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The volunteer staff at the Tierheim animal shelter have been struggling to cope with extra business for over a year since the closing of the Army pet shelter at Pulaski Barracks. Since the closure, the local animal shelters have relayed they have taken in an increased number of American-owned pets.
One problem for the local animal shelters — which are privately owned, not government owned — is they have not seen any staff or funding increases, despite the additional workload. Local German governments pay private shelters for services based on the population of pets within their jurisdiction. To enable this support, German residents are required to register pets and pay a “pet tax.” This money is then used to help fund private shelters.
As U.S. members, we do not have to pay the German pet tax because of the exemptions under the German Supplementary Agreement to the NATO Status of Forces Agreement. In addition, the U.S. government cannot use taxpayer dollars to pay for what is a pet owner’s personal obligation for any costs associated with pets being housed in the animal shelter. In an effort to provide some assistance, several options have been looked at for ensuring U.S. personnel do not overburden the shelters. As we continue to weigh what other options are available, we remind U.S. personnel that there are certain responsibilities that pet owners are required to follow.
A privilege, not a right
We must understand that owning a pet is a privilege not a right, and this privilege comes with responsibilities. Part of this privilege is to comply with these simple rules.
First, chip your pet. You are required to have a computer chip implanted in the pet that identifies you as the animal’s owner.
This will help the animal shelter identify pets that are picked up and charge the appropriate costs.
Second, simply put, do not abandon your pets. When you leave Germany, you must take your pet with you, sell it or give it away.
Too often, KMC members abandon their pets before boarding the plane to head to their next assignment. If the abandoned pet is captured, it will be taken to an animal shelter, and they will care for the pet until it is either identified, adopted or dies.
You, as the pet owner, are responsible for all costs associated with this care, and the animal clinics may initiate action in court to recover these costs from you.
Be responsible and make proper and timely arrangements before your permanent change of station. If you don’t and fail to pay your financial obligation to the animal shelters, disciplinary action could result against you for failure to pay.
Ways to help
Are there other ways you can assist? Yes. One way is to ensure your
interactions with the local animal shelter personnel are always polite and professional.
Remember, you are a representative, so ensure your interactions with our German hosts reflect positively upon the U.S. military and the U.S.
You may also donate your time to assist the local animal shelters. Of course, if you are interested in volunteering, you must be willing to make a commitment to assist at regular times as they rely upon you. You may also donate money, pet food or pet toys to the local animal shelters.
The shelter is located at 11 Altes Forsthaus, 67661 Kaiserslautern-Einsiedlerhof.
For more information on the shelter, call 0631-305-3667 or e-mail Tierschutzverein-Klautern@t-online.de.
For information on country pet regulations, visit the German-American Community Office Web site at www.gaco-kl.de or call 0631-363-3010.
