SHELTER & RESCUE
Reliable, compassionate transportation connecting rescues, shelters, and their precious pets to safe, loving homes, every mile of the journey.
NOTE FROM THE FOUNDER
Helping rescues and shelters get pets where they belong is at the heart of why Skoot matters to me. Your team does the work of finding a foster, an adopter, or a partner shelter ready to take a pet in. I want Skoot to help with the part that can still stand between that pet and their next home.
The ride.
Hunter Lowery, founder of Skoot
WHAT DOES IT REALLY COST TO SEND A DRIVER?
Volunteers help rescues and shelters keep transport affordable. When a placement is several hours away, a trip can take a lot of planning and effort from both your team and the driver.
Money. Count fuel for the drive there and back, tolls, parking, and vehicle wear. Meals, lodging, a rental vehicle, or extra carriers can add to the bill.
Time. A long drive can take a full day or more. Your team also spends time finding a driver, coordinating handoffs, and lining up backup if plans change.
Stress. A volunteer may have to settle a nervous pet, adjust for a delay, or handle an unexpected problem on the road. Your team needs to know the pet is being cared for and that both sides will hear about any changes.
Example Trip from Los Angeles to Portland
Volunteer round-trip expenses
Estimated cost
Fuel at $5 per gallon
$400
Three nights of lodging
$300
Total for fuel and lodging
$700
That total leaves out meals, other trip expenses, and the time spent driving and coordinating the trip.
Skoot’s price for this example — $599
THE SKOOT WAY
Your team already has a lot to coordinate, so we keep transport simple.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Choose your pickup and drop-off options.
We’ll help you find a plan that works for the people meeting us at each end.
Set a pickup date.
We’ll find a date that works for your team and the person receiving the pet.
Share the pet’s care needs and book.
Tell us about any handling, feeding, or medication instructions. Have any food and medication the pet needs ready at pickup.
Prepare Documents & Contacts
Have the pet’s medical records and any other paperwork needed for the trip ready. Send us the phone numbers of the people handing off and receiving the pet.
We’ll confirm the pickup and delivery windows, keep both sides updated, and let your team know when the pet arrives.
Examples of Trips We’ve Helped With
Getting a pet to an adopter in another city
Bringing a pet to a foster home across state lines
Transferring a pet to a partner shelter with room
Pickup Options
Express Transport — Meet us at a route stop
A volunteer or staff member can bring the pet to a designated Skoot stop.
Request pickup at your facility
We can pick up directly from your rescue or shelter facility when the address fits our route.
We handle the long drive on our scheduled routes through California, Oregon, and Washington and meet your receiving contact at the agreed drop-off location.
Ask about our multi-pet discounts when you request a quote.
SKOOT TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE FUND
A foster family may be ready to take in a pet while the rescue is still figuring out how to pay for the ride. We partnered with the nonprofit Chappy & Friends to create the Skoot Transportation Assistance Fund and help make trips like these more affordable.
Who the Fund Helps
Rescues and shelters that need help paying for transport to a foster home, an adopter, or a partner organization.
Pet parents facing financial hardship who need help covering part of the cost of transport for their pet.
How Assistance Works
The fund can contribute toward a scheduled Skoot trip. The amount depends on the cost of the trip, the level of assistance you qualify for, and the funds available at the time.
How to Ask for Help
Let us know you’re interested in assistance when you request a quote. Tell us a little about the trip and, if you’ve already set aside part of the cost, how much you’re able to contribute. If assistance is approved, we’ll tell you how much the fund can cover and what you’d pay before you book.
PROFESSIONAL CARE FROM PICKUP TO DELIVERY
USDA-registered · Insured · Drivers trained in Pet First Aid and CPR
Experienced drivers and direct updates
Our drivers have years of experience in professional driving and animal care, including working with pets of different ages, sizes, and temperaments. The Skoot team stays with the pet from pickup to delivery. You can reach us directly and receive photos and travel updates along the way.
A van set up for pets
Pets ride in secure, appropriately sized carriers in a travel area with its own climate control. We provide fresh bedding and water, check on pets regularly, and sanitize the travel area between trips.
A backup plan for the road
We have AAA roadside assistance and a plan for vehicle trouble. An on-call veterinarian is available for guidance when needed. If plans change, we’ll let both sides know promptly.