Other Options

Sometimes, SATO’s options don’t cut it.  And worse, sometimes they just don’t want to help.  Hopefully that is NOT the case for you, but if it is, don’t panic.  You have other options.
 
Flying Space A
Space A/AMC/Patriot Express is a great option for getting your pet to Italy.  These flights are based on space available, but PCSing families get priority.  Even if your SATO office won’t book you on a Space A flight, you can do it yourself with PCS orders.  These flights are considerably cheaper than commercial flights, and they take pets no problem.
 
However, the only Space A flight to Aviano is out of Baltimore, Maryland.  Finding a domestic, pet-friendly flight from your state to Baltimore may not be an option, but renting a car is worth it to get your pet to Italy safely.
 
Check out our blog entry for more information.  You can also visit Space A’s website, and look at their Pet Travel Brochure here.
 
Flying Commercially on your Own Dime (& Possible Reimbursement)
If SATO won’t accommodate flying with your pet, you can always fly commercially on your own dime.  You MAY be able to be reimbursed once you get to Vicenza, but the army will only reimburse for flights on American-based airlines.  The process for reimbursement is lengthy, with a lot of paperwork, but it is possible.
 
You can also use the dollar amount that SATO has allotted to your airline ticket and apply it to another airline / airport.  You’ll have to work with SATO to do it, and you’ll have to pay any difference out of pocket, but it’s a good option if it means your pet can fly with you.
 
Using a Pet Shipment Company
Pet shipping companies are probably the most expensive option for moving with your dog, but the company will take care of everything.  They can cost anywhere between $1,000-$3,000. 
 
We don’t have a lot of information about shipping companies ourselves, so you’ll need to do your research.  Also, please know that we CANNOT pick your dog up from the airport without you, so if you ship your dog separately you will have to be here in Italy BEFORE YOUR DOG.
 
I’m Already in Italy, but my Pet is in the States.
If you want to bring your pet to Italy “unaccompanied,” you have a couple options.  You can hire a pet shipping company as mentioned above, or you can have a friend/family member come visit you and bring your pet.
 
To have a friend/family member bring your pet, the same health and paperwork requirements need to be met as if you were doing it yourself.  For someone else to do this, you’ll need to provide them with a Power of Attorney.
 
After the requirements are met, your pet can be booked on a commercial flight as normal.  You can refer to our blog entry “Working with Airlines & Temperature Embargoes” for more info.

Why can’t I fly into Venice? 
Unfortunately, no one can fly DIRECTLY into Venice with a pet.  This is because there is no dedicated veterinarian on duty there.  Every pet must have a vet check their paperwork and admit them to Europe.  Therefore, if you don’t have a layover in an EU airport with a vet on staff, you have to fly into Milan to go through theirs.
 
Pets CAN fly into Venice, but there are certain requirements that must be met.  Large breeds may not be able to fly into Venice simply because the little airport can’t accommodate such large pet crates.  This can change though, so you may want to check for specifics.
 
How does flying into Milan affect my pickup from the Pet Project?
We CAN arrange pickups from Milan, but they’re tricky.  There is a shuttle between Venice and Vicenza, and one can be arranged from Aviano as well.  (Note: Arranging a shuttle from Aviano to Vicenza is the duty of the incoming family.)  We use these shuttles to help transport luggage and family members that can’t fit in our volunteer’s vehicle. 
 
However, there is NO shuttle between Milan and Vicenza, so fitting an entire family, all their luggage, and their pets and pet crates does not always work.  It costs us roughly €140 for a single Milan pickup.  As always, donations are much appreciated and will help us continue to help families coming to Vicenza.
 
How can I fly into Aviano?
Flying into Aviano is a GREAT option if you can swing it.  Flying with Space A/AMC/Patriot Express (same thing, different names) is a firt-come, first-serve basis, but those PCSing have priority.  It’s also cheaper and much easier to fly pets via Space A.
 
Unfortunately, it must be said that not all SATO offices are equal.  If your SATO office won’t help you fly Space A, you can do it on your own!  We have more information on this option in our blog entry “Getting your Pet to Italy without SATO.”

Here’s what we can tell you.
 
Firstly, please understand that all airlines are different, with different, ever-changing policies.  What we know now may change at any time.  You’ll need to do your own research, and lots of it!
 
