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Military Families Face Insane Pet Shipping Issues, Costs

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“It’s going to cost how much?!”

Clearly, the high cost of shipping our dog, Winston, back to the States was written all over my face. My husband took one look at me and muttered, “I don’t even want to know.”

We’re at that proverbial rock and a hard place right now, as we stare down the barrel of an imminent 2019 PCS. Beyond just the stress of moving, we’re also looking at dropping thousands of dollars to ship a 17-pound mini schnauzer from Japan to the East Coast.

And we don’t really have a choice in the matter.

Moving overseas was decided for us. Bringing Winston with us was a given. He’s family, after all. Two years ago, the costs weren’t quite so high.

As of right now, all of the programs and rules we used to keep costs low have gone away or been totally revamped. Everything is going to cost at least double from our last PCS.

Military Families Face Insane Pet Shipping Costs and Issues

Let’s break down exactly what’s happening, resources for military families and what you can do to change the system.

Moving OCONUS

Moving overseas with pets is incredibly stressful. Just the quarantine process alone is daunting.

On top of months of vaccinations and isolation, military families are also looking at increasingly limited options for moving with their pets. Almost all of these come with skyrocketing costs and hoops to jump through.

Here are your shipping or flying choices:

Patriot Express: This is the cheapest and easiest option by far. It is also the most difficult to book.

With the Patriot Express, your pet would be flying with you on your military flight to your OCONUS destination. Rates vary based on weight and species but are significantly cheaper than commercial rates.

Getting a spot on the Patriot Express is not guaranteed.

Each service books these flights within different time windows based on projected departure dates. However, all pet spots for a given month are released at once and are booked first-come, first-served. There are typically three in-cabin spots and 10 cargo spots per flight.

This could mean that all spots on your flight are claimed before you are even allowed to book your human seats.

Commercial Cargo: Shipping your pet as cargo is pricier and limited by international shipping laws. Right now, United, American and Delta all offer some form of CONUS and OCONUS pet shipping programs.

Commercial cargo is usually for pets that will not be on the same flight as their owners.

Per new regulations, all three airlines now require that a professional registered pet shipping service serves as a middleman.

There are also regulations about temperature, breed and kennel size and weight.

Military Families Face Insane Pet Shipping Issues, Costs

Did you know that many pet shipping companies offer military discounts?

In-Cabin Pets: Most airlines allow animals to be transported as carry-on baggage. United, American and Delta all allow pets to be transported in the cabin to many destinations. This option is limited based on breed or species, size and weight.

But not all international destinations will allow in-cabin pet transport. For example, Japan requires that all pets be carried in the cargo area.

Checked Baggage: All three major carriers offer some form of checked baggage option for pets. American, United and Delta all have rules that limit the length of flights and destinations, as well as other regulations put in place for pet safety.

United does have some special rules that apply to military troops traveling on orders, but there are still limitations.

Pet Shipping Service: You can hand over control by using a professional pet shipping service. There are many companies that cater to military families moving CONUS and OCONUS.

Some pet shipping services specialize by destination or route(s), others are more general. These services are required for certain cargo or baggage categories. All services will offer different package options. They will charge a service fee beyond your pet’s airfare or airline cost.

Many military families opt to use a pet shipping service from the start to decrease stress.

Fly on Non-U.S. Flag Airlines: Some airlines from other nations offer pet shipping options with greater flexibility than U.S. airlines. If you are interested in flying with a non-US airline, it is best to individually research each airline to find one that meets your needs.

Costs will vary widely and may be more expensive than transportation via Patriot Express or U.S.-based airlines.

A Word About Guam

Currently, United Airlines is the only U.S. airline that serves Guam. There are some spots on the Patriot Express. United’s pet transport policy prohibits pet travel between Hawaii and Guam, but does accept pets going from/to other locations.

Some foreign airlines do serve Guam as well, but not all offer animal transportation services.

Timing Is Important

Space on the Patriot Express is extremely limited and should not be considered a “given” for any military family moving pets overseas.

If this is your only option financially and logistically, you need to act with intention as early as possible. Let your PCS coordinator know your pet transportation needs as soon as you can. Then, act quickly to expedite all necessary paperwork and clearances prior to your flight window opening.

