DVIDS – News – Welcome Aboard Yokosuka: PAWS Offers Tips to Help PCSing Pet Owners

This is the second in our “PCSing with Pets” series. In this part, we talk to the volunteer staff at the facility’s non-profit animal shelter, Pets Are Worth Saving, to learn how to train animals to help manage their anxiety and minimize risks from stress and panic

YOKOSUKA, Japan – All personnel planning to bring their pets during a Permanent Change of Station, or PCS, must meet the Government of Japan’s importation laws before their pet is allowed to leave a military base here.

As discussed in the previous article, the process can take up to 180 days. Both the Animal Quarantine Service of the Government of Japan and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture have simplified the process into a series of less stressful events for those which plan ahead and coordinate with US Army Veterinary Readiness Activities – Japan and Yokosuka Veterinary Treatment Facility.

The health certification process is, legally, the only requirement to fulfill it. That said, pet owners also need to consider the pet’s mental health during a long overseas flight. Many airlines, including Patriot Express contracted by the Department of Defense, require all pets to be in appropriate crates and often in cargo areas.

Unlike government health certificate checklists, there is no uniform worksheet in place to address your pet’s crate training. This does not mean that preparation is not key to ensuring that your pet’s journey is as comfortable as possible.

Animals Worth Saving, or better known as PAWS, is a non-profit animal shelter authorized to operate within the gates of the Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. They are located near the rear of the facility almost directly across the street from the Yokosuka Navy Exchange Depot.
Haruka Ramdhun is the president of the organization and a professional dog trainer. She recommends all pet owners start crate training as soon as possible.

“The goal is to make your pet feel comfortable and relaxed in their crate for 12 hours,” Ramdhun said.

Ramdhun recommends starting well in advance of the planned travel date to help manage anxiety.

“First, make sure you have the right crate size,” Ramdhun said. “Many people just estimate and get one that is too big or too small. There is a lot of great information on how to get the correct size, or just ask your vet.”

With the crate of the appropriate size, “try to use treats to encourage your pet to decide to go into the crate on its own. At the same time, we recommend teaching it to stay in the crate. Maybe a treat to enter and a treat to stay for a while.Little by little, you will notice that your pet acts less nervous and learns that its crate is a quiet and safe environment.

To state the obvious to those who are already well aware, cats are more difficult to train in this way.

“One way you can try to help cats learn to feel safe in their crate is to take the top of the crate first,” Hannah Berge said. Berge is the PAWS vice president. “When they come in, reward them with something delicious. Many cat owners already know how their cat reacts. Maybe try using only the bottom of the box. Then, over time, placing the top, but with the door open. Then close the door, but still allow him to push it open. And gradually go from there.”

When the animal seems to feel comfortable in the crate, Berge says it is a good idea to make your pet travel in your car in the crate.

“They learn how the crate feels from the vibrations; they learn how the crate sounds when it moves,” Berge said. “Obviously it won’t be the same as an airplane, but the sounds and vibrations of the airplane can be less surprising if they are used to a car than to an animal that has never experienced any movement while in a crate. . “

“But don’t use the crate for a trip that might be scary or negative, like going to the vet. Only for trips that will have a reward that your pet likes, like going to the park. You don’t want to do that that your pet feels the crate meant something they wouldn’t like is going to happen,” Berge said.
Some pet owners may also want to discuss medications that can help keep their pet calm.

“There are some calming products available, such as pheromone collars and similar items. There are also medications – and maybe you can find them over the counter – but this is something you need to discuss with a veterinarian. It is a very long journey long. You need to know the benefits and risks. You need the correct dosage. Some medications may react differently to your pet. Only a veterinarian can answer these questions,” said Ramdhun.

Berge also advised asking the airline if its policy allows you to leave clothes or pillows that smell like their owner in the check-in area during the flight.
“My dog ​​likes to snuggle and we were able to put a couple of sweaters in his crate. They were worn for a couple of days, so they were quite smelly, but I think it helped him feel a little more comfortable,” he said Mountains.

The staff at PAWS are all volunteers and do not have the staff to directly help people in their move, but they are animal lovers and willing to help point people in the right direction.

“We’re on Facebook and Instagram and we can introduce any pet owner to other people in the community there who can help and can provide the correct answers,” Ramdhun said.

For more information about the mission of PAWS or to apply to volunteer and upcoming campaigns, visit https://www.pawsyokosuka.org/.