Shipping Pets

PET TRAVEL RISKS

• All pets are susceptible to the risk of heat stroke, respiratory problems, and the possibility of death during travel.

• Pets will experience altitude changes and extreme temperatures. AMC will limit the amount of time your pets are exposed to extreme temperatures, but we cannot prevent it. If your pet does not handle extreme temperatures at home, their risk might be higher in a kennel with the added stress of travel.

Recommend you acclimate your pet: Suggest your pet be allowed to spend time outdoors to acclimate to extreme temperatures in a secure setting where you can monitor them.

• Pets with underlying health conditions, including obesity, are at increased risk during travel. Air travel may not be possible for some pets based on their age, health status or breed. Owners must carefully evaluate (with their veterinarian) their pet’s health when making the decision to travel with their pet.

• Sedation during air travel is not recommended. Recommend speaking with your veterinarian regarding your pet’s health and potential reactions or side effects of these medications and follow the prescribing information carefully.

• Pets may experience sensory overload during travel. Loud noises coupled with other animals and strangers near the kennel may lead to added stress and raise the risk of travel for your pet. Allowing your pet to experience these scenarios prior to traveling will assist in reducing stress to your pet.

• Brachycephalic (snub or pug nosed) breeds are more prone to medical emergencies while flying on planes than other types of dogs/cats. Their shortened airways make it difficult to breathe during normal circumstances, and the added heat, stress, and humidity and confinement in the kennel can make breathing even more difficult. This may lead to a respiratory emergency and even death. This risk applies to mixed breed animals as well. American Veterinary Medical Associations (AVMA) Air travel and short-nosed dogs FAQ can be found https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners.

• Your veterinarian can help advise you on your pet’s current health condition and discuss risks of air travel with you. Questions to ask your veterinarian include, but not limited to: 

What are the risks of air travel with my pet?

 How can I prepare my pet for travel?

Is my pet considered a high-risk animal: (i.e., breed, age, weight, health, etc.)

 If so, is travel appropriate, or what are some was to decrease the risk?

What travel documentation should I have for my pet?

What is the appropriate kennel size for my pet?

Should I medicate my pet and what are the risks of doing so?

Pet Travel Tips:

• Pet space is very limited on AMC Patriot Express flights due to the limited space within the pressurized cargo hold.

• Pet reservations are booked on a first come first served basis.

• Typically, a flight’s pet spaces are available for reservation 90-120 days prior to the departure month of the flight. o These reservations are handled by the local base transportation office.

• Once notified of an assignment, contact the local transportation office to determine the documentation required and timeframe to submit for a reservation.

• Passengers are authorized to travel with two (2) pets per family.

• All pets, including service animals are subject to country importation requirements, which may include quarantining. Contact your local veterinarian office for specific importation requirements to include pet quarantine and detention.

• Effective 01 August 2024, all dogs to include service dogs entering or returning to the United States from an overseas location must adhere to new, specific requirements based on the location of the animal 6 months prior to entering the United States and where the canine received their Rabies vaccinations, if required.

U.S. canine importation requirements and timelines can be found on the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringingan-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs-entering-us-after-august-1.html#currentvaccination 

• Talk with your veterinarian if you have ANY concerns about your pet’s health.

• Owners should exercise pets before arriving at the terminal. Carry a leash to walk pets before check-in and after arrival at destination.

> Keep strangers, especially children, at a safe distance from pets. Even the most gentle pet can be provoked into growling or snapping.

• Mark the kennel with your pet’s name, your name, destination or unit address, and phone number (if available). An ID tag for your pet is also recommended.

• A familiar article of clothing or toy in the kennel may help placate your pet.

• More helpful tips and links can be found on the AMC Pet Travel, USDA APHIS Pet Travel, USDA APHIS Pets on Planes, AVMA pages.

 PET KENNEL REQUIREMENTS: Prior to the flight day, allow your pet to spend some time getting used to the kennel. The day of your flight should not be the first time in the kennel for an extended duration. Recommend at least a week prior to the flight placing the animal in the kennel to allow them to become comfortable with the space. 

From IATA Pet Travel Corner https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/live-animals/pets/#tab-1

• Passengers are responsible for providing an authorized kennel/carrier and ensuring your pet is transported in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines.

• Ventilation must be provided on all 4 sides. The whole of one end of the kennel must be ventilated (can be the door).

• All openings of the kennel must be nose and paw-proof to prevent injury to the animal or handler. A welded wire mesh insert must cover the ventilated areas and be securely fixed to the kennel so the animal cannot dislodge it.

• Ventilation openings must be a maximum of 1" x 1" for dogs and ¾" x ¾" for cats. • Ventilation openings may be required to be smaller to be nose and paw proof.

• Absorbent bedding that is suitable for the species will be provided in the kennel. Do not use any, hay, grass, wood shavings, sand or soil.