Temperature Embargoes
All airlines have embargoes.  These are conditions and times of the year when they will not fly pets due to potentially dangerous temperatures.  Pets die every year during airline transport, so even though the embargo is a hassle, it’s for the best.
 
Usually the summer heat embargo begins sometime in May and goes through September.  Military PCS moves are exempt from temperature embargoes, but you need to consider what is safe for your pet.  To fly during an embargo, unless the airline has temperature control ground transportation, your pet will only be allowed to fly if safe temperatures are met at takeoff and landing (including layovers).  These vary by season, but can often be met during the summer by flying at night when it’s cooler, and vice versa in winter.
 
Temperature embargoes are in place because of the temperature on the GROUND, not in the air.  It’s while pets are being transported to the plane (and waiting on the tarmac during loading) that they are at risk.  Snub-nosed breeds are at higher risk due to breathing problems.  There are certain airlines that have temperature-controlled ground transport – these are safest for your pet.  As of now, the only airlines we know of with this option are Lufthansa and KLM.
 
Dealing with Airlines & Booking your Pet
Before calling airlines, make sure to know their policies, or better yet to have them in front of you.  Many airline representatives do NOT know policy about flying pets, especially during an embargo, and knowing your facts will help you get to the right people.  You can find the fine print about PCS exemptions (and other policies) on airlines’ websites.
 
Once you book your pet’s flight, don’t assume that your work is done.  Most people call again later to confirm their pet, only to hear “What pet?  We have no record of that.”  Be prepared to call, and call, and CALL AGAIN.
 
Again, the only airlines we know of that have temperature-controlled tarmac transport for pets are Lufthansa and KLM.

If you have a giant or "dangerous" breed dog, you may not be able to use any of the crates you can find in the store.  If this happens to you, you'll need to have a crate custom-made to fit your dog and still follow regulations for flying.  (Find regulations at https://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/live-animals/Documents/pet-container-requirements.pdf.)

Unfortunately, options are limited for getting a custom crate in the vicinity of Vicenza.  There are a couple of people who make them, and we want to get the information out to those who might need it.

Marco Colombo
Home Boarding Shipping Pets
Via Pitteri 2, 33081 Aviano, Pordenone, IT.
www.homeboardingshippingpets.com
Tel: 393-331-8628

Marco speaks English and is able to build custom, airline approved crates.  You can contact them on their website, at info(at)homeboardingshippingpets.com, or by the number above.


Sonda Mario e Figli
Via Postumia 4, 36065 Casoni Di Mussolente (VI)
Tel: 042-457-4043
officinesonda@tiscali.it 

They prefer to communicate through email; Simone speaks a bit of English, but the others speak very little.  You may need to use a translator if using them for a crate.


Good luck transporting your furry family members!

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PET SHIPMENT

MOST IMPORTANTLY:  Only PCS status passenger may request pet shipment. Pets will not be shipped by personnel in a leave or TDY/TAD status. Sponsor(s)/ dependent(s) must accompany the pet to the final destination.

Pets are defined as dogs and cats only and are restricted to a maximum of two pets per family, unless moved under the grandfathered policy or space available pet program (see below). The maximum weight (kennel and pet) cannot exceed 150lbs. Waivers will not be issued for weight or type of pets.

(1) GRANDFATHERED PET POLICY: AMC will ship more than two pets to CONUS (only), provided pet spaces are available and the sponsor has documented proof that AMC moved these pets overseas prior to 1 Sep. 2001 (the date the two-pet-limit-per-family was implemented). Contact TACC/XOG (Scott AFB passenger reservation section) to arrange the additional space (see 3 below). It is the responsibility of the passenger to maintain the documented proof of a grandfathered pet shipment.

(2) SPACE AVAILABLE PET PROGRAM: 15 days prior to AMC flight departure, pet spaces open in the Global Air Transportation Execution System (GATES) are available to travelers that already have two pet spaces booked. The Military Transportation Office (MTO)/ commercial ticket office (CTO) must contact TACC/XOG to arrange the additional space(s) (see 3 below). After the additional space(s) is booked, the MTO/CTO will print out a confirmation for the traveler form the GATES pet/reservation screen. The traveler must retain this confirmation and present upon request as the authority to move more than two pets per family. NOTE: Pets moved under this program are not eligible to move under the grandfathered pet policy, and will only be moved back to CONUS under the space available pet program.

