Pet Travel News

We highly recommend using Air Animal’s Destination Pet Express for all active duty military personnel moving pets to Okinawa, Japan; Catania, Italy; and other island posts. Both Japan and Italy have only two or three airports that have Custom’s clearance for pets. That means the pets land and then either transfer to a domestic airline or travel by land and ferry to reach your new post.

These transfers can add $2,500 to $3,500 to the base cost of a move. Air Animal Destination Pet Express handles the details from the airport to your new post home so you don’t have to. “If you’re being stationed on an island, request an estimate online as soon as you get written or verbal orders,” advises Jessica, international pet move manager. “We’ll get back to you in two business days.”

Many airlines limit the types of breeds they will ship—especially if the departure or arrival airport temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Mushy-faced breeds such as bulldogs, boxers and Himalayan cats are typically on the no-fly lists because their airways are genetically constricted and these breeds have had problems breathing during flight.

United, American and Delta airlines have all announced limits on the types of animals and breeds they will accept on board. (Links to
United PetSafe
American
Delta

You want your fur baby to be comfortable and safe during a move. "Active duty military who redeploy frequently may wish to consider adopting a pet under 25-inches tall with a pointy nose,” advises Maria, international pet move manager. “Depending on the season, we may be able to get your pet to your destination and not able to fly them out when you need to get to your next duty station. We often work with a buddy who can foster the pet until the temperatures allow air flight for pets.”

Prepare to drive your pet to a distant airport if you’re posting to or from Minot, North Dakota or Alaska among others.

“Our Air Force clients love Great Danes,” said Jessica, international pet move manager. “When you adopt a large pet, you get a lot of love and more headaches for your move because large 700P kennels will not fit through the doors of the 737s now flying most airline routes,” she counsels. Large dogs must be driven to a major hub to catch a large jet. Then, owners must drive to the destination hub to retrieve their pets.

Pets less than 25-inches tall, paws to the top of the ears, can relocate more easily because their travel kennels fit on most airliners. The largest accepted on the most-frequently used airplanes is a 500p which is 40"Lx27"Wx30"H. Watch our video to learn more about travel kennel requirements. You might also find the 411 on Travel Kennels helpful.

Active duty military have the option to use a military veterinarian for all required treatments, tests and endorsed pet health certificates for most countries that follow the European Union pet import rules. For example, Japan, Korea and the United Kingdom also follow EU protocols. If your PCS is anywhere else, you must have a USDA-endorsed health certificate when leaving the U.S. with your pet.

A pet health certificate is required when returning to the U.S., but USDA-endorsement is not required.

If your posting is to Australia, United Arab Emirates or other non-typical location, call your veterinarian as soon as you receive orders. If your veterinarian is not familiar with the requirements, we can help you through our streamlined pet health certificate service. Air Animal’s expert pet movers will help you follow all the import rules to a “T” because these countries don’t make special allowances for U.S. military personnel. A USDA-endorsed health certificate will be required.

Dogs on Deployment is one of several organization which offer grants to help active duty military E-6 and below relocate their pets. You’ll be asked to provide financial information, orders and other information. Many of our PCS clients have used Dogs on Deployment and paid it forward later by making a donation.

Funding for a PCS move isn’t released until orders are cut. Air Animal’s pet movers know the drill and they know things change because they’ve been there. “Our family was moving from Ohio to Missouri when my dad was redeployed. The moving van had left and we were in the car ready to pull out when Dad got a call. They asked if he wanted to move to Missouri as planned or if he wanted to go to Boston. We went to Boston,” said Deandra, international pet move manager. “We know we have to be flexible because you serve our country and you have to go where you’re needed.”

Rabies Antibody Blood Test a Must

If you are active duty military and plan moving your pet with you when your Permanent Change of Station orders come through, make the time to get a rabies antibody blood test (FAVN-OIE). Some of the most-frequent PCS duty stations are in countries that require the test. You won’t need one if you’re relocating to the European Union.

On-base veterinarians can provide the required blood test, which is sent to Ft. Sam Houston for processing. Off-base veterinarians use a lab in Kansas. When you use Air Animal’s app, the test date will be on your phone or desktop so you never lose track of it. You’ll be ready when it’s time to get a pet health certificate for the move.

Special situations

• If you’re moving to Japan and living on base, the 180 days of pre-export U.S. residence for your pet is waived.
• If you’re posting to Guam, you can’t take a pet and you can’t get your pet off the island if it is over 25 inches tall—paws to top of the ears. The airline serving Guam limits flight kennel sizes. The largest accepted is 500p which is 40"Lx27"Wx30"H. Watch our two videos to learn more about travel kennel requirements and the 411 on Travel Kennels.
• For PCS to South Korea, active-duty military may clear South Korean customs without a custom’s broker. That means our affordable Book & Fly rates are an option for you.
• Hawaii is part of the United States. It's also an island that doesn't have rabies so a FAVN-OIE is required. Beginning Aug. 31, 2018 the at-home mainland quarantine for dogs and cats entering Hawaii will be 30 days from the day the rabies antibody blood test (FAVN-OIE) reaches the testing lab. That’s down from 120 days.

Taking your pet on a plane? No matter if your pet is flying cargo or cabin, make sure your pet is fit to fly--especially if your fur baby is a first time flyer. Our founder, Walter M. Woolf, VMD, gave useful tips to pet owners to WTSP-TV news reporter Josh Sidorowicz.

Pets on a Plane

Three important take-aways

1. Take your pet to a veterinarian for a check-up before the flight
2. Get a pet health certificate
3. Avoid sedating your pet. Sedation  slows breathing. 40% of pet deaths in the air result from breathing issues.

United Airlines is the only carrier serving Guam which moves pets. United has restricted its PetSafe program to specific breeds of small and medium-sized cats and dogs. Learn more.