in transport.

Time Commitment

Transports vary in length from a few hours to several days. We can match you with the opportunity that works best for your availability. You can transport locally (within the same state or city), or you can help with more long-distance transports.

Volunteer Requirements

Transport drivers need to be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license. A background check and a road test are required for this volunteer position. Many transports use vans provided by Best Friends, so you don’t need to use your own vehicle.

Depending on the scale of the transport, however, there might be opportunities to use your personal vehicle. After signing up, a transport coordinator will contact you about your preferences.

Take a lifesaving ride with Best Friends

To get started and connect to a local pet transport program, select the Best Friends location nearest you:

Questions about volunteering with a transport?

Email one of our transport hubs for help:

Atlanta, Georgia: volunteerATL@bestfriends.org
Houston, Texas: houstonvolunteer@bestfriends.org
Kanab, Utah: localvolunteers@bestfriends.org
Northwest Arkansas: volunteernwa@bestfriends.org

Help a Best Friends Network Partner near you drive pets to safety

The Best Friends Network is made up of thousands of public and private shelters, rescue groups, spay/neuter organizations, and other animal welfare groups across the country, all working to save the lives of dogs and cats in communities like yours.

Each and every one of our network partners needs caring people like you to transport, adopt, foster, donate, volunteer, and advocate to help save the lives of pets where you live.

Find a network partner near you today:

True stories of lifesaving lifts

Hear from volunteers who are transporting pets to Save Them All.

More ways you can help the animals

As thousands of animals looking for families of their very own remain in shelters around the country, one of the most valuable gifts you can give them is your time.

Smiling person sitting on a couch with a cat next to them

Volunteer from home

From administrative and marketing roles to events and fostering, we have lifesaving volunteer opportunities suited for you and your interests.

See remote opportunities

Smiling person taking a pig for a walk next to a big green pasture

Volunteer at our animal sanctuary

Stroll with a dog, spruce up a rabbit run, or simply keep a shy cat company. There are plenty of ways to make a difference at our animal sanctuary.

See sanctuary opportunities

Person wearing Best Friends gear while hugging a dog

Volunteer in your community

There are countless opportunities to help save the lives of homeless pets, no matter where you live in the United States.

See opportunities near me