(3) A pet allocation increase request form is required to request an additional pet space(s) under the grandfathered pet policy and the space available pet program.  Email the request to Petallocations@scott.af.mil or Fax to DSN (312)779-7876, or commercial 618-229-7876.

The commercial airline industry currently imposes a 100 pound pet weight restriction and curtails pet shipments during seasonal hot/cold conditions. They also require animals be less than 6 months old when they travel in the same kennel. Please inform travelers of these industry restrictions.


PASSENGER RESPONSIBILITES

Passengers should briefed that it is their responsibility to meet all pet shipment requirements, such as, documentation, immunization, country pet entry requirements, quarantines and all costs associated with the shipment of their pet(s) as well as the following information:

(1) All passengers are required to meet European Union (EU) pet entry requirments.  This includes the EU VETERINARY CERTIFICATE which  identifies the microchip identification number.

(2) KENNEL: The passenger must provide a hard-shell, hard-sided international air transport association (IATA) or U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) approved kennel which is available at most exchange/retail stores. No soft-sided or collapsible kennels will be accepted, even for in-cabin pets. To qualify for in-cabin travel, kennels must be hard sided and no larger than 20"L X 16"W X 8"H. The kennel must be large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around, and lie down with normal posture and body movements. Several layers of newspaper, shredded paper, or absorbent material should be placed in the bottom of the container. Do not use straw, hay, grass, sawdust, sand, or soil. Normally, pets will be individually kenneled; However, two small animals of the same species and of comparable size up to 20 may be shipped in the same kennel. Two pets in one container are considered to occupy two pet spaces in GATES; however, the passenger will only pay one pet charge.

(3) See veterinarian for advice on preparing the pet for shipment. Consider factors such as feeding, watering, sedative, ETC. If at all possible, do not ship female pets that are in heat (estrus). This condition causes great distress to other pets and may result in injury. Females with suckling young and unweaned animals (normally less than 8 weeks old) will not be accepted for carriage.

(4) CHARGES: Pets and their kennels with a combined weight up to 70 pounds will be charged the same rate as one piece of excess baggage, 71-140 pounds will be charged as two pieces, and 141-150 pounds will be charged as three pieces. Please call the respective passenger terminal for current pet charges.

(5) Due to limited pet storage area, passengers will retain custody of pets until approximately 45 min. prior to boarding. Most airports require pets to remain in their container while in the terminal area.

The previous information was taken from the Ramstein Air Base website, and can be found at http://www.ramstein.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=5029. 

The Pet Passport is required in order to travel with your pet around Europe as well as to return to the U.S. with your pet.  The Pet Passport contains your pet's information (including microchip number) and a record of your pet's vaccinations.  You can also include a picture of your pet.

In order to obtain the Pet Passport you must first register your pet with the Vicenza Veterinary Treatment Facility.  Your pet's vaccinations (most importantly the rabies vaccination) must be current.  You will be provided with forms that have your pet's information and yours.  One of these forms is the export document (Pet Passport form).  You will also need a copy of your pet's rabies vaccination certificate.

The fee for the pet passport is approximately €12,50, plus a small service fee.  This needs to be paid at a local post office (not the one on post).  There is one located near Caserma Ederle, as well as downtown.  The vet clinic will provide you the receipt for payment, pre-completed.  Once you've paid the fee you will need to go to the ULSS office across from Hotel Mary.  This office is where you will obtain your Pet Passport.  Your pet does not need to accompany you.  After obtaining the Pet Passport you will need to return to the vet clinic to have the passport filled out, stamped and signed by the veterinarian.

The address for the ULSS office is:
Viale Camisano, 61
They are open M-F from 0830-1200, and M 1430-1630.  You must be no later than 15 minutes prior to closing.
 
IMPORTANT:

If you are adopting a pet in Italy you must find out if they are already registered with the vet clinic and have a Pet Passport.  If they are not registered and do not have a Pet Passport, you will want to do this as soon as possible.  If they are, however, you will need a signed and notarized document stating that the current owner is relinquishing the pet to you.  If you have questions on how to do this, please feel free to contact the Vicenza Veterinary Treatment Facility.  You can find their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/VicenzaVeterinaryClinic.

