FORT GORDON, Ga. (Sept. 26, 2014) -- Stephanie DiFranco, animal health technician with Fort Gordon Veterinary Services, scans 1-year-old Lola for her microchip. Lola, a Yorkshire Terrier, has the ISO microchip implanted. The ISO is recommended by mil...
FORT GORDON, Ga. (Sept. 26, 2014) - Military families have a lot to plan and prepare for when faced with a permanent change of station. Even the most organized families are prone to having something slip through the cracks, and often times, it's the family pet.
Every state and country has its own set of requirements for pets, specifically cats and dogs.
" Many people ar e unaware of that, especially if they are first time pet owners or they're a young military family," said Capt. Katharina Horton, officer in charge of Fort Gordon Veterinary Services. "This is the first time they've PCSed or the first time they've owned pets, and they often find out too late."
Understanding and meeting those requirements can mean the difference between traveling with your pet and having to leave it behind. To avoid the latter, Horton said it is imperative to visit the local military veterinary treatment facility as soon as a service member expects a PCS -- especially if the move is outside the continental United States.
"If they come to us a week before they're supposed to PCS, it's much too late," said Horton. "The key is what to do when you find out, and how to be prepared."
One common mistake pet owners make is they have the wrong microchip placed in their pet. There are several different types of microchips, but only one is widely accepted. The ISO microchip -- a 15-digit microchip -- is standard and accepted in most countries, including Europe.
Horton strongly recommends pet owners have the ISO microchip implanted even if they aren't expecting a PCS. Doing so will put them one step ahead in the preparation stage.
"Not having the right microchip can add up to 90 days of prep time on a pet, and some families don't have that amount of time," said Jennifer Glenn, operations assistant of veterinary services.
"PCS orders can come very quickly," Horton added.
Pet owners also need to ensure vaccinations are up to date at all times and have copies of those records in a safe place.
Most airlines require pets have a recent international health certificate prior to flying. Any USDA accredited civilian veterinary clinic can issue the certificate, but only a United States Department of Agriculture veterinarian can endorse it, while military veterinarians may issue and endorse their own certificates. Pet owners should make an appointment with their local military VTF as soon as their flight dates are known. Having the certificate issued and endorsed at the local military VTF can save the family time and money, especially since some USDA veterinarians charge an endorsement fee.
"If we have PCS orders from a military service member, the certificate and exam are free; the prep work and medical care are not," Horton said.
International health certificates are usually valid for 10 days, so it's important to obtain one within a few days of flying.
"From the time that it's signed and stamped by the veterinarian, you have to be through customs within 10 days," Glenn explained.
The majority of states require a Certificate of Veterinary
Inspection, which can also be obtained from a civilian or military VTF. The American Veterinary Medical Association has a website with current state requirements including which states are exempt from having a CVI.
Throughout the PCS process, pet owners should keep safety a top priority. If flying, check with the airline for specific approved carriers. Most importantly, never sedate the pet unless absolutely necessary and advised by the veterinarian. The AVMA recommends sedation be avoided due to the risk of death or injury from the animal not being able to compensate for travel conditions.
Those traveling by vehicle also need proper gear, whether a carrier or harness. Never allow a pet to roam free in a moving vehicle. Like a child who isn't buckled in, a pet in a suddenly stopping vehicle or accident becomes a projectile.
And if it's absolutely necessary to leave a pet behind due to lack of time or a country's banning certain breeds, Horton suggests a pet power of attorney for someone willing to keep the pet until your return. It's also helpful if the service member couldn't fulfill all requirements in time for the PCS. With a pet POA, a military VTF can see the pet, even if the pet POA holder is not a military ID cardholder.
"We can issue that health certificate for you, and whoever you left the pet with can then put it on the plane and send it to you," Horton.
The bottom line is to be prepared.
"PCSing is already frustrating for a military family," Glenn said. "Anything you can do to ease the transition for both the family and pet helps."
"As soon as you have orders, begin working with us," Horton added. "We have become very accustomed to different requirements, and we can help you."
For a listing of details on state requirements, go to www.avama.org. Individual country requirements can be found at www.aphis.usda.gov. The Fort Gordon VTF can be reached at (706) 787-7375.
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