McConnell Veterinary Clinic assists military pet owners move overseas

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Thornbury
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The bond between service members and their pets can be strong, which is why the McConnell Veterinary Clinic works to minimalize separation during an outside contiguous states permanent change of station.

"Every country regulates the import requirements to bring pets into that country," said U.S. Army Sgt. Kimberly Wilcox, McConnell Veterinary Clinic NCO in charge. "We prepare pets for entry into the destination country to allow service members and the families to keep their pets with them and work closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture keeping up-to-date on current requirements for each country."

Before a pet can enter another country, they may need an international health certificate. In order to obtain one, the McConnell Veterinary Clinic has to accomplish a few things.

"We review your pet's medical and vaccination history and perform required lab tests or vaccinations," said Dr. Erin Hiskett, McConnell Veterinary Clinic veterinarian. "Microchips are required for virtually all international travel, but not all microchips are recognized internationally; we can implant appropriate microchips or confirm previous appropriate microchip implantation in your pet."

Depending on a service member's new station, a wait period before travel can vary from 21 days to 180 days after a rabies vaccine and pets should receive flea and tick treatment less than 14 days before arrival to their new location. If vaccines are given too late, there is a chance the pet will not be able to go home immediately after arrival and could be housed in a clinic until the remaining time passes by at the owner's expense.

"Some country's requirements take only about a month to complete, while others, like Japan, take six months to a year," said Hiskett.

Moving can be stressful in itself, moving a pet can add to the pile; however, the McConnell Veterinary Clinic is ready to assist pet owners with any questions they have and provide pets with the necessary vaccines.

"When a member of Team McConnell PCS overseas with their four-legged family members, we are available to help with any step in the international health certificate process," said Hiskett. "Please contact us as soon as possible with your destination, and, even if we haven't been providing medical care for your pet, we will be happy to review with you the process specific for your PCS destination country."

For more information, call the McConnell Veterinary Clinic at (316)-759-5190.