Twitter
Facebook
PCSing with pets
PCSing to the United States and taking your pets? Here’s some information to help your trip go smoothly.
For dogs, you must have proof of a valid rabies vaccination that was administered at least 30 days prior to your entry into the states. If the vaccine was given less than 30 days ago, there is a remote possibility that your pet will be quarantined until the remainder of those days have elapsed.
For cats, proof of a rabies vaccination is not necessary to enter the states. It is recommended, however, to keep this vaccination current at all times.
States differ on their requirements for rabies vaccination. Some states accept a three-year vaccination frequency, while others require the rabies vaccine to be administered every year. It is best to contact a local veterinarian in the area to which you are PCSing to determine the requirements for your pet.
A health certificate is not required in order for your pet to enter the states. However, it will likely be required by your airline carrier or the state you are entering. Contact your airline to determine what paperwork you will need to get your pet on the flight and check out your state’s agricultural Web site to find out if you need a health
certificate to bring your pet into that state.
If PCSing to somewhere other than the United States, call your local military veterinary treatment facility for assistance as soon as you know where you are going.
Due to the high volume of personnel PCSing in the summer, services may be limited to vaccinations and health certificates. Appointments for sick call will be made on a space available basis. Call or come by for a list of local German veterinarians that can see your pet if we are unable.
To make an appointment, call the Kaiserslautern VTF at 0631-3406-4444. Appointments are seen on all weekdays. We are closed holidays and weekends.
Most pets importable stateside
People moving stateside this summer may take most types of pets with them if they plan ahead. However, endangered species laws prevent people from taking some turtles, birds and reptiles to the United States.
“Dogs must be free of disease and be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before they reach the United States,” said Jane Levy, U.S. Department of Agriculture
attachée to U.S. European Command. “Puppies younger than 3 months and dogs in rabies-free areas such as the United Kingdom are exempted.”
Unvaccinated dogs will be inoculated on arrival and confined for 30 days at the owner’s expense. Cats must show no signs of disease and rabies vaccination is required in most U.S. states.
People wanting to ship pet birds should consult the USDA Web site for the latest
information on shipping birds as the procedures may change at short notice due to Avian flu. The address is www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/nonus_pet_bird.shtml.
For more information on shipping pets and endangered species legislation, visit a
military customs office or consult the CBCA Web site at www.hqusareur.army.mil/opm/pets.htm.
(Courtesy of U.S. European Command Customs and Border Clearance Agency
