"Transfer of care" sounds bureaucratic, but it's one of the most important protections for a travelling pet. It's the moment responsibility passes from one person to another, and the record that proves it.
When transfers happen
- From the owner to the transporter at pickup
- Between drivers on relay or team trips
- To and from boarding facilities overnight
- To an airline at a cargo facility
- From the transporter to the receiving person at delivery
What the regulations say
In Canada, the CFIA's humane transport rules under the Health of Animals Regulations include transfer of care requirements for commercial carriers. The aim is to make sure information about the animals, including their condition and when they last had feed and water, is passed on at each handoff, and that records are kept.
What a good handoff record includes
- Date, time and location
- Who handed over the animal, and who received it
- The animal's identity: species, description, microchip number
- Condition at handoff: alert, breathing normally, any injuries or concerns
- When the animal was last fed and watered
- Medications given
- Belongings and documents handed over
- Signatures from both parties
Why it matters
- Accountability. Everyone knows who was responsible at each point.
- Health tracking. Changes in condition can be spotted and dealt with quickly.
- Continuity. The next person knows when the pet last ate, drank and had medication.
- Disputes. If something goes wrong, there's a clear record of what happened and when.
- Peace of mind. Owners know exactly where their pet was and who had it.
What you should do at pickup and delivery
- Look your pet over with the driver and agree on its condition.
- Point out any existing injuries, lumps or health issues.
- Check the list of belongings and documents.
- Read before you sign.
- Make sure only authorized people receive your pet at the destination.
At 4Paws Movers
Every pickup and delivery includes a documented transfer-of-care record, signed by both parties. It's part of what we mean by "documentation done right." Read more about our process and our credentials, or request a quote.
Planning a move with your pet?
4Paws Movers offers dedicated, climate-controlled ground transport across Ontario and cross-border into the U.S., plus airport cargo drop-off. Every fee is published.