Furry friends must fittingly cross borders

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kali L. Gradishar
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  As military members turn to global explorers and students of many cultures, oftentimes their pet companions do just the same.

As service members discover, a permanent change of station move may not always be roses and cupcakes. Wrenches can get thrown in the theoretically smooth-moving process, and it's no different when it comes to ensuring furry friends are ready to PCS.

While each country has its own rules for importing pets, Turkey is unique for those who PCS in and out because the country has a higher prevalence of rabies.

"It's pretty easy to get into the country," said Stacey Ball, 39th Force Support Squadron animal health technician. "It's getting out of the country that gets tricky."

Army Capt. Tacia Despo, veterinarian, advised those planning to PCS to Incirlik start preparing at least one month in advance; but those leaving Incirlik should begin at least six months before the move.

European bases and island locations, especially, have harsher rules for importing pets from Turkey.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, the European Union will require a fluorescent antibody viral neutralization for pets traveling from Turkey. The FAVN determines if the pet's blood has enough concentration of antibodies against rabies. Locations such as Great Britain, Guam, Hawaii and the Azores also require a FAVN test.

EU requirements include a rabies vaccine, the FAVN test and a 90-day quarantine, which can be accomplished in the service member's home. Guam, Hawaii and the Azores require the FAVN test, a 120-day quarantine following the blood draw, as well as other import requirements which can be relayed by the gaining base's veterinarian treatment facility.

"Japan, in my three years of experience, is the most difficult," Despo said. They are the strictest with paperwork, expect notification of importation and require a six-month quarantine, which can be complete in home if the service member resides on base.

"Great Britain had a six-month quarantine, but now they're the same as Europe. So, if people say they don't want to PCS to Great Britain because taking their pet is too hard, that's not true anymore," Despo said. "For the islands, they're considered rabies-free, so they have more stringent rules.

"For those who are unsure of where they'll PCS, I recommend getting the FAVN just in case they get an assignment to a location where it's required," she said.

When moving from Turkey to a stateside base, the process is much simpler.

"It's the easiest, but it's not like people can come in two days before their flight," said Despo.

U.S.-bound pets require a current rabies vaccine; a health certificate, which is valid for 10 days of air travel and 30 days of road travel; and a temperature acclimation statement.

No matter the location, "the rabies vaccine is only valid after 30 days after it's given," Despo noted.

Additional considerations, regardless of location, include the age of pets and breed restrictions. Some countries will not import less than 6-month-old pets or certain breeds considered dangerous such as pit bulls, rottweilers, boxers and others.

The most important thing a pet owner can do for their animal buddies is to plan ahead. If moving to a location where the pet is not allowed, ensure the pet is provided a good, secure home either for the length of the assignment or permanently.

"If a pet is abandoned or lost in Turkey, the sponsor is held financially and legally responsible for it. The (Uniform Code of Military Justice) will be enforced," warned Despo.

There could also be repercussions if the pet's paperwork is not properly prepared, either when departing or upon arrival.

"We have had pets being boarded and a PCS delayed because the paperwork was incorrect, so it's important to start early and make sure all your t's and i's are crossed and dotted," said Ball. "The more time people give us to prepare them, the better."

Service members with pets are advised to contact the gaining installations veterinarian clinic with ample time before a move and utilize their current base's clinic.

"Some people choose to use an off-base vet; but when it comes to PCSing, the military vets are the most knowledgeable," Despo said. "The costs are a lot lower, too."

For additional information about health requirements for PCSing with a pet or to inquire about the next PCSing with Pets class, call the vet clinic at DSN 676-3119. For flight requirements, call the 728th Air Mobility Squadron passenger terminal at DSN 676-6425.