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Pet fee implemented
Dr. Jennifer Schiwek, veterinarian of the Kaiserslautern County Veterinary Office examines Charlie Jan. 15, 2013 after arrival from the U.S. at the Ramstein Passenger Terminal at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The black Labrador mix is owned by Capt. Heath Hunter, who will be assigned to the 52nd Operations Group in Spangdahlem. Starting Feb. 1, pet owners importing pets from non-European Union countries have to pay a pet fee of €55. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt. Kay M. Nissen)
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Examination fee implemented for incoming pets

Posted 1/17/2013   Updated 1/17/2013 Email story   Print story

    


by Senior Airman Whitney Stork
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs


1/17/2013 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany  -- An examination fee of 55 Euro per pet will be implemented Feb. 1, for all non-EU citizens who import a pet into the country.

The Kaiserslautern County Administration implemented the European Union Ordinance #998/2003, which regulates the importing of dogs, cats and other pets into or throughout the European Union.

Upon arrival into the country, pets will be examined by the veterinarian near the passenger terminal baggage claim area. These examinations are conducted by the county veterinary office for the German General Customs.

There will only be a credit card reader available at the terminal to pay the fee. Cash and debit cards will not be accepted. The fee will be the military member's responsibility and will not be reimbursed on a travel voucher.

Military personnel flying into Frankfurt International Airport will no longer be exempt from the charges associated with importing a pet. The State of Hessen charges 35 Euro per accompanied pet, 55 Euro for an unaccompanied pet, plus an additional 50 percent if the pet arrives on a weekend or holiday.

The Kaiserslautern County Administration Veterinary Director, Dr. Holger Hofmann wrote the regulation protects the European Union from the introduction and dissemination of rabies.

The extent of pet examinations depends on the rabies situation in the country of origin, and also the receiving EU-member state. The health requirement also states pets are required to be older than three months and vaccinated against rabies. They must comply with the rabies condition in not only the third country of origin, but also the receiving EU-member state.

Additionally, Hofmann wrote travelers entering the country may import a maximum of three pets of one species without an import license; however the animals must not be destined for change of owner. The import and crossbreeding of pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and Staffordshire bull terriers and their crossbreeds is prohibited. Passengers can also import up to three domestic birds and rabbits without an import license unless they suffer from a contagious disease, which needs to be supported by a veterinary certificate.
For more information regarding the examination fee, contact the host nation office at 06371-952655 or DSN 314-480-2094.



tabComments
1/22/2013 12:31:30 PM ET
It's not a question of not being a member of the EU fact is you are importing a pet into the EU. The EU is changing 55 Euro per pet for the examination of the pet by a vet. This results in expenses. I don't see a problem with that. Or should The EU pay for this service I don't think so.
Hagen, Ramstein Germany
 
1/20/2013 10:07:02 PM ET
I agree with coffey it's a ridiculous fee. We're already paying enough as it is bringing the pet here now we have to pay a made up fee. Like he said we're not part of the EU we're not visiting we're not residents we're here to protect the EU plus an additional 50 percent if the pet arrives on a weekend or holiday nice EU welcome
Concern saber, here
 
1/19/2013 5:12:17 PM ET
Since when does the US military comply with European Union Ordinances We are not part of the EU and they have no authority on US military bases. Our pets are required to be Vet checked prior to flight both civil and military flights and documentation presented. command Legal offices where are you on this
R coffey, conus
 
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