<< Back to About Lajes / Newcomers
SHIPMENT - KENNEL RESERVATIONS - IMPORTATION REQ - REGISTRATION
Kennel T-587 click here for more info
COM: 011-351-295-573-855
DSN: 535-3855
email: atlanticpetkennel@lajes.af.mil 
Veterinary Clinic T-459 click here for more info
COM: 011-351-295-573-855
DSN: 535-3134
e-mail: 65MDG.VeterinaryClinic@lajes.af.mil
Shipment:
Shipment Guidelines: DOD regulations limit pet shipment to passengers in PCS status only. Pets are defined as dogs and cats only. You are limited to two pets per family, unless moving under the Space-Available Pet Program. On AMC flights: pets, including the container are authorized up to 150 lbs. Pets, including the container, weighing more than 150 lbs are NOT authorized on AMC missions.
Space-Available Pet Program: Fifteen calendar days prior to AMC flight departure, open pet spaces are available to travelers that already have two pet spaces booked. Contact your local transportation office to arrange the additional space(s). If there is extra space available for your pet(s), your transportation office will secure a reservation in the passenger/pet reservation system. A confirmation printout will be provided to you to present upon request as the authority to move more than two pets per family.
|
Pet shipping fees: (updated every fiscal year) Pets in AMC hold: There are no size restrictions on kennels in the baggage compartment (pets in AMC hold). There is a weight limit of 150 lbs. There is a kennel size |
  |
Pets in AMC cabin: Must be small enough to fit into a hard or soft carrier that is 20”Lx16”Wx8”H and will fit under the seat in front of you. Pets must be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. Animals of the same species, six months of age or younger, that are used to cohabitation and weigh less than 30.8 lbs each, may be shipped in one container. A dog and a cat will not be shipped together in the same container. Three in-cabin pet spaces per AMC flight are available on a first come-first serve basis.
Note: Contact the airline directly for pet information since each airline has their own restrictions and policies for shipping pets.
On commercial airlines: Contact the airline about policies regarding shipping pets as these may be different than AMC. Commercial airlines commonly will not allow pet shipments during seasonal hot/cold conditions. They also may have different restrictions regarding weight limits. These industry restrictions should be considered when making pet travel plans. It may be a good idea to contact the airport(s) you will be travelling through to check for any pet relief areas near the terminal. When booking your flight(s) with in-cabin dogs, keep in mind that longer layovers mean more time to get to relief areas and back.
When you request AMC airline reservations you must present to your local transportation office (TMO):
- DD Form 2208, Rabies Vaccination Certificate or civilian equivalent
- DD Form 2209 or civilian equivalent, Veterinary Health Certificate
Be aware that pet space is limited on all flights, so requests for reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Processing your pet is simple:
You must arrive at the AMC terminal location no later than 2 hours and 20 minutes prior to flight departure with the exception of Seattle IAP (SEATAC) where the required no later than show time is 3 hours 20 minutes.
Passengers on contract commercial flights (i.e., Patriot Express, Category B) may check in up to 6 hours prior to departure. However, due to limited pet storage space, you must retain custody of your pet until 45 minutes prior to boarding unless there is a suitable holding area available. All pets must remain in their container while in the terminal area.
Please remember you are responsible for obtaining all required documentation, immunizations, and border clearance requirements and should be prepared to defray any associated costs. Pet kennels (shipping containers) must be approved for air shipment and are available at most exchanges, retail stores, and commercial airports.
You are responsible for following all USDA and IATA regulations regarding the size and type of kennels utilized. The kennel must provide adequate ventilation by having holes on all four sides and be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down with normal posture and body movements. Pets will not be accepted in kennels that are too small. Additionally, for the safety of your pet, soft-sided or collapsible kennels will not be accepted in the hold.
Several layers of newspaper, shredded paper, or absorbent material should be placed in the bottom of the kennel. Do not use straw, hay, grass, sawdust, sand, or soil.
If ground time exceeds 2 hours, pets will be offloaded and owners provided the opportunity to visit their pets. When passengers are allowed to disembark from an aircraft due to flight delay, pet owners will also be provided the opportunity to visit their pets in order to walk them and provide water.
It is preferable to not ship pets that are in heat (estrus). Females with suckling young or unweaned animals will not be accepted. Weaned puppies younger than 8 weeks old should not be shipped due to possible dehydration.
