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Post by Sherry on Jan 24, 2011 22:19:54 GMT -5
Excerpts from both justahannah, from a military wife's POV, and hurricanekatt's POV as a military brat. If anyone else has anything pertinent to add, please feel free. We have so many of our members(and/or family members) in the military, we need to know exactly what this may entail.
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Post by shilohismygirl on Jan 31, 2011 10:38:47 GMT -5
Oh, I had better update what we know. Hubby got a great score on his asvab, and because of this, when he chooses his job in the Navy, he will be able to pick either east coast or west coast orders. As much as I love the west, if living in the east is the way to keep the furbrats safe, then that's what we'll do. Katt, I know that being a military kid is hard, and being a military pet even harder. However, it's been hubby's dream to go in and get a job in intelligence for a long time-the job has come up, and he wants to do it, and I can't stop him from his dream, at least not in good conscious. Also, we are exceptionally poor at the moment and this would really help us out. We are at a crossroads, really-take this opportunity or spend many more years in a place we don't want to be, poor because the job market really sucks struggling to launch our careers. . We have to do it. The good news is most likely, his training would be in florida, which would be amazing. I believe that I get to go with him to that, but I may be wrong- I'll have to ask.
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Post by Sherry on Jan 31, 2011 11:24:50 GMT -5
Congrats to you both! And please understand- you do what you have to do. The purpose of this thread is to help those who may not realize exactly what they CAN do to keep their pets.
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Post by shilohismygirl on Jan 31, 2011 18:20:12 GMT -5
For sure-I'll keep this updated, so that people can see my experiences with it. Any advice is appreciated!!!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2011 19:15:31 GMT -5
Aw, congrats! Wishing you all the best of luck! Maybe I'll see you here in FL!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2011 2:54:48 GMT -5
My experiences (copied from the old thread): My husband's in the Army...honestly, we never looked at on-base housing even before we got the pets. His commute would have been way shorter but he didn't want to live right where he worked, and I wanted to be closer to my college/didn't want to fraternize with other military wives all the time (some people consider that a perk, they can be a good support group during deployments but I like my space).
The housing allowance is adjusted for the area you'll be living in, so it's sure to be reasonable, and if you start scoping out pet-friendly rentals the moment you hear a rumour you'll be going somewhere specific, that will help...sometimes they'll thingy you around for a while before a move and then keep you in the same spot anyway, and sometimes you get very short notice and it really happens. Keep a savings account going just for 1st/last months rent and a pet deposit so you don't have to settle for a cheaper place where they won't allow your ferts...it always breaks my heart to see all the ads here with Ft. Lewis deployments that have to find homes or their furkids because they didn't have a backup plan ready.
We got the ferts after his basic training/AIT, but he was deployed to Iraq for a year...similar to you, I'm the primary care giver but they love on him just as much. The first couple weeks they'd search for him (and his boots!), but they definitely got extra love from me...without Jeremiah home, I had a lot more to give and I needed the comfort too. Even after a year they still remembered him though...we got home from the airport and they were on him like he'd been doused in ferretone and Mokkun would NOT let him out of his sight for weeks.
One thing I would recommend is NOT getting new fuzz while he's gone. It's like pudding...it can't fill the emptiness inside, but it'll help . Until you get a 3am call from Iraq, mention you couldn't resist a sweet little face, and it turns into a fight because he likes to be involved in the pet decisions too. When he left we had 2, and he came back to 4. Tadakichi (#3) was the one I couldn't resist, Ovana (#4 and my adrenal girl) I emailed him pictures of and let him be a bleeding heart with me, but sometimes I think there's still a little resentment about being left out, and he let me know four was too many...he agreed to Ovana because her situation called for it, but her bathroom habits were never great and her lupron was pretty spendy and I think he would have rather us taken her to the nice no-kill shelter near us where she might have been fostered...but once I get involved with an animal, I have a hard time letting go.
Fortunately (for me) I haven't had to worry about travel...I have a pre-existing medical condition so one of Jeremiah's stipulations before signing on was that I would be permanently posted at Fort Lewis since it's the base nearest our families (at 4 hours), and they wanted him bad enough (really great ASVAB scores and Secret clearance clean background), they agreed to it. Granted, they can still ship him out, but this is where he always returns. I hold down the fort and go to school here. I agree with the others on getting the kids used to travel though, even short trips...I keep a bunch of fleece in the cat carrier and leave it open all the time so they use it like a sleeping den, and a few times a week I'll take them out to the park in it. It's to the point if they hear my keys, they run for the carrier and wait for me to take them out .
