Shipping Pets

Owners must license their dogs or cats within 30 days of any of the following: arrival in California, date of acquiring the pet, date pet reaches four months of age, or expiration of previous California license. Late penalty fees will apply otherwise. A discount will apply with proof of spaying or neutering. Owners must register pets at the base veterinary treatment facility within five working days of assignment to on-base quarters or at four months of age for puppies or kittens, whichever occurs first. Dogs and cats are required to have rabies vaccinations. California will only accept the three-year vaccine. The only exceptions are for dogs and cats less than one year old. In these cases, the one-year vaccine is acceptable. Note: In no instances is the "Northern and/or Smith-Klein Beecham" vaccine acceptable in California.

Placer County Pet License Fees

If you plan to reside in Placer County the licensing fees are as follows:

• Altered cat (spayed or neutered) voluntary: $5
• Altered dog (spayed or neutered):
  • $28 (one-year license)
  • $56 (two-year license)
  • $65 (three-year license)
• Late fee (30 days late): $13 
• Replacement for lost tag (renewals only): $8
• Upgrade to new digital tag (renewals only): $8 
• Unaltered cat (not spayed or neutered) voluntary: $13
• Unaltered dog (not spayed or neutered):
  • $57 (one-year license)
  • $114 (two-year license)
  • $145 (three-year license)

Yuba County Dog License Fees

Yuba County Ordinance requires that all dogs older than four months of age receive a vaccination against rabies and obtain a license. If you plan to reside in Yuba County, the licensing fees are as follows:

• Altered dog (spayed or neutered):
  • One-year license: $12
  • Two-year license: $18
  • Three-year license: $25
• Unaltered dog (not spayed or neutered):
  • One-year license: $25
  • Two-year license: $50
  • Three-year license: $70
• Transfer of ownership/replacement tag: $15
• Guide/hearing/law enforcement dogs — upon proof of working-dog status — no fee.
• Late fees: $20

Nevada County (Grass Valley, Lake Wildwood, Penn Valley) Dog License Fees

If you plan to reside in Nevada County (Grass Valley, Lake Wildwood, Penn Valley) fees are listed below:

• Altered dog (spayed or neutered):
  • One-year license: $17.00
  • Two-year license: $31.00
  • Three-year license: $40.00
• Unaltered dog (not spayed or neutered):
  • One-year license: $40.00
  • Two-year license: $75.00
  • Three-year license: $107.00

Sutter County (Yuba City) Dog License Fees

If you plan to reside in Sutter County (Yuba City) the fees are as follows:

• Altered dog (spayed or neutered):
  • One-year license: $12
  • Two-year license: $18
  • Three-year license: $25
• Unaltered dog (not spayed or neutered):
  • One-year license: $25
  • Two-year license: $50
  • Three-year license: $70

Begin planning for transporting your pet(s) early. You should consider such things as preparations for travel, medical information, whether to transport by car or by air, feeding and care while traveling and settling into the new home. Inquire about pets at your Military and Family Readiness Center or the Personal Property Office at your current location. Check any regulations regarding pets that may apply to your location. The following link provides a wealth of information for pet owners who are undergoing a permanent change of station move: Passenger and Pet Transportation for PCS Moves.

Be careful when traveling with pets. The heat can be extremely stressful and dangerous to pets. Never leave your pet in the car during the summer! On a hot summer day, the inside of a car heats very quickly. Occasionally, summer temperatures can reach above 100 degrees. This kind of heat can be deadly for dogs and cats. While traveling, ensure you have plenty of fresh water, and make frequent stops.

By Car

Traveling by motor vehicle is less expensive and is best for short distances. Tips for traveling with a pet by car: Dogs can travel well by car if they are trained to sit, not to hang out the window and not to bark. If your dog isn't used to long car rides, a long trip may cause car sickness. If you stop the car and let your dog out for some exercise, he'll feel better. You could also plan ahead and get some motion sickness pills from your vet. Cats are usually frightened of car travel and may be more comfortable in a carrier. Portable kennels can be handy for overnight trips. They make it easy to leave your pet in a motel or hotel when you go out for dinner.

By Plane

You may be able to take small pets (less than 8 inches tall) in the passenger compartment with you, as long as they are in a carry-on kennel that fits under the passenger seat in front of you. Properly harnessed Seeing Eye dogs can travel at no extra charge in the passengers' cabin at the master's feet. However, most animals don't fall into these categories and must go in cargo. Tips for traveling with a pet by plane: Most airlines only allow a limited number of pets in cargo per flight. Call well in advance of the flight to make arrangements. There are summer restrictions depending on where you are traveling. If you have to change planes, you, not the airline, may be responsible for seeing that the pet is transferred at the connecting point. Use a regulation airline kennel for your pet. You can buy these at most exchanges, from the airline or from someone who has recently moved. Have your pet get used to it in advance. Be sure to have proper identification on the outside of the kennel. Check with the airline about feeding and water requirements prior to and during travel. Health certificates are a must for a pet on commercial travel. They are only good for 10 days. If pets are being sent on freight alone, you'll be expected to sign an air way bill, pay in advance and make all arrangements. If you can't ship your pet with you, local kennels often provide boarding and shipping services so your pet can join you later.

There are currently no pet quarantines in the state of California associated with travel. Please check with your sponsor for the most up-to-date information.

Pets are prohibited in lodging with the exception of 13 pet-friendly two-bedroom units in temporary lodging facility that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Make reservations for pet accommodations well in advance of your arrival at Beale Air Force Base. The Gold Country Inn (lodging) maintains a list of local kennels in the lodging office. There are no kennels for boarding pets available on the installation. Contact your sponsor about their ability to temporarily house the pet if they reside in military or off-base housing. If your sponsor is unable to do so, ask them to contact the first sergeant to see if someone else within the organization can house the pet. The cost of boarding your pet can vary a great deal and you should factor in the cost of traveling to visit your animal. This could also include a 20- to 50-mile drive one way to visit the pet. The Gold Country Inn maintains of listing of off-base kennels/boarding for your pet.