Moving with pets can be a trying time

  • Published
  • By Army Sgt. Timothy Hair
  • Animal Care Specialist
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO --  It is a known fact that moving is a trying time. There are many things that need to be done, often in a short amount of time. Prior planning is important to provide a smooth permanent change of station move for anyone arriving to or departing from an Air Force Global Strike Command base. Do not forget to include those furry family members in those plans.

Pets feel the stress of an upcoming PCS move. Dogs can become very anxious and clingy as stuff starts to get packed away, movers come and go, and schedules start changing. It is important to help pets cope with these changes. Try to maintain a normal schedule such as feeding and walking to ease the stress of the pets. As belongings start to get packed away, ensure the pet's medical records and any medications or preventives that they are taking stay readily available.

A pet carrier is often recommended for travel. If driving, a carrier will keep a pet safely contained and help to prevent accidents. Most hotels will require pets be in a carrier when in the hotel room. And if flying, pets are often required to travel in a carrier, as cargo in the belly of the plane. A pet carrier should have enough room so a pet can stand in, turn around, and lie down inside it. Train pets to become used to the carrier prior to a move by feeding them in the carrier or placing a favorite toy or blanket inside it. If travel plans will involve staying in a hotel or motel, call ahead to identify those that are pet friendly. The following Web site offers a search engine for pet friendly hotels: http://www.pettravel.com. However, be sure to contact the hotel directly and ask about any restrictions based on size, number, breed or species of pets that they will accept.

If driving across state lines, it is recommended to have pets examined by a veterinarian and have a health certificate issued. If flying with pets, an examination and a health certificate are required. The health certificate is only good for 10 days and is what tells the airline the pet appears well and healthy to fly.

If you are moving outside the continental United States, it is important to contact the U.S. Army Veterinary Treatment Facility as soon as possible. Many host nations and OCONUS locations have very strict regulations and guidelines that must be followed prior to allowing pets into their country. These requirements vary from country to country and may involve microchipping, vaccinations and blood tests. The strictest countries are those that are rabies free zones, such as England, Japan, Guam and even Hawaii. To meet their requirements can take as long as eight months. Many are not given that much lead time on a PCS, so contact the veterinary treatment facility as soon as a move is expected. It is also important to note that some countries such as Germany and England have dangerous dog laws and will not allow certain breeds of dogs to be brought into the country.

The Veterinary Treatment Facility is located in Building 288 on the corner of Frontier and 5th Cavalry Aves. The facility shares a parking lot with the Independence Gym. The current hours of operation are Monday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to noon, and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. We are closed on weekends, Federal holidays, and the last duty day of every month. All pets are seen by appointment only, and appointments are available Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 773-3354.