Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the process for PCSing into Japan with my pet?
A: In order to enter the country of Japan your pet must have at least two rabies vaccinations that have not expired or lapsed, an ISO microchip, valid FAVN, and a USDA certified health certificate. There is a specific timeline that needs to be followed in order to satisfy the country’s requirements and to ideally minimize your pet’s time in quarantine. The full details regarding this process can be found in our photo album, “PCSing into Japan”.

Q: What is quarantine and will my pet need to go through it?
A: Japan requires that pets entering the country be in quarantine for 180 days starting the day the blood is drawn for the FAVN test. Until that time period is completed, the pet either cannot enter Japan or can enter but must stay at an approved quarantine facility. CFAS is considered an approved area, so pets can stay on base during this time, but they cannot leave the base. Paws and Claws boarding facility can house pets that are unable to stay with their owners on base. If a pet completes their 180 period before entering Japan they do not have to quarantine once checked by our vet. All pets, regardless of quarantine time must complete an exit exam with our vet before being allowed off base. In order to avoid having to put your pet in quarantine or minimize their time, try to have the FAVN drawn as soon in advance as possible. More information on this can be found in our album “PCSing into Japan”.

Q: What is the process for PCSing out of Japan with my pet?
A: The process for leaving Japan depends on where you are PCSing to. If you are leaving the country, a health certificate will need to be signed and issued no more than 10 days from your departure date. Every country has its own requirements, as well as airlines that will be transporting your pet. Be sure to verify with your airline what vaccinations, documents, and kennel size they require. Certain country requirements can be found in their corresponding PCS albums in our photos.

Q: Can I purchase flea, tick, and heartworm prevention for my pet at the clinic?
A: Yes, we offer several options for preventatives for both cats and dogs. These medications do require prescriptions, so please call ahead before picking them up so we can ensure it is ready to go when you get here. For a heartworm prevention prescription for dogs an annual heartworm test is required.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Currently we are only able to accept Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit and debit cards. Please plan ahead as we cannot accept cash or check.

Q: Is there a limit on how many pets I can have?
A: There are no limits to the amount of pets someone can have through the vet clinic, however there are limits elsewhere to be aware of. Military housing allows no more than two pets, and many landlords out in Sasebo have limits as well. In case of a NEO evacuation, each family is only allowed two pets to fly with them. These are important parameters to keep in mind when considering either bringing a pet to Sasebo or adopting another pet.

Q: Do you see pets other than cats and dogs?
A: While we can see some pets other than cats and dogs, we do not have the capability to provide them with comprehensive care at our facility.

Q: How do I know what vaccines my pet should get?
A: All pets should stay up to date on their rabies vaccines. Dogs are required to be vaccinated for rabies EVERY YEAR in Japan, even if they are given a 3 year-labeled vaccine. Cats can be vaccinated for rabies either every year (with the PureVax feline specific vaccine) or every 3 years (with a 3-year labeled vaccine), but we recommend vaccinating cats for rabies every year due to the possibility of PCS orders for locations which do not accept a 3 year rabies vaccine. Our clinic only carries the 1-year PureVax vaccine for cats. Remember, even if your pet received a 3 year somewhere else, Japan will consider it as expired after one year, so be sure to be keep that in mind when scheduling your appointments. For cats, an FVRCP vaccine is recommended every 1 to 3 years depending on the type given. For dogs, a distemper (DAPv) vaccine is recommended every 1 to 3 years depending on the type given. These two vaccines are generally required by airlines, hotels, and boarding facilities. Dogs can also receive leptospirosis and bordetella vaccines. Feel free to ask us about these to determine if they are recommended for your pet.

Q: What happens if I miss my appointment?
A: Every new client is required to sign our no-show policy when they register their pet. A no-show is when a client does not show up for an appointment or arrives more than ten minutes past the scheduled time. After one no-show, the client must speak with the clinic’s NCOIC to schedule any future appointments. If there is a second no-show, a letter will be sent to the client’s Command for disciplinary action. After three no-show appointments, another letter will be sent to the client’s Command, and an escort from their Command will be required at the next visit. Appointments that are cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be marked as a no-show.

Q: I just adopted a new pet. What do I do now?
A: The first step is to fill out the Patient Registration document pinned to the top of our Facebook feed. This will be automatically sent to us, and we will then be able to create a patient file for your new pet. If you pet has ever received any medical care we will also need to be provided with those documents via email or in person. Based on their medical history, you may need to schedule an appointment to update their vaccinations as well. We cannot schedule appointments over email or Facebook, so please give us a call to do so.

Q: We rehomed our pet. Is there any paperwork that I need to fill out?
A: Yes, you will need to come to the clinic to complete a Transfer of Ownership. This confirms that the new owner was given custody of the dog with your consent and officially transfers ownership in our system as well. Please be sure to also provide the new owner with any and all medical records for the pet.

Q: What is the process for becoming a volunteer at the vet clinic?
A: Prospective volunteers should contact the American Red Cross liaison in Sasebo. The liaison will guide them through the American Red Cross training program. Once they have completed the training, Red Cross will direct the volunteer back to the VTF to schedule orientation at the clinic and send a confirmation to our clinic.
Prerequisites:
1. American Red Cross application and training
2. HIPAA and Privacy Act Training
3. Tetanus vaccine
4. Rabies vaccine (recommended but not required)