Even acting quickly on your end doesn’t mean the military will feel the same sense of urgency. In this case, it’s best to stay in close contact with your PCS coordinator. If you missed out on a pet spot on your Patriot Express flight, call often to inquire about canceled reservations or request that your name is put on the waiting list for the next available pet spot.

If you are fairly certain that you either don’t want to gamble on a Patriot Express flight or won’t secure one, contracting with a private shipping company is typically your only option. It is now an across-the-board regulation that pets being shipped as cargo be handled by a member of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association.

These companies will work with your chosen airline to fly your pet to your next duty station.

Different companies offer different options. Some have all-inclusive packages that handle every step of the process from veterinary appointments to arriving at your new home. Others will handle flights only, with accompanied and unaccompanied options.

Many pet shipping companies offer military discounts.

However, due to the increased needs of the military community, spots might fill quickly for professional transportation services. If this seems to be your best or more reliable option, it is advised to contact one or more transport companies as soon as possible. Ask them about their packages, pricing and military discounts. You might also inquire about references and track record for animal safety.

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Over the last year, as changes to pet shipping policies on commercial airlines rolled out, there have been various grassroots campaigns in the military community.

Several appeals for experiences and concerns to be shared have been posted in USMC and mixed-services groups. A local Okinawa Facebook group has been a point of contact for many military families located there to voice concerns and share their opinions. Concerns about the pet shipping policy, the system for releasing Patriot Express pet spots and other issues have all been raised through senior spouse points of contact over the last 18 months.

Troops and families can also voice their opinions via the ICE system or contact the Inspector General for further guidance.

We Can’t Afford to Take Our Pet

It can be hard to come up with possibly thousands of dollars to ship your pet around the world. The SPCA International sees this increasing need in the military community and has got your six.

Operation Military Pets aims to provide military families with grants to help cover part or all of their pet shipping costs related to PCSing. There is an application process and not all applicants will be accepted. Award amounts vary based on need and documentation.

If you are simply not able to cover the cost or handle the logistics, it’s important to keep your pet’s safety and comfort in mind.

The best option might be to temporarily rehome your pet with a close friend or family member for the duration of your overseas tour. If this is the case, be sure to get a power of attorney for the length of your tour or otherwise write down the terms of your agreement. Set aside money to cover the costs of your pet’s regular expenses, like medical care or food costs.

Another option might be to use a fostering service, like Dogs on Deployment or PACT for Animals. These organizations can help military families find suitable foster homes for various lengths of time.

As a final option, you might consider rehoming your pet permanently. You can do this yourself through social media and online advertising. You could also use a rehoming service to find your animal’s new family. As a final option, you might consider doing an owner-surrender at a local no-kill animal shelter.

PCSing OCONUS with Your Pet

PCSing OCONUS with your pet is going to be costly and complicated. There is not really any way to avoid that reality.

If you anticipate a possible OCONUS move in the future, start saving and planning now. We are already setting aside money to ship Winston stateside next spring. It’s going to be expensive, but having my battle buddy with me will be worth every penny!

Are you impacted by the pet shipping restrictions from United Airlines? Share your story in the comments section.

5 Benefits of Pets for Veterans

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Whether your pet has fur, feathers or scales, there are great benefits to owning a pet. For veterans, having an animal to love and care for can be life-changing and incredibly positive.

5 Benefits of Having a Pet for Veterans

Structure and Routine

Veterans have spent years of waking up at zero dark thirty for morning PT, lunch at the chow hall and an evening that starts when the bugle sounds “Retreat.” It can be hard to be suddenly cut loose in the civilian world. There is no longer someone else calling the shots or writing the orders.

All at once, veterans leaving active duty are without the structure and routines that have governed their lives for so long.

Pets can add that structure back into their lives. Dogs need to be walked regularly. Cats need their litter changed routinely. Even fish and reptiles live by a schedule of interaction and cleaning needs. Every animal needs to be fed on the regular, too. Then there are the veterinarian appointments. A pet’s needs automatically create the need for routine and schedule.

This type of routine can ground a veteran and replace some of the structural void left after military service. Pets provide a higher or greater purpose that could motivate a veteran to find a new non-military rhythm for life.

Companionship and Camaraderie

You often hear military troops refer to each other as brothers or sisters. The military creates a structure of shared work and deepens relationships through tough times.

After leaving the military, or even transitioning from active duty to the reserves, a veteran might find this part of their life lacking. There aren’t built-in friendships. For single veterans, it could feel as though no one needs their presence to survive.