Tips:
Kennel Reservations: Pets are not authorized in Lajes TLF and there are no local hotels that accept pets. If you need to board your pet in the Atlantic Island Kennel, you should do ASAP. See Kennel Page for more information. Your sponsor may assist you in making these reservations.
Feeding: Do not feed 12 hour prior to shipping. For water requirements, check with airlines. You may want to attach a pet water bottle to the inside of the carrier, with a bowl underneath, or freeze water in the bowl prior to shipment.
Carriers: Place a familiar article or a piece of your clothing in the carrier. If you have trouble getting your pet in the carrier, try backing the pet in. Allow your pet to get accustomed to the kennel a few weeks before departure so he/she will be more comfortable in the temporary home during flight. Use the kennel as a bed or feed the pet in the kennel. Mark the kennel with your pet's name and include your name, destination or unit address, and phone number if available. We also suggest you purchase an ID tag for your pet. Ensure your kennel has adequate ventilation (on four sides). Put a copy of your certificates in a zip lock bag and tape to top of the kennel.
Weigh your pet and carrier in advance. Check pet documentation in advance.
Supplies: Take supplies for your pet in your hand carried baggage.
For Dogs: A leash, bowls, food, treats, doggy bags (for cleaning up), zip lock plastic bags.
For Cats: A 'walking jacket' or kitty harness prevents cats from slipping out of a traditional collar, bowls, food, zip lock plastic bags, bags of kitty litter
Tranquilizers: Sedation is not advised since effects of tranquilizers on animals at high altitudes are unpredictable. Your veterinarian should decide whether or not to prescribe a tranquilizer for your pet. If you believe some form of sedation might be helpful, be sure to obtain expert medical advice.
Animals in Public Areas: Do not take your pet out of its kennel inside the airport. In keeping with airport regulations and as a courtesy to other passengers, you should let your pet out (leashed) only after you leave the terminal building or at any designated pet relief areas.
Pet Health: Have your pet evaluated by your personal veterinarian to be sure your pet is fit for air travel. Some breeds of dogs and cats have characteristics that make it difficult for them to fly, for example,pug-nosed breeds may have difficulty breathing.
Pet Stress: Keep strangers, especially children, at a distance if your pet seems to be nervous. Even the most gentle pet can be provoked into growling or snapping.
Pet Immigration Requirements: Contact your local transportation office and military vet clinic for specific immigration requirements for the country to which you are shipping your pet.
For additional information, contact one of the AMC commercial locations or your local Transportation Office /AMC Passenger Terminal. AMC Commercial Location Telephone Numbers Seattle Tacoma IAP (SEA) DSN 382-0555 Com (253)-982-0555, E-mail: eagle@mcchord.af.mil Fax: Commercial (253)982-6815 or DSN 382-6815 Baltimore
Washington IAP (BWI) DSN 243-6900 Com 410-918-6900 (877)-429-4262 Fax 410-918-6903 or DSN 243-6903 E-mail:
det1305aps@mcguire.af.mil HQ AMC/A4TP Passenger Policy Branch Phone: DSN 779-4593 COM'L (618) 229-4593
Kennel Reservations:
Please contact the kennel to make a reservation 45-60 days prior to arrival to make sure there is space for your animal. You can reach the kennel at COM: 011-351-295-573-855; DSN: 535-3855 or email atlanticpetkennel@lajes.af.mil. You can also find “Atlantic Island Kennel- 65th FSS” on Facebook.
Click here for more information about Kennel requirements.
Requirements from US to Portugal
Please see Dangerous Dog Breeds to view the laws regarding importing your canine. If your pet is on the Dangerous Dog Breeds list or is a mix with one of these breeds then you are required to have written approval from the 65 ABW/CC before shipment.
Download Portuguese pet requirements brochure.
A bilingual (Portuguese/English) international health certificate Form 998 is needed and it can be found here.
Fill out: Block I- "Owner/responsible person information”
Block II- "Description of the animal"
Block III- "Identification of animal (microchip or tattoo)"
Block IV- "Vaccination against Rabies"
Please note that the animal must receive a microchip BEFORE receiving the rabies vaccination so that the microchip number can be on the rabies certificate.
This form is valid for 4 months from date of signature or at the expiration of rabies vaccine, whichever comes first.
An APHIS 7001 form- you may find it here. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/pdf/APHIS7001.pdf
Both of these forms must be officially endorsed. There are two options.
