Transporting your Fur Babies to Guam:
Moving is never easy, but moving with pets can be even trickier, especially if your destination is Guam. There are some exceptions, however, for those that are on PCS status. While orders are not required upon booking, the service member must be in PCS status for moving the pet on the Patriot Express. According to the AMC (Air Mobility Command) website, the Patriot Express offers limited pet flights. Slots are given on a “first-come, first-served basis.” Each family is limited to two pets. The best advice is to PLAN AHEAD! Start by contacting your Traffic Management Office/Installation Transportation Office as early as possible. The next step would be to plan for all the necessary immunizations and documents required.
Photographer: Celia Bohnhoff
Andersen Pet Lodge - Quarantine and Lodging
One great option for those PCSing to Guam with their fur babies is Andersen Pet Lodge, which of course requires base access. They offer quarantine for pets that are required to do so. The Lodge also provides lodging services. The space is limited for both services, so think ahead and book, accordingly! Their phone number is (671) 366-5020, or you can email the Lodge at 36fss.fsct.petlodge@us.af.mil.
A comprehensive description of shipping your pet to Guam for Service Members can be found using the following link: https://www.andersen.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/414480/shipping-your-pets/
Checklist for shipping your pet to Guam:
Amazingly, Guam is rabies-free! Because of this fact, bringing pets to the island requires specific vaccinations and possible quarantine. For specific Quarantine guidelines, please visit Guam Customs and Quarantine. Get in contact with the Department of Agriculture Guam prior to your departure date, ensuring enough time to make all necessary accommodations. Animal entry permits applications, which are $60 per pet, are handled by this Department. More information about Guam DOA: Email: gu.agri@yahoo.com or quarantine@doag.guam.gov. Phone: 671-300-7964.
The necessary vaccinations and documents are:
- Travel Health Certificate
- FAVN Report (Passing score ≥ 1.0 & the results must be sent to DOAG directly from the lab)
- Current Rabies Certificate
- Prior Rabies Certificate
- Proof of Bordetella (For dogs)
- Proof of Leptospirosis (For dogs)
- Proof of DHPP or DAPP (For dogs)
- Proof of FVRCP (For cats)
- Animal Entry Permit
Photographer: Celia Bohnhoff
Pet-Shipping Businesses:
If you are unable to secure a spot on the Patriot Express or fly them through a Domestic airline, then the only remaining option is to go through a commercial pet shipping service. According to Seve Susuico from Pet Shippers Guam, flights can range from 2500 to 5000 per pet, depending on multiple factors like the weight of the pet and other considerations. If a quarantine is required, it can cost around $500 for 5 days.
Check out the following pet shipping companies to decide which one best suits your needs:
- Pet Shippers Guam is one option for commercially shipping pets. The first step is to request for an estimate. After accepting, an appointment must be made for one of the following choices: Charter Flight, Cargo Shipment, Accompanied Service, or In-Cabin Service. They also offer quarantine services, as well. Additionally, Pet Shippers is the only quarantine facility that offers airport release, because they bring Dr. Harper, a veterinarian, to the airport.
- Pet Travel Services Guam is a great choice for flying pets to and from Guam. It is a family-owned business that also runs a nonprofit called Boonie Babies Foundation that is dedicated to rescuing, spaying, and neutering homeless stray cats and dogs on Guam. Request for a quote in a streamlined process, and book your pet’s flight from there.
- Island Pet Movers is Veteran-owned and is extremely experienced with taking care of service members and their furry family members when moving to Guam from other countries or the Mainland U.S., or moving from the island to another destination.
Guam's Animal Shelter and Animal Rescue Missions:
Layla, currently up for adoption through Guahan Paws for Pets
Photographer: Celia Bohnhoff
Guam is, without a doubt, an island paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. However, it is important to be aware of the issues that the island faces in terms of stray cats and dogs. It is both shocking and heartbreaking.
The good news is that animal advocate groups like Guam Animals In Need and Guahan Paws For Pets are working around the clock to help as much as possible to end animal homelessness, suffering, and overpopulation.
Photo courtesy of Holly King
Guam Animals in Need - GAIN
GAIN is Guam’s only animal shelter. This organization also offers affordable spay and neuter services, as well as micro-chipping, rabies vaccination, and flea and tick treatment at the sterilization appointment. Open since 1989, GAIN is dedicated to educating the island of Guam about properly caring for their pets and reducing the stray animal population through responsible spaying and neutering of our furry family members.
GAIN offers emergency euthanization for injured or dangerous animals as well as a humane solution for suffering stray populations- there are reportedly 70,000 stray and wandering pets on this 38-mile island, an atrocious number that needs to be reduced significantly for the welfare of pets and humans alike. In the last year, more than 550 pets have been adopted, while more than 5000 have been spayed and neutered since 2022. Volunteers are always needed. Follow the link for more information about volunteering and adoption!