A furry friend can provide friendship and love, plus a reason to get out of bed every day. Our pets are entirely dependent on us to survive.

Pets are there 100% of the time. Dogs and cats are ready for snuggles, long conversations and play time. Many dogs, and even some cats, enjoy going for walks with their humans. Relationships and bonds are formed and deepen over time.

Animals often know when their humans are feeling sad, angry or upset. They might react, just like a human friend, with extra love and support. While they can’t talk back, a pet is always there to listen.

Ease Mental Health Concerns

Many veterans return from active service with mental health concerns or even injuries that impact their emotions. Veterans can experience depression, PTSD and other mental health illnesses. Often these can go undiagnosed.

Owning a pet can help to ease symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health illnesses. By providing the regular routines and companionship, many veterans feel less alone. Feeling like they have love and support can boost moods and help to lift symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Note: if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a medical professional for assistance and advice.

Provide Life Assistance

When veterans return from deployment, they often come home with injuries, both visible and hidden. Coping with these life changes and navigating the civilian world can be a challenge.

Often, a service animal can be of assistance. Many service pets provide services, like opening doors or guiding visually impaired humans safely. Other pets are medical alert animals, signaling when their human is in distress or trained to contact emergency services. Some pets offer official mental and emotional support.

For veterans who are finding their way again after injury, working with a service animal can be a vital part of their treatment plan.

Not every veteran will qualify for a service dog, which can be expensive to adopt and train. First, veterans must have a diagnosed disability. Second, they must work with a dog that is temperamentally appropriate to assist them given the specifics of the veteran’s disability.

For veterans who are interested in working with a service dog, Operation We Are Here maintains a list of organizations who might be able to help.

Serve a Higher Purpose

Veterans have offered to sacrifice anything and everything, including their lives, in the defense of our country. This can be seen as a truly noble cause, serving a higher calling or purpose.

It can be hard to return to or enter the civilian workforce after dedicating your life to service.

Rescuing a pet from an animal shelter can help to fulfill that call to duty. There are thousands of loving animals in need at shelters around the nation. Too many of them will never leave to find their forever homes.

When veterans consider adding a pet to their family, it can be rewarding to adopt their new friend from an animal rescue or shelter. For veterans who want to assist animals in other ways, they can volunteer or foster pets in need.

Do you have a pet? How does your pet help your veteran?

How to Find Military Savings as a Pet Owner

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There is little doubt (and actual scientific evidence) that pets help us live longer, happier lives. The cost of raising a pet can, however, take a chunk out of a family budget.

How to Find Military Savings as a Pet Owner

Adding a pet to your family can be costly. Check out this list of military savings for pet owners.

As a new pet owner myself, exploring ways to save money was at the top of my list. A little research later, and I’ve got an entire list of military savings for pet owners.

How to Find Military Savings as a Pet Owner

Plan Before You Become a Pet Owner

Planning ahead can help to keep pet costs manageable. Before you bring an animal home, take time to do some research.

Some breeds are prone to costly health issues. If the breed you have your heart set on has a propensity for health issues, make sure you plan ahead. Save money each month in an emergency fund or get a pet insurance policy. These policies are inexpensive and readily available. Check with your insurance provider…USAA has a plan!

If you’re thinking about getting a pet, adoption is a great, budget-friendly option. Many shelters and rescue organizations offer free or low-cost adoptions, plus spay/neutering and micro-chipping services at reduced costs.

You might also consider adopting an adult dog. Many adult dogs are already fixed, have all the vaccines younger animals require, and are house-trained.

Don’t forget to consider your military lifestyle when selecting a pet. Long hours away from home, frequent TDYs, pending PCSs and on-post housing restrictions should play a role in the breed, size and age of any animal you decide to add to your family.

Winner, Winner, Fido’s Dinner: Military Savings on Food for Your Pet

Dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, lizards…they all have to eat. But feeding your pet doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Almost every major pet food manufacturer offers a coupon. You can find them on Coupons.com or by using the Commissary Rewards Card app. It only takes a few minutes to print them or sign up for a mailer, so spend the time and save the money.  And don’t miss great deals and contests brought to you by Purina!  Purina has great savings for all of your pet food needs and sponsors a new contest for a $50 Commissary gift card hosted by MilitaryShoppers.com every month.

