Santa’s reindeer have been cleared for entry into Pennsylvania for temporary toy delivery duty, according to Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.

The nine reindeer were recently given a clean bill of health by Dr. Robert Gerlach, Alaska’s state veterinarian, and inspected by Pennsylvania state officials during a quick stop at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, Redding said.

“I’m grateful to Dr. Gerlach for his inspection of these reindeer,” said Dr. Kevin Brightbill, Pennsylvania’s state veterinarian. “According to their certificates, despite one’s glaringly red nose and their magical ability to fly, word is that they’re in extraordinary health!”

The Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and Permit to Ship allows them to fly from rooftop to rooftop in Pennsylvania for the purposes of toy delivery, Redding said.

“Not everyone knows what takes place behind the scenes to allow Santa and his nine reindeer to take flight on Christmas Eve,” Redding said. “Thanks to Dr. Brightbill, his counterpart in the North Pole, and Santa’s due diligence, we can expect gifts under the tree Christmas morning.”

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