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***image1***Check it out first!
Call the airlines to confirm pet bookings and know their restrictions.
American Airlines
0180-3242324
Delta Airlines
0180-3337880
Continental
0180-3212610
United Airlines
069-50070389
U.S. Airways
0180-3000609
People moving stateside this summer may take most kinds of pets with them if they plan ahead. However, endangered species laws prevent you 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 USA,” said William Manning, U.S. Department of Agriculture adviser to the U.S. European Command.
“Puppies younger than three months and dogs in rabies-free areas such as the United Kingdom are exempted, however,” he added.
Unvaccinated dogs will be inoculated on arrival and confined for 30 days at your expense. Cats must show no signs of disease and rabies vaccination is required in most U.S. states.
Birds are quarantined for at least 30 days in a USDA facility, again at your expense.
People must reserve quarantine space in advance and obtain a health certificate for the bird.
Members can obtain more information on shipping pets and endangered species legislation from the “Pets, Wildlife” pamphlet available at military customs offices or consult the CBCA Web site at www.
hqusareur.army.mil/opm/pets.htm.
Health certificates: All pets require a health certificate issued within 10 days (30 days for birds) of departure. To receive a health certificate, bring pets to the clinic to be examined by a veterinarian. Pets must be healthy, show no signs of contagious diseases and be free of internal and external parasites.
Rabies vaccinations: All dogs and cats more than three months old must be vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccine should be given more than 30 days, but less than a year before arriving in the United States. It is recommend that all vaccinations be up-to-date before leaving Europe. If dogs will be staying at a kennel, ask about protection against kennel cough.
Heartworm disease: Dogs not currently on preventive medicine should be tested and placed on preventive medication. This can be done at the health certificate appointment.
Tranquilizers: Dogs and cats should not be routinely sedated for travel unless the animal has problems with motion sickness or gets frantic when caged. More fatal accidents during shipping occur to sedated pets.
Rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.: Vaccinations are not required, but they must have a health certificate.
Birds: Importation can be complex and costly. In general, they must have a health certificate and must enter the United States through New York, Miami or Los Angeles. A 30-day quarantine is required and quarantine space must be available.
Transporting pets: Due to heat considerations, many airlines have restrictive policies concerning pet transportation. Pet embargoes and restrictions apply to all passengers traveling with pets on each airline. (Courtesy USEUCOM Customs, Border Clearance Agency and 64th Medical Detachment)