Pet owners can maximize their military savings by shopping at the commissary and buying dog food in bulk at the case lot sales. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of pet food offered at the commissary. The commissary even has refrigerated organics! Be sure to check the pricing. Sometimes buying multiple smaller bags and boxes is less expensive per ounce than the big bags.

Military Savings on Medicine and Vet Visits

Regular check-ups are essential and ensure any potential issues are found early. Save by using on-post veterinary services when possible.

If no services are available at your military installation, reach out to local shelters or animal control services. They often offer discounted services for things like vaccinations, spay/neutering and emergency care. If neither of these are an option, research reviews of veterinary clinics in your area. Ask for a military discount or new client discount.

Military Savings on Grooming

Grooming is an essential part of pet health and it is something you can master at home. Clippers can be a bit expensive, but properly maintained, they pay for themselves after just a few uses.

And while not all animals enjoy bath time, the cost of shampoo or cleanser, a couple of towels, and some patience is infinitely cheaper than a trip to the groomer.

If you decide to use professional grooming services, don’t forget to shop around and read reviews. Watch the paper and weekly sales mailers for coupons. Ask for a military discount when visiting a professional groomer.

Military Savings on Toys and Accessories

While they love an occasional treat, our pets really love just spending time with us. Instead of buying toys, spend time with your pet, taking them for walks or do whatever rabbits and llamas do for fun.

For non-traditional pets, like lizards or snakes, save the money to invest in a good habitat or warming light so your pet is comfortable and safe.

For cats and dogs, consider making your own toys and scratch posts. There’s no shortage of how-to info online.

Military Savings on Pet Sitting

We hate to leave them, but sometimes it’s just not possible to take our pets everywhere we go. Instead of costly kenneling costs, consider trading pet sitting services with another pet-loving military family or hire a teenage neighbor to care for your pet while you are away.

Be sure to explain specific rules and expectations and let your caretaker know about any allergies or mischievous tendencies.

Are you a pet owner? What tips would you add to this list of military savings for pet owners?

Options When You Can’t Bring Your Pet Overseas

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Your overseas orders guarantee everyone can get there – except your furry family members.

If you luck into a space on military transport or can pay out of pocket for commercial pet flights or a pet travel service, getting a pet OCONUS can be as easy as swiping a credit card.

But what about military families that simply can’t afford to pay to move their pets overseas?

Luckily, there are a few resources to help you move your pets overseas or arrange for their care stateside.

What Options Exist When You Can't Bring Your Pet Overseas

How much did you pay to move your pet overseas?

SPCA International

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International should be your first stop on the journey to get Fido overseas. This organization offers a grant program, Operation Military Pets, that can help offset some or all of your pet transport costs.

To qualify, you must provide 6 photos of your family and pet to the SPCAI and complete the application process. There are no pay grade or rank restrictions, just the need for financial assistance. Families are eligible to receive aid once every 5 years. So if you get a grant this PCS season, you can’t apply for the return trip in 3 years.

There is a high demand for these grants, due to recent media attention. The best advice is to get your application in early!

Pet Chit

For military families E-6 and below, Dogs on Deployment offers a unique financial assistance program designed to help you continue to care for your pets in a variety of circumstances. From emergency medical bills to overseas pet travel costs, a Pet Chit grant could potentially cover up to 80 percent of your costs.

If you don’t qualify for a grant through SPCAI or Dogs on Deployment, the next best option might be to find a loving foster home with friends or family while you are stationed overseas.

Ideally, your foster family would be experienced with your furry buddy and be ready to take on temporary custody.

On the plus side, if your family or friends live near a military base, you can still see a military vet! Before you PCS, head to your base’s legal office and create a special power of attorney designating all pet care duties to the foster home. Be sure to include language that designates the use of military veterinary facilities and call the military base where your pet would be seen to confirm availability.

Other Foster Options

Sometimes, for whatever reason, a family or friend is not available to care for Fido or Fluffy in your absence. If this is the case, there are a variety of organizations that can help fill the gap.

Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet: This is a temporary foster home situation, usually lasting 3 to 6 months for OCONUS PCS orders. However, this could offer families the time needed to gather financial resources or find a more permanent foster home situation.

