Has anyone shipped a pet back to the states unaccompanied baggage? Im starting to look into it for our new little foundling as she is only 3weeks this comming monday she might not be old enuff to PCS with us.I have found a friend willing to keep her and ship her once she is of age. So  I have to say I am really confused. The Naha Quarintine office says they need to be notified 40days proir to departure. American Airlines say they can't book more than 7days in advance. WTF?How does this work?

First I have heard of an airline restricting how far out in advance you can book a pet onto a flight. We flew out pets out here once they met their quarantine period, and they were booked well over a month in advance. I think that might be where the confusion lies... I wouldnt imagine it would be any different flying to the states as it was flying from there...

So far I have been able to find out that shipping her alone from Okinawa to the states I have to fill out aUSFJ form 380 EJ(From TMO) and have a letter of acclimation from the vet on top of the 10 day health certificate. In addition to this I have to take her down to the Naha Quirintine office and have them double check all the paper work and check that the kennel is secured with metal screws and wing nuts( that last one went into effect Jan 2010) with in 24-48hours of her departure.

I didnt have to do this much bringing my older cat (that passed away last year)with me her but she was on the millitary flight with me. So I havent done this part before and Im really confused. I have also read a rumor that I have to use a proffesional pet shipping service now? This is apparently because the airlines are saying anyone shipping a pet unaccompanied is "a security issue"?? really? Anyone been through this?

I've done it with my cat but it was through Narita Airport and Continental Airlines.

I had to change his flight a couple times and it was okay. There was no way I could give them an accurate 40 day notice. Once you have the flight information in hand email them ASAP and they should get back to you.

People always have a hard time with the 40 day notice. I don't think I know anyone who has done it "correctly". And since you're military they give you some leeway compared to the general population. But again, I only know of Narita.

AND, the summer months are coming up. You need to be careful of the flight restrictions because of the high temperatures. Either you try to fly the kitty out ASAP or wait until after summer --it's way too humid for them.

I read that she has to be 6months to fly unaccompanied internationally. So summer will be over and she should be able to fly out in October before the cold sets in. And thanks I was wondering how anyone did the 40day notice if the departure of the animal wasnt guarenteed.