Fort Bragg ITO - Pet Shipment Guidelines

The DOD has determined pet shipment will be limited to passengers in a permanent change of station (PCS) status only. You are limited to a maximum of two pets per family, weighing no more than 150 pounds each including carrier. Pets are defined as DOGS and CATS only. Pet space is limited on all flights, therefore reservations will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Rules for processing pets at the airport:

Be at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. Passengers on AMC flights may check-in up to 8 hours prior to departure, but retain custody of pet until 45 minutes prior to boarding.
Have a leash with you so that you may exercise your pet prior to check-in and after arrival.
All pets must remain in their container while in the terminal area.
For safety reasons keep your pet a safe distance from other passengers.
Mark your kennel with your pet’s name and include your name and local or unit address and phone number. Please purchase an I.D. tag for your pet.

ALL PET EXPENSES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER. You are responsible for obtaining all required documentation, immunization, and border clearance requirements. Be prepared to defray any associated costs. You must have a DD Form 2208, Rabies Vaccination Certificate (or civilian equivalent), and a DD Form 2209 ,Veterinary Health Certificate. The rabies certificate has to be 30 days old but less than 1 year. The health certificate can be no more than 10 days old prior to the flight.

Pet containers must be an approved International Air transport Association container. Containers are available at most Exchange/Retail stores and in limited quantities at commercial airports. The cage must be large enough for the animal to stand up with head erect, 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. Purchase the cage several days prior to flight to allow your pet time to become adjusted to it. Normally pets will be individually caged; however, two small animals of comparable size up to 31 pounds each that are used to cohabitation may be shipped in the same container as long as they can also stand up, turn around, and lie down with normal posture. Dogs and cats may not be placed in the same container. No collapsible or soft-shell cages will be accepted.

Pets should be fed very lightly and provided a drink of water before turn in for shipment. Some animals with snub noses may experience difficulty while flying. Please ensure your container has adequate ventilation and your pet is free of respiratory problems. If at all possible, do not ship female pets that are in heat (ESTRUSS). This condition causes great distress to other pets and may result in injury. Females with suckling young and unweaned animals cannot be accepted. Weaned puppies younger than 8 weeks old should not be shipped due to possible dehydration. A familiar article or toy in the cage may help placate the animal.

Sedation is not advised since the effects of tranquilizers on animals at high altitudes are unpredictable. The decision to prescribe a tranquilizer for your pet should be made by your veterinarian. If you believe some form of sedation might be helpful, be sure to obtain and follow expert advice.

Pets on AMC flights will be shipped in the cargo area of the plane. A pet that can be shipped in a kennel no larger than 20”L X 16” W X 8”H may go in the passenger compartment, if pet space is available.

German law PROHIBITS shipment of the following dog species and crossbreeds; the Pit Bull, the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier Breeds.

You are now entitled to reimbursement of some of your quarantine fees if the country you are going to requires your pet to be quarantined.