Shipping Pets

Service members are responsible for making arrangements for their pet travel. Most airlines limit the number of pets so book your flight early. Be sure to specify whether the pet will travel in the plane or as cargo. Ask for written proof for your pet's reservation since you may not be given an actual ticket. An International Health Certificate is also required for travel and can be obtained through a USDA accredited civilian veterinarian and then the paperwork must be endorsed by the USDA. U.S. Army veterinarians can provide both the health certificate and the endorsement. The certificate typically must be issued within 10 days of flying but call early for an appointment. Rabies inoculations cannot be less than 30 days and must not be expired before your arrival in Belgium.

Airlines only accept a certain number of pets per flight. The restrictions on shipping pets often change. There are several airlines that will not transport any animal that weighs over 100 lbs. The weight is the combined weight of your pet and its carrier.

The pet carrier (container) must be shipped in an airline approved carrier. These are readily available at all PX/BX stores. They are also available in all pet stores. When you purchase your shipping crate, be sure to ensure that it has air holes on all sides. Your carrier should also include two plastic bowls which attach to the door--these are also mandatory for shipping. The airlines sell shipping crates but they are higher priced than outside sources.

It is the owner's responsibility to check with their airline of choice and the country of destination to ensure requirements are current. The USDA maintains a pet travel website with additional information. This can be found at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel.

Please be aware that AER will provide assistance for traveling with pets. Plesae contact your local ACS Financial Program/AER for more information.

The FMWR Boarding Kennel is located on Chièvres Air Base and is open to all US and SHAPE ID card holders. There are 32 dog runs and 12 cat kennels. The kennel accepts dogs, cats and small pets such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. Reservations are accepted up to 2 months in advance. A valid credit card is required to secure a reservation. The address for Chievres Boarding Kennel is: Grand Rue, 56, Bldg. 20030 Chievres, Belgium 7950. Telephone: DSN 314-597-5240 or commercial from 011-32-68-25-5240. Hours of operation are Mon-Fri 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. Sat-Sun & US Holidays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Vaccinations

Pets boarded at the Chièvres Kennel must have up-to-date shot records. Dog vaccination requirements include Rabies, Distemper, Parvo and Bordetella (Kennel Cough). Cat vaccination requirements include Rabies and FVRCP.  All animals must be visibly healthy before being accepted for boarding. The kennel management reserves the right to reject any animal who presents obvious signs of illness, pregnancy, requires medical treatment, animals deemed unmanageable. No puppies or kittens under three months are accepted. You must present proof of vaccinations if your pet is not properly vaccinated it will not be accepted for boarding. Dog owners need to ensure that their pets have been vaccinated against Kennel Cough, this is not a routine vaccination but it is a requirement to board at any facility in Belgium including the FMWR Boarding Kennel.

Telephone: DSN 314-597-5240or commercial from the US 011-32-68-25-5240

Billeting

Pet-friendly rooms at the US Army Lodge are limited.

The Public Health Command District-North Europe (PHCD-NE)/Benelux Veterinary Clinic is located in building 20047 at Chièvres. Animals are seen on an appointment only basis. Available services include vaccinations, diagnostic testing, routine surgery (such as spaying and neutering), and dentistry. If there is specific treatment or surgery needed, it must be discussed with the veterinarian prior to scheduling. Please note that children under 10 years of age are not permitted in the clinic.

If your pet has special medical requirements you may want to call or write to ensure medicine or treatment will be available. The clinic also maintains a list of local veterinarians. Upon arrival in Europe, you must register your pet(s) with the Veterinary Services. This allows the clinic to start or continue a medical record on your pet and to issue your pet a local rabies tag. The tag carries the Vet Clinic's phone number.  In the event that your pet should become lost, anyone finding your pet can notify the clinic and you in turn will be notified.

The address is PHCD-NE Benelux Veterinary Clinic, Veterinary activities, Unit 21419, APO AE 09708. Telephone: DSN 314-566-5390 or commercial from the US 011-32-65-32-5390.