Indyhumane is interested in creating a canine transport program involving other animal shelters in the state of Indiana. Small dogs are in highest demand at Indyhumane, so small dogs are the focus of this potential transport program.  In order to create a successful transport system, Indyhumane must identify a way to connect with other shelters regarding details of transport and find software to create optimized multiple-stop routes when transport is planned.

 

This report will benefit Indyhumane by providing them with a step by step plan regarding how to implement and execute an effective transport program. Appropriate communication between shelters and efficient route planning will benefit both canines and shelters across the state of Indiana.

 

After extensive research, it was discovered that sending out a mass email to interested shelters and then corresponding via a private Facebook group is an effective way to organize the transport of small dogs across Indiana. A majority of shelters are interested in a transport program, and after planning which shelters need transport at a particular time, free MapQuest software is available at https://www.mapquest.com/routeplanner for unlimited use to create optimized routes with up to 26 stops.

 

Key Findings from Research

 

• When asked if other shelters in Indiana would participate in a new transportation system for small dogs, 76% said yes.

• 67% of shelters in Indiana claim that Email and Facebook are the most popular ways of knowing when an animal needed to be picked up.

• Google Maps is the most commonly used routing system for volunteers to travel from shelter to shelter, however, this software does not create optimized routes, therefore Google Maps is a secondary mapping option for Indyhumane.

 

Brief Recommendations

 

• Send out a mass email to shelters who are interested in a transport program to invite them to a group facebook page.

• Create a group Facebook page run by Indyhumane where members of an animal transport group can communicate about which canines need to picked up and dropped off and the details of transport.

• Formulate an optimized route for multiple transport stops to be used by employees and volunteers while transporting between shelters and hubs.

• Send the route to all members of the transport process so that they may print route instruction or acquire mobile access through a mapping app to be used while driving.