Need information(Japan)

[Kai214]

My husband is stationed in Japan and me and my 9 month old daughter are
Suppose to be joining him. I have a cat and a dog and was wonder what would the travel cost be for them to get to Japan. My dog is 76 pounds and my cat is 15 or so. I need to know what to do to get my dog there, and if he would be able to live with us. Also the best way to have him travel that far. I looked it up and from Missouri to Japan is a 14 hour flight. Any information will help, I just really don't want to leave him behind.

[lemonelephant]

You may want to join Japan Mom's (clickable link).  They will have a lot of good information for you and may be able to help you with this.

[Kai214]

Thank you and I've already done that earlier. I am currently waiting on a response but thank you :)

[sailorwifenmom]

We just moved from Japan. Yes, you can take your pets, but there is quite a bit of paperwork involved and certain shots / boosters have to have been done within so soon of traveling. There are breed restrictions on most bases, and right now, Japan has a "base first" policy for housing, so you will have to live on base. Your best bet will be to contact the base housing office there and ask them about breed restrictions for their housing. Then contact the Vet's office at the base you're at now (or the one nearest you) and they can help you with the requirements to get your pets authorized admittance into Japan.

As far as cost, honestly, it will be expensive. If you're taking the Patriot Express to Japan (most likely you are, but it's not always the case), you might want to contact them and see about getting your pets on there. You still have to pay, but it's cheaper, and they can give you an idea for cost. Though there are only so many spots for pets on the flights, so you want to talk to them soon.

It can be quite expensive (especially for a larger dog), but it's not impossible. Also, when are you looking at traveling? If you're going in summer, you can have some problems, because if the temp. is above a certain degree (I think it's 85, but I'm not sure about that) then they won't allow the pets to fly, as it's too hot in the compartment they travel in for it to be safe.

Again, not impossible, just mostly a paper trail and the expense of shipping. I have some friends who recently shipped pets out of Japan, I'll ask them how much it cost them and let you know, that will give you an idea as to a ballpark figure.

[Kai214]

THANK YOU LADIES VERY MUCH, THANK YOU. I'LL GET RIGHT ON THESE AND THAT'LL SO HELP SO I CAN START SAVING!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

[abbyblue]

and if you do have leave them there is dogs on deployment who find foster care for pets who need a temp. home.

http://dogsondeployment.org/

[sailorwifenmom]

My friend said that for the military flights (the Patriot Express flight I was telling you about) they paid $336 for their dog (who was at the max size they ship - they weigh the pet and carrier together) to get from Japan to WA. Then, flying commercial from there to Colorado, it was another $320. If you have to fly your animals commercial in and out of Japan, it can easily hit a couple of thousand, so, assuming you have hard copies of orders saying your dependent entry authorizarion is complete, and you have your dates, you need to make sure they know at the AMC terminal (the Patriot Express people) that you are traveling with pets.

Good luck, and enjoy Japan - we had a great time there overall!

[BunkerQB]

In all honesty, I think finding a family member who will take the dog for a couple of years maybe be the thing to do. You might even offer to pay for food and vet bills. It might be cheaper than flying dog to Japan.  Of course, there is also the flight cost BACK from Japan when your husband is done. That could be another couple of thousand. Style of living is very different in Japan. I think having a pet is problematic. I would use the money to fly your family back to MO for leave instead. Good luck. I know how you feel about your dog.

[Jo1]

I agree with Bunker QB about leaving the dog here with someone.  My father is retired AF and when you go overseas you will never know what problems and expenses you will have.  We had to leave a pet with my aunt and uncle once and it was the right decision.

[Kai214]

I have been looking for a place for him but out family isn't a close one and the ones I asked said no. My only friend is in NC and I'm waiting on her response. As far a being adopted out. My dog was abused since he was a puppy. He was given to me at the age of two so his aggression toward new people isn't one people are patient with. He takes a couple of days or so and I keep being told fw would be put down. Also last year I let him stay with his sisters owners for the weekend and he ran away looking for me. As a result he was shot in thr chest and the bullet came out his side and in his foot. Because of it he is very clingy and protective with family. He also takes mote getting use to big males. He was with my brother but he is overly smart. He knows a lot of tricks but learned to open the microwave and refrigerator and my bother works two jobs and is very tolerating or patient in the matter. The only person left is my friend in NC who I am very hopeful but I know shell say she can. She has 3 dogs and two younger children so I know I'm just at the end of my rope but I don't want to give up on him. I've sent emails to boarding places, shelter, and even looked over people on craigslist. I don't know what else to do and it really makes me weak and sick to think of putting him down when hes been abused his entire life and now he has a chance to know something else and just had to end up with me in this situation. I haven't slept in almost three days. Ive been threw so much with that dog and there just has to be something else. And I know I might seem extreme or over the top but he was a blessing for my family and me specially.

[Jo1]

Kai,

You sound like such a sweet loving person.  It sounds like you and the dog have been through a lot together.  I hope everything works out for you.