April 16, 2026: SAWS Pet Travel Prep (NO pet registration) – FULL!

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น NEW: upcoming SAWS Pet Travel Prep (PCS / Travel) in collaboration with ASP (sign-up is closed - we are fully booked! Look out for the next PTP)

๐Ÿ“… Thursday, April 16, 2026
๐Ÿ“ 205 Housing Complex (Bldg. 303C), across from NAS 1
โฐ 16:00โ€“18:00
๐Ÿ“… By Appointment Only
๐Ÿ’ถ โ‚ฌ CASH ONLY on site (Rabies prepaid)


โš ๏ธ IMPORTANT โ€“ PLEASE READ

The Sicilian government is currently implementing regional policy and taxation changes, affecting pricing, payment methods, and processing times for all ASP services (passports, health certificates, etc.).

As a result, delays have occurred across Sicily, including ASP collaboration events.
Thank you for your patience and attention to the updated process.


๐Ÿพ Traveling with your pet?

If you are PCSโ€™ing, rotating, or traveling outside of Italy, this event is for you.

Depending on your destination, your pet may require:
- A valid rabies vaccination
- A pet passport
- A health certificate

โš ๏ธ IMPORTANT:
Your pet must already be registered in the Italian Pet Database (BDN) before attending this event.
If not, registration must be completed through ASP or a SAWS Pet Italian Registration event first.


โญ๏ธ Is SAWS required?

No - participation through SAWS is completely voluntary.

You may complete your pet travel preparation directly with ASP; SAWS partners with ASP Catania to offer coordination, English-language support, and added convenience for those who choose to participate.


๐Ÿ“‹ How It Works (Quick Checklist)

โœ”๏ธ Read this page fully
โœ”๏ธ Submit the Registration Form HERE (by clicking the registration link, you acknowledge the appointment requirements, payment rules, and no-show policy outlined on this SAWS page)
โœ”๏ธ Receive an automatic confirmation email from ASP (no appointment yet)
โœ”๏ธ SAWS schedules appointments once registrations close and the event schedule is finalized
โœ”๏ธ Receive your assigned time slot by email
โœ”๏ธ Complete required rabies prepayments (see table below)
โœ”๏ธ Attend with your pet, ID, confirmation email, and payment
โœ”๏ธ Bring โ‚ฌ CASH ONLY for payments on site

โš ๏ธ No-Show Policy:
Missed appointments without prior notice (at least 48 hours before event) will incur a โ‚ฌ20 fee, as appointment slots are limited.


๐Ÿ’ถ Services and Payment Details

All fees are per animal.
Fees primarily cover ASP services and the on-site ASP consultant.

PCS/travel preparation
๐Ÿฑ๐Ÿถ
PCS/travel preparation
CATS & DOGS
- Amount due at registration - paid cash on site: โ‚ฌ185 per pet

โœ… Covers:
- Document review
- Rabies timing verification
- Passport readiness check
- ASP coordination support
- Health Certificate
Advanced Confirmation Health Certificate (AC) ๐ŸฑAC Health Certificate
CATS & DOGS

- Amount due at registration - paid cash on site: โ‚ฌ85 per pet

โœ… Covers:
- Official Health Certificate (AC)
- Required for travel to foreign countries (ie Japan)
- Requirements are country dependent
PCS Rabies ๐Ÿฑ๐Ÿถ
Rabies Vaccine - must be prepaid
CATS & DOGS

Prepayment paid to SAWS
- PayPal: โ‚ฌ60 per animal/vaccine + PayPal fee โ‚ฌ5 = โ‚ฌ65 in total per pet/vaccine.

- Bank transfer:
Bank: Chase / JPMorgan Chase Bank. Account number: 652708028, BIC/SWIFT: CHASUS33.
Bank Fee must be paid by you and has to be added to the โ‚ฌ60

- Make sure you transfer โ‚ฌ60 and not $60 ๐Ÿ˜‰
- Required only for departure/travel
- Must be administered at least 30 day prior to departure.
Consultation feeIf the requested service cannot be completed for any reason, a consultation fee will apply to cover time, assessment, and administrative processing โ‚ฌ30 per pet
SAWS No-Show PolicyA โ‚ฌ30 fee applies to missed appointments without prior notice (at least 48 hours before event).