•Kennels must be large enough for your pet to stand-up, turn around, and lie down with normal posture and body movement. Snub-nosed breeds will require 10% larger kennel to allow more airflow. Pets will not be accepted if containers are too small.

•Minimum internal container dimensions for a single animal:

Container length = A + ½ B o Container width = C x 2 Container height E = D + bedding o Two animals: C x 3Current as of: 12 July 2024

• 2-piece kennels must be bolted together with metal nuts/bolts. Plastic/nylon slides, clips, or screws/bolts are not authorized.

• Securing kennel door with a zip tie is recommended for additional safety but not required.

• Soft-sided pet carriers may be accepted for in-cabin movement only.

• Combined weight of your pet and kennel will not exceed 150 pounds.

• All kennels will have one green “Live Animals” and at least two “This Way Up” labels on opposite sides of the kennel.

• If a sedative is used, the name of the drug, the time and type of administration must be clearly marked on the kennel.

• A maximum of two animals may be kenneled together provided they are of comparable size, up to 31 pounds (14 kg), and used to cohabitating.

• Female pets that are in heat will not be shipped due to possible distress to other pets and/or may result in injury.

• Weaned puppies younger than 8 weeks old will not be accepted for air shipment due to the possibility of dehydration.

• Pet owners must provide a separate food and water supply source attached to the inside of the kennel. Water containers must be capable to be replenished without opening kennel doors. Food and water containers must allow the pet unrestricted access during transportation and must be secured so they can’t be dislodged. Water bottles or similar dispensers attached either inside or outside the kennel are not considered a replenishable water supply source.

In accordance with FAA & AMC Pet Travel Policy, In-cabin pet kennels/carriers are treated like carry-on baggage and will be stowed under the passenger seat in front of you and pets must remain in container for the duration of the flight. For animals traveling in-cabin the non-rigid kennel (Soft-Sided) will:

• Not exceed 18"L x 11" W x 10.5" H in size

• Allow the animal stand-up, turn around, and lie down with normal posture and body movement.

• Have a ventilated area on all four vertical sides. • Be marked with the “Live Animal” label that does not cover any of the ventilated area.

• Only one in-cabin pet space per ticketed traveler can be booked. This is to not exceed two total pets per family.

PET CHECK-IN

• Check-in time for AMC flights at Baltimore/Washington International Airport is no later than 2 hours and 20 minutes prior to flight departure.
• Check-in time for AMC flights at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is no later than 3 hours and 20 minutes prior to flight departure.
• Contact your local transportation office or AMC Passenger Terminal for more information.

Note: Passengers on Patriot Express missions may check in up to 6 hours prior to departure; but, due to limited pet storage space, you must retain custody of your pet until 45 minutes prior to boarding unless there is a suitable holding area available. All pets must remain in their kennel or shipping container while in public or terminal areas.

PET IMMIGRATION

For pets and service animals, contact your local transportation office for specific immigration requirements to include quarantine and detention for the country to which you are shipping your pet.

Additional information can be found in the Personal Property Consignment Instruction Guide under paragraph "6. Pets/Quarantine" for each country.

Note: If you have a commercial airline flight prior to or following your AMC Patriot Express flight, contact that airline to determine if additional documentation or charges are required to transport your pet.

PET TRAVEL FEES

Be prepared to pay associated fees. Fees are charged on a per-kennel/per-mission basis depending on the combined weight (pet + kennel).

• The combined weight of ≤70 lbs will be charged $125 (one piece of excess baggage).
• The combined weight of 71-140 lbs will be charged $250 (two pieces of excess baggage).
• The combined weight of 141-150 lbs will be charged $375 (three pieces of excess baggage).

Note: Fees may change. Check with your Travel Management Office/Installation Travel Office for current fees. Pet + kennel weighing >150 lbs will not be accepted for shipment.

WIESBADEN VETERINARY TREATMENT FACILITY

As our mission allows, we are happy to provide appointments for your pets! We offer appointments for health certificates, wellness, sick call, and procedures.

We recommend calling and do not accept registration forms via email. All documents are required to be turned in in-person.

Our reception team is available Monday through Wednesday, and Fridays for in/out processing, scheduling, medication refills, and information. Please see our monthly schedule below for our community clinic days

For availability of services or to schedule an appointment please call the number listed below. All pets living on post must be registered with the VTF upon arrival. On-Post Housing may limit the number and breed of pets that can live in on-post housing. Contact on-post housing for more information.

Due to our limited manpower and resources, most veterinary emergency cases are best served through a full service civilian veterinary hospital. 

Address: Bldg. 1038, Wurger St., Clay Kaserne, 65205 Wiesbaden-Erbenheim

For an appointment call: DSN 590-1544 or Civ +49(0)6371-9464-1544 

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Thursday 8-12 & 1-4, Friday 8-12  1-4

Closed in observance of all Federal Holidays.