PACT for Animals: The foster homes available through this group seem to cover both deployments and PCS orders overseas. The mission of PACT is to help military families avoid surrendering their beloved pets to shelters. The group helps to arrange and monitors foster home for pets. They even will work with both families to help everyone stay in touch and provides regular updates on the health and well-being of the pet.

Operation Noble Foster: If you have a cat, this may be the answer to your OCONUS PCS pet problems! This foster group is a cats-only group that finds foster homes for military families throughout the United States.

Dogs on Deployment: Before you use this as your fall-back plan, contact the organization to confirm your eligibility. Based on a few clicks around their website, military families PCSing overseas are not outright excluded. However, it is definitely a program aimed more at service members dealing with traditional deployments or short-term situations. Boarders are allowed to list themselves as “greater than 12 months,” which could potentially include OCONUS orders.

No matter what foster situation you potentially choose, it is important to keep a few basics in mind, according to the American Humane Society.

First, create a written agreement that outlines your pet’s needs and health conditions, as well as who is financially responsible for essential (food, medicine, vet appointments, etc.) pet care. You should also outline the terms and conditions of the foster period, like length of stay or boarding costs when your foster family travels.

Additionally, your pets should be spayed or neutered and microchipped prior to going to their foster home, to ensure that there are no small surprises and that a missing pet can be located more easily. Your pet should be fully vaccinated and given a clean bill of health.

How much did you pay to move your pet overseas? Was it a financial burden on your military family?

How to Choose a Veterinarian at Your New Duty Station

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If you have a pet, you know how important taking them to a good veterinarian is. You could find the ideal place for your furry friends but then you have to move. Once you get to your new duty station you have to start the search over again.

What factors should you consider when looking for a new veterinarian? How do you find the right one for your pets?

The best way to find the right veterinarian is to ask people in your community. Usually, there are places that are known for their good service and places that are known to stay away from. You can talk to some of your neighbors or ask on a neighborhood page.

You might even have a Facebook group just for pets in your city. We have one where I live and the group is helpful for asking any questions about pets or where to take them for their medical care. People will talk about their experiences which is really helpful. As you meet people at your new duty station you can also talk to them to see who they use for their pets.

How to Choose a Veterinarian at Your New Duty Station

How do you choose a new veterinarian for your pet after a move? Does your military installation have a vet clinic?

You want to take a tour of any veterinarian clinic that you hear good things about. You want to see for yourself what the office is like and if you will feel comfortable taking your pet there. You should check and see how clean they are and if the staff is friendly.

I know I would only want to take my dog to a place I felt comfortable at and not a place that gave me pause, even if a lot of people told me that veterinarian was a good choice.

While you are taking the tour of the office you should also find out about how everything works at that clinic. You will want to know this information if you decide to go with them. Each veterinarian office could have a different way of doing things and that could be a change from the way your vet conducted business at your previous duty station.

You will want to take a look at their hours of operation so you know when they are open and when you can bring your pet in. If both you and your spouse work full-time you would need to find a place with more flexible hours.

Finding out about their emergency care is also important in case you need that down the road. Knowing that information ahead of time will save you stress when you actually need to use their emergency care.

Some military families prefer to go to an on-post clinic when it comes to their pet’s veterinarian. They feel more comfortable there and most likely the costs will be lower.

Here at Fort Campbell the costs are lower but from what I have heard getting an appointment can be difficult. That is one of the reasons we decided to take our dog to an off-post clinic as we didn’t want to have to worry about not getting her in when she needs to be seen.

Finding out if the clinic will board pets is also a good idea. At some point, your family will either go home for a visit or go on vacation and you will need to find a safe place to leave your pet. If the clinic you decide to go with does offer this service, you will have a place to leave them that you trust and won’t have to worry about looking for one when you need to board them.

How do you choose a new veterinarian for your pet after a move?

Pets May Help Military Kids Cope with Deployment

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A recent study by Tufts University shows that children who have a strong relationship with a pet cope better when dealing with the stress related to a parent’s deployment.

The study was designed to find out how animals help people physically and emotionally during stressful times as well as how to help people commit to fitness, reach educational goals, overcome physical disabilities and recover from psychological trauma.

Tufts Institute for Human-Animal Interaction (TIHAI) surveyed 600 children from both military and nonmilitary families. The kids were asked how they interact with animals, about their stress levels and their strategies for dealing with stress. The outcome of the study was that children with animals at home had more positive outcomes than those without, regardless to whether they had a parent on deployment or not.

