As military families stationed in Europe prepare for their permanent change of station (PCS) moves back to the United States, they are facing a new challenge when it comes to transporting their beloved pets. Lufthansa, a major airline used by many military families to transport their dogs, has announced that they will no longer be accepting most dogs starting August 1st. This decision comes in response to a new U.S. rule that requires airlines to verify canine health records before allowing them to fly.
The new rule, issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in May, states that any dog imported to the U.S. after August 1st must be at least six months old, healthy, microchipped, and have proof of rabies vaccination and serologic test results from a CDC-approved laboratory. The primary focus of this rule is to prevent the reintroduction of canine rabies, which was eradicated in the U.S. in 2007.
This decision by Lufthansa has caused concern and confusion among military families who rely on the airline to transport their pets during the hot summer months when temperature-controlled cargo areas are essential. Service members are now left scrambling to find alternative ways to transport their furry family members back to the U.S.
Service dogs, however, will still be accepted by Lufthansa as required by U.S. law. This exemption provides some relief for military families who have service animals that need to accompany them on their PCS moves. It is important to note that service members are eligible to receive up to $2,000 for one cat or dog in reimbursable expenses for PCS moves to or from the continental U.S. and $550 on domestic flights.
In response to the new regulations and the Lufthansa embargo, organizations like Leave No Paws Behind USA are calling on Congress to exempt military families from the new CDC rules and to increase vaccination facilities. The unintended consequences of these regulations are already causing distress and hardship for military families who are trying to navigate the complexities of moving their pets back to the U.S.
As military families search for alternative ways to transport their pets, air freight carriers that specialize in animal transport, such as Lufthansa Cargo, are being recommended. These carriers have the expertise and resources to ensure the safe and comfortable transport of pets during PCS moves.
While the U.S. Transportation Command has no plans to alter schedules or increase in-cabin pet spaces on Patriot Express flights to the U.S., they have stated that they will engage with commercial partners to increase capacity if necessary. It is clear that military families are facing challenges and uncertainties when it comes to transporting their pets during their PCS moves, and it is crucial that they have access to reliable and affordable options to ensure the well-being of their furry companions.
