Today I came home to a packed away bag of clothes pulled all the way to the middle of the apartment, split to pieces with all the contents perfectly molded into a little nest. Per Sadie.
I also found one of my packed up cardboard boxes, pried open with a giant furry orange kitty peaking out.
The pets are revolting! They are unpacking us!!!
I think they have spoken on behalf of my subconscious, who despite my excitement and movement, is digging its feet in the sand and trying to stay RIGHT HERE.
Tomorrow is my last day at work. The excitement and sadness that surrounds that statement is a little more than I can handle tonight. I am so excited. I also am suffering from a huge feeling of loss. My job has never just been 'my job'. My colleagues are some of my best friends who have known me for years and know what gives me a rush... what pisses me off... what makes me happy... what makes me annoyed... what makes me 'tick'. And so many other things. The reality is they are my family. I've been with some or all of them over 10 years. We've seen each other through relationships, life phases, heartbreaks, successes, love and loss, growth... difficult times, life-changing things... and tomorrow I walk away and leave behind the memory of these relationships. And tonight, that breaks my little heart to pieces.
Hundreds and hundreds of little pieces.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Expanding Your Comfort Zone
RT @dailyom.com
The Boundaries Of Experience
Expanding Your Comfort Zone
Leaving your comfort zone of current patterns and behaviors is a courageous step toward self-growth.
None of us are born with a guidebook that provides explicit rules for thought and behavior that will enable us to navigate life successfully. To cope with the myriad of complexities to which all of humanity is subject, we each develop a set of habits and routines that ground us, their continuity assuring us that life is progressing normally. Most of us know, whether instinctively or by experience, that transformations can be uncomfortable, but we always learn and gain so much. Any initial discomfort we experience when expanding our comfort zones diminishes gradually as we both become accustomed to change and begin to understand that temporary discomfort is a small price to pay for the evolution of our soul.
Your current comfort zone did, at one time, serve a purpose in your life. But it is representative of behaviors and patterns of thought that empowered you to cope with challenges of days past. Now, this comfort zone does little to facilitate the growth you wish to achieve in the present. Leaving your comfort zone behind through personal expansion of any kind can prepare you to take the larger leaps of faith that will, in time, help you refine your purpose. Work your way outward at your own pace, and try not to let your discomfort interfere with your resolve. With the passage of each well-earned triumph, you will have grown and your comfort zone will have expanded to accommodate this evolution.
Whether your comfort zone is living with your parents, or perhaps being too shy to socialize, or maybe it’s not realizing your spirit self—whatever it is, start small, and you will discover that venturing beyond the limited comfort zone you now cling to is not as stressful an experience as you imagined it might be. And the joy you feel upon challenging yourself in this way will nearly always outweigh your discomfort. As you continue to expand your comfort zone to include new ideas, activities, goals, and experiences, you will see that you are capable of stimulating change and coping with the fresh challenges that accompany it.
The Boundaries Of Experience
Expanding Your Comfort Zone
Leaving your comfort zone of current patterns and behaviors is a courageous step toward self-growth.
None of us are born with a guidebook that provides explicit rules for thought and behavior that will enable us to navigate life successfully. To cope with the myriad of complexities to which all of humanity is subject, we each develop a set of habits and routines that ground us, their continuity assuring us that life is progressing normally. Most of us know, whether instinctively or by experience, that transformations can be uncomfortable, but we always learn and gain so much. Any initial discomfort we experience when expanding our comfort zones diminishes gradually as we both become accustomed to change and begin to understand that temporary discomfort is a small price to pay for the evolution of our soul.
Your current comfort zone did, at one time, serve a purpose in your life. But it is representative of behaviors and patterns of thought that empowered you to cope with challenges of days past. Now, this comfort zone does little to facilitate the growth you wish to achieve in the present. Leaving your comfort zone behind through personal expansion of any kind can prepare you to take the larger leaps of faith that will, in time, help you refine your purpose. Work your way outward at your own pace, and try not to let your discomfort interfere with your resolve. With the passage of each well-earned triumph, you will have grown and your comfort zone will have expanded to accommodate this evolution.
