In 2 days and 2 hours I have TWO EMS animals that due to law can fly with me in my lap on the plane free of charge.

You might want to check into some laws about the state of Hawaii if you haven't already done so. They have a Quarantine Law. It's because of rabies. Hawaii is the only state in the US to be rabies free. I don't really know that much about it but I have heard stories that dogs can be put and quarantine up to 4months and it can be very expensive.

I was going to add to that, it says on the web site 3 months even for service dogs, in some cases they can get it down to 30. days

And it is such a shame that when our military transports families all over the freaking place they don't want to help them with their pets. I wonder how Michele O. would like it if her dog Bo was treated this way. Chances are they probably don't even realize this. You know what would be cool is if we could start a campaign on this topic, after all one of the causes of the first and second lady is for better treatment of the military. Instead of all of us sitting on the keyboard going round and round on hot button issues on YT what if we spent some of that time trying to make a difference for family pets of those in the military. Anyone up for starting a face book page on the topic.

I just found this:
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – While President Barack Obama and his family have been coming to Hawaii for vacation almost every year, it will be the first island visit for “First Dog” Bo. If he passes a veterinary exam when he lands, he’ll be allowed to follow the Obama ohana to Kailua immediately.
He can do so under the state’s “Five-Day-Or-Less” quarantine program, which has been on the books since 2003. Bo met the requirements, but the process began months in advance.
“It would take at least four months to qualify for the Five-Day-Or-Less quarantine, which has a provision for direct release at the airport if the owners do things as required,” said state Agriculture Department spokeswoman Janelle Saneishi.
For starters, there’s a $165 fee per pet. The dog or cat also has to have had at least two rabies shots in its lifetime, with the most recent one at least 90 days before it travels to Hawaii. It also has to have a microchip for identification, and have a blood test for rabies. Then there’s a 120-day wait after the animal passes the blood test before it can enter the state. There’s also paperwork to certify that all the requirements have been met

Oh that's so cool, just don't tell "The Donald" about this, I'm sure he'll throw a fit!

too funny, but dollars to donuts he did not fly cargo and in a crate for the duration of the flight since he no doubt went on Air Force One. They most likely did not pay for his seat but us taxpayers did. Not that I would begrudge Bo a chance to fly safe and in style but as our president he is commander in chief therefore part of the military.

Lol, Romney would have probably strapped him to the top of Air Force one! :D All you Republicans, I'm just kidding!

:thumbup::thumbup:I like this idea, maybe it will help!:thumbup::thumbup:

It just seems like an awful long time for the dogs to go without food and water. I know they recommend that animals going in cargo not eat for a few hours before the flight because of possible travel sickness and having to potty while they are in the carrier. It just seems inhumane to do that to such little dogs, or any pet for that matter. They won't even let you pay the extra it would cost to fly with your pet in the cabin?

I don't have anything like that

We already have gone through the rabies series to make sure the dogs are ready. That's one thing the army does help with is making sure your animals are ready health wise. We started planning before we even got our official orders because my parents moved to Hawaii awhile ago and have two cats an went through the same. Like you mentioned they have to get 3 rabies vaccines and the last has to be 4 months before you enter the state

They won't let us pay the extra. I'm not sure if its because we are traveling on orders he has to appear more work ready or what the reasoning behind it is. We ask and we just don't get reasoning explained just it is what it is. Maybe it's because traveling on orders the military is responsible for our whole ticket price so they don't allow us to do add ons even of pocket.

Thanks for giving the info about being able to check on them!! That eases my mind a little and being able to take them out on the layover!! And good thinking withthe tranq I will ask the vet about that! :)

Ours will not be quarantined because we got them ready for the travel already!! Thank goodness at least we were on top of that!

Unfortunately, no pets are allowed in cabin to Hawaii even if not military. Alaska Airlines may be an exception...which won't apply to you.:(

While I understand where you are coming from and almost losing your babies life (so sorry!) only I can fly commercial. Which means I could take one pup, but I have a baby that is exclusively breastfed and I can't see me alone taking the baby and the puppy, it would be to much. Our plan was I would be carrying our girl and my husband would be in charge of pets.

The suggestion to take a commercial flight is NOT An option for us. That is out of our control. We can't tell the army for the sake of our pets.... It doesn't work that way!! I really am trying to do what's best and that's why I specifically asked if people had info on flying cargo so I could have them prepared. I really am sorry if this makes me seem like a bad pet owner but we sign have a choice!

My husband is more familiar with Hawaiian air policy and airport policy he worked for Hawaiian air in Hawaii before the military. We know the quarantine and airport procedure