๐Ÿ“Œ Important Information

- Check if your pet is already registered in Italy (BDN link)
- Open to AD, DoD, GS, contractors, & NATO personnel
- All pets must be present
- Valid government ID required
- Power of Attorney required if representing another owner
- It is recommended to begin the process around 2 months prior to PCS/travel. Starting early helps avoid delays and last-minute processing.
Due to the short validity of the health certificate, documents are typically issued and handed over in person the day before travel (or 2 days prior if travel falls after a weekend).
โš ๏ธ Requests within 2 weeks of the event will incur an urgency processing fee.
- Rabies vaccine only with PCS passport & health certificate
- One appointment per pet


๐Ÿšซ Please Do NOT:

โŒย  arrive without an appointment
โŒย  arrive without prepayment for rabies vaccination (vaccines are only available if prepaid)
โŒย  forget your ID or confirmation email
โŒย  miss your appointment without notifying us at least 48 hours before event


๐Ÿ“ž Questions?

๐Ÿ“ฑ +39 352 035 1671 (WhatsApp OK)
๐Ÿ“ง info@pawsofsaws.org

Weโ€™re happy to help if you have questions regarding this event - see you and your furry friends soon! ๐Ÿ•๐Ÿˆ๐Ÿ’™

April 11, 2026: Pet Italian Registration (ASP) – SIGN UP IS CLOSED – NO TRAVEL PREP!

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Upcoming Pet Registration with Italian Authorities

Saturday, April 11, 2026
๐Ÿ“ 205 Housing Complex (Bldg. 303C), across from NAS 1
โฐ 0900โ€“1300
๐Ÿ“… By Appointment Only
๐Ÿ’ถ โ‚ฌ CASH ONLY on site


โš ๏ธ IMPORTANT โ€“ PLEASE READ

The Sicilian government is currently implementing regional policy and taxation changes, affecting pricing, payment methods, and processing times for all ASP services (passports, health certificates, etc.).

As a result, delays have occurred across Sicily, including ASP collaboration events.
Thank you for your patience and attention to the updated process.


๐Ÿพ Why you must register your pet

If you are staying in Italy longer than 3 months, your pet must be registered in the Italian National Pet Database (BDN) through ASP.

Registration:
- Establishes legal ownership
- Ensures compliance with Italian law
- Helps reunite lost pets with their families

SAWS partners with ASP Catania to simplify the process and provide English-language support, so you donโ€™t have to navigate the system downtown.


โญ๏ธ Is SAWS Required?

No. Participation through SAWS is completely voluntary.

You may register directly with ASP on your own.
SAWS offers coordination, translation support, and convenience for those who choose to participate.


๐Ÿ“‹ How It Works (Quick Checklist)

โœ”๏ธ Read this page fully
โœ”๏ธ Submit the Registration Form HERE (SIGN UP IS CLOSED) (by clicking the registration link, you acknowledge the appointment requirements, payment rules, and no-show policy outlined on this SAWS page)
โœ”๏ธ Receive an automatic confirmation email from ASP (no appointment yet)
โœ”๏ธ SAWS schedules appointments once registrations close and the event schedule is finalized
โœ”๏ธ Receive your assigned time slot by email
โœ”๏ธ Attend with your pet, ID, confirmation email, and payment
โœ”๏ธ Bring โ‚ฌ CASH ONLY for payments on site

โš ๏ธ No-Show Policy:
Missed appointments without prior notice (at least 48 hours before event) will incur a โ‚ฌ20 fee, as appointment slots are limited.


๐Ÿ’ถ Services and Payment Details

All fees are per animal.
Fees primarily cover ASP services and the on-site ASP consultant.