It is very common for pets to get loose right after arriving or moving into your new home. If your pet is registered you can be contacted when they are found.

Arriving in Italy
Transportation to Base

Once you arrive at the airport in Italy with your pet, you will be faced with getting your pet to Caserma Ederle.  The base provides a free shuttle bus that runs regularly throughout the day, but unfortunately larger animals will not be able to ride on it.

The shuttle is contracted through and Italian company and their rules are that pets cannot go underneath the bus in the cargo area (for good reasons – exhaust fumes, anyone?).  The rules also state that pets cannot go inside the bus unless they can be inside their crate and fit on or underneath the seats.  Unless you have a cat or a cat-sized dog, it is unlikely that your pet will be able to ride.

If you know you will need help transporting your pet, please contact us well in advance.  The more time we have to plan, the more likely we will be able to help you get your pet to Vicenza.  We’ve written it over and over, but here it is again – we are volunteers!  We want to help you, but we can’t jump to anyone’s aid without notice.

Arriving at Caserma Ederle
Registering Your Pet

Phew, you got your pet to Vicenza!  But you’re not quite done yet.  You’re still required to register your pet with the military veterinarian within 10 days of arrival.  The Vicenza veterinary treatment facility is on a small satellite base on the opposite side of town, so you’re probably going to need a ride.  We can help!  Luckily, you don’t need to bring your pets to register them, only their documents (including proof of current vaccinations).

Since it’s much easier for us to transport one person than a combination of people and crates and pets, we don’t need as much warning to help out with this kind of thing.  Let us know if you need help we can coordinate a ride for you.

Another part of registering your pets is getting them their Pet Passports.  Your pets will need these to cross borders out of Italy, including going back to the U.S.!  While it is not necessary to get it immediately, do NOT wait until you’re going back to the States.  They do not expire and out-processing can be a very hectic time, so you won’t want to have to do it at the last minute.  Please see our blog entry about the Pet Passport, where you can find instructions for getting one.

 

PCSing your pet into Italy….

First and foremost: be aware the responsibility for moving your pet is on you, the owner.  As soon as you know you may be stationed in Italy (or any other country overseas) start doing your research on what it will take to bring your pets with you.  Notify your local travel office that you will be traveling with pets.  Currently, the Department of Defense has very few programs and there are no federal entitlements for pet moving expenses.  Although at this time the military does not pay for your pets travel expenses, you can probably claim them on your taxes as an unreimbursed moving expense.

If you have large dogs, any exotic pets (an animal other than a cat or dog) or are going to an Island (Hawaii, Japan, Korea etc.) you will need to be prepared to do lots of additional research and need at least 6 months of preparation to get your pet there or they will be quarantined…PLAN AHEAD!  

The following sites will help you gather information:

US Dept. of State’s Pets and International Travel - http://www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/c10442.htm

USDA Preparation of Animals Traveling Internationally -http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/downloads/Preparation%20of%20Animals%20for%20International%20Travel%20FY%202012.pdf

Your local military travel agency can arrange or change your flights for you to fly on a pet friendly airline, but you the owner must make actual arrangements with the airlines to fly pets.  Local military travel agency will NOT arrange your pet’s flight accommodations.  Your local military travel agency can change your flight to other airlines within the same price range but if the flights you need are more expensive you will be required to pay the difference.  If your local military travel agency will not make your flight arrangements with a pet friendly airline take your issues up the chain of command or through the appropriate channels until you are able to resolve the issue.  Many local military travel agency offices are not aware of their ability to arrange pet friendly flights.

Italy does not allow the importation of pets without an IPATA approved pet shipper unless the pets are being brought in on military PCS orders.  It is very important that you notify the airlines and all other people you speak to about your pet’s move that your pets are indeed part of the exception for military PCS orders.  If you decide to use an IPATA professional pet shipper do your research, check references and be prepared to pay large amounts of money for the convenience.

