Permitted to fly

The holidays are about to take off, and with that is the importance of being in top shape, especially if you are a magical reindeer running around the world in one night, delivering presents to all the good children.

Last week, Santa Claus applied for a livestock movement permit with the Missouri Department of Agriculture to ensure these distinguished reindeer are healthy and permitted to fly in the state. To help St. Nick, a collaborative effort was made between the Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn and Missouri State Veterinarian Dr. Steve Strubberg, who were able to approve the documents after Mr. Claus had sent over a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection signed by licensed veterinarian Dr. Hermey Elf showing the herd was healthy and had undergone all needed tests.

The paperwork also showed that Rudolph, the team leader of Santa’s sleigh, had undergone additional testing to prove he was the most famous reindeer of all.

“We love to see Santa recognize so many on his nice list throughout Missouri this year,” said Director Chinn. “Santa’s elves have been working hard to provide toys for all children. We’re excited that our team gets to ensure all of Santa’s reindeer are ready for flight and gifts get delivered across the Show-Me State this Christmas.”

The livestock movement permit allows Santa, his sleigh, and nine reindeer to fly starting the night before Christmas, Sunday, Dec. 24, with a few exceptions for early deliveries.

“Our veterinary staff works to allow timely movement of healthy animals across Missouri and the U.S.,” said Dr. Strubberg. “Our team also recommends the reindeer consume healthy rations of Missouri grass hay. We encourage Missourians to make hay available for Santa’s reindeer, in addition to milk and cookies for Santa.”

The following reindeer have been approved for flight:

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph.

For readers wishing to track Santa’s deliveries worldwide, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is preparing its annual Santa Tracker.

Each year, in collaboration with St. Nick, NORAD sets up the website www.noradsanta.org/en/ and other options to view where he and his reindeer are as Christmas arrives. Other tracker options include the NORAD Tracks Santa Claus application, available on Android and Apple devices, or by phone at 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-0723).