Shipping Pets

Louisiana requires all pets be registered (licensed) and vaccinated annually against rabies by a veterinarian.

Louisiana leads the country with the highest number of heartworm positive animals. Therefore, it is key to provide Heartworm preventative medication on a timely schedule each month. This is a year round requirement. Once you decide an animal is going to be your traveling companion, plan for your pet's trip with the same care and attention you use to plan your own.

Base residents are required by base and housing regulations to register animals with veterinary services within 10 working days of arrival and are limited to two animals per household. Remember to bring your records with you when registering. Base housing does not allow certain breeds to live on base, check Barksdale Family Housing for specific breeds.  

Starting Jan. 1, 2024, service members can be reimbursed up to $550 in the continental U.S. for one household pet, either cat or dog, and up to $2,000 for moves to or from a location outside the continental U.S. to cover costs related to the transportation of a pet which is defined by the Joint Travel Regulations as a cat or dog. For more information please refer to the MFR for pet travel.

Please make sure your pet has no health problems and has a current rabies tag and identification (including pet's name, your name, address, and phone number) on their collar and their pet carrier. Your pet will be subjected to conditions guaranteed to cause stress. A clean bill of health is an important first step in assuring your pet's ability to adjust safely to unfamiliar surroundings. 

The carrier in which your pet will be spending most of the trip is of the most importance. MAKE SURE IT FITS!

There are no kennels located on Barksdale Air Force Base; however, the local area offers several places within a short distance from the base you may contact. Please refer to the local telephone directory or your sponsor for a complete listing.

Normal operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call 318-456-3923 for more information.

The primary mission of the clinic is to provide complete medical care for our four-legged service members, the Military Working Dogs. Because our mission is to provide the best care for the Military Working Dogs, normal operating hours of the clinic may change without notice.

Base residents are required by base and housing regulations to register animals with Veterinary Services within 10 working days of arrival and are limited to two animals per household. Remember to bring your records with you when registering. Base housing does not allow certain breeds to live on base, check with Barksdale Family Housing for specific breeds. Use of veterinary services is a privilege not a right and is mandated by Air Force Instruction 48-131 Veterinary Health Services. Anyone who owns a pet on base or uses the veterinary clinic will be expected to know and comply with these regulations.