If both of these forms are signed by a civilian Veterinarian, it will require a USDA stamp for entry to Portugal.
Here is a link to find your nearest USDA office. Prices of endorsement will vary by location. If the form is signed by a U.S. Army Veterinarian, it will not need the USDA stamp.
Some airlines may require a military DD 2209 health certificate; therefore it is recommended that you acquire this form 10 days prior to travel. You can obtain this form from your local base vet clinic or go to a civilian veterinarian for a health certificate.
The health certificate must cover the duration of your flight to Lajes and not expire until after you pass through Customs.
The Azores follows procedures set up by the Portuguese government. The Lajes Veterinary Treatment Facility does not have power over the requirements for moving a pet to Lajes. Since the Portuguese Consular frequently changes the requirements for entering the country, you should contact the Portuguese Embassy, Consular for current requirements at: The Portuguese Embassy, Consular Section 2310 Tracy Place, N.W. Washington, DC 20008 Phone: 202-332-3007.Portugal Embassy stateside telephone number is (202) 328-8610, hours are Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Go to www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco to help you find the Portuguese Embassy nearest to you.
There is no quarantine unless you fail to fulfill entry requirements. In general, a microchip or tatoo, rabies and the distemper vaccinations are required. The rabies vaccine can be a one or three year current vaccine. The FAVN Rabies Anti-boy test is not required at this time, although it could change. Check with the Portuguese Embassy for updates.
Importation of Dogs and Cats Not from CONUS: Follow the vaccination requirements above. Check with the Portuguese Embassy in the country of origin to determine if an import permit is required. In general, members of the European Union do not require this.
All animals arriving on the island must be registered with the veterinary clinic within 72 hours. A microchip identification system is available and mandatory. Dogs and cats are required to be immunized against rabies and distemper annually. A Veterinarian Treatment Facility Policy Form must also be completed during registration.Download animal registration form.
Click HERE for more information about the Veterinary Clinic.
Dangerous Dog Breeds
As of February 2012, the Brasilian Mastiff, Argentine Dogue, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, and other breeds listed on AFI32-6001_AFGM2 (dated 28 March 2011) are all considered dangerous breeds according to Portuguese law.
This list includes the mixes of these breeds. If a dog has ever bitten, attacked, or injured someone it is considered dangerous and is subject to these rules regardless of its breed. This does not apply to animals that are property of security forces, military, or police.
Fines for failure to license a dangerous breed can be up to 3,740 Euros.
A special license is required for dangerous breeds and dangerous dogs. It can be obtained in the Town Hall (Junta de Freguesia). The license must be renewed annually. To obtain a license, shot records and proof that the dog has been electronically identified through a microchip are required.
After the dog is registered, a permit to go into public is required. The requirements for such a permit are:
1. the registering individual must be at least 18 years old;
2. the individual must sign a responsibility document , where the animal characteristics and the accommodations are clear;
3. provide criminal background;
4. provide an insurance policy of at least €50.000, that can be obtained for about
25 -30 € per year.
This permit is annual, so, it has to be renewed yearly.
Whenever dangerous breeds are walked outside, the individual must always make sure he/she carries the license, the dog is muzzled, and the leash is not longer than one meter. If the animal injures someone, presents an aggressive behavior, or is difficult to control, it could be sterilized or put to sleep.
Registering through the local veterinary clinic is not sufficient to register a dangerous breed or dangerous dog.
Dangerous dog breeds are not allowed in base housing.
It is important to remember that off base, many landlords do not allow dangerous dog breeds due to insurance policy reasons. Your sponsor can be very helpful in contacting potential landlords ahead of time to find out their stance on dangerous dog breeds.
As of July 2011, the Atlantic Island Kennel is no longer to board or offer grooming services to dangerous dog breeds. If your pet is one of the breeds below or is a mix with any of the breeds below then you are required to have written approval from the 65 ABW/CC before shipment.
| Counter-order | Penalty (euros) | Supervisor entity |
| Dangerous animals or potencially dangerous | ||
| No licence for detaining | 500 to 3740 | City Hall |
| odgment without safety conditions | ||
| Walking the animals without conditions provided by law | ||
| No insurance | ||
| Animal's training for participating in fights in order to increase the animals aggressiveness | Veterinary General Directorade | |
| Failure to train or certified training record | ||
| No sterilization ordered by the Veterinary General Directorade | ||
<< Back to About Lajes / Newcomers
