Kennels will require that your pet has all required vaccination
prior to accepting it. The list is not all inclusive-check in the Yellow Pages
of the Del Rio phone directory for the complete listing.
Remember, it is
a good idea to make advanced reservations for pet boarding as soon as you know
your arrival date. This is an area where your sponsor can be of
assistance. Few apartments and houses will accept pets and they will ask for a
pet deposit.
Pets are not permitted to stay in any billeting
facility. We do not have boarding facilities on the base. Licensing
of pets can be accomplished at any of the many veterinarian offices located in
the Del Rio area. All dog and cats more than 4 months old and living within the
city limits must be vaccinated yearly against rabies and must carry current
registration tags. There is no quarantine for pets arriving from overseas
locations as long as the owner provides the following: (1) the pet
has no diseases, (2) the pet's owner is in possession of a valid veterinarian's
certificate that states the pet has no diseases, and (3) pet has current rabies
inoculations.
Please note that at the present time Texas is experiencing
a large number of Rabies Cases. Be sure your animals are vaccinated
before your arrival into Texas. 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.
If you plan on sending your pet by airline
carrier, check Federal regulations for some solutions. Awareness is the key
factor in assuring the safe arrival of your pet. Make sure your pet has
identification.
If you and your pet plan to stay in a hotel, motel, or
inn, call in advance to check if pets are allowed and make
reservations.
If you plan to board your pet at your destination point,
reservations are also necessary, especially during the heavy travel periods of
holidays and summers.
IDENTIFICATION - A disaster in the making is a pet
without identification; dogs break free from leashes and cats dash out of open
cages. The opportunities for pets being separated from their owners are
numerous. Avoid the potential loss of a beloved pet by purchasing a
comfortable collar for your pet (elastic for cats) bearing complete
identification tags. The information should include your pet's name,
address, and phone number. A license tag is also necessary and can be
obtained from your local humane organization. (If your pet is a cat
who has never worn a collar, allow time for the cat to become accustomed to
wearing something around his neck). As an additional safeguard, you
may want to consider tattooing as a permanent form of
identification. Your pet can have a number (your social security
number, for example) tattooed on the inside of his ear or
flank. Then, if your pet breaks free of both carrier and collar, he
can still be positively identified.
CARRIERS - The carrier in which your
pet will be spending most of his trip is of utmost importance. In
fact, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has very specific
regulations for cages/crates used in transporting animals interstate or
internationally.
MISCELLANEOUS - A container for water should be secured
to the inside of the carrier positioned so that it can be filled without opening
the cage (Recommend a drip bottle as opposed to an open bowl).
*If you
must ship an animal alone (this should be done only when it is absolutely
necessary), have someone you know and trust be at the destination point when the
airplane arrives.
It is important to remember that most airline crews
receive no special training for handling animals and not all are able to
recognize signs of trouble. It is only through your careful attention
to detail that your pet can be assured a safe trip.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
TRAVELING BY CAR - Unless your pet is already accustomed to being in an
automobile, take the time to acclimate your pet to the motion and sounds of your
car by taking 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 to give
him a touch of home.
It is best not to feed an animal for several hours
before leaving on a trip. Bring food and fresh water with you and
stop regularly once the animal has had a chance to settle down.
NEVER
LEAVE YOUR PET ALONE IN A PARKED CAR. In summer, it takes only
minutes for the heat to climb to more than 120 degrees, even in the
shade. In winter, closed cars become refrigerators on wheels and the
cold is as dangerous as summer heat.
Check your pet frequently, so that
you can easily tell when he is hungry, thirsty, hot or tired. For
additional information about traveling with your pet, click on the "Getting
Started/Helpful Moving Tips/Moving with Pets"