Whether your comfort zone is living with your parents, or perhaps being too shy to socialize, or maybe it’s not realizing your spirit self—whatever it is, start small, and you will discover that venturing beyond the limited comfort zone you now cling to is not as stressful an experience as you imagined it might be. And the joy you feel upon challenging yourself in this way will nearly always outweigh your discomfort. As you continue to expand your comfort zone to include new ideas, activities, goals, and experiences, you will see that you are capable of stimulating change and coping with the fresh challenges that accompany it.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
THE PLAN
I've been asked 2 questions pretty frequently lately and want to talk about them here.
1) WHY?
The funny thing is I find myself giving a different answer to everyone who asks. All the reasons are true and I am passionate about them so I find it really funny that I divulge different things to different people!
At the core of it all, I need a break from corporate life. For the first 30 years of my life I think I've dedicated all of me to my success. My achievements. But it's more than that, it's 'business' achievements. That corporate ladder deal. A few months ago I was in a lecture that encouraged me to draw a pie chart and separate out how much of your time is used for each part of your life. I really thought I was more than my title, but as I stared at this paper I felt a sense of shock overcome me. My pie chart allotted around 75% of my time/effort to work. Socializing, traveling, learning, exploring, giving, sweating... all of those combined was only 1/4 of what I am actually doing with my life. That's so wrong.
I also never thought I could achieve all the things I have. If you would have told me I'd be managing a sales team at a publicly traded company I would probably have had to look up what that meant. I feel great about who I've become professionally and am very proud of my accomplishments.
But the reality is that's one part of my life. 75% of it actually. But does the value of the reward I feel equate to the time I spend on it? Or in my business terms, I have the propensity to spend a lot of time at work but my engagement and value in such action is under-indexing.
Another reality is the direction my mind is heading. It's not in one direction, per se, but it's looking around and looking waaaaaaay out there. That is the kind of curiosity that drives you. In fact it won't allow you to stay still.
I'm really proud of where I've come and feel like I've achieved more than I thought I ever could. I want to feel that high and move on to what's next. I've dedicated a third of my life to my career and the things I learned are valuable and will still be valuable in 6 months or a year. And if I want to return to business I really feel confident I can do so and my relationships, experience and karma will help me in every step.
But until then I am exploring other things that are now 100% of my pie. Traveling, impacting the vitality of wildlife in Africa; learning about the animals, cultures and plants in Botswana and Uganda; photographing nature; living under the stars in nature; learning different cultures and languages; scaring the shit out of myself by daring myself to fear not what is unknown in my path; .... and I could go on for pages on this...
2) WHERE?
I am driving to my parent's place in Florida in about 2 weeks with my pets and ... dun dun dun!!!!... michelle/t3/chuck (this is just decided and awesome!!)
April 21st I head to Cape Town, S Africa and am there through the end of the month.
MAY: Cheetah Conservation Project in Botswana: http://www.cheetahbotswana.com/
There I am a Research Assistance way the eff out in the bush. I'll be working with a few scientist that are based in a camp that track the behaviors of Cheetahs and work with the farmers to educate them about the nearing extincting of Cheetahs and help them protect their livestock from Cheetahs (so they don't kill them).
JUNE: Heading up to Uganda to help my friend Justin with his not-for-profit, In Movement: http://www.inmovement.org
Justin has been over in Uganda for 3 1/2 years and is a friend of mine from when we lived in SF. His organization provides the Kampala kids with art education. I am just there to pitch in wherever they need it. I anticipate this will be the difficult part of my trip for me, emotionally. I am also looking forward to it for that reason.
JULY: I am moving to Barcelona for 6 months! I've been there twice, the last time 4 years ago. My mom flew out too and I expressed to her at that time that I wanted to quit and move there. I love the language, the people, the nature, the people, the ART. I never did it. Of course I didn't. Don't we all dream like that when we're on vacation?
