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Transporting your Goats

There are many things to consider when deciding to transport goats whether you are transporting just across state lines or into another country. The best way to make sure that you have a safe and pleasant experience is to investigate shipping options well in advance of the anticipated ship date.

The following has been compiled to assist you when making transportation plans. While this information should not supersede checking transportation guidelines in your own state or region.

Time of Year - Seasonal Considerations - Temperatures

Depending upon the method of transportation that you choose to transport your goats, you will need to concern yourself with the temperatures at the destination as well as in your own area. If for example you live in an environment where the temperatures reach mid 30's in the winter and you are shipping to a location with sub zero temperatures, you may want to take into consideration that your goat may not have a thick enough fur to withstand the temperatures. Animals do not acclimate well to rapid or extreme changes in temperature, hot or cold. Transport companies do not want to take on the added responsibility for animals that may be sensitive to temperature changes. Goats can go into shock, becoming dehydrated, or have other health related complications if there is a drastic temperature change.

Many haulers, especially the airlines, will not transport animals in extreme heat or cold temperatures. If you think in terms of how the animal will be contained, usually in a small plastic or rubber shipping crate that maintains body heat and has little to moderate ventilation. When being shipped air cargo for instance, the crates are placed in the belly of the aircraft where there isn't any fresh air.

Professional haulers that use enclosed vans also advise not to ship during extreme heat or cold. The enclosed space in which the animals ride may not have enough circulating fresh air to keep the animal comfortable for an extended trip.

The time of year is also important to consider when deciding how and when to transport an animal. If you have lactating does for example, many haulers will recommend that the animal is not shipped unless it is slacking off in milk production. For extended trips, it may cause the doe discomfort not to be milked on a regular schedule and it also adds extra work for the hauler if he/she is willing to take on a heavy milker. If you must ship a lactating milker, make sure that you advise the hauler prior to committing to the transportation service. That way you know ahead of time what type of care your doe may receive, and if the hauler feels comfortable milking your doe.

Vaccinations/Health Requirements

Each state has specific regulations pertaining to vaccinations, and health certificates for transporting livestock within the state as well as across state lines. The USDA has a website that lists all of the regulations for all 50 states, and most countries. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/ It is recommended that prior to making transportation arrangements, you visit the USDA website and make sure that you have all of the required documentation for each animal. A reputable hauler will not accept a transport job without first seeing proper identification and health certificates for each animal.

Transportation Care

Let's face it, not everyone is going to care for your goats like you do. Before you commit to using a particular method of transportation, find out what service is offered.

How often are the goats fed? Are the goats watered regularly? How are the goats housed/contained ? Will your goat be placed with someone else's goat? How long will the trip take? Does the hauler have a plan in case of break down, or inclement weather?

Written / Verbal Agreements

Some transport companies require a contract or some other form of documentation upon pick up and also at delivery of the animal. This not only protects the hauler from liability, but it also is a way for you to document how the animal left your premises and how it arrived at its destination.

It is recommended that before you ship an animal, you take a current photo and make sure that you receive some sort of documentation from the hauler upon pick up.

Checking References

A great way to find out about a transportation company's service and reputation is to ask for references. A reputable company is not going to have any problem with providing you with references.

The way in which a hauler handles animals, and cares for them is even more important than how the person drives.

Liability
Something to consider when making your final shipping plans is liability in case of accident, injury or death of an animal. Some haulers do not assume responsibility when the animal is in their care. There is an assumption that animals being transported are in good health (Health Certificates issued also reinforce this).

If an animal is extremely valuable, you may choose to purchase liability livestock insurance which will cover any medical treatments, or death benefits in the case of accident or injury of your animal.

An Example of Rates

Ron Keener Transport

Ron has a unique way of keeping in touch with his clients. He has a list server on Yahoo Groups where he keeps contact via the Internet while in route. This way the clients have an up to date account of where he is at all times. This is a nice service, and gives clients the peace of mind when their animals are on the road.

Ron's rates as of June 2004 were as follows (Quoting from Ron Keener's published policies):

"FIRST ANIMAL PRICING structure is as follows:

For goats and sheep and dogs -

First animal prorated to distance/complexity
First animal up to 1000 miles - $200
First animal up to 1500 miles - $250
First animal up to 2000 miles - $300
First animal up to 2500 miles - $350
First animal over 2500 miles - $400

The first animal fee covers the 'pick up' fee and the
'drop off' fee. I will add fuel surcharges, floor space
surcharges, and any 'complexity' charges to this number."

Please keep in mind that there may be an additional charge to cover the raising gas prices. These rates are given as a guideline.

To contact Ron Keener via Email: rkeener@realtime.net
Ron's group on Yahoo Groups is: TravelwithRonK@yahoogroups.com

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Edgar Transport

Russ and Lynne Edgar are located in Edgar Springs, Missouri. They have been transporting animals

"Edgar Ranch currently charges $2.20 per loaded mile for exclusive use of the whole trailer. We can haul 230 fifty pound goats a 1000 mile distance safely and comfortably."

"Edgar Ranch provides a delivery service. This service involves picking the animal/animals up at an agreed location and transporting them to their new location. The first small animal up to 1000 miles is $325. For each additional 500 miles for that animal add $50. Additional animals with the same pickup and delivery points are $50 each."

Russ will milk does while in transit, and he feels it is better on the animals to make straight through runs instead of keeping animals on the trailer for longer periods of time.

For more information about Edgar's rates and services, their email address is: edgar@fidnet.com and web URL is http://www.edgarsheepandgoats.com

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Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines rates are based upon a zone map located online at: http://www.delta.com/travel/special_services/pet_travel/domestic_international/shipping_rates/index.jsp.

The minimum rate for shipping an animal is $153.00. The final charges are based upon gross weight of the animal and shipping container multiplied by the dimensional weight. Dimensional weight is calculated Height x width x weight of the animal container dividing it by 194 cubic inches per lb. Each destination is based upon a specific per pound rate. To obtain a rate quote, you can contact Delta via telephone at 866-782-2746.