PETS: South Carolina does not require a quarantine
period for pets arriving from overseas locations as long as the owner provides
the following: Valid veterinarian's certificate that states the pet has no
diseases. Pet has current rabies inoculation. 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.
PET
HEALTH: Nothing can waylay a trip with an animal faster than a health
problem, and your pet's well-being should be of primary importance to
you. Your pet will be subjected to conditions guaranteed to cause
stress to your animal. A clean bill of health is an important first
step in assuring your pet's ability to adjust safely to unfamiliar
surroundings. In addition, most states and countries require recent
health certificates and disease inoculation documentation before you will be
allowed to cross borders, making a trip to the veterinarian
mandatory. Even if you are traveling within your own state
boundaries, it is a good idea to have your pet examined and
inoculated. Your pet will be "out of his own back yard" and subject
to contact with unknown animals. His chances of contracting disease
or infection may greatly increase. Have your pet examined by a
licensed veterinarian, preferably one who has cared for the animal on a regular
basis. Ask the doctor to prescribe a motion sickness pill or sedative
as preventive measure. We do not recommend you tranquilize your
animal automatically. Sedated animals are more likely to develop
problems. You may consider motion sickness pills instead of
tranquilizers. NEVER give your pet tranquilizers without your vet's
approval and
NEVER give an animal any medication that has been prescribed
for human use. Avoid traveling with an animal during extreme
weather. Exceptionally cold or hot weather can result in hyperthermia
and/or hypothermia, heart failure, even death. During summer months,
schedule travel for early morning or evening
hours.
KENNELS: It is recommended that you and/or your family
select the kennel (temporary living facility) for you pet. Do not
place that responsibility on your sponsor. Your sponsor can provide
you a list of kennels in the area. The reason for this is what if
your pet has a bad experience in a kennel recommended by your
sponsor. You or your family members may hold your sponsor responsible
for the health and condition of your pet. It is up to you to decide
what you feel is best for your pet. You will find in the listings
names, numbers and a brief description of kennels in the local area. 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 may be of
assistance once you made the decision where you would like to board your
pet. Ask your sponsor to physically locate the kennel in advance if
your sponsor does not know where the kennel of your choosing is
located.
REMEMBER: Pets are not allowed in
billeting and you may not keep your pet in your vehicle. We do not
have any local hotels which will allow pets, so please plan
accordingly. Your pet is a member of your family and we encourage you
to plan ahead for your travels.
IDENTIFICATION: Please ensure
you pet has a collar and proper identification. Your pet will experience similar
nervousness and stress you may be feeling during a PCS move. A pet in
transit without identification may get lost. Dogs can break free from
a lease or carrier. Cats can dash out of a carrier in just a
second. The opportunities for pets being separated from their owners
are numerous. Avoid the potential loss of a beloved pet by purchasing
a comfortable collar (elastic for cats) for your pet bearing complete
identification tags. The information should include your pet's name,
your name, address and phone number. A license tag is also necessary
and can be obtained from your local humane organization. As an
additional safeguard, some pet owners may consider tattooing their pet as a
permanent form of identification. The tattoo can be placed on the
inside of his ear or flank. Then, if your pet breaks free of both
carrier and collar, he/she can still be positively identified. Be sure if your
pet is in a carrier that is the right size for your pet.
If
you plan on staying in hotels or motels along your travels, be sure to check
ahead of time for places that allow pets.
TRAVELING BY VEHICLE: If your
pet has never or very rarely traveled by vehicle, you may want to consider
taking the time to acquaint your pet to the motion and sounds of your
vehicle. Take your pet on 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. Your pet should never be permitted to ride in the front
seat, jump around the vehicle or hang out a window. This is dangerous
for both pet and driver. It is best not to feed your pet for several
hours before leaving on a trip. Bring food and fresh water with you
and stop regularly once your pet has had a chance to settle down. If
your traveling companion is a cat, bring a litter pan and litter with plastic
bags for changing purposes. If a dog is traveling, it is imperative
to stop frequently so that he/she can exercise and relieve himself. NEVER LEAVE
YOUR PET ALONE IN A PARKED VEHICLE. Check on your pet frequently so that you can
tell when he/she is hungry, thirsty, hot or tired.
TRAVELING BY
AIR: Air travel for pets may be restricted during various times of
the year due to extreme hot or extreme cold temperatures. You should
check with your local Transportation Management Office if you are going to
travel with your pet by air. You may have to make different
arrangement for your pet travel because the time of year you are due to PCS is a
time period your pet can not be placed on an airline.