The thing is, that thought never left my mind. It may have faded at times, but I can truly say it's the only city I've REALLY wanted to live in that I haven't. I've got NYC, San Francisco and Seattle down. To me this is a natural progression. Especially since I've been looking for my next step to me bold.
So yes, I know Spanish un poco. Yes, I have an apartment in place for when I arrive there July 1st. Yes, I've saved enough money so although I'm in unemployed world I will not starve. Once there I'm planning to take Spanish lessons. I picked out the school when I was there with my mom. It's 1 week classes so I can pick it up and drop it based on the other 99% of my life. I plan to take pottery and painting classes. I plan to live on the beach July and August with the exception of the Burningman-inspired 'NoWhere' - http://www.goingnowhere.org/ - in July. It's like Burningman... in the desert of Spain! A few less people... only 500 (compared to 35000ish in the states)!!
I really also want to study Yoga as my part-time job there... 'cause I can!
OK, there's the background. I am glowing. Excited! SO effing excited!!
1) WHY?
The funny thing is I find myself giving a different answer to everyone who asks. All the reasons are true and I am passionate about them so I find it really funny that I divulge different things to different people!
At the core of it all, I need a break from corporate life. For the first 30 years of my life I think I've dedicated all of me to my success. My achievements. But it's more than that, it's 'business' achievements. That corporate ladder deal. A few months ago I was in a lecture that encouraged me to draw a pie chart and separate out how much of your time is used for each part of your life. I really thought I was more than my title, but as I stared at this paper I felt a sense of shock overcome me. My pie chart allotted around 75% of my time/effort to work. Socializing, traveling, learning, exploring, giving, sweating... all of those combined was only 1/4 of what I am actually doing with my life. That's so wrong.
I also never thought I could achieve all the things I have. If you would have told me I'd be managing a sales team at a publicly traded company I would probably have had to look up what that meant. I feel great about who I've become professionally and am very proud of my accomplishments.
But the reality is that's one part of my life. 75% of it actually. But does the value of the reward I feel equate to the time I spend on it? Or in my business terms, I have the propensity to spend a lot of time at work but my engagement and value in such action is under-indexing.
Another reality is the direction my mind is heading. It's not in one direction, per se, but it's looking around and looking waaaaaaay out there. That is the kind of curiosity that drives you. In fact it won't allow you to stay still.
I'm really proud of where I've come and feel like I've achieved more than I thought I ever could. I want to feel that high and move on to what's next. I've dedicated a third of my life to my career and the things I learned are valuable and will still be valuable in 6 months or a year. And if I want to return to business I really feel confident I can do so and my relationships, experience and karma will help me in every step.
But until then I am exploring other things that are now 100% of my pie. Traveling, impacting the vitality of wildlife in Africa; learning about the animals, cultures and plants in Botswana and Uganda; photographing nature; living under the stars in nature; learning different cultures and languages; scaring the shit out of myself by daring myself to fear not what is unknown in my path; .... and I could go on for pages on this...
2) WHERE?
I am driving to my parent's place in Florida in about 2 weeks with my pets and ... dun dun dun!!!!... michelle/t3/chuck (this is just decided and awesome!!)
April 21st I head to Cape Town, S Africa and am there through the end of the month.
MAY: Cheetah Conservation Project in Botswana: http://www.cheetahbotswana.com/
There I am a Research Assistance way the eff out in the bush. I'll be working with a few scientist that are based in a camp that track the behaviors of Cheetahs and work with the farmers to educate them about the nearing extincting of Cheetahs and help them protect their livestock from Cheetahs (so they don't kill them).
JUNE: Heading up to Uganda to help my friend Justin with his not-for-profit, In Movement: http://www.inmovement.org
Justin has been over in Uganda for 3 1/2 years and is a friend of mine from when we lived in SF. His organization provides the Kampala kids with art education. I am just there to pitch in wherever they need it. I anticipate this will be the difficult part of my trip for me, emotionally. I am also looking forward to it for that reason.