All pets being brought into Italy, and Europe in general, must be over 3 months of age, have valid and current vaccinations and require a 15 digit EU compatible micro-chip.  The micro-chip most commonly used in the U.S. are 10-12 digit micro-chips and are not acceptable.  Your pet will need to have a 15 digit EU compatible micro-chip inserted.  Many vets do not carry these micro-chips.  Be prepared to order online and have your vet insert it for you.  Although you can choose to purchase a micro-chip scanner to fly here with your pet you will still have to have a 15 digit micro-chip inserted in order to obtain a pet passport and to move them back to the U.S.  If at all possible complete this step before you leave the U.S.  It is important that you are aware that inserting a new micro-chip invalidates all rabies vaccinations even if current or just vaccinated.  You must revaccinate for rabies after the 15 digit micro-chip is inserted and at least 21 days prior to flying. The pet cannot fly until 21 days have passed after their rabies vaccine.  You need an ORIGINAL rabies vaccination certificate signed in BLUE ink. No copies.  A stamped copy in blue ink will not work.  

Cats and dogs are required to have a valid up to date rabies vaccination that will not expire within 30 days of arrival, the 15 digit micro-chip, a bi-lingual international health certificate, USDA Form 7001, DD Form 2209 and depending on what state you are departing from there maybe additional requirements.  Be aware that there are multiple forms of the health certificate required!  All health certificates and forms must be filled out and signed within 10 days of travel.  If you have lay overs or stops in other countries be sure that you have bi-lingual health certificates for each additional country you are stopping in.  Also make sure that your pet is booked on all connecting flights.  Once you board your flight ask the pilot and flight attendants to double check that your pets are on board.  

Make sure you take into account that you will probably be traveling for more than 24 hours and health certificates must still be valid on the date you disembark.  Check with your local USDA office and the airline you are traveling on to be sure you have all the needed paperwork and that it is properly filled out and signed.  It is important to note that forms should not be filled out in black ink.  Certain authorities will not accept forms filled out with black ink for fear they are not originals.  It is best to insure blue ink is used on all forms.

When booking flights avoid stops in the UK as they have extremely strict rules and often quarantine animals.  The UK should be avoided if at all possible when traveling with pets with layovers or stops.  Be sure you know what each country you stop in requires for pet travel before you book your flights.

Italy does not have any specific dog breed restrictions however they do require that certain breeds be muzzled when in public.  All owners are required to carry a muzzle for each dog when in public.  

Each airline has different restrictions concerning crates, breeds, heat/cold embargos and fees.  They also each have different exceptions to these rules for military on PCS orders.  Research the airline website you are traveling on to find all applicable rules and exemptions that apply to you.  Print out the airline policy and keep it with you when you are dealing with airline representatives and traveling. Most airline personnel are not informed of the actual policy and military exemptions.  All airlines comply with the IPATA animal travel regulations but each airline can add additional requirements.  (http://www.ipata.org/)  

In general your pet’s crate must be large enough for them to stand completely straight with their head held as high as possible and still have at least 2-3 inches of clearance to the top of the crate.  Your pet must be able to sit, lie down and turn around without restrictions.  Plastic airline approved crates are most commonly used but you will need to replace the standard plastic fasteners with metal bolts.  If your pet it too large to fit in a standard plastic airline approved crate they can be modified or custom crates can be built to accommodate your pet.  You are required to provide a container for water and food along with a way for airline personnel to provide water without opening the crate.  Generally this can be a simple funnel attached to the door.  A bag of food, collar, leash and paperwork should be taped to the top of the crate.  Crates must be labeled with “Live Animal” stickers.  If your pet is considered a dangerous/aggressive or snub-nosed breed there will be more requirements for flying them.  Be sure you do your research on specific breeds and the requirements of flying them with the specific airline you are flying the pet on.  

If you are moving in the high heat of summer or extreme cold of winter there will be more issues in moving your pets as all airlines are required to limit movement of live animal in extreme heat or cold.  You must check with your airline to determine their policies and any exceptions for military PCS moves.

It is our understanding that Space A does take a very limited number of cats and dogs but only on PCS orders.  The requirements are the same as other airlines but there is a weight limit of 150 lbs. total combined weight of the animal and crate.  Double check with your Space A point of departure for more information and availability.

If you have very large dogs or any exotic pet be prepared to do lots of additional research and plan the move more the 6 months in advance.  Check with the US Fish and Wildlife Services for additional export requirements.  The time required to arrange to move exotic pets or birds can be extensive.  Plan to start preparations no later than 6 months before you move.