The children that had animals at home were found to be more confident and had stronger relationships with both peers and family members. On multiple occasions, children reported that pets are what kept them company while a parent was on deployment or when they moved.

What researchers say is the most significant outcome of the study is that children who had a parent on deployment and also had a strong bond with an animal at home exhibited greater ability to cope with the stress of the situation than children that didn’t have pets.

“Strong attachments to pets may foster a more proactive attitude about handling stressful problems and could serve as a bridge to developing and maintaining peer relationships during stressful circumstances,” said Megan Mueller, a developmental psychologist and research assistant professor at Cummings School. She goes on to say,

Pets provide a nonjudgmental, emotionally supportive relationship, especially for kids who may be having difficulty in social situations or moving to a new social setting. The responsibility of caring for another living creature and understanding an animal’s needs also plays a role. There’s been some research showing that just stroking an animal reduces your blood pressure and heart rate.

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible for every child to have a pet however. There are many circumstances that can prevent families from being able to incorporate a pet into their lives. This could include allergies, illness, finances, housing rules, travel schedules and more.

If you fall into this group, you can still provide opportunities for your children to receive the benefit of animal interaction. Take a day trip to a local farm. It doesn’t have to be advertised as a petting farm. Many farms will allow families to meet their animals. Call ahead and see if you can arrange a time to visit when your child will be able to touch and possibly feed the animals. Let the owners know your spouse is on deployment and they might be even more inclined to have you over.

Horses have an amazing effect on children. If you can, take your children to a horse ranch while your spouse is on deployment. Check with your MWR; many Army garrisons for example have stables with equestrian services. Horses are great therapy animals.

The Tufts study showed that horses can reduce the level of stress in children that suffer from PTSD. Horses respond to children’s body language.

One of the symptoms of PTSD is being either hyper-aroused or under-aroused, and horses react to that –avoiding the jittery kids and ignoring those who are emotionally detached. In order to interact positively with their therapy horses, the children must learn to better regulate their own fight or flight response. By taking deep breaths and employing other techniques, they can lower their heart rate and relax their muscles.

You don’t necessarily need to sign up for equestrian-assisted therapy. Perhaps, plan a family day at a ranch, take an hour-long lesson or even enroll your child in equestrian camp. That would certainly be a great way to take their mind off deployment.

The interaction between children and animals is amazing and there are so many benefits to building this relationship. If your child is having problems coping with the stress of a deployment, consider adding a pet to your family or incorporating time with animals into your regular schedule.

Does your family have a pet? How does your pet help you or your children during a deployment?

Pets Feel the Separation During the Deployment Too

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We’ve all heard (and most likely experienced) it before: “Deployments suck.” I might even sound like a broken record at this point.

There are so many different types of stress that can occur when a service member is on deployment or away. But, we often forget about the effect of separation between service members and their beloved pets.

Think about it this way, a deployment or separation is a difficult challenge for all family members. Don’t we all consider our furry, four-legged companions a part of the family?

It’s almost a given for dogs to be very attached to their human counterpart. Did you know that cats can suffer from separation anxiety too?

Felines express it differently, especially because a lot of cats are extremely independent already. Well, leave it to my cat to be the exception to the rule. She is very attached to both my husband and myself. We got her as a kitten when she was about 8 months old. My husband was actually the first of the two of us to hold her.

When Your Pet Feels Separation Anxiety During a Deployment

My husband and Xena.

Since I work from home, I see her a lot more. When 4 to 5 p.m. rolls around, she’s waiting by the door for my husband to arrive. It’s actually really cute.

But, when my husband has TDYs, she stays waiting at the door and it breaks my heart! I can only imagine how she would react during a deployment.

Most pets are sociable creatures and love companionship, whether they are a dog or cat. I believe they can miss and even care for you. Our cat Xena does so by “grooming” or snuggling with us, which can get a little weird at times. Everything said is why it’s important for us to consider our family pets as well as all the other humans in your household that go through a deployment. There are some relatively simple things that can help our furry family members cope with their service members’ absences.

When Your Pet Feels Separation Anxiety During a Deployment

Rewarding your pet is a good way to help their attitude during a deployment.

First, when we know he will be leaving for an extended amount of time, my husband makes sure he spends extra time with her. We call for her and pet her as much as possible.