JULY: I am moving to Barcelona for 6 months! I've been there twice, the last time 4 years ago. My mom flew out too and I expressed to her at that time that I wanted to quit and move there. I love the language, the people, the nature, the people, the ART. I never did it. Of course I didn't. Don't we all dream like that when we're on vacation?
The thing is, that thought never left my mind. It may have faded at times, but I can truly say it's the only city I've REALLY wanted to live in that I haven't. I've got NYC, San Francisco and Seattle down. To me this is a natural progression. Especially since I've been looking for my next step to me bold.
So yes, I know Spanish un poco. Yes, I have an apartment in place for when I arrive there July 1st. Yes, I've saved enough money so although I'm in unemployed world I will not starve. Once there I'm planning to take Spanish lessons. I picked out the school when I was there with my mom. It's 1 week classes so I can pick it up and drop it based on the other 99% of my life. I plan to take pottery and painting classes. I plan to live on the beach July and August with the exception of the Burningman-inspired 'NoWhere' - http://www.goingnowhere.org/ - in July. It's like Burningman... in the desert of Spain! A few less people... only 500 (compared to 35000ish in the states)!!
I really also want to study Yoga as my part-time job there... 'cause I can!
OK, there's the background. I am glowing. Excited! SO effing excited!!
Friday, March 12, 2010
So like 6 months ago I was inspired by an article in one of my hippie mags that defined *metacommitments*, which is “a vow you make with your own soul, with that part of your being that underlies your personality, the part of you that connects to the eternal.”
They listed these *metacommitments*. I find myself going back to the notes I took when I read this and it really hits home with me. These are the metacommitments that I wrote into my journal when I read that article.
* to love in all circumstances
* to be of service
* to make your first priority ongoing transformation and growth
* to find out what is ultimately real
* to make community
* to make beauty
* to be compassionate
* to help make the world better
* to live as your highest self
SHIT, That's a tall order!! Yet becoming closer to reality than I ever expected. I light up knowing I'm chasing my inner values with no regard for what's left behind or what might not fit into the footprint that is a single 33yr old successful American woman.
They listed these *metacommitments*. I find myself going back to the notes I took when I read this and it really hits home with me. These are the metacommitments that I wrote into my journal when I read that article.
* to love in all circumstances
* to be of service
* to make your first priority ongoing transformation and growth
* to find out what is ultimately real
* to make community
* to make beauty
* to be compassionate
* to help make the world better
* to live as your highest self
SHIT, That's a tall order!! Yet becoming closer to reality than I ever expected. I light up knowing I'm chasing my inner values with no regard for what's left behind or what might not fit into the footprint that is a single 33yr old successful American woman.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
"War Dance"... Rent it.
War Dance
(War/Dance)
2006PG-13105 minutes
Set in civil war-ravaged Northern Uganda, this Best Documentary Oscar nominee follows the lives of three youngsters who attend school in a refugee camp and find hope through a rich tradition of song and dance. Coming from a world in which children are abducted from their families and forced to fight in the rebel army, these kids give it their all when they travel to the capital city to take part in the prestigious Kampala Music Festival.
****
In the midst of my research of that far away continent, Africa, I came across this and watched it tonight via Netflix. It's HIGHLY recommended unless you are a member of my immediate family. Mom, Dad, Kevin, if you're reading just close out and ignore. If you are not a family member who thinks I'm going to be diseased and hunted because I'm going to Africa, this movie is heartwarming and intensively touching. I will be staying near Kampala, the main city they visit at the end.
On a personal note, despite this being a real-life documentary I still can't imagine what I will see and feel when I am actually in Uganda. The poverty and horrible stories told in this documentary are not just in a movie... I have to expect to see all if it and still have my heart beat on. My heart will be breaking a lot, and I'm not ready for that but I'm working on it. It will be really hard to be there and engage with and live with a bunch of people(s) that I can't just HELP. Where do you start?
