No matter where in the world our military personnel befriend and rescue their companions, getting each Patriot Pet home safely and responsibly requires extensive logistical coordination and planning. Every joyful Patriot Pets reunion is the result of weeks, and sometimes months, of hard work by SPCA International team members across the globe, with the safety and comfort of each animal our top priority at every step of the journey.
New CDC Regulations:
Since its inception, SPCA International’s Patriot Pets program has operated in full compliance with all government export and import regulations governing animal transport. Adherence to these rules is essential as a matter of public health, and we prioritize safety and responsibility above all. Under current CDC requirements, all dogs entering the United States after August 1, 2024, must be at least six months of age, appear healthy, and have an ISO-compatible microchip implanted before any required rabies vaccination. For dogs arriving from any of the 111 countries classified as high-risk for rabies, a Rabies Serology Titer from a CDC-approved laboratory is required. A veterinarian must draw the blood sample for the titer at least 30 days after the dog’s first valid rabies vaccination and at least 28 days before entry into the United States. Failure to comply with these regulations could impact animal transport worldwide, particularly from high-risk rabies countries.
Once you submit your Patriot Pets application, the road to welcoming your rescue companion home looks like this:
1. We’ll review your application to confirm that your animal meets our program requirements and notify you of our decision within 5-7 days. If we have any questions, we’ll reach out to you via your preferred method of communication.
2. Once we’ve accepted your application, we will begin coordinating the pickup and transport of your animal to our nearest partner kennel, where they will be safely housed and cared for while we arrange their transport.
3. At this stage, we will also begin coordinating any vaccinations and tests that may be required to import your animal into the United States. For up-to-date information on health requirements for animals arriving from overseas, click here.
4. When your animal arrives at our partner kennel, they will be examined by a local veterinarian and treated for any health concerns that may be noted. Your animal will be spayed or neutered while in our care whenever possible. Your Patriot Pets POC will keep you fully informed throughout this process.
5. We’ll then place your animal in the queue for departure based on the order of their arrival at our partner kennel. Important for Dog Owners: When coming from a high-risk country, CDC regulations require extensive precautions to ensure your Patriot Pet is rabies-free. This process can take three to five months. Your Patriot Pets POC will keep you updated as to your pet’s progress.
6. As your pet nears the top of the departure queue, we’ll start booking their international transport. Depending on location, route, time of year, and other factors, your Patriot Pet may fly with a flight volunteer or as cargo. However they fly, you can rest assured that SPCA International’s unparalleled experience in international pet transport will ensure they are kept safe and comfortable for the duration of their journey.
7. Your Patriot Pets POC will be in touch to determine your preferred delivery destination and, if you’re not yet home Stateside, the name and contact information for the person you wish to receive your pet upon arrival. Our team will then work with you to coordinate delivery of your pet, either to the home address of your specified delivery contact or to the nearest airport for pickup.
8. Most Patriot Pets animals fly first to New York’s JFK Airport, where they spend at least one night at the ARK pet reception facility. Here, they are examined by stateside veterinarians, and dogs are given rabies boosters before they are officially cleared for import.
9. Depending on routing, weather, and the size and species of your animal, their journey from their arrival airport may continue with a domestic flight or by ground transport through one of SPCA International’s trusted transportation partners. Our team will keep you fully informed as your pet clears customs and hits the road, and we’ll work with your schedule to ensure that delivery occurs within your availability.
10. Once your animal arrives home, we’ll follow up to ensure you’re both settling in comfortably to your new lives together. If you have any pictures of the happy reunion, feel free to share them! Our team is dedicated to ensuring every Patriot Pet gets home safely. We take great pride in seeing these remarkable animals finally enjoying the lives they deserve.
