Shipping Pets

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. 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 backyard" and subject to contact with unknown animals. His chances of contracting disease or infection may 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 preventive measure. We do not recommend you tranquilize your animal automatically. Sedated animals are more likely to develop problems. You may consider motion sickness pills instead of 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 hyperthermia and/or hypothermia, heart failure, even death. During summer months, schedule travel for early morning or evening hours.

Identification

Please ensure you pet has a collar and proper identification. Your pet will experience similar nervousness and stress you may be feeling during a PCS move. A pet in transit without identification may get lost. Dogs can break free from a lease or carrier. Cats can dash out of a carrier in just a second. The opportunities for pets being 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. As an additional safeguard, some pet owners may consider tattooing their pet as a permanent form of identification. The tattoo can be placed on the inside of his ear or flank. Then, if your pet breaks free of both carrier and collar, he/she can still be positively identified. Be sure if your pet is in a carrier that is the right size for your pet.

If you plan on staying in hotels or motels along your travels, be sure to check ahead of time for places that allow pets.

Travel by Car

If your pet has never or very rarely traveled by vehicle, you may want to consider taking the time to acquaint your pet to the motion and sounds of your vehicle. Take your pet on short drives prior to leaving on a longer trip. Take along your pet's food and water bowls, blanket or bedding and a favorite toy. Your pet should never be permitted to ride in the front seat, jump around the vehicle or hang out a window. This is dangerous for both pet and driver. It is best not to feed your pet for several hours before leaving on a trip. Bring food and fresh water with you and stop regularly once your pet 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/she can exercise and relieve himself. Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. Check on your pet frequently so that you can tell when he/she is hungry, thirsty, hot or tired.

Travel by Air

Air travel for pets may be restricted during various times of the year due to extreme hot or extreme cold temperatures. You should check with your local Transportation Management Office if you are going to travel with your pet by air. You may have to make different arrangement for your pet travel, if the time of year you are due to PCS is a time period your pet cannot be placed on an airline.

South Carolina does not require a quarantine period for pets arriving from overseas locations as long as the owner provides the following: valid veterinarian's certificate that states the pet has no diseases. Pet has current rabies inoculation.

The vet clinic has the capabilities to perform wellness visits, sick calls, preventative care, surgeries, x-rays, lab work (bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal analysis), vaccines, microchip implants, dental exams/cleanings/extractions. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed on the last business day of the month for inventory. You can reach them at 803-895-6155 or find them on Facebook: Shaw AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility.

There are 11 pet-friendly family units available on a first-come, first-served basis. Remember, it is a good idea to make advanced reservations for pet boarding as soon as you know your arrival date. Your sponsor may be of assistance to you.

There are no facilities on base to temporarily house pets; however, there are kennels in Sumter. Prices range from $11 to $15 a day depending on the type, size, and number of pets. Contact the vet clinic for a listing of kennels 803-895-6155 or email shawvtf@gmail.com.

The U.S. Army Veterinary Command has provided a list of veterinary medical treatment facilities for information about travel requirements. Visit the website.