And another thing. Who am I to say they need to be helped? Last time I checked the enormous stress that the urban, educated society holds on its hunched-over laptop-obsessed shoulders continues to develop into these societies that numb emotion and closeness in an attempt to encompass independence (financially. emotionally.) and build POWER.
((end rant))
(War/Dance)
2006PG-13105 minutes
Set in civil war-ravaged Northern Uganda, this Best Documentary Oscar nominee follows the lives of three youngsters who attend school in a refugee camp and find hope through a rich tradition of song and dance. Coming from a world in which children are abducted from their families and forced to fight in the rebel army, these kids give it their all when they travel to the capital city to take part in the prestigious Kampala Music Festival.
****
In the midst of my research of that far away continent, Africa, I came across this and watched it tonight via Netflix. It's HIGHLY recommended unless you are a member of my immediate family. Mom, Dad, Kevin, if you're reading just close out and ignore. If you are not a family member who thinks I'm going to be diseased and hunted because I'm going to Africa, this movie is heartwarming and intensively touching. I will be staying near Kampala, the main city they visit at the end.
On a personal note, despite this being a real-life documentary I still can't imagine what I will see and feel when I am actually in Uganda. The poverty and horrible stories told in this documentary are not just in a movie... I have to expect to see all if it and still have my heart beat on. My heart will be breaking a lot, and I'm not ready for that but I'm working on it. It will be really hard to be there and engage with and live with a bunch of people(s) that I can't just HELP. Where do you start?
And another thing. Who am I to say they need to be helped? Last time I checked the enormous stress that the urban, educated society holds on its hunched-over laptop-obsessed shoulders continues to develop into these societies that numb emotion and closeness in an attempt to encompass independence (financially. emotionally.) and build POWER.
((end rant))
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Barcelona, Meet Suzi
I've recently posted some info on bringing dogs in and out of Spain. This has all stemmed from this dream I've had since I visited Barcelona (again) with my mom and fell head-over-heels for it. When we were there I thought I wanted to quit my job and move there to study Spanish. Mom and I visited a bunch of language schools and I even found one I wanted to go to. It wasn't realistic at the time and I still had things I was trying to accomplish back home.
Times change, people change... but dreams remain. Faced with the opportunity of having time and some money I have decided... Why the hell not!? I'm gonna live in Spain!!
So my itinerary has evolved and pieces are coming together organically and my vision is blossoming. As of today, I am spending my 2 months in Africa and then getting an apartment in Barcelona for 4 months. Or more! Or less! Wherever it takes me I'm willing to go. But I do know that moving to Barcelona for a few months feels right. It makes me incredibly excited and I want to run towards it like a light-addicted moth runs towards that solitary bulb in the darkness.
It turns out there are no quarantine rules going to Spain or coming back to the US for dogs so I am going to fly Miss Sadie to Spain so I have my buddy with me. Horray! After settling in I plan to take Spanish immersion courses, which are 4 hours a day. Outside of that I'll wake up when I want, have coffee at the cafe and enjoy the morning. I'll read and wander the streets and visit museums. And enjoy just living, without work or the typical responsibilities we're all surrounded by living in the corporate, urban world.
Perspective can't hide from me.
Times change, people change... but dreams remain. Faced with the opportunity of having time and some money I have decided... Why the hell not!? I'm gonna live in Spain!!
So my itinerary has evolved and pieces are coming together organically and my vision is blossoming. As of today, I am spending my 2 months in Africa and then getting an apartment in Barcelona for 4 months. Or more! Or less! Wherever it takes me I'm willing to go. But I do know that moving to Barcelona for a few months feels right. It makes me incredibly excited and I want to run towards it like a light-addicted moth runs towards that solitary bulb in the darkness.
