It turns out that I'm usually the last leg on transports and the new families generally bring new collars, leashes, etc. so I am collecting the ones that come with the dogs. What is the best thing to do with these leftovers? Send them back to the shelters or try to pass them back down the transport lines?

It is always nice to have a spare collar and leash in the car... for transports or a stray dog you see crossing the highway on your way to work. ;) I think it would be very cool to pass them out to fellow transporters.

How many extra should I have? As of tomorrow, I could very well wind up with seven sets and this is only my third transport in three weeks. . . And I have another one (maybe two) next weekend. You're right. I should start passing them back.

If they came from a shelter in need, I would try to ship them back to the starting point to help them out. You could pass them back through the transporters, but that may take awhile depending on how long the transport is. I know one of the places I help drive for (LaGrange Indiana shelter) can't afford to buy anything - so anything like that helps!
It is great of you to drive, and how fun to get the last leg!! You are lucky :) hee hee I get somewhere in the middle and live through the photos everyone sends down the line!

Oh and to answer your question I keep about 3 extra sets (different sizes/types) in my truck at all times. I have already used a few of them with leashes that got chewed through, and collars that were way too big so I switched to a better fitting one so the dog didn't get lost.

Lisa, aren't you doing the ADopt A Lab MA transports? If so, PLEASE send them back to us, we are desperate. BTW, did I tell you? You're the best.

Thanks Linda! I love animals and I love to drive. They say that you should always do what you do best . . .

Should I send them back to Adopt a Lab in Indiana? Next weekend marks the first transport for what I understand to be the first set of pups for Adopt a Lab in Mass - and I'm thrilled to be a part of it - not sure what the needs there are given the "startup" situation.

Edited to say - Linda, re read your message. Clearly, you are with Adopt a Lab in Indiana! Still trying to figure out who's with which group. I'll put together a care package tomorrow.

Lisa, Adopt A Lab MA is part of us. We're Adopt A Lab IN. We send the dogs out to Boston where Quincey finds homes for them. Actually she's got stacks of applications. We save more dogs here and they find better homes out there. Win Win situation. I thought of it months ago, but just mentioned it to Patty at AALI, and she & Quincey took off with it. They're so good. Yes, they originate in IN (where I am) with our collars & leashes and they stay with them until you're finished, so yes, I believe they would be ours in Indiana. Here's our addy to get our physical addy. :)

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/adoptalab.html