Logistics

SPCA International wants to ensure the safe travel and humane care of the animals that embark on their life-changing journey to the U.S. as part of Patriot Pets (formerly known as Operation Baghdad Pups: Worldwide). The logistics required to rescue the mascots and companion animals of U.S. military personnel deployed overseas involve the extensive and diligent coordination of our resources and expertise. Your generous contributions will help SPCA International bring the dogs and cats of our brave service members to a safe, happy, forever home in the U.S.

Current CDC regulations require that one of the following routes of import be followed:

1) Import with an approved CDC permit allows arrival into 18 different ports listed on the CDC website. A veterinary exam and rabies vaccination upon arrival is not required; however, a rabies vaccination is required soon after but not immediately after arrival.

2) Rabies Titer Test from an approved lab accompanied by a waiting period of  45
  days before arrival, import through 1 of 4 approved ports of entry (LAX, JFK, ATL, MIA) where a veterinary exam and a rabies vaccination booster are required; an advanced appointment is required before travel is planned.

3) Import without a rabies titer test or permit requires a reservation with one of the 4 ports of entry (LAX, JFK, ATL, MIA) for a veterinary exam, rabies vaccination, and mandatory 28-day quarantine at an approved facility at the owner’s expense.

SPCA International encourages all service members applying for assistance through Patriot Pets to apply for a CDC import permit upon admittance to the program. All dogs imported by SPCA International without approved CDC permits can only be imported once they have an approved rabies titer test. Please keep this in mind while reviewing the below logistics.

In coordination with the service member who wishes to bring a stray dog or cat home, the following steps are required to complete the clearance and transport process:

  1. Initial request submitted and reviewed.
  2. Application and detailed information about Patriot Pets is sent to the service member.
  3. The completed application must be returned within 30 days.
  4. SPCAI staff confirms the animal meets the program requirements.
  5. Coordination of required vaccinations begins. For dogs only: if the animal has not received a rabies vaccination at 3 months of age or older, an additional 30-day quarantine will be required.
  6. Communication with the applicant continues.
  7. Coordination of pick up and transport of animal(s) to partner kennels.
  8. Animals are examined by a local veterinarian and given additional required vaccinations and/or treatments.
  9. In order to continue our work, we require the applicant to be financially responsible for $900 per dog (up to 2) and $450 per cat (up to 2) made in two installments. (The average total cost per dog is $4500 for dogs and $2000 for cats).
  10. Animals are then placed in the queue for departure in the order of arrival at the local kennel. Timeline is dependent on vaccinations and the number of animals waiting to leave;  due to the new CDC regulations for dog importation to the US (on June 10, 2022), the timeline for bringing your dog home will be between three to five months from the day we receive your dog and vaccinate him for Rabies (subject to change due to possible new CDC regulations, in addition to flight availabilities, and other potential factors).
  11. International flights are coordinated and scheduled. Please note that flights do not depart daily. There are many restrictions that may impede the transport: aircraft size and availability, coordination with flight volunteers, kennel space on aircraft, heat restrictions, export ministry office closures, illness, vaccinations, costs and route.
  12. Coordination of international travel paperwork begins.
  13. Plans are finalized with the applicant.
  14. Delivery of animal(s) to the airport is arranged. 
  15. Animal departs. Depending on the route, this could take between 2 to 7 days to reach the U.S.
  16. Upon arrival, the animal is examined by a stateside veterinarian and boosted for rabies (dogs).
  17. Coordination of domestic cargo flight or ground transport with the family of the applicant is booked. THE CONSIGNEE MUST CONFIRM THE EMAIL BOOKING WITHIN 24 HOURS.
  18. Animal arrives HOME!
  19. Mission complete:
    • Applicant/family sends a confirmation to staff upon arrival of the animal(s)
    • Applicants must submit a review of their experience with Patriot Pets on Great Non-Profits and Google. This helps our program grow so we can continue to save more lives!

Your ongoing support helps not only to save the lives of these loyal animal companions but also to show our appreciation to our service men and women for the sacrifices they willingly make every day to protect our freedom.  Help continue the healing relationship that develops between our military and these very important pets – donate today!

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Your contributions help towards the safety of animals across the world, thank you!