Tips on shipping
your pet back to the States ...
By Sean E. Cobb, Stars
and Stripes
Shipping a pet back to the States doesn’t have to be stressful if you follow a few
simple guidelines, according several pet transportation experts.
There are several things that can make your pet’s move a smooth one, said Army
Staff Sgt. Rod Roden, a Northern Europe Veterinary Detachment noncommissioned officer in
charge of veterinary treatment facilities.
¶ Contact the local veterinary treatment facility as soon as possible after being
notified of a permanent change of station. "This way people can find out about
current restrictions, be referred to a veterinarian and get current shipping
information," Roden said.
¶ Rabies vaccinations must be more than 30 days old, but less than one year old as of
the day the pet is shipping. This requirement can mean the pet does not travel with the
members if they fail to plan ahead.
¶ A health certificate must be obtained from a veterinarian within 10 days of
transport.
¶ Another important detail is obtaining the proper carrier, said Perry Payne, 726th
Air Mobility Squadron ground service foreman at the Rhein-Main passenger terminal.
"The kennels really should be International Air Transport Association
certified," he said. To find out if a kennel is IATA certified, look for a sticker or
stamp bearing their seal on the carrier.
¶ Another common question is if a pet should be sedated before flying. The American
Humane Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association both caution against
doing it.
"An animal’s natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered
under sedation," said Dr. Patricia Olson, director of veterinary affairs and studies
for the AHA in press release.
Other tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health
Inspection service include:
¶ Make reservations and weigh your pet in the kennel early.
¶ Attach a copy of rabies certificate, health certificate, orders and any other pet
documentation directly to the carrier.
¶ Outfit pets with a sturdy collar and ensure they have identification and rabies
tags. The identification tags should have a permanent address and phone number on them.
¶ Offer your animal food and water within four hours of transport. A trick is to
freeze the water dish the night before so the animal will have fresh water without
spilling it.
¶ Do not take your pet out of the kennel inside the airport.
¶ Clip pets’ nails to prevent them from hooking the carrier or injuring
themselves.
¶ Carry a leash so the pet may be walked before and after the flight if possible. Do
not place the leash inside or attach it to the outside of the carrier.
Back to May stories
Page Two news roundup
Stories from April, 2001
Stories from March, 2001
Stories from February,2001
Stories from January, 2001
Stories from December, 2000
Stories from November, 2000
Stories from October, 2000
Stories from August and September, 2000
Stories from June and July, 2000
Home |
