VICENZA, Italy -- Summer PCS travel season will soon be upon us. Families traveling with pets are reminded that special considerations and preparation must be made.
Regarding flights returning to the United States, anyone traveling with pets should be aware that Patriot Express flights to Baltimore-Washington International airport will only accommodate 10 first-come, first-served pets per flight.
Commercial air travelers may elect to transport a pet as checked baggage; however, from May to September, the heat can make travel difficult for pets. In fact, many airlines don't allow pets aboard flights as checked baggage or as cargo when temperatures are high. For most airlines, pet embargoes take effect when the temperature is forecasted to be above 85 degrees at any point of travel-- origin, transit or destination.
Families traveling with pets this summer must become familiar with the airline's pet embargo and acceptance policies before making travel arrangements. In some cases, advanced reservations are required. Be sure to give yourself ample time to prepare pets prior to travel. Most airlines have pet safety programs identified on their websites that provide tips for travel.
It is the traveler's responsibility to make arrangements to get pets to the desired destination, as pets do not have a government travel entitlement. This means, the cost for travel is on the onus of the family. This may require starting a savings plan well ahead of time so families don't have to leave pets behind to a new home.
Transportation to the airport may be of concern to Soldiers, civilians and their families. There are some limitations for the Marco Polo shuttle bus to be aware of. Pets must be inside a pet carrier, and the carrier must be able to fit on or between the seats on the bus. Italian law prohibits the transportation of live animals in the undercarriage of the bus.
Anyone with questions regarding the policy should contact the Central Processing Facility at DSN 637-7141 or 7142, comm. 0444-61-7141 or 7142.
Pets who do not fit on the shuttle bus within the perameters may consider contacting the PCS Pet Project of Italy, an organization designed to help families PCS pets to and from Italy.
For more information about the pet project, visit their website at www.pcspetprojectofitaly.org, or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pcspetproject.
Another item to consider when traveling with pets is ensuring all shots are up to date and all records/paperwork are in order. Check with the Veterinary Clinic on Longare for more information.
Some tips from the clinic include the following:
The rabies vaccine cannot be within 30 days of expiration at time of travel.
An unalterable form of pet identification is mandatory. The best way to take care of this is to ensure pets have the ISO microchip. The microchip and rabies vaccine must be done at the same time.
For families going somewhere that is a rabies-free area (such as Hawaii, Japan, Guam), the process can be up to eight months before pets can enter without having to go into quarantine.
Community members can reach the veterinary facility by calling DSN 637-8272, comm. 0444-61-8272. The clinic also has a Facebook page; look for Vicenza Veterinary Treatment Facility.
Being aware and prepared will ensure the flight is a positive experience for both family members and pets.
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