The California Department of Health Services requires all dogs over four months old to have a certificate of current rabies vaccination stating the type, manufacturer, and lot number of rabies vaccine used and date of administration. All cities and counties in California have dog control ordinances. It is strongly recommended that cats be rabies immunized, especially if they have access to the outdoors. Cats, pet birds and pet rabbits must be healthy on admittance into the state. Parakeets may not be brought into the state for the purpose of sale. Pet ferrets are prohibited in California.

• For additional requirements for pet owners in San Diego County, please visit: https://www.sddac.com/content/sdc/das/license-laws/license.html.
• For additional requirements for pet owners in Orange County, please visit: https://www.ocgov.com/gov/occr/animal/license/info.asp.
• For additional requirements for pet owners in Orange County, please visit: https://www.rcdas.org/.
• For additional requirements for pet owners in Riverside County, please visit: https://www.rcdas.org/index.php.

If moving/living on base, please understand that Base Order P11101.31B, Ch 4 states all authorized pets must be registered with Domestic Animal Control within 30 days of moving in. The Camp Pendleton Animal Shelter offers pet registration, they are located in Building 25132, phone number, 760-725-8120.

Registration fee for one year is $10, $15 for two years, and $20 for three years for all altered pets. For all unaltered pets registration fees are $25 per year, $40 for two years, and $50 for three years. Temporary tags for altered pets are $5 each pet. Temporary tags for unaltered pets are $15 for each pet. All temporary tags are only valid for six months. Unaltered cats must remain indoors. When walking dogs, a leash is mandatory, the owner is always responsible for the whereabouts of their pets, and please be kind to others and pick up after your pet. Personnel living off base must register their pets (dogs and cats) with the local Humane Society.

The Camp Pendleton Veterinary Clinic, Building 20846 is located in the Pacific Views Court, close to the Main Gate. Their phone number is 760-725-3439.

Service members and families may now submit associated expenses for reimbursement of pet travel during their PCS voucher process. The entitlement is for only one pet (dog or cat) and is limited to $2,000 for an overseas move or $550 for movement within the United States. Travelers using AMC Patriot Express missions will receive a memo receipt for pet travel fees. Please ensure you receive a receipt for your pet's travel fees during check-in for your flight.

For guidance on pet expense reimbursement due to a PCS, refer to the Joint Travel Regulations, Chapter 5, Part A, Paragraph 050107.

Pets may travel on a space available basis limited to two pets (cats and dogs only with total weight not to exceed 100 pounds including cages) on Air Mobility Command flights. There is a charge depending on size of pet and subject to change on a monthly basis. Upon receipt of official travel orders to an overseas area, it is necessary that you bring your pet requirements to the attention of your unit port call representative as early as possible as pet spaces are limited, especially on AMC flights. If booked on a commercial flight, do follow up with the airline regarding your pet reservation and travel requirements.

When traveling by land, always be mindful of the effect of outside temperatures on your pets. Do not leave pets unattended during hot weather conditions, it may be considered a felony in some areas. You are responsible for the well-being of your pet at all times. Plan for eventualities that may affect your pet during your travel, ensuring that you can financially support any care for the animal while completing your mission of getting to your destination.

Also be cognizant that hotels have a limited number of pet-friendly rooms, making reservations beforehand ensures a spot to rest for the night that is welcoming to you and your pet. Avoid situations that can affect you monetarily with costs outside of your budget due to issues finding lodging for you and your pet.

Make sure your pet is healthy and strong enough to travel; for example, not too old or too young for the trip. Check with your veterinarian or the base veterinarian. 

If you are traveling by air, also check with your airline for any age or health restrictions. Most airlines require health certificates for all animals they are carrying. For destinations outside the U.S., foreign countries (Mexico, Canada), and overseas locations, also check about quarantines, immunizations, rules and regulations that apply for that specific country. Call the agricultural attache of the embassy or consulate for your new country at least four weeks before the trip. Call the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plants Health Inspection Service for regulations. Call for either U.S. requirements (for all states within the U.S.), or to find out all requirements for pets to a particular country. When traveling to Hawaii or a U.S. territory, also check about quarantines and call the Center for Epidemiologist and Animal Health; check the CEAH web site. When moving to specific states with animals such as horses, contact the CEAH.

Quarantine is required only after a bite incident. A 10-day quarantine will be required in such case and can be done at the base shelter/animal control center.

As of January 1, 2024, military Service members going through a PCS within the continental United States can be reimbursed up to $550 for one household pet, either cat or dog, and up to $2,000 for moves to or from a location outside the continental United States to cover costs related to the transportation of a pet. See your IPAC for additional information.

Pet boarding is not available on base; check the local yellow pages for facilities near the installation or a quick search on the internet will provide with a host of opportunities in the county/city of your location. It is necessary to make pet boarding arrangements prior to arrival at destination. If arriving at Camp Pendleton with horses, the base stables has a large boarding facility; however, there is currently a waiting list and they may refer you to boarding facilities in the local area. Their phone number is (760) 725-5094, email: pendletonsteppstables@usmc-mccs.org

Oceanside Pet Hotel serves pet owners in the northern areas of San Diego as well as Orange County. They have spacious outdoor daytime runs and cozy indoor nighttime rooms to help convince your dogs that they have never left home. With the pet hotel's doggie day care programs, your dogs can have fun in the sun socializing with upwards of 10 other dogs. They provide group play and fun games.

The United States Marine Corps has set official policy on types of dogs allowed in installation housing and other rules surrounding pets on base. You must read MCO 11000.22 Marine Corps Bachelor and Family Housing Management, especially Chapter 3, if you plan to live in government housing.

Additionally, Camp Pendleton is a natural preserve, full of wildlife and vegetation for all to enjoy. Ensure you keep wild those animals that are from the wilderness, do not adopt, feed or provide shelter to any animal from your surrounding areas even if they are hurt. You can contact Base Environmental Security for any issue with wild animals.