Shipping Pets

Be proactive about moving with your pet by researching airline requirements and quarantine restriction laws. Many airlines have requirements for size, weight, breed, number of animals, kennel construction, documentation and seasonal limitations. Small pets may be shipped on military flights, but availability and regulations frequently change. Contact the Buckley SFB Transportation Management Office at 720-847-6685 to request any area-specific instructions. Or go to Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/passenger-and-pet-transportation-for-pcs-moves/ for helpful tips, resources and information to ease your concerns about your pet's PCS experience. 

Once you arrive in the greater-Denver/Aurora metro area, city ordinance requires that all cats and dogs over the age of six months be licensed with Aurora Animal Services or City of Denver within 30 days. This license helps animal services identify family pets, should an animal become lost. The fees from licensing are used to care for animals and provide other services. Animal licensing also promotes responsible pet ownership and reduce tragedies associated with lost pets and pet overpopulation. You can find current fee schedules online for our area.  

There is currently no quarantine for pets arriving in Colorado from overseas locations. Owners must provide a current health certificate not older than 30 days stating the pet is without disease and has current rabies inoculations. Aurora and Denver ordinances do require residents to have their dogs/cats spayed or neutered. The City & County of Denver requires rabies vaccinations for all Denver pets.  In addition, most surrounding communities have animal control laws.  Dogs must be confined to the owner's property or a leash at all times. For more information on licensing of pets, contact the Aurora Animal Shelter at 303-326-8280.

Patriot Express reservations for live animals can be made through your local transportation office.  Keep in mind that reimbursements for service members who are transporting pets are limited to JTR-authorized expenses for one pet only. Relocation costs for an additional pet are at your own expense. For more information about reimbursable pet expenses,visit the Defense Travel Management Office website at https://www.travel.dod.mil/.

For detailed information on pet transport guidelines, including immigration, kennel size, weight requirements, fees, service animals and more, visit the Air Mobility Command Pet Travel Page at https://www.amc.af.mil/AMC-Travel-Site/AMC-Pet-Travel-Page/ 

There are no kennels on Buckley Space Force Base; however, the base is located in a major metropolitan area.  There are kennels located within minutes of the base.  Utilize the internet to find up-to-date information about kennels around Buckley. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to investigate the prices and facilities.

Remember, it is a good idea to make advance reservations for pet boarding as soon as you know your arrival date. This is an area where your sponsor can be of assistance.