When you arrive in Italy there is only one shuttle bus available from Venice Marco Polo airport.  This shuttle only allows pets that are small enough to fit inside their crates on the bus seat or in between seats on the floor.  There is no official method of pick up or help to move larger animals or from other airports.  Check with your sponsor or Vicenza ACS for possible options.  If you are arriving at any other airport or with an animal larger than a cat or small dog you will need to make arrangements to transport your pet from the airport to your hotel.  Your sponsor should be able to help or at least put you in touch with PCS Pet Project of Italy to help arrange transportation.

Currently, the Department of Defense will not reimburse you for pet moving expenses.  Don’t forget that all expenses related to moving your pets are probably a tax deductible unreimbursed moving expense.  Keep careful track of all expenses and keep receipts related to this long and difficult process to get the most out of your tax deduction.

 
PCSing your pet out of Italy….

Currently, the military does not pay for your pets travel expenses, but you should be able to claim them on your taxes as a moving expense.

Your local military travel agency does NOT book your pet on a flight!  All they do is give you a pet friendly flight if possible and only if you ask.  It is YOUR responsibility to contact the airline and make arrangements for your animals.  Your local military travel agency will NOT do it for you.

From Europe, Lufthansa and KLM are currently the most pet friendly carriers and have the least restrictions.  If at all possible, get your flight with them.

If you have large dogs, any exotic pets (an animal other than a cat or dog) or are going to an Island (Hawaii, Japan, Korea etc.) you will need to be prepared to do lots of additional research and need at least 6 months of prep to get your pet there or they will be quarantined…PLAN AHEAD!  

Animals must be at least 3 months old to travel. Please DO NOT buy a new pet right before you leave as you will not be able to PCS with them.

Your Rabies vaccine must be current and not within 30 days of expiring.  If you do need to re-vaccinate, it needs to be done at least 21 days before you fly.

Your pet must have the 15 digit International microchip.  If your chip is less than 15 digits or contains letters, it is no longer valid and must be replaced.  A new rabies vaccine must be given when a new chip is placed, even if the rabies vaccine is current.  The 21 day rule applies so do not wait until the last minute to check to see if your chip/vaccine are valid.

You must have a pet passport to leave the EU.  The military vet clinic in Longare, Italy has the documents you need and can explain the process to you.  This is not a long process and can be accomplished in one day if you start early enough. Your pet must be up to date on vaccines to get a passport.

You will need to bring your pet to the vet for a Health Certificate exam within 10 days of your flight. This is something that requires an appointment.  If the clinic is unable to get you in, the local vets can issue the certificates as well, but that will cost you more.  We advise you plan for your vet appointment well ahead of your move.

PCS orders DO NOT override the weather embargos or breed restrictions!  If it is going to be 85 degrees or higher at any port during your trip your pet will likely be denied by the airlines.  There are also cold weather restrictions for those traveling in the winter.  Stay in touch with your airline so there are no last minute surprises on PCS day.

Dangerous, aggressive and “Bully” breeds are required by most airlines to have special custom made crates.  They take a few weeks to make and cost a few hundred Euro so be prepared!

Snub nosed pets are not allowed on most airlines due to their breathing difficulties.  Check with your airline about breed restrictions. Be prepared to ship these breeds cargo with the help of a professional pet shipper at considerably higher costs.  

It is our understanding that Space A does take a very limited number of cats and dogs but only on PCS orders.  The requirements are the same but there is a weight limit of 150 lbs. total combined weight of animal and crate.  Double check with your Space A point of departure for more information and availability.

Don’t forget that all expenses related to moving your pets may be a tax deductible unreimbursed moving expense.  Keep careful track of all expenses and keep receipts related to this long and difficult process to get the most out of your tax deduction.

 

This document was written and prepared by LeeAnn M. Farris with the express purpose of helping families move their pets to or from Italy. This document contains information about moving pets to and from Italy based on personal experience and interviews.  The information is not legal, financial, accounting, tax or military advice, and should not be treated as such.  You should not rely on the information in this document as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, accounting, military or other advice from an appropriately qualified professional.  If you have any specific questions about any legal, financial, tax, accounting, military or other matter you should consult an appropriately qualified professional.