Pet registration ๐Ÿฑ๐ŸถPet Italian Registration only (already chipped)
CATS & DOGS
- Amount due at registration - paid cash on site: โ‚ฌ110 per pet

- Includes ASP registration fee
- Covers ASP processing, onsite ASP consultant, and event coordination.
Pet registration & Chipping ๐Ÿฑ๐ŸถChipping & Registration
CATS & DOGS
- Completed together.
- Amount due at registration - paid cash on site: โ‚ฌ135 per pet

- Includes ASP registration fee
- Covers ASP processing, onsite ASP consultant, and event coordination.
Consultation feeIf the requested service cannot be completed for any reason, a consultation fee will apply to cover time, assessment, and administrative processing โ‚ฌ30 per pet
SAWS No-Show PolicyA โ‚ฌ20 fee applies to missed appointments without prior notice (at least 48 hours before event).

๐Ÿ“Œ Important Information

- Check if your pet is already registered in Italy (BDN link)
- Open to AD, DoD, GS, contractors, & NATO personnel
- All pets must be present
- Valid government ID required
- Power of Attorney required if representing another owner
- Dogs can be microchipped from 2 months of age
- One appointment per pet
- Pets living in Italy over 3 months
must be registered
- Address changes require new registration

โ—๏ธNOTEโ—๏ธ
NO PCS pet passports, health certificates or R
abies vaccines at this event!
If you are PCS'ing or traveling, you are looking for this event.


๐Ÿšซ Please Do NOT:

โŒย  arrive without an appointment
โŒย  forget your ID or confirmation email
โŒย  miss your appointment without notifying us at least 48 hours before event


๐Ÿ“จ After Your Appointment

If you do not receive the registration certificate after 10ย days, please contact us.


๐Ÿ“ž Questions?

๐Ÿ“ฑ +39 352 035 1671 (WhatsApp OK)
๐Ÿ“ง info@pawsofsaws.org

Weโ€™re happy to help โ€” see you and your furry friends soon! ๐Ÿ•๐Ÿˆ๐Ÿ’™

Easter pet photo contest 2025

Who will be the winner of the SAWS Inc. Easter pet photo contest 2025?

SEND IN PHOTOS of your Easter animal: email them to us at info@pawsofsaws.org from Sunday 13th till Friday 18th of April 2025.
VOTINGS ARE ON:
 April
19th – 20th 2025
WHO can vote: Everybody can vote.
HOW MANY votes: as many times as you want.
PRICE per vote: 1 vote is โ‚ฌ3.50 / $3.50 – we celebrate our 35th Anniversary, so 3.50 it is.
PAYMENT: See under the text for payment options (REMEMBER TO WRITE WHO YOU VOTE FOR).
YOUR VOTES COUNT, as soon as we see your payment ๐Ÿ’ถ
HOW to vote: Send us an e-mail (info@pawsofsaws.org) or Facebook message with the number and name of your favourite pet. Vote is on, when we see your payment. 
 
PRICES: 1st โ‚ฌ25 Amazon gift card; 2nd – SAWS cold cup; 3rd – Animal rescue T-shirt.
All funds that come in, go to the rescues. This fundraising is for Daisy. She has been with us for the longest time, and we are now working on sending her to a boarding facility up north to have better chances to find a home. Please help Daisy โค
 

PAYMENT:

  • PayPal: @pawsofsaws – use โ€œfriends & familyโ€
  • Venmo: pawsofsaws@gmail.com
  • Cash App: $Saws Sigonella
  • Zelle: pawsofsaws@gmail.com
      

All photos will be here:  ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿผ

No. 0. – this is just an example of a Easter photo of your animals ๐Ÿ˜

Halloween pet photo contest 2024

Who is the winner of our Hallloween pet photo contest 2024?

The votes has been calculated – and the 1st price ๐Ÿ† goes to: 
LAYLA (who by the way really needs to find her forever home โค๏ธ) – CONGRATULATIONS ๐ŸŽ‰
Congratulations to all 3 winners – please contact us (check your e-mail), so you can get your prices ๐Ÿฅ‡๐Ÿฅˆ๐Ÿฅ‰
Thank you all for voting – you guys have been AMAZING! All the funds will go to help our rescues, who doesn’t have a foster at this point. 

