Critter care advised for traveling

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Audra M. Hornbacher
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Airmen and their families considering taking their pets with them when they travel, or boarding them while they are gone, should remember several steps they can take to prevent potential problems.

Immunizations, health certificates and proper planning are key points to consider when traveling or boarding pets, according to U.S. Army Sgt. Mary Hicks, NCO in charge of the Ellsworth Veterinary Clinic.

"Make sure when you board your animal that its vaccines are up to date," Hicks stated. "Most kennels require the kennel cough vaccine, or bordetella vaccine -- it's like preventing the 'doggy-flu'."

Vaccinations, the most common service provided by the vet clinic, are not only important to keeping pets healthy, but required to obtain a health certificate.

People taking pets with them when they travel must have a health certificate, which allows personal pets to cross state lines and certifies that the animal has been examined by a veterinarian and is free of all communicable diseases and parasites.

"If you're going to take your pet with you, it's perfectly legitimate to get pulled over and be asked for your animal's health certificate," Hicks said.

Driving health certificates expire within 30 days, while flight certificates expire after 10 days. Hicks affirms that making an appointment for a health certificate is both easy and smart.

Proactive care consultations for dogs, cats and other critters belonging to Ellsworth residents are also available at the clinic and highly encouraged.

Dr. Adam Wiechmann, Ellsworth Veterinary Clinic non-appropriated fund veterinarian, also emphasized the value of checking with the clinic prior to traveling with an animal for a permanent change of station.

"If you think you are leaving this installation, come see the vet clinic," Wiechmann advised. "People think they can leave right away with their pets, but there are countries that require more than 180-day quarantine periods."

Hicks added that when Airmen are PCSing with animals, extra time should be allotted to prepare their animals for travel to foreign countries, due to the varying host nation rules and quarantine periods. For example, pet owners need to allow four to six weeks prior to leaving to stateside destinations for vaccinations to take hold.

"Animals that have not been vaccinated before require more time than those that have, because their vaccination needs a booster after three weeks and an additional two weeks to mature in their system," Hicks said.

Similar considerations should be taken when pet owners leave their pets for long periods such as during the holidays. She added that making plans ahead of time and reviewing any special needs with their pet's caretaker will help ensure their animal is properly cared for. A power of attorney may also be necessary when someone other than the pet's owner is caring for the animal for prolonged periods of time.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers the following 10 tips when traveling with animals:

1. Keep pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier.
2. Get pets ready for a long trip by taking them on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening the time spent in the car.
3. Feed pets a light meal, three to four hours prior to leaving. Don't feed them in a moving vehicle.
4. Never leave pets alone in a parked car, whether it's hot or cold outside.
5. In addition to travel papers, bring food and a bowl, a leash, plastic bags, medication and a favorite toy.
6. Ensure pets have a proper collar with a name tag. Consider having a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone numbers or other relevant contact information.
7. Don't allow pets to stick their heads out of vehicle windows.
8. When traveling across state lines, ensure to have vaccination records.
9. Bring your own water. Water from unfamiliar areas can cause a stomach ache.
10. If your pet travels with you often, rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers may be a smart investment.

For more information on pet care, call the Ellsworth Veterinary Clinic at (605) 385-1589.