It turns out there are no quarantine rules going to Spain or coming back to the US for dogs so I am going to fly Miss Sadie to Spain so I have my buddy with me. Horray! After settling in I plan to take Spanish immersion courses, which are 4 hours a day. Outside of that I'll wake up when I want, have coffee at the cafe and enjoy the morning. I'll read and wander the streets and visit museums. And enjoy just living, without work or the typical responsibilities we're all surrounded by living in the corporate, urban world.
Perspective can't hide from me.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Bringing Dog Back to US from Spain
http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/dogs.html
Bringing a Dog into the United States
A husky puppy looks at the camera.
Pet dogs are subject to inspection at ports of entry.
A general certificate of health is not required by CDC for entry of pet dogs into the United States, although some airlines or states may require them. However, pet dogs are subject to inspection at ports of entry and may be denied entry into the United States if they have evidence of an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans. If a dog appears to be ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense might be required at the port of entry.
Proof of Rabies Vaccination
Dogs must have a certificate showing they have been vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry into the United States. These requirements apply equally to service animals such as Seeing Eye dogs.
Importation of Unvaccinated Dogs
Dogs not accompanied by proof of rabies vaccination, including those that are too young to be vaccinated (i.e. less than 3 months of age), may be admitted if the importer completes a confinement agreement (see below) and confines the animal until it is considered adequately vaccinated against rabies (the vaccine is not considered effective until 30 days after the date of vaccination). Spanish, French, and Russian translations of form CDC 75.37 are available, but must be completed in English.
Confinement agreement (form CDC 75.37) Adobe PDF file [PDF - 1 page]
Translations of the form CDC 75.37 are also available:
* Spanish Adobe PDF file [PDF - 1 page]
* French Adobe PDF file [PDF - 1 page]
* Russian Adobe PDF file [PDF - 1 page]
Puppies that are too young to be vaccinated (i.e. less than 3 months of age) must be kept in confinement until they are old enough to be vaccinated, and then confined for at least 30 days after the date of vaccination.
Unvaccinated dogs must be vaccinated within 4 days of arrival at their final U.S. destination and within 10 days of entry into the United States, and must be kept in confinement for at least 30 days after the date of vaccination.
Dogs may not be sold or transferred to other owners during this period of confinement, and the person that signs the confinement agreement is responsible for ensuring the conditions of the agreement are met.
Importers must provide a contact address where the dog will be kept during the confinement period. If the importer will be housing the dog at several addresses or traveling with the animal, all points of contact must be provided.
Importation of Dogs from Rabies-free Countries
Unvaccinated dogs may be imported without a requirement for proof of rabies vaccination if they have been located for a minimum of 6 months or more in countries that are free of rabies.
Following importation, all dogs are subject to state and local vaccination or health certificate requirements. All pet dogs arriving in the state of HawaiiExternal Web Site Icon and the territory of GuamExternal Web Site Icon, even from the U.S. mainland, are subject to locally imposed quarantine requirements. Additional information can be found in the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control.
Importation of Dogs for Commercial/Breeding purposes
There are no separate CDC regulations for dogs to be used for commercial purposes, rather than as pets. The rules for bringing domestic dogs into the United States are covered under U.S. regulation 42 CFR 71.51External Web Site Icon. When importing puppies, the importer is responsible for maintaining quarantine according to the vaccination and confinement agreement signed at the time of importation.
Bringing a Dog into the United States
A husky puppy looks at the camera.
Pet dogs are subject to inspection at ports of entry.
A general certificate of health is not required by CDC for entry of pet dogs into the United States, although some airlines or states may require them. However, pet dogs are subject to inspection at ports of entry and may be denied entry into the United States if they have evidence of an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans. If a dog appears to be ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense might be required at the port of entry.
Proof of Rabies Vaccination
Dogs must have a certificate showing they have been vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry into the United States. These requirements apply equally to service animals such as Seeing Eye dogs.
