Misawa Kennel Ready to Receive Voluntary Departure Pets

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jose Lopez, U.S. Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan Public Affairs

MISAWA, Japan (NNS) -- Misawa Air Base Pet Kennel is caring for pets, while families participate in the Department of Defense–authorized voluntary departure of Japan, beginning March 22.

The kennel workers will provide care services for pets of departing family members, and ensure that their beloved pets are safe and secure as they travel back to the U.S.

"Many pets will stay with the service member while the family has (voluntarily) departed," said Tanesha Wilcox, animal caretaker lead at the Misawa Pet Kennel. "But those service members have to work, so they will bring in their pets for us to look after. Many of them have been on long shifts since the earthquake and don't want to leave their pets alone."

The kennel has a capacity for 61 dogs and 18 cats, which was not enough to take care of Misawa family pets. Kennel personnel worked with the Post Exchange to acquire more kennels to keep the pets in.

"The flight could only take 100 pets, so we prepared to receive about 200 animals," said Meghan Skelton, a pet caretaker at the kennel. "We got new kennels, set up and we are prepared if [pets] do come in."

Animals that arrive at the kennel can expect good treatment. The kennel operators say the dogs get boarding, three daily walks and play time. They also get a bath and normally get a night walk.

Kennel workers say that in crisis situations like these, people have a tendency to leave their pets with friends. While they don't say it is a bad idea, they do add that pets will act abnormal when they are away from their family members. In some cases, the animals may feel the stress.

"While they are here, we make them comfortable and we provide food and water," added Wilcox. "If the pet experiences any problem, we will take them to a veterinarian if needed. They are completely safe here. Not that they are not safe with friends, but people do get busy."

Currently there are ten volunteers who assist the kennel operators with walking the dogs. The dogs, along with cats, also get play time. Kennel personnel are on site from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

"We also leave the radio on for them so it doesn't feel like they are alone," concluded Wilcox.