Closed the afternoon of the last working day of each month for inventory. Closed on all Federal Holidays.

Please allow 72 hours notice when requesting prescription refills.

German Dangerous Dog Ordinance

German states have passed a Dangerous Dog Ordinance placing restriction upon the ownership of certain types of dogs.

Military and civilian personnel moving to Germany should weigh the requirements of the German DDO and owner responsibilities for dogs that fit the criteria below when making a decision to bring such dogs with them.

In April 2001, German law was passed on import of dangerous dogs for protection of the citizens. The local offices of public order (OPO) at city and county level are appointed to enforce the dangerous dog regulation.

Dangerous dogs are defined as animals either

• known to be vicious
• having indicated inclinations to attack game or livestock
• having attacked persons
• having shown unusually aggressiveness

Automatically included are Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bullterriers and other dogs descendant from one of these dogs.

These races and any dogs deriving from these races cannot be imported to Germany. Breeding, reproduction, and trade of dangerous dogs are prohibited. The responsible authority may order the dog to be neutered. Dogs may not be trained or bred to become dangerous dogs.

Permission by the local authority is required to keep a dangerous dog. The owner must justify the need to keep the dog, for example as a watch dog. Furthermore, the owner must be at least 18 years of age and personally qualified. Personal qualification requires passing an aptitude test administered by a person or office certified by the State Veterinarian Chamber. This test is only valid for 5 years and only connected to the dog that is tested together with the owner.

Certain criteria automatically disqualify persons to own dangerous dogs:

• final conviction for at least one crime committed with premeditation or twice for crimes committed while drunk within the last 5 years
• addiction to alcohol or drugs, or mental illness or impairment
• repeated violation of dangerous dog legal provisions

Dangerous dogs must be kept safely. They must be marked with an electronic chip applied by a veterinarian. The dog owner has to show proof thereof to the local authority. Furthermore, if the dog is lost or given into somebody else's custody for more than 4 weeks the owner must notify the local authority.

In public areas, including common areas in multi-family housing such as stairwells, dangerous dogs must be on a leash and wear a muzzle. Dog owners may ask for an exemption to wear a muzzle if the dog poses no danger to public security. Persons walking dogs in public must be 18 years or older and physically able to control the dog.

Please contact the Veterinary Treatment Facility at DSN: 314-590-1544 or OMM: +49 (0) 6371-9464-1544 for your questions.

Hours of operation:

Monday – Thursday 8-12 & 1-4, Friday 8-12 

PCSing with your PETS

A permanent change of station move is stressful as it is, but moving with your pet can add an extra layer of stress unless you are well prepared. Public Health Command Europe Veterinarians have some tips to help make moving your furry companion as easy as possible.

Proof of an up-to-date Rabies Vaccine is required i.e. rabies certificate issued by an on-base vet clinic or an official European Union Pet Passport issued by a licensed off-base vet.)
Note: Pets must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the rabies vaccine. If this is your pet’s first rabies vaccine, your pet must be vaccinated at least 28 days prior to travel to allow the vaccine to take effect.

Your pet must be microchipped. Any brand/type of microchip works. (Preferably with a 15 digit

Health Certificates are required for all pets and are only valid for 10 days after being issued. Health certificates can be issued from an on-post or off-post veterinarian as long as they are in English. Health certificates must be legible, and complete.

An Acclimation Letter (This must be obtained from your veterinarian if your pet will be traveling in cabin or cargo)

We also recommend the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website for any country requirements and additional resources.

Your method of travel may have separate and additional requirements. Check with your airline or shipping carrier to determine what requirements they may have, if any.

Before your flight

Owners should proactively check with the airlines as soon as they are notified of their move and make pet PCS travel arrangements as early as possible.

Due to reduced flights from COVID travel restrictions, airline flight limitations may affect pet transportation. Owners need to initiate plans as early as possible investigate options. Monitor temperatures of the departure and arrival airport.

Regarding extreme weather, per the USDA: ‘Kennels should be protected from extreme sunlight and extreme heat and cold. Sufficient shade must be provided to protect the dog from the direct rays of the sun at all times. During the movement of dogs to or from the airplane or animal holding areas the dog must not be exposed to ambient temperatures above 85 °F or below 45 °F for more than 45 minutes.

Regarding extreme temperatures, per the USDA: ‘Dogs must not be exposed to air temperatures above 85 °F (29.5 °C) or below 45 °F (7.2 °C) for a period of more than 4 hours. Dogs must not be accepted for transport unless the animal holding areas meet these temperature requirements.’

USDA recommendations/general info about flying with your pet: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/pets-on-planes

CDC WEBSITE NOW REQUIRES A DOG IMPORT FORM, owners fill this out on their own.