Importation of Unvaccinated Dogs
Dogs not accompanied by proof of rabies vaccination, including those that are too young to be vaccinated (i.e. less than 3 months of age), may be admitted if the importer completes a confinement agreement (see below) and confines the animal until it is considered adequately vaccinated against rabies (the vaccine is not considered effective until 30 days after the date of vaccination). Spanish, French, and Russian translations of form CDC 75.37 are available, but must be completed in English.
Confinement agreement (form CDC 75.37) Adobe PDF file [PDF - 1 page]
Translations of the form CDC 75.37 are also available:
* Spanish Adobe PDF file [PDF - 1 page]
* French Adobe PDF file [PDF - 1 page]
* Russian Adobe PDF file [PDF - 1 page]
Puppies that are too young to be vaccinated (i.e. less than 3 months of age) must be kept in confinement until they are old enough to be vaccinated, and then confined for at least 30 days after the date of vaccination.
Unvaccinated dogs must be vaccinated within 4 days of arrival at their final U.S. destination and within 10 days of entry into the United States, and must be kept in confinement for at least 30 days after the date of vaccination.
Dogs may not be sold or transferred to other owners during this period of confinement, and the person that signs the confinement agreement is responsible for ensuring the conditions of the agreement are met.
Importers must provide a contact address where the dog will be kept during the confinement period. If the importer will be housing the dog at several addresses or traveling with the animal, all points of contact must be provided.
Importation of Dogs from Rabies-free Countries
Unvaccinated dogs may be imported without a requirement for proof of rabies vaccination if they have been located for a minimum of 6 months or more in countries that are free of rabies.
Following importation, all dogs are subject to state and local vaccination or health certificate requirements. All pet dogs arriving in the state of HawaiiExternal Web Site Icon and the territory of GuamExternal Web Site Icon, even from the U.S. mainland, are subject to locally imposed quarantine requirements. Additional information can be found in the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control.
Importation of Dogs for Commercial/Breeding purposes
There are no separate CDC regulations for dogs to be used for commercial purposes, rather than as pets. The rules for bringing domestic dogs into the United States are covered under U.S. regulation 42 CFR 71.51External Web Site Icon. When importing puppies, the importer is responsible for maintaining quarantine according to the vaccination and confinement agreement signed at the time of importation.
Info on moving a pet to Spain
If you’re from the USA or Canada, the Spanish government has recently simplified the procedure for bringing your pets into the country. Follow these instructions from the Spanish Embassy. I would assume that for other non-EU countries, importing your pets is the same or at least very similar, but confirm with your nearest Spanish consulate. You can download the veterinarian pet certificate from the link on the right.
Requirements for the import of cats, dogs, and ferrets
The following requirements concern the non-commercial importing of cats, dogs, and ferrets into Spain.
It’s considered non-commercial if importing only up to five animals without commercial purposes (not being part of a sale or with the intention to sell).
The entry of dogs, cats, or ferrets under three months of age is not allowed.
In Spain the ownership certain types of dogs is subject to strict requirements regarding registration and safety.
Identification of animals
All animals will be identified with either a tattoo or a microchip compatible with standards ISO-11784 or ISO-11785. If the animals are identified with a non-compatible microchip, the importer must supply the appropriate reading equipment.
Certificate
The animals will also be accompanied by a veterinary certificate, issued by an Official Veterinarian, which will include the following:
* Identification of the owner or person responsible for the animal(s)
* Description and origin of the animal(s)
* Microchip or tattoo number, location and date of insertion.
* Information on the rabies vaccine (the vaccine type must be inactive, and in compliance with the standards of the OIE).
The veterinary certificate will be valid for 4 months or until the vaccine’s expiration date, whichever is first. Animals without the certificate will be denied entry into Spain. For animals from the United States and Canada traveling to Spain, parts V, VI, and VII of the certificate do not need to be filled. (download this form from the links on the right)
United States: the veterinary certificate may be filled out by any veterinarian accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA/APHIS, under the National Veterinary Accreditation Program, NVAP. However, once filled out, the certificate must be endorsed by an Official Veterinary employed by the Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (VS/APHIS) of the Department of Agriculture. First, ask your veterinarian whether they are accredited under NVAP. If that is not the case, please contact the Area Office of VS/APHIS to request a list of accredited veterinarians near your place of residence. Once the accredited veterinarian has filled and signed the certificate, it will need the endorsement (signature) of a VS/APHIS Official Veterinarian. The accredited veterinarian or VS/APHIS Area Office can inform you of the procedure.
