The Epic PCS: The Kitty

Tilly Packs Herself

If you have ever visited Matt and me, then you have met Tilly. Perhaps you have even tried to pet the belly she shows you before she attacks your hand. Many newcomers have been tricked this way. Marines love pets. During TBS all of the Marines in the barracks were sadly lacking any form of animal companionship. Tilly soon became famous. Matt overheard one friend asking another if he was going to "Tilly's house" on one of our study nights. She quickly became used to being adored by all. 

Marines on the floor. The kitty on the furniture.

We knew that international travel was a possiblity when we adopted her a year ago, so we were as prepared as possible. We made sure she was implanted with an internationally recognized 15-digit microchip. Tilly has the Home Again brand of microchip. The vet was also kind enough to make sure that her first round of rabies shots was given after the microchip was implanted so that there is documentation that those shots were given to this specific cat. 

When I found out about "The News," I decided to start on all of the necessary documentation for Tilly right away. Since Japan is an island country they have eradicated rabies, and they are very careful about not letting any animal with rabies into the country. There is a 180-day quarantine that I was very concerned about, but if you live on base in Okinawa you can continue the quarantine at home. In order to clarify the steps necessary, I will include a list for all those who follow in my footsteps. 

1. Fifteen Digit Microchip

2. First Round of Rabies Shots

3. Second Round of Rabies Shots

4. FAVN Blood Test

5. Quarantine Starts

6. Exportation Certificate

The blood test measures rabies antibody level in order to ensure the animal really, really does not have rabies. Tilly's experience was horrible. It took two people and multiple attempts to wrestle my cat to the table and draw blood from her jugular vein. At least I don't pass out at the sight of my cat's blood. There has been enough of that already. The blood is sent to a Department of Defense Laboratory, and when you receive the paperwork in the mail the quarantine period starts on the date printed on the results page. 

The only thing left for Tilly is the exportation certificate. Since there is only a ten day window for travel with that certificate, we will wait until a few days before our flight to take her to the vet. I have heard we have to see a vet once we are in Okinawa, but I will worry about that when the time comes. So far she is closer than either Matt or myself to being ready to go. Neither of us are medically cleared yet!