Newcomers Site Map

  • Welcome
    • Welcome to Aviano
    • Important tips before you arrive
    • Jump Start
    • Right Start
    • You and your sponsors role
    • Community involvement
    • No-fee passports
    • Visas
    • Child care
    • Children's education
    • School Liaison Office
    • School Information
    • Spouse Employment
    • Key Spouse Connection
    • Contact information
    • Housing options
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Base history
    • Wing mission
    • Installation information
    • Shipping your pet
    • Shipping cost
    • Frequently asked questions
    • AFI driver's license
    • International driver's license
    • Insurance
    • Benefits
    • Urgent care
    • Clinic list
    • Tricare information
    • Shipping weapons
    • Internet and cell phones


Shipping your pet to Aviano Air Base
Many Aviano Air Base families bring pets. However, shipping pets to Italy requires preparation months in advance, and can cost money out‐of‐pocket, so advance planning is important. All pet shipping expenses are paid by the member (not the government).

There are some pet slots available on the weekly Patriot Express charter flight from Baltimore to Aviano, but they are filled quickly so talk to your TMO representative about securing reservations as soon as possible. Some weight/size restrictions apply.

If you are flying commercial, ensure you understand all of the airline's fees and restrictions. Shipping a pet on a commercial airline is generally more expensive than the Patriot Express and is often subject to more restrictions (excluded travel dates due to heat/cold, etc.) Do not delay in preparing to bring your four‐legged family member with you.

Also, Aviano has 24 "Pet‐Friendly" Temporary Lodging rooms so make your reservations with Lodging as soon as possible. Finally, you'll need to register your pet with the base veterinarian within 30 days of arrival. If you have pet questions, talk to your sponsor, key spouse, and/or the Aviano AB Veterinarian Office (DSN 314‐632‐8485).

Additionally, a dog park is located on base near lodging, where pets can play and mingle with other four‐legged friends.


 
Pet shipping cost and restrictions

  • All cost for shipping your pet to Italy are at the member's expense, and will not be reimbursed
  • Cost for shipping on AMC military or commercially contracted aircraft is based on the size of the pet and carrier the pet is getting transported in ($100+ per pet)
  • A pet inspection fee is required for those transiting through Germany on their way to Aviano (payable by credit card only)
  • Ramstein Terminal Fee - 55 euro per EU Health Certificate up to 3 animals
  • Frankfurt International Airport Fee - 55 euro per EU Health Certificate
  • Only 35 euro if owner can prove on same flight as pet
  • Additional 18 euro charge if animal is unaccompanied via consignment or commercial transport
  • Fees increase by 50% on weekends
  • DoD regulations limit pet shipments to passengers in PCS status only. Pets (Dogs and Cats) can fly on
  • AMC Patriot Express and you should be sure to request it on your Port Call Request (talk with your local Transportation Office on base for details)
  • Traveling with more than two pets will require special coordination with the local transportation office to request additional space under AMC's Space Available Pet Program
  • Ferrets are not accepted as pets for movement on AMC military or commercially contracted aircraft - they will have to fly via commercial airline
  • If space is not available, pets will have to fly commercial air also at the member's expense -cost will be much higher than on AMC flights
  • If flying pets via commercial air, contact the carrier early to ensure there are no pet flight restrictions due to time of year
  • Commercial airlines can restrict pet travel in their cargo hold areas due to temperature (Extreme hot/cold temperatures - usually based on time of year)


Frequently asked questions

Who can I contact if I have any question about traveling with my pets to Italy?

Please contact the Aviano AB Veterinary Treatment Facility at Commercial 043-430-8485 (Italy Country Code "39" when dialing from outside of Italy) or at DSN 632‐8485.
My pet got their rabies vaccination after the microchip was implanted, but the microchip is not ISO compatible - do I need to get another microchip and/or rabies vaccination?

No, but there are two options:

  • Option 1 - you travel with the non‐ISO compatible chip and carry with you a wand (can be rented from the microchip companies) that is capable of reading the non‐ISO compatible chip
  • Option 2‐ you get the new ISO compatible chip implanted and ensure that both chip dates are reflected on the required forms, as long as the rabies vaccination occurred after the first chip was implanted and will remain valid past your arrival date into Italy a second rabies vaccination will not be required
I am not sure if my paperwork is correct to travel. What can I do to be sure?
There are three options to verify your paperwork depending on how you are traveling:

  • Option 1 - if flying via AMC (military Air) contact your local TMO office for any questions BWI AMC personnel will pre‐screen your paperwork if contacted (Through local TMO office)
  • Option 2 - If flying commercial, contact your carrier for any questions or concerns
  • Option 3 ‐ Contact your local Army Vet or USDA Vet for any questions or concerns

How much of the shipping cost for my pet does the military cover?
The military does not cover any cost for shipping pets, it is the member's responsibility.

How many days in advance do I need to start working to get my pets ready to travel?
As soon as you get notified of your assignment regardless of whether or not you have orders in hand.

  • Rabies vaccination following microchip - must occur at least 21 days before you fly out for your PCS (this is a hard and fast rule)
  • Rabies vaccination must be valid past the date you arrive in Italy
  • EU Non‐Commercial Pet Form - valid for 10 Days once issued with valid sgnatures
  • APHIS form 7001 (If Done) - valid for 30 days once issued with valid signatures
  • Some airlines when flying commercial have other restrictions so contact the airlines in advance to ensure their restrictions are also met
What information do I need to carry with me in regards to my pet when traveling?
You should keep the following documents with you at all times while traveling with a pet:

  • EU Non‐Commercial Pet Form (Signed/certified by a USDA Veterinarian, Army Veterenarian or GS 0701 Veterinarian)
  • Rabies Vaccination Certificate (Signed/dated by the issuing veterinarian)
  • Copies of your pet's health record
  • Optional: USDA APHIS Form 7001 (Signed/certified by a USDA Veterinarian,