Canada: The certificate must be signed by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by an Official Veterinarian from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
The cage or carrier in which the animal is travelling must be labelled with the name, address in Spain, and phone number of the owner or the owner’s representative.
Once in Spain, pet animals need a passport, according to the European Union model, in order to travel to other countries the EU. Ask your veterinarian in Spain about the passport.
There are other requirements for owning a potentially dangerous dog in Spain. See the requirements at the link on the right.
Requirements for the import of cats, dogs, and ferrets
The following requirements concern the non-commercial importing of cats, dogs, and ferrets into Spain.
It’s considered non-commercial if importing only up to five animals without commercial purposes (not being part of a sale or with the intention to sell).
The entry of dogs, cats, or ferrets under three months of age is not allowed.
In Spain the ownership certain types of dogs is subject to strict requirements regarding registration and safety.
Identification of animals
All animals will be identified with either a tattoo or a microchip compatible with standards ISO-11784 or ISO-11785. If the animals are identified with a non-compatible microchip, the importer must supply the appropriate reading equipment.
Certificate
The animals will also be accompanied by a veterinary certificate, issued by an Official Veterinarian, which will include the following:
* Identification of the owner or person responsible for the animal(s)
* Description and origin of the animal(s)
* Microchip or tattoo number, location and date of insertion.
* Information on the rabies vaccine (the vaccine type must be inactive, and in compliance with the standards of the OIE).
The veterinary certificate will be valid for 4 months or until the vaccine’s expiration date, whichever is first. Animals without the certificate will be denied entry into Spain. For animals from the United States and Canada traveling to Spain, parts V, VI, and VII of the certificate do not need to be filled. (download this form from the links on the right)
United States: the veterinary certificate may be filled out by any veterinarian accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA/APHIS, under the National Veterinary Accreditation Program, NVAP. However, once filled out, the certificate must be endorsed by an Official Veterinary employed by the Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (VS/APHIS) of the Department of Agriculture. First, ask your veterinarian whether they are accredited under NVAP. If that is not the case, please contact the Area Office of VS/APHIS to request a list of accredited veterinarians near your place of residence. Once the accredited veterinarian has filled and signed the certificate, it will need the endorsement (signature) of a VS/APHIS Official Veterinarian. The accredited veterinarian or VS/APHIS Area Office can inform you of the procedure.
Canada: The certificate must be signed by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by an Official Veterinarian from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
The cage or carrier in which the animal is travelling must be labelled with the name, address in Spain, and phone number of the owner or the owner’s representative.
Once in Spain, pet animals need a passport, according to the European Union model, in order to travel to other countries the EU. Ask your veterinarian in Spain about the passport.
There are other requirements for owning a potentially dangerous dog in Spain. See the requirements at the link on the right.
Monday, March 01, 2010
Yes, I am Glowing.
I just got my first of 3 shots I need for the rabies vaccine. They're $300 a pop! I better get bitten.
The other vaccines I've gotten so far are:
Hep A
Hep B
Polio
Typhoid
Yellow Fever
Cholera
Meningitis
On top of that I have Maleria meds that I will be taking every day over there.
On a positive note, by shot today was magenta and a very pretty color. So I've got some magenta chemicals running through my veins. Pretty... (scary)
The other vaccines I've gotten so far are:
Hep A
Hep B
Polio
Typhoid
Yellow Fever
Cholera
Meningitis
On top of that I have Maleria meds that I will be taking every day over there.
On a positive note, by shot today was magenta and a very pretty color. So I've got some magenta chemicals running through my veins. Pretty... (scary)
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