Shipping Pets

Whether you are moving to another state or overseas, pets are an important concern. The decision to relocate your pet should be based on:

• State or country policies on restricted breeds. Several states as well as Germany have restrictive laws regarding "fighting dog" breeds.
• Age and health of your pet
• Climate and living conditions your new home will have and the affect it will have on your pet
• Quarantine regulations
• Installation or community housing requirements

Pets are usually transported by air or personal vehicle. Plan a visit to the veterinarian to obtain a health certificate and disease inoculation documentation. Make sure your pet has a special identification tag with name, your name and a destination address of a relative or friend. Have sufficient medications for your pet on hand during your relocation period.

When traveling by air, remember that most commercial airlines do not transport pets during the summer months. Federal Aviation Administration-approved kennels are usually required for travel. Airlines reserve the right to refuse travel to any animal for any reason. Contact your airline for additional information.

If traveling by vehicle, ensure your pet has the basic essentials such as water, treats, dishes, favorite toys, leash, bedding and take several stretch breaks and relief breaks along the way. Nothing can disrupt a trip with an animal faster than a health problem and your pet's well-being should be of primary importance to you. Your pet will be subjected to conditions guaranteed to cause stress. A clean bill of health is an important first step in assuring your pet's ability to adjust to unfamiliar surroundings. Additionally, most states and countries require recent health certificates and disease inoculation documentation before you will be allowed to cross borders. Even if you are traveling within your own state boundaries, it is a good idea to have your pet examined and inoculated. Your pet will be out of their own backyard and subject to contact with unknown animals. The chances of contracting disease or infection will greatly increase. Have your pet examined by a licensed veterinarian, preferably one who has cared for animals on a regular basis. Ask the doctor to prescribe a motion sickness pill or sedative as a preventive measure. Don't tranquilize your animal automatically. Sedated animals are more likely to develop problems. Please note motion sickness pills are preferable to tranquilizers. Never give your pet tranquilizers without your vet's approval and never give an animal any medication that has been prescribed for human use. Avoid traveling with an animal during extreme weather. Exceptionally cold or hot weather can result in hyper- and hypothermia, heart failure and even death. During summer months, schedule travel for early morning or evening hours.

There are no pet quarantines in Maryland, however, a certificate of veterinary inspection, permit or health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination are required.

The pet care kennels on Fort George G. Meade offer a full range of pet care services including boarding and grooming. Contact the pet care kennel at 301-677-4059. All pets must be registered within the first 10 days of arrival on post.

The IHG/Candlewood Suites family lodging is a pet friendly facility.