Shipping Pets

All canine pets residing on base properties, as well as in the local community, must possess a current license and be up to date on vaccinations. The commanding officer's permission is necessary to keep any pet other than inoculated dogs and cats.

There is no quarantine for pets arriving from overseas locations as long as the owner provides the following: Pets owner is in possession of a valid veterinarian's certificate that states the pet has no diseases and the pet has had current rabies inoculations. Please visit the following website for additional information on pet travel at APHIS Pet Travel.

Once you have decided that an animal is going to be your traveling companion, plan for your pet's trip in the same way you plan your own — well in advance. Pet considerations include your pet's health, identification, pet carrier and pet boarding.

Pet Health

Nothing can waylay 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 to your animal. A clean bill of health is an important first step in assuring your pet's ability to adjust safely to unfamiliar surroundings. In addition, most states and countries require recent health certificates and disease inoculation documentation before you will be allowed to cross borders, making a trip to the veterinarian mandatory. 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 his own back yard" and subject to contact with unknown animals. His chances of contracting disease or infection greatly increase. Have your pet examined by a licensed veterinarian, preferably one who has cared for the animal 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. (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.

Pet Identification

A disaster in the making is a pet in transit without identification. Dogs break free from leashes. Cats dash out of cages cracked open for just a second. The opportunities for pets to be separated from their owners are numerous. Avoid the potential loss of a beloved pet by purchasing a comfortable collar (elastic for cats) for your pet bearing complete identification tags. The information should include your pet's name, your name, address and phone number. A license tag is also necessary and can be obtained from your local humane organization. (If your pet is a cat that has never worn a collar, allow time for the cat to become accustomed to wearing something around his neck.) As an additional safeguard, you may want to consider tattooing or microchipping as a permanent form of identification.  Then, if your pet breaks free of both carrier and collar, he can still be positively identified.

Pet Carrier

The carrier in which your pet will be spending most of his trip is of the utmost importance. In fact, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has very specific regulations for cages/crates used to transport animals interstate or internationally. SIZE: your pet must have room to turn freely while in a standing position and be able to use normal movements in order to stand erect or lie down in a natural position. Crates should be constructed of metal, wood or heavy plastic of sufficient strength to withstand the rigorous handling it will receive while your animal is in transit. The carrier must have a solid bottom to prevent leakage. Line the bottom with shredded paper or other absorbent material. Include a familiar blanket and a favorite toy in the carrier. It will make your pet more comfortable and less frightened.

NOTE: Airlines are a good place to purchase carriers that meet all requirements, and they are generally cheaper than if purchased at a pet store.

If you and your pet plan to stay in a hotel, motel or inn, call in advance to check if pets are allowed and to make reservations. It is not a good idea to try and "sneak" a pet in or announce upon your arrival that the reason you need a double room is that your Great Dane is staying with you. You and your pet could be left without a place to stay. If you plan to board your pet at your destination point, reservations are also necessary, especially during the heavy travel periods of holidays and summers.

Air Travel

Air travel has become the most common way to transport animals. Unfortunately, it is also the most stressful and most fraught with potential hazards.

Animals are permitted in both the cabin and cargo sections of airplanes. Pet owners often prefer to have their companion pet in the cabin section with them, and this is possible, but only under the following circumstances:

Reservations must be made as early as possible with the airline. Regulations differ from airline to airline, but generally only one animal per flight is allowed in the cabin and permission is granted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Animals traveling in the cabin are considered "carry-on luggage" by airlines, and as such must meet the same criteria as any baggage in that category. In other words, the pet carrier must fit under the seat. Obviously this restricts the carry-on option to very small animals. (A fee is usually charged).

Be sensible where your pet's safety is concerned. It is better to have your pet in the cargo section of a plane in a carrier of the proper size than to try and "jam" a dog or cat into a too small carrier just so the animal can be in the cabin with you.

In most cases, animals must fly in the cargo section of the plane where conditions can be hazardous for animals. The danger of air travel is not, however, in flying, but rather during "down time" when your pet is loaded, unloaded or waiting in an unsheltered area and exposed to the elements. While on the plane hazards are usually caused by the delays, which result in time spent on the runway before take-off or after touchdown, when the plane's compartments are not air pressurized. During that time your pet is confined in the cargo hold and deprived of fresh air, and temperatures can fluctuate from very hot to very cold in short periods of time. Pets who are tranquilized are especially susceptible to breathing problems, as are breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Pekingese who have short-faced heads.

Travel by Car

In many ways, traveling with your pet by automobile is the most humane way to go. Although time spent in transit is greatly increased for long distances, the benefits of having your pet with you at all times cannot be overestimated. And, if you heed the following recommendations, both of you will arrive at your destination safely.

Unless your pet is already accustomed to being in an automobile, take the time to acclimate your pet to the motion and sounds of your car by taking short drives prior to leaving on a longer trip. (This precaution may eliminate the need to administer a motion sickness pill or tranquilizer). Bring a pet carrier, and if the animal has never, or rarely, been in it, allow time for him to become familiar with it. This is especially important if your pet is undisciplined. An undisciplined animal is a menace in a car.

Take along your pet's food and water bowls, blanket or bedding and a favorite toy to give him a touch of home.

Your pet should never be permitted to ride in the front seat, jump around the car or hang out a window. This is dangerous for both the animal and driver.

It is best not to feed an animal for several hours before leaving on a trip. Bring food and fresh water with you and stop regularly once the animal has had a chance to settle down.

If your traveling companion is a cat, bring a litter pan and litter with plastic bags for changing purposes. If a dog is traveling, it is imperative to stop frequently so that he can exercise and relieve himself.

NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET ALONE IN A PARKED CAR. In summer, it takes only minutes for the heat to climb to more than 120 degrees, even in the shade. In winter, closed cars become refrigerators on wheels and the cold is as dangerous as summer heat. (In some states it is against the law to leave an animal alone in a car.)

Check your pet frequently so that you can easily tell when he is hungry, thirsty, hot or tired.

Pet Boarding

Pet boarding is available in Churchill County and within Fallon city limits. Boarding fees are determined by animal kind, size and needs.