With the medical excuse stuff, they won't do it if you don't have documentation. I had a history with my issue before and a couple years treatment before he joined, so we were able to get a medical waiver stating it's necessary for me to be near family in case it flares up while he's deployed. It's been a few years (and wasn't so applicable to us), but if I remember right they'll let you pick your top three stations and do try to stick with that list...but if he's really needed somewhere else, it isn't guaranteed.
Another big thing is recruiters are there to sell the service to you and are notorious for promising things they can't really give you...they're nice enough, but doing their job. Make sure absolutely everything is in writing so if you have to fight for it later, you have something to back it up. This holds true through your service time too...get a copy of everything because it's very easy for promises to be forgotten with the sheer numbers of people in the forces. Even if you husband qualifies for a certain MOS and they promise him that job, if it turns out he's needed elsewhere they can make him do that....they always say you're a soldier first, your MOS second. Also, if they promise him a job but his background check shows up something negative, they can drop him down to something less secure that he didn't agree to do. That's how my dad ended up doing ship maintenance instead of satellite communications back in the 70's.
It's also important to know your ferret-free zones (such as CA) and to see what can be done to keep you out of those area, but also have a back up plan in case you do end up going somewhere you can't take them, such as a friend or family member that can foster in the long term. We've also had to deal with separate households...I stayed here while my husband went through Basic and AIT...it didnt make sense to uproot my schooling and living situation for 6 months in one state, another 6 in another, only then to get our final post..he stayed in the barracks through training, and when everything was finished we moved simultaneously to our new home. To supplement my experience, I've been searching for military literature with pet information but haven't had much luck other than this excerpt from www.armytimes.com/. I think it's really strange that they don't have a set of guidelines to help service members transition their pets...but I'll keep searching for more info. : Pets
Stateside. Service members must move pets at their own expense, although the cost is tax deductible.
Most states have laws governing the entry of animals. Most require up-to-date rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats and interstate health certificates for dogs and horses. Some states inspect all animals crossing state lines.
Overseas. For a fee, the Air Force’s Air Mobility Command allows service members on a permanent change-of-station move between the U.S. and a foreign country to transport up to two dogs and/or cats in the cargo compartment of military aircraft. Waivers are required to transport more than two pets.
Pet(s) and carrier(s) must not weigh more than 99 pounds; otherwise, private shipping arrangements must be made. Pet carriers must be approved by the International Air Transport Association.
Pets and carriers weighing less than 70 pounds will be charged as one piece; those weighing 71 to 99 pounds (or 100 pounds or more on a return trip to the U.S.) will be charged as two pieces. Fees depend on the distance traveled and the animal’s weight. See your local transportation office for details on routes, charges and other limits.
Confirm your reservation as far in advance as possible. You must present a rabies vaccination certificate (DD Form 2208) or its civilian equivalent, or a veterinary health certificate (DD Form 2209) at your transportation office. It is your responsibility to meet all documentation, immunization and other requirements of the destination country.
There are three ways to ship a pet on commercial airlines:
•In the baggage compartment. An excess baggage rate may be charged, even if you have no other luggage.
•In the passenger cabin. This is for very small pets, if airline policy permits and the pet is in a secure carrier that can be tucked under a seat.
•As freight in a cargo plane. Cargo holds on these planes do not always have heat and air conditioning, so this method is the riskiest for your pet. Check with the airline before agreeing to this type of shipment.
Some airlines restrict carrying pets during extremely hot or cold months, which could endanger the animals. Some have tracking systems so you know where your pet is at all times.
Another option is to use pet shipping companies. Pet Air, for example, is a German company that will take care of all flight arrangements with same-day arrivals, boarding service and daily flights to more than 200 U.S. airports and most Canadian airports. There is pickup service throughout Germany.
Other pet-shipping companies can help you determine what shots and paperwork your pet needs before entering the host country, as well as boarding options for your pet.
Contact: Pet Air (Germany), Animal Port Houston animal transit station, Jet-a-Pet pet relocation, www.jet-a-pet.com.
Quarantine. Pet arrangements can be complicated for service members transferring overseas. The earlier you start the process, the more likely you can avoid pet quarantine.
Many nations have quarantines of from two weeks to six months. For specific information, see DoD Foreign Clearance Guide (DoD 4500.54-G).
Hawaii recently began its 5-Day-or-Less Program, in which owners can reduce the number of days a pet spends in quarantine by following procedures on a checklist. If the pet meets all the requirements, it may be released directly, or after five days, to the owner. If the requirements aren’t met, the pet may be quarantined for up to 120 days.
