A love train URRKN stands for Underground Railroad Rescue Kitty Network and was started by Tina LaBlanc in Oct of 2011. It's a way of transporting kitties from shelters, foster homes and temporary homes to their "forever homes". It's basically a series of wonderful volunteers that are willing to transport cats from one place to another. One long trips each volunteer will drive whatever distance they feel comfortable and then meet another volunteer at a prearranged location. On a long trip it might be many volunteers that selflessly give their time and transportation to help the kitty get to it's finally destination. A person waiting for the kitty can actually keep track on the progress as the cat travels on it's "love train". We recently adopted a kitty from Florida that had to be transported to Rhode Island. We contacted URRKN and volunteers were quickly arranged so our kitty, Gersemi, arrived to us quickly and in great health and spirits. There is no charge for this incredible service but of course donations are accepted. It all depends on the kindness and generosity of strangers who anonymously do good without asking for anything but a simple thank you. The volunteers of the URRKN along with Tina LaBlanc, are doing great deeds in a quiet way. Such acts of kindness for no other reason but to be kind are wonderful and rare things that should never be taken for granted. https://www.facebook.com/groups/URRKN/ read more

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So I feel the need to respond to the negative reviews, especially Brenda T. Our Gersemi was transported prior to our donation being sent in. So it is simply not true that the cats will not be transported unless large sums of money are donated. It is true that organization times vary. Ours was fairly long - but that was the fault of the foster mom and myself not staying "on task". Certainly, one of the tie-ups was getting Gersemi's health records, without which she would not have been transported. So any driver should know that they are transporting a sick or contagious cat, and keep it isolated during transport. If the adopter is so equipped to nurse a sickly cat back to health, or willing to share their home with only one cat because it has FIV and is contagious, more power to her/him. I cannot speak to the incidences of volunteers being asked to donate money for administrators expenses. That would be a "poor choice" on Tina's part. If asked, just say "no". Unfortunately, in large organizations, there are always personal friendships that develop that may appear to be favoritism or, on the other hand, conflicts that arise. It's just not logical to expect anything else. Our particular experience happened to be superlative. All the volunteers were spot on. Everyone kept everyone else informed as to the progress, where Gersemi was, and when the next transporter could expect her to arrive. Even had a short update from the person at the B&B. Gersemi arrived in apparent good condition and good spirits. Especially after having spent two days in various cars. In fact, I think Gersemi took to it better than my husband does/did! read more

I was a volunteer driver for two years for URRKN. They are a nonprofit 501c (3) organization run by Tina LaBlanc and her husband. I was very excited to be a member with all these cat lovers taking cats to their forever homes. Unfortunately, there is a dark side to URRKN. Tina LaBlanc was asking members to donate to various causes that covered personal, not URRKN related, expenses for Tina and other Administrators only. From trips, vacations, car repairs and clothing to house upgrades. All members, including management, are volunteers and provide their time free of reimbursement. URRKN is not a rescue, foster, or other pet related organization. It is a transportation group only. Moving cats from point A to point B, all free of charge. Any expenses for the cat is absorbed by the adopter and adoptee. It was also brought to my attention that transports were based on how big a donation you made to URRKN, not the first come first serve basis we all thought. Some transports were taking up to 5 months to organize. Others in two weeks. Just recently, a You Caring request for $3000 in funds was posted on the members page requesting donations to fix a administrators car. At this time, no administrator is taking a salary or being reimbursed for expenses. I questioned these donations and was banned from commenting. I since realized that URRKN was violating 501c(3) nonprofit operation rules and found another group to drive for who is totally transparent. Before you join or donate, please research this organization. Do not be taken advantage of like I was. read more

I have been a volunteer conductor with URRKN for about two years. I have driven many legs and transported cats by plane. I also provide similar volunteer support for other transport groups. URKKN is among the most organized and efficient among those I have worked with. This group does a great deal of good with almost no momey. I transport with a number of groups like this and it is standard for transporters to drive for free. That is why they call us volunteers. However, when I have a direct out of pocket expense such as an airline pet fee URRKN reimburses me. URRKN does not require a sending rescue or a receiving adopter to pay for a transport. URIKN covers the cost of Internet service and computer equipment to maintain the Facebook page and website, the crate, printed tags, carabiners and other supplies needed for every transport. Not to mention the accounting fees required to keep accurate books and report annually to the IRS as a regulated 501(c)(3) organization. People are always entitled to their own opinion, but it is hard to give much credence to those who base their opinions on no evidence whatsoever, on the naive belief that nonprofits do not have expenses other than salaries, or some paranoid belief that URKKN can somehow exert influence even large businesses do not have and get valid negative reviews removed. No one forces anyone to deal with URRKN or similar transport groups. Rescues that do use them are able to save more cats. And that is what is all about. read more

This was my very 1st transport to bring 2 amazing kitties to their furrever home. I was so impressed with the excellent communication and the kindness of the other conductors and I cannot wait to be a part of another one! The most gratifying feeling is helping these kitties get to their furrever home. What an amazing idea to put something like this together! I was also impressed with the confidentiality of the conductors' information. If you want to be a part of something special, consider joining! read more

I have transported kitties twice for URRKN. I have nothing but praise for this organization! The group is extremely organized, and compassionate. From the minute you sign up to drive, you become part of a team. Communication is excellent, and safety for both kitties and drivers is VERY important. In order to drive one must be approved and show proof of insurance. A coordinator takes charge of arrangements and is always available. There are backup drivers in case of an emergency. Everything is covered, from the minute you leave the house to the time you return home. I'm not sure why anyone would leave a negative comment about this all volunteer group. You do NOT have to donate money in order to drive EVER! Some complain about wait times. That's because it takes time to make sure that the kitties are vetted, ok to travel and MOST IMPORTANTLY going to safe and good homes. I can't wait to drive again! read more

It brings me great joy to transport cats for URRKN. URRKN goes to great lengths to ensure that these cats are transported safely and in a timely manner. Also, volunteering for URRKN is a excellent way to help unite cats with their forever homes or fosters. read more

Due to changes in my life, I have only been able to transport once. I hope to get back to it after the new year. I am impressed with the number of transporters and how many are repeat transporters. From the minute a new kitteh going home is announced, so many of the routes fill quickly. Everyone else cheers the kitteh home. Pictures along the way are posted quickly. Everyone works hard to keep the kittehs safe and many drive more than one leg. I hope that anyone looking to transport a kitteh will look at URRKN for that ride. I would. read more

I recently drove on my first transport with URRKN. I had a few questions before my leg of the trip, but the driver of the leg before mine was able to help me out. The other volunteer drivers I interacted with and the event ambassador were all caring and enthusiastic about helping this cat get to his new forever home. I enjoyed my experience and look forward to helping other cats get to their forever families. read more

Outstanding and dedicated volunteer drivers - but behind the scenes are two people looking to exploit caring people and get them to pay for their home repairs , car repairs - you name it. Any attempts to expose the charade are quickly silenced. By their own admission they have a 501c3 with no independent oversight and a board that exists in name only. They have yet to produce receipts or account for monies they receive or spend. There is simply no way to verify what account money goes to once it is in their hands. The group has lost credibility in the rescue community as animals have been lost in transport, died, carried communicable diseases that killed transporters pets- and the worst of the worst - transporters that took possession of the cats then vanished, and the cats were never found. Never trust your precious cargo to them - there are reputable volunteer groups out there, but URRKN is not one of them. read more