When starting a canine shelter, you'll want a truck for transporting dogs. The best type of truck to get is an animal control truck, for such a truck is specifically designed to transport live animals (including dogs). Here's a guide on what to look for in an animal control truck if you're starting a canine shelter.
Select a Smaller Truck with Fewer Kennels
First, limit your search to smaller animal control trucks. For example, you might want to look at trucks that hold six animals rather than eight or ten.
Compared to larger trucks, smaller ones have several advantages that are especially beneficial to new shelters:
- Smaller trucks usually cost less, which helps keep initial expenses low
- Smaller trucks use less fuel, which helps keep ongoing expenses low
- Smaller trucks require less space to drive and park, which makes getting into and out of crowded events easier
At the same time, a small truck will meet your shelter's needs. Shelters normally don't need to pick up large groups of dogs at once, so you likely won't have to transport a bunch of dogs to your shelter in a single run. When going to events, you'll be able to bring enough dogs to show people, and you won't need as many volunteers because you'll have fewer dogs with you.
Look for a Truck with Differently Sized Kennels
Second, make sure the truck you purchase has kennels of different sizes. If you were starting a feline shelter, you could get a truck that only had smaller kennels. Because dogs vary in size, though, you'll need differently sized kennels.
You'll want the truck to have a couple of large kennels so that you can transport large breeds like Labradors, Mastiffs and Newfoundlands. Smaller breeds, like Scottish terriers and Chihuahuas, call for smaller kennels. These dogs will feel more comfortable in a tighter space, and you'll be able to transport the same number of dogs in a smaller truck if it's equipped with some smaller kennels.
Check for a Storage Area
Third, check to confirm that the truck you get has a storage area - and one that will fit the equipment you bring to events. The exact equipment that shelters bring to events varies, but you'll likely want space for:
- A collapsible awning
- A folding table
- Several signs
- Dog food, treats and bowls
- Dog kennels
If your shelter's animal control truck doesn't have space for these items, you'll have to take two vehicles to and from events. This unnecessarily increases your shelter's vehicle costs, and finding another can be difficult if you're relying on volunteers.
Pay Extra for Ramps or Stairs
Even if it increases the cost of a truck, you'll want one that has ramps or stairs. While it's possible to get dogs into and out of a truck by lifting them, ramps or stairs make it much easier.
Additionally, employees and volunteers are much less likely to be injured if dogs don't have to be lifted - and your shelter might be held liable for any injuries that employees or volunteers sustain while helping. Having a ramp could help your shelter avoid a workers' compensation case, which would cost much more than ramps or stairs do.
Ask for a Warranty
Fourth, ask the truck manufacturer whether they offer a warranty. Choosing a truck that comes with a warranty might cost a little bit more, but a warranty can provide a great benefit in the months and years after your shelter opens. New shelters are often tight on funds, and having a warranty will help make sure your shelter can afford to get the truck repaired if necessary.
To get an
animal control truckfor a canine shelter you're starting, contact us at Diamond Truck Body MFG Inc.