Then when my husband is away, I mimic the same exact activities that my husband does with Xena. He’s pretty much the person that plays with her everyday with her favorite toy. When he’s away, I grab the toy and play with her until she starts panting and is tired. Keeping to routine is important.

Afterwards, I feed Xena her absolute favorite treats, which I’ve mentioned before, are Purina Whisker Lickin’s Crunchy Tuna Treats. Seriously, she absolutely loves them. My husband feeds her 3 nibblets following a play session. Rewarding your pet is a good way to help their attitude and as a result provide a positive environment for them.

It’s also a benefit to keep your pet distracted and socializing with others. If you have a pup (and if you’re brave with a cat), take them outside for plenty of walks and trips around town at places that are pet friendly.

For service members that need extra help during a deployment, there are organizations out there to assist when deployment orders get drawn and you have no one to watch your pet. Dogs on Deployment is a wonderful group that matches your pet with a loving home for them to board. The organization also considers cats too! Boarding your pet eases the stress of separation by giving them another home to live in the meantime. It also eases the stress for service members as they go through deployment and gives them peace of mind.

Don’t forget about the service member too! I send plenty of pictures of Xena to my husband when he’s away, so he can keep up with what’s going on at home. It’s a great way to keep them interacting with the family no matter where they are.

I can’t end this without sharing some of my favorite pet reunions! I’m a little particular to the unlikely one between a service member and his cat here.

But, you can never go wrong with dogs and their special service member companion here.

What are your tips to help pets feeling separation anxiety during a deployment?

Spring into Savings This April at Your Military Commissary

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I’m a foodie. I’m a local food foodie. When my family moves to a new duty station before I ask for recommendations for a hair stylist or a dentist, I always ask my new neighbors for their lists of favorite local restaurants. Local restaurants are the key for this military spouse foodie. That’s how this Iowa girl fell in love with breakfast burritos in Arizona, udon noodles in Okinawa and grits in Mississippi.

But there’s a problem with all these local eating. The PCS.

Moving means that I find myself craving grits when I’m in California and ramen when I’m in Texas. As a solution-oriented military spouse, I’ve taken these cravings and the international food aisle at the commissary and used it as an opportunity to learn to make “local” food no matter where the Navy sends us.

Tex-Mex cuisine is one of my favorite “local” foods to make at home. Actually it’s a staple in our house and we have more than Taco Tuesdays. It’s Taco Tuesdays, Fajita Fridays, Tortilla Soup Sundays and Breakfast Burrito Wednesdays.

Luckily for me, all my favorite Tex-Mex ingredients are on sale this April at the military commissary.

Starting April 16, a 16-ounce jar of Old El Paso Think ‘n Chunky Salsa, mild or medium, is on sale for $0.99. Even if you don’t use it for a build-your-build-taco night, you can always stock up on salsa and be ready for those last-minute potlucks. Chips and salsa are my go-to potluck contribution at FRG meetings when I’m too busy to bake a dessert.

Here’s what other Old El Paso products are PowerBuys in April:

  • Taco Seasoning, Gucamole seasoning and Fajita seasoning mix packets, $0.45
  • Taco shells, $0.99
  • Chopped or whole green chiles, $0.75
  • Refined beans, traditional, fat-free and vegetarian, $0.75
  • Soft taco, beef carne asada and chipotle chicken dinner kits, $2.00

Once you feed your family, don’t forget to feed your furry family members. Several Purina products are on sale for the entire month of April.

Cat owners can buy 3-ounce Fancy Feast cat food cans for $0.53 each. Tidy Cats cat litter, 24/7 performance and instant action, is also on sale. You can buy two 14-pound cat litter containers for $8. Purina One Smartblend cat food is on sale for $9.99.

Don’t forget to pair these great discounts with coupons from coupons.com.

Purina Pro Plan Savor dog  food is also on sale. The price is $20.99 for the entire month of April. Alpo Wholesome Biscuits dog treats are on sale for $2.07, so treat your pet with this great deal.

Finally, as a mother, I prefer to buy detergent that is recommended by dermatologists. That’s the reason I use all® Free Clear detergent to wash our clothes. All all® detergent, dryer sheets and fabric softener are on sale during April at your commissary.

Don’t forget to sign up for the MilitaryShoppers newsletter to get the monthly commissary specials delivered directly to your inbox!