Required Reading for Drivers

🐾 Imagine Home – Required Reading for Drivers

“Until every cat is home, we know they Imagine Home.”

🔐 Safety First – General Expectations

  • Public Meeting Locations Only:
    For your safety, all transfers should occur in public places. Please do not meet at private homes unless previously approved by an Imagine Home Admin. If an exception is required, notify us immediately.
  • Health Policy (COVID-19 & Flu):
    If you are feeling unwell, exhibiting symptoms, or have had recent exposure to anyone with COVID-19 or the flu in the last 5 days, and are scheduled to drive, contact an admin ASAP.
  • Agreement to Protocol:
    By signing up for a transport, you agree to follow Imagine Home’s protocols. If you are uncomfortable with any procedures, please refrain from signing up. Questions? Reach out — we’re happy to help.
  • Liability Disclaimer:
    Imagine Home Inc., its officers, board members, admins, and volunteers are not liable for any illness, injury, or damages that occur during transport.

🚗 Policies & Procedures for Drivers

🔒 Cat Safety & Crating

  • All cats must remain in a crate/carrier inside the vehicle while driving.
  • No exceptions: No laps, truck beds, open convertibles, or uncrated cats.
  • Carriers must be:
    • Secure, padded, and large enough for the cat to stand and turn.
    • Covered with a towel or blanket if kitty seems stressed.
    • Free of water while in motion. Water and food may be offered between transfers.

Important: Do not open the carrier outside the vehicle under any circumstances.

🍽️ Feeding & Breaks

  • Pre-Transport (Night Before):
    Offer kitty food and water, then remove bowls before handoff.
  • During Transport (3–4+ hours):
    Stop and offer food/water as needed. Always remove bowls before continuing.
  • Light Feeding Only:
    Overfeeding can lead to car sickness. Use only food provided by the sender.

🔌 Communication & Timing

  • Your run sheet will include:
    • Driver contacts
    • Pickup/drop-off details
    • Your assigned Transport Coordinator (TC)
  • Please text your TC at pickup and again when your leg is completed.
  • Stay flexible: Traffic happens. Keep the next driver updated on timing.
  • When planning meeting spots, use: ExitExplorer.com
    Let your TC know your chosen location.

📱 Contact & Preparedness

  • Phone On & Charged:
    Drivers must have phones on and reachable before and during the event. Lack of contact may result in removal.
  • Contact Your Connecting Drivers:
    Primary drivers should proactively message the drivers for the legs before and after theirs. Need help connecting? Ask your TC.
  • Meeting Reminders:
    • Meet in public, well-lit places.
    • Do NOT share personal info on public pages. Use private messages.
    • Exchange vehicle descriptions and contact info in advance.

🧳 Transport Kit Checklist

We suggest keeping the following in your vehicle:

  • Paper towels
  • Extra water bottles (for cleanup)
  • Old towels/sheets (cover crate or stuff under seats)
  • Puppy pads
  • Kitty wipes (alcohol-free)
  • Disinfecting wipes (for surfaces — not the cat)
  • Disposable trash bags/grocery bags
  • Large garbage bag (for litter box)
  • Disposable container (for water)
  • Bungee cords (secure crates if seat belts won’t)

❗ Important Conduct Guidelines

  • Respect All Kitties:
    Treat every cat as a flight risk and with gentle care.
  • No Smoking or Vaping:
    Many cats are sensitive or allergic. Smoking is not allowed during transport.
  • No Add-On Animals:
    Only the assigned cat(s) may be transported.
    → Have a certified service animal? Contact us in advance for approval.
  • No Rough Handling or Rudeness:
    Mistreatment of animals or disrespect toward other drivers may result in removal from our volunteer list.

🚨 Backup Drivers & Emergencies

  • Backup Drivers:
    May be activated at any time. Please remain available until your leg is confirmed complete.
  • Emergencies:
    Things happen. If a driver is unreachable or a cat is showing concerning signs (panting, breathing fast, extreme stress), contact your TC immediately.

❌ Adoption Off-Transport = Theft

Removing a cat from a transport before it reaches its final, approved destination is illegal and will be treated as theft.

This will be reported to authorities and your name may be added to national Do Not Transport lists shared throughout the rescue community.

💙 Thank You from Imagine Home

We know transport is a big commitment, and we’re deeply grateful for your time, compassion, and reliability. Every driver plays a vital role in helping cats reach the homes and futures they deserve.

Happy Transporting!
~ The Imagine Home Team

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