Don’t leave family members behind when you PCS

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  You wouldn't pack up and move without your children (most days), but some leave other family members behind when they PCS - their pets.

According to Government of Japan and wing policy, military members and civilians are required to register and deregister their pets, whether living on or off base.

"It is a privilege for us to have pets on Okinawa and we need to make sure we follow the rules," said Tracy Perez, Karing Kennels Animal Health Care manager.

For those living on base, all pets, whether acquired here or brought from a previous base, must be registered with the Veterinary Clinic. Personnel living off base are required to register their pets with the local Okinawa prefecture, though they are encouraged to register with the on-base clinic as well.

"The bottom line," said Ms. Perez, "is whether you use the on-base services or not, you have to register your pet."

One reason to register your pets with the Veterinary Clinic is that, upon arrival, military and civilian personnel report the number of family members present on island in case an emergency situation arises, such as noncombatant evacuation operations.


"Your pets should be on that list," said Ms. Perez, adding, "We need to know how many pets are on island so the veterinary clinic can make sure to accommodate that quantity."

The housing office has rules for those with pets on base: each household is only allowed two pets; when pets are placed outside, they must be in a fenced area or on a leash; to prevent unsanitary conditions, pets are not allowed in parks or playgrounds and owners are required to clean-up pet droppings wherever they may occur.

Owners should not be breeding their pets; however, if a litter occurs, it is recommended that the litter be relocated after two months. According to the housing office, this is enough time for offspring to be properly weaned and capable of eating solid food. Relocation is the owner's responsibility.

Regarding these unplanned pregnancies, Ms. Janice Coburn, chief of Housing Management, said, "We do advise pet owners to visit the veterinary clinic or Karing Kennels for these types of situations."

Sergeant Shayla Phyall, veterinary technician attached to the 18th Services Squadron, said that if the owner decides to give their pet to someone else, both parties are required to be at the Veterinary Clinic to reregister the pet to the receiving party.

"If anything happens to the pet, we can trace it back to the new owner and not the previous owner," Sergeant Phyall said. "The transfer of ownership can avoid the assumption of pet abandonment with the previous owner."

Karing Kennels provides a similar service. "All the owner has to do is sign the deregistration paperwork and the pet becomes Karing Kennels property," said Ms. Perez.

When a person or family decides to become pet owners, Sergeant Phyall recommends considering the responsibilities that come with owning pets prior to obtaining an animal. "Pet ownership can become an unaffordable luxury," she said, "so plan ahead before adding a new member to the family."

If you are a pet owner or are thinking about becoming a pet owner, remember that pets should be treated like one of the family. Too often, pets are taken off base and abandoned when they become a burden or when it's time to move. Give your pet a second chance to find a home - you'd probably do the same for your kids.