  1. Layla: 139 votes
  2. Harley: 92 votes
  3. Lola: 33 votes
  4. Nala: 32 votes
  5. Lady & Bug: 12 votes
    Angel the Diva: 12 votes
    Nero: 12 votes
  6. Luca: 2 votes
VOTING IS OVER:  October 25th – 31st 2024
WHO can vote: Everybody can vote.
HOW MANY votes: as many times as you want.
PRICE per vote: 1 vote is โ‚ฌ1 / $1.
PAYMENT: Se under the text for payment options (REMEMBER TO WRITE WHO YOU VOTE FOR).
YOUR VOTES COUNT, when we see your payment ๐Ÿ’ถ
HOW to vote: Send us an e-mail (info@pawsofsaws.org) or Facebook message with the number and name of your favourite pet. Vote is on, when we see your payment. 
 
PRICES: 1st โ‚ฌ25 Amazon gift card; 2nd – SAWS cold cup; 3rd – Animal rescue T-shirt.
All funds that come in, go to the rescues. Right now we have rescues, that donโ€™t have a foster family – we need funds to keep them at a boarding facility.
The goal is to raise funds for our fosters in boarding. Help us help โค
 

PAYMENT:

  • PayPal: @pawsofsaws – use โ€œfriends & familyโ€
  • NavyFed : pawsofsaws@gmail.com
  • Venmo: pawsofsaws@gmail.com
  • Cash App: $Saws Sigonella
  • Zelle: pawsofsaws@gmail.com
      

You can vote for:  ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿผ

  1. Harley – 92 votes  

    HARLEY
  2. Lady & Bug – 12 vote 

    LADY and BUG
  3. Angel the Diva – 12 votes 

    ANGEL THE DIVA
  4. Nero – 12 votes 

    NERO
  5. Luca – 2 votes 

    LUCA
  6. Layla – 139 votes 

    LAYLA
  7. Lola – 33 votes 

    LOLA
    .
  8. Nala – 32 votes 

    NALA

 

SAWS – Sigonella Animal Welfare Society, Inc.

Did you know that SAWS is now an Inc.?

This means that Sigonella Animal Welfare Society, Inc. is a nonprofit organization and shall be operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the corresponding section of any future Federal tax code.

We have always had a treasurer and keeping track of all finances. But now, as an incorporated organization, every cent and penny we get in โ€“ that goes out โ€“ is more closely accounted for and reported to the IRS.

Transparency and aiding

We believe in transparency, but the decision about becoming an incorporated nonprofit organization also means, that transparency is not just a choice, but something we have to do, we can solicit for corporate donations that will aid us in accomplishing our mission.

SAWS is also no longer a Non Federal Entity โ€“ NFE approved organization on base. Why not? Well itโ€™s more important to us, that we can be present everywhere, abiding to both national American law – and also Italian law.

We are here to aid the animals in the area of Sigonella. We will keep working hard to feed, save and bring stray and abandoned cats and dogs into homes of good and loving families, who wants to open their hearts and homes for the animals.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Because no matter how much we want to help every animal, we canโ€™t! But we can help and we can save some of them, if we have fosters and donations to help us do so โค๏ธ

We are entirely run by volunteers (Active Duty Military and dependent spouses) and the donations we get, HELP US HELP THEM โค๏ธ

Volunteer of the month 2024

August 2024 – Pete Philipp

This is Pete – one of our hard working behind the scenes volunteers. Pete is the husband of Lucy, our Vice President. Pete is always helping to set up our booth at events, feeding the strays, walking our rescues and so much more. He is an angel in helping all of the animals. Thank you for all you do for the not so fortunate 4-legged souls – and for supporting and helping us in all that we do.  

 

July 2024 – Frank Larcher

Frank went above and beyond to help care for the mama cat and her kittens.
His extensiv knowledge of cats made the task of caring for this cat family so much
easier for SAWS. And – Frank is always ready to help us, when we need it ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿผ
Thanks a lot, Frank!

 

May 2024 – Claus S. Andersen

This is Claus – one of our hard working behind the scenes volunteers.
Claus is married to Freya, our Comms. Team Lead, and helps with the more technical
stuff on our website and other SoMe stuff.
Thank you for all you do to make us seen out there on the Internet.