Photo courtesy of Holly King
SNIP Clinic
For the most part, the SNIP (Dr. Lynn Raulerson Spay and Neuter) Clinic can be found at the GAIN facility in Yigo. “The program was developed by leaders at the Guam Department of Agriculture, Guam Animals In Need (GAIN), and Boonie Flight Project.” The Clinic offers affordable spay and neuter surgeries for cats and dogs ($50 each), as well as other services such as microchipping, flea/tick treatment, and rabies vaccines. Appointments must be made ahead of time and payments must be secure before any procedure can be done. Occasionally, SNIP offers outreach clinics in different villages, usually at the village mayor’s office. Don’t miss out on their affordable services!
Billy, on his way to his forever home in Seattle, WA.
Photo courtesy of Boonie Flight Project
Boonie Flight Project
Boonie Flight Project was jump started in April 2021, created for the sole purpose of relocating homeless animals to their adopters and fosters in other states and countries. These dedicated volunteers flew 618 animals to 43 states and two countries! Sadly, their final flight just took place in September 2024, due to the change in United’s policy for flying pets. They have fought endlessly to urge United to reinstate the flight for cats or dogs, to no avail. What was once the only chance for many stray animals on Guam is now in limbo, desperately awaiting a viable option for pet transportation from Guam.
Guahan Paws For Pets Rescues
Photographer: Celia Bohnhoff
Guahan Paws For Pets (GPFP)
GPFP was founded five years ago by local resident Tina Guzman. The group is composed completely of volunteers that are dedicated to rescuing and fostering pets. They are determined to educate the public about spaying and neutering all pets and ending animal homelessness. Through fundraising and food drives, GPFP tries its best to help as many animals in need as possible. While the first rule in animal rescue is “you can’t save them all,” the dedicated members of this NPO strive to improve the welfare of as many furry friends as possible, one case at a time. They are always in need of volunteers and fosters, so please reach out on social media or email GPFP to help their mission!
Veterinary Care on Island:
- Boller Veterinary Treatment Facility on Navy Base Guam- Operates from Monday-Friday, and is closed every last business day of the month. Check the link for the specific hours of operation. The animal clinic offers limited procedures, but is the most affordable veterinary facility on island besides SNIP Clinic. They do not provide boarding or grooming, it is important to note.
- Andersen Air Force Base Veterinary Treatment Facility- Located on the Andersen Air Force Base, this clinic operates on the same days as the Boller Clinic on Big Navy. Check out the link to see what procedures and other offerings are available to Service Members. They are connected to the Andersen Pet Lodge mentioned above.
- Animal Medical Clinic- Dr. Malakooti- This awesome clinic is located in Harmon, Dededo. This veterinary clinic is open on all weekdays except for Wednesday (surgery hours). Walk-ins are available on Saturdays starting at 10 am. AMC is a full-service clinic and offers quarantine and boarding, as well. It has been operating on the island for decades and is one of the most trusted sources of animal medical care. AMC is known for having some of the most competitive prices in Guam. Additionally, the clinic is a go-to for many exotic animal owners.
- Guam Pet Hospital- Dr. Bob- Dr. Bob’s clinic is in the heart of Hagatna and is also a full-service clinic. The animal hospital is open Monday-Thursday and Friday from 8-12, 1-5. Wednesdays are designated surgery days. Dr. Bob has been practicing veterinary medicine for 25 years. He received his Bachelor’s Degree and Doctorate from UC Berkeley and UC Davis, respectively. Dr. Bob is a very thorough practitioner, and his staff will make you and your fur baby feel like a part of the family.
- Harper Valley Veterinary Hospital is located in Asan near the Navy Base Guam. It was formerly Isla Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Harper has been practicing veterinary medicine for decades on the island. The clinic offers full-service veterinary care as well as quarantine, boarding, and doggy day care. Dr. Harper also owns Pet Shippers, which is why you can pick up your pet the same day (if all quarantine requirements were met before the flight) when using Pet Shippers for transport.
Hopefully all the information in this article helps make the move to Guam with your fur baby or babies a little bit easier. When transporting a pet, be sure to plan ahead and ensure you accomplish the checklist given above. Establish your veterinarian immediately to ascertain that your furry family members are healthy and happy. If you are interested in adopting, contact GAIN or Guahan Paws For Pets using the links provided. Don’t forget to reach out to the same groups for volunteering and fostering opportunities.
*All information are deemed accurate as of the writing of this blog.
Written By: Celia Bohnhoff
--
Leah del Mundo
Your A.I. Certified Agent™ and 72Sold Trained Expert on Guam
