Shipping Pets

Fairfax County

Fairfax County requires a dog license for dogs not on a military installation. All dogs four months of age or older must be licensed. To obtain a license the following requirements must be met: A current rabies certificate and proof of spaying or neutering. License tags may be purchased by mail, on-line (renewals) or in person.

Starting October 2022, Fairfax County is partnering with PetData,Inc. to provide dog licensing services for the county.  PetData will handle everything from mailing animal licensing notices, processing payments and entering data, answering phone calls from dog owners to online dog licensing.

For all licensing questions, contact PetData directly by phone at 888-556-2906.

Taxpayers who have purchased license tags in the prior years will automatically receive a yearly renewal application form in the mail during the month of November. 

Dog license tags are $10, but are free of charge for service dogs assisting visually impaired, deaf or residents who need mobility assistance. For more information and the nearest county office call 703-222-8234 or 703-324-3993 or visit the Fairfax County website.

Prince William County

Prince William County (PWC) requires a dog license for dogs not on a military installation. Effective November 1, 2020, Prince William County has also outsourced the dog licensing program to PetData, Inc. All dogs four months of age or older must be licensed each year. To obtain a license the following requirement must be met: A current rabies certificate plus $10.00 for a one year license. For questions about dog registration call the Taxpayer Services Office at 703-792-6710 or visit the Prince William County government website.

Prince William County also requires cats to have current rabies certificates but a fee is not charged.

Shipment of pets is at the expense of the pet owner and NOT the government. If you want your pet to travel on the same airline flight as you and your family, make arrangements with the airlines as early as you have your flight information. If you are unable to schedule your pet to travel on the same flight and need a list of companies that will board, arrange for a separate flight, and deliver your pet to the airlines for shipment.

Once you have decided that an animal is going to be your traveling companion, plan for your pet's trip in the same way you plan your own. Make sure your pet has no health problems. Your pet will be subject 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. Also, make sure your pet has proper identification tags. The information should include your pet's name, your name, address and phone number. For additional tips for traveling with pets visit Military OneSource - Dogs on Deployment at https://www.dogsondeployment.org/ and the Humane Society website at https://americanhumane.org. 

State Regulations

There is a "Leash and Curb Law" in Virginia and Maryland.  The animal must be confined to property or on a leash when off the property.  You are required to pick up after your pet.  Fines are invoked for noncompliance with these rules.  If there is not proof of rabies immunizations or if the animal bites someone, these fines will be increased.

Pets are not required to be quarantined; however, their vaccinations must be up to date.  Rabies and distemper shots are minimum requirements for dogs 4 months and older; however, additional vaccinations may be required depending on the county or city in which you reside.

There is no quarantine for pets arriving from overseas locations as long as the owner provides the following documentation:

• Verification showing current rabies inoculations
• Valid veterinarian's certificate that states the pet has no diseases

Pet Quarantine Charges

Reimbursement for actual mandatory quarantine fees for household pets may be authorized per PCS move.  Pet quarantine charges, excluding medicine/medical care, grooming, and similar fees for services that are part of routine pet care or pet transportation expenses, may be reimbursable due to a PCS under Miscellaneous Expense Allowance.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture website may contain useful pet quarantine information.

If you are interested in obtaining a pet, the Fort Belvoir Veterinary Clinic runs a stray/homeless facility. Call the Veterinary Clinic at 703-805-4336 for information about the pets available.  Many of the local pet hospitals also have pet adoption programs.

Defense Logistics Agency McNamara Headquarters Complex does not have veterinary services. The Fort Belvoir Veterinary clinic offers minor veterinary services including minor skin, ear, and eye problems, pet products sales, testing and treatment for parasites, and clinic appointments. Services are available for pets of active-duty, retired military members, and reservists on active duty for more than 30 days. Appointments are on a space available basis and there is a service fee per visit. For more information or to make an appointment call 703-805-4336 or DSN 312-655-4336 or visit the Fort Belvoir Veterinary Center website. The Fort Belvoir