HELP PLEASE…

Hi everyone! Desperately looking for flight escorts to Denver, Miami, Ft Lauderdale, east coast airports (esp IAD)
US CDC has changed regulations so no pup under 6 months will be allowed entry to US from Aug 1 which is going to have a massive negative impact on our program to rescue and rehome BVI pups.
If anyone is flying between now and then please help. (It’s easy, rewarding and doesn’t cost you a penny.)
Thank you!

Hope you are able to find someone to help. God knows, one shouldn't expect government regulations to make any sense, but I would surely like to know the justification for this change. I think it will virtually stop all animal rescues from the Caribbean.

Carol,
I suspect it may have something to do with Canine Parvo Virus. I worked in a pet store many years ago and it is an awful disease, highly contagious. Most of the puppies we treated failed to survive. All dogs can get it, but it is most prevalent and dangerous in young puppies. I can't say that's the reason but bet it has something to do with the regulation.

I know that Parvo is a horrible disease. But, as far as I know, puppies at 3 months can be vaccinated against Parvo, can't they?

Yes, but I'm guessing the thought is better safe than sorry. I care about the animals too, but fake vaccination papers are not hard to make, and you know some folks have no issue doing that. I know PAWBVI is certainly not in that league but plenty of others in the islands sadly could be. Everyone suffers for the few bad apples.

But Fran, if the docs are fake, what difference does it make if the fake papers have to do with a 6 month old pup or a 3 month old pup? I'm not questioning a requirement for vaccination, but why the change from 3 months to 6?

Pups under 6 months are more susceptible and more likely to be carriers. I base that on our vets information when we were fighting the disease at the pet store. I hope all the pups have a home and long life, just some thoughts on why the regs.

But the question is, can they be tested under 6 months and can they be vaccinated under 6 months?

You'll have to check with a vet on that.

Good afternoon,

I’ve asked some questions, and the reason this new regulation has been introduced is because of Rabies.

But in answer to the question about Parvo. Yes they can be tested and vaccinated under 6 months and all pups that are sent have been tested and vaccinated

Scubacat--is it not possible to vaccinate for rabies under 6 months?

I fully believe Scubacat and that's great for the BVI, but I bet this reg is universal for all the islands and probably other counties as well. Unfortunately, sometimes a large net catches many fish, even unintended ones. The US is not the only country with regs like this.
As I said, I feel bad for the animals but kind of get it.

No, I know this is a new US rule that applies to everyone bringing in a dog into the US.

It's a shame it has to be like this. Karyl and I love animals and wish everyone of them that is in a shelter or homeless would have a loving forever home. They have so much love to give back.

Agreed, our last four dogs have all been shelter dogs, and we have been so blessed. From the US, but still shelter dogs.

My understanding is you can vaccinate, but you can’t test. But the BVI is Rabies free.

All puppies should be fully vaccinated (2-3 rounds, depending on the vaccine) by 4 months of age. This would include for rabies and Parvo. Most entities, including the regulatory FDA, approves the transport of puppies at 8 weeks. This is common practice in the USA. So the new regulations, effective August 1st, don't make a lot of sense, in terms of the AGE of animals being imported. That is a real problem for rescues which use airplanes to transport their animals. 8 week old puppies fit under the seat. 6 month old puppies likely may not. It is a real bummer for them. But the restrictions are even WORSE for countries who are considered to be high risk for rabies. The new regulations make it extremely difficult, and expensive, to import animals from countries like Afghanistan. My USA-based rescue participated last month in the incredible airlift of 300 dogs and cats from Afghanistan, planned to be executed before the new restrictions take place. Google it - it was an amazing effort! My small rescue was able to accept 6 dogs from KSAR (Kabul Small Animal Rescue). Scores of other USA rescues also participated in accepting 300 dogs and cats in total. Rescue is currently in crisis worldwide - a result of our emerging from the pandemic with too many dogs. Breeders overproduced and are 'releasing' their unwanted dogs into the rescue world, and people adopted when they were at home and now are surrendering very unsocialized animals as they go back to work. The new restrictions serve to only exacerbate an already overburdened rescue system.

There are 15 puppies that PAW are trying to get out before 1st August. Please if you are down here in the BVI and leaving before the 1st August consider transporting a puppy. Thank you!

Best wishes!

Flight escorts urgently needed! 🙏

Are you flying from STT or BVI to the US this week? We are urgently looking for escorts for the Friends litter (as well as a number of other pups).

We cover the cabin pet fee and handle all the admin. A volunteer meets you at your arrival Airport.

Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Denver, Pittsburgh and Washington DC are top of the list at the moment, but other destinations may work as well, depending on itinerary.

Please send us a copy of your flight itinerary (either by DM or email pawbvi@gmail.com).

This is urgent as the new CDC rule means we can't send pups under 6 months old from 1 August. So this is their last opportunity to fly (we can get temp fosters in STT for a few nights but ideally need flights this week).

Have you had any luck finding escorts in the BVI charter chat FB group?

Cute babies, wish we could help. Best of luck to you.

I know that posts have been made, but I don’t receive the emails, so not sure if/how many have replied. But as of this morning, they were still looking for escorts for the pups I posted.