Japan has become stricter about pet importation. Pet owners must now follow a strict regimen for their pets that includes getting a microchip, two rabies vaccinations and blood tests for rabies antibodies after 180 days.
Base transportation offices, U.S. Embassies and Humane Society offices also have information on foreign nations’ pet entrance requirements. Check the Defense Department’s MilitaryHomefront site for information on specific pet restrictions at any installation.
The Defense Department will pay up to $550 to help defray costs of quarantining pets.
Contact: Hawaii’s Agricultural Gateway, (808) 483-7151; Japan District Veterinary Command, www.usarj.army.mil/organization/vet/import_d.htm; www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil.
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Post by katt on Feb 1, 2011 7:02:42 GMT -5
I will be back to add my input later
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2011 21:38:28 GMT -5
What about pets that weigh 1000 pounds?
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Post by shilohismygirl on Sept 2, 2011 9:45:44 GMT -5
Hey, all. Hubby went into Basic Training yesterday so I am officially a navy wife. In any case, I'll be making updates periodically as it pertains to the ferrets. A few issues that we've come across are: moving them with us across country once so I'd be with my family and being separated from their papa. I already posted about those issues in a different thread, but they are issues that will be ongoing issues throughout my husband's military career, as long as he chooses to stay. Anyway, if anyone wants some details for this thread on that stuff, just say so. I am learning as I go, and as issues crop up, I'll be posting.
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Post by Sherry on Sept 2, 2011 13:41:06 GMT -5
Thanks Shiloh! The more info we have, the better.
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Post by kikimama on Sept 28, 2011 9:09:01 GMT -5
Our family is an ARMY family, and we have been posted twice with our Kiki. He has done well both times. The first time was a 5500km drive frorm Quebec and Ontario to Alberta and then the second move was within Alberta and for a 4 hour drive. With Kiki we have 4 Shelties and when we move we drive to where we are posted too. All five are in our Yukon with us. Everyone has their own travel crate and their own spot in the trailer too! This is the first time in 6 yrs that we have been in military housing for the market were we live is way way to high, do to the Oil rigs are very close and we dont want to stay in this area. We are only here for four years so with the sale of our last house we have saved it and will be building when my hubby gets out. He's been in for 23yrs this Jan. He will have 27 yrs in when we are posted and 30yrs of serves when he hangs up his uniform. He has asked for a run for the dogs and a room for ferrets. He really does like Kiki. We joke that when the house is done we will have a seven bedroom house lol. (We have 10 children too, ages from 18months to 24yrs) Yes I am still sane I think lol. Kiki gets lots of love and play time. The 6 children at home love their Kiki and his coolness hasnt worn off yet. With some any people to love Kiki I havent seen him change or be different when my hubby is gone, I do see that my hubby misses his cuddle time though. He has his time with Kiki when the kids have went to bed and they play on the floor or Kiki sleeps in his hoody hood while my hubby is playing on his computer. Other areas fo military life is that when the kids are at school they talk about him and we have lots of children come to see him. Some come to see if its true we have one and the rest thick its cool that he's here. Most moms can't believe there's no smell or big mess in having a ferret in the house. Kiki has been the first show and tell of the year for my children. At a new school that makes for a big for my children to open up and make new friends. Even the teachers love Kiki.
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Post by Sherry on Sept 28, 2011 10:22:49 GMT -5
I'm so glad your pets have presented no problems to being in the PMQ's! I know when those were open in Calgary, people living there weren't allowed pets
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Post by kikimama on Sept 28, 2011 17:20:10 GMT -5
The PMQ's are now called RHU residential housing Unit and they are now run by a civial group called CFHA Canadian Forces Housing butt. and they dont rule on how many pets you have it what the city bylaws are. I have never had an issue with housing. My house is clean my yard kept nice and until I was holding him they didnt even know he was here. So many people have said that it doesnt smell like I have a ferret. I dont get it. I guess I clean to much lol.
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Post by Sherry on Sept 28, 2011 18:26:26 GMT -5
Oh, I'm so glad they've changed all that! Makes life so much easier for everyone involved
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2011 15:55:04 GMT -5
What about pets that weigh 1000 pounds? Oh ya, I had that question answered by my aunt. She had a horse, but i belive after joining the air force or something she had to move some whear with very little yard. A 1000 pound pet, requires wiiiiiide open space, so you would likely have to give it him/her to someone capable with enough room.
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