MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Traveling with a family animal can be stressful for you and your pet, but there is help on base. It is important to know the steps required when traveling with a domesticated animal overseas.
According to Army Maj. Todd M. Thomas, chief of veterinary services, West Coast Branch Veterinary Services, not taking the right steps may cause extended time in animal quarantine and unnecessary costs.
What is a quarantine and why does my pet need it?
Quarantine is a period of time isolated from others. This period is to observe the animal to make sure the pet is not carrying infections or diseases.
When does the quarantine period start?
The quarantine period starts with a blood sample taken from the pet. Pet owners can avoid the quarantine period by going to the veterinarian as soon as you receive orders.
Is each quarantine period the same or are there different regulations for each country?
Service members relocating to Japan, Hawaii or Guam should plan for a longer quarantine period. To find out how long a quarantine period will be, contact a local animal hospital or animal shelter in that country.
Who should I contact first?
As soon as service members receive PCS orders, they should immediately call Camp Pendleton’s installation’s Veterinary Treatment Facility to set up an appointment to receive a health certificate for travel.
How can I receive a health certificate for my pet?
Health certificates can be obtained by appointment only at the base veterinary office and must be issued within 10 days of departure.
Who can I ask for help?
Pet owners can receive help from the base VTF. The VTF helps pet owners complete all steps in the process.
Can I just go to the base veterinarian to complete the process?
A lot of countries require documents from civilian veterinarians, the documents have to have an original signature and be countersigned or stamped by a United States Department of Agriculture veterinarian.
What regulations should I know if I want to bring my pet on an airplane?
To receive proper information about regulations for pet air travel, it is important to contact the airport which you will be traveling from and arriving at, as well as the specific airline for costs and regulations.
What medical conditions should I look into for pet travel?
The Animal Welfare Act prevents old, young (under 8 weeks old), ill, injured and pregnant animals from flying.
Animals traveling by air must be approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
What steps should I take for ensuring proper care of my pet during the flight?
Owners should provide instructions on proper care for their animal during the flight. Information includes a feeding and water itinerary for a 24-hour period located outside of the crate. Food and water dishes must be fastened securely to the crate and reachable by the caretaker without opening the crate.
For more information about traveling with pets, call the Camp Pendleton VTF at (760)725-3439.