39th CES implements new unaccompanied pet policy

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Caleb Pierce
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  As of Feb. 5, the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron Housing office has opened its doors to unaccompanied housing members bringing their pets to Incirlik Air Base.

The new policy allows housing residents in the grades of E-7 to E-9 and O-1 to O-6, to bring their pets for a permanent change of station to Incirlik AB. This change has been put in-place to allow for an easier transition for the member.

Bringing a pet requires members to follow certain expectations and is clearly listed in the unaccompanied housing brochure.

Prior to arrival, members are reminded that certain breeds of dogs such as Rottweiler's, Dobermans, and Pit Bulls, must be approved prior to shipment.

When members arrive, they will sign a memorandum in regards to damage to property as well as having a professional cleaning upon departure. 

Master Sgt. Richard Sanborn, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron unaccompanied housing superintendent, stated that all members should review Incirlik's pet requirements before trying to bring their animals to Incirlik.

"Members need to ensure they meet all of the requirements for bringing their pet into Turkey," Sanborn said. "Members are allowed to bring a maximum of two common household pets. Aggressive breed dogs are not authorized and will require a waiver to policy and the approval of the 39th Air Base Wing commander prior to shipping the pet to Incirlik."

Even though unaccompanied Airmen are now allowed pets, the house as a whole must follow the maximum pet per house restriction.

Due to the high possibility of being placed in a dormitory, members in the grades E-5 to E-6 are not allowed to PCS to Incirlik AB with pets, but if the member is placed into unaccompanied housing, they will then be authorized to have pets.

"If a member is placed in a house, they are authorized to ship their pets here after they sign the pet policy letters," Sanborn said. "Members may also adopt local pets provided they follow all procedures for registering their pets through the base veterinary clinic and gain the approval of fellow residence members."

During in-processing, members are required to show proof of vaccinations and ownership which can be accomplished through the base veterinary clinic.

"Upon arrival, pets are required to be registered at the veterinary treatment facility within 10 days," said Jeannine Klingenschmitt, 39th Medical Group veterinary treatment facility clerk. "A microchip will be placed in your pet at the time of your visit if the pet does not already have one. If the current chip is ISO compatible then there will be no need to re-chip your animal."

In an attempt to provide the best quality of life for current and future members at Incrilik AB, the Unaccompanied Housing Office will continue to upgrade and improve their processes.

"Incirlik's Unaccompanied Housing office is dedicated to providing the best quality of life possible for our unaccompanied members," Sanborn said. "We know unaccompanied members who have pets are usually very close to their pets, so it can be very emotional to leave their pets at a previous base with a friend or family. Our new pet policy is just another step towards making unaccompanied members time here an enjoyable one."

For more information, contact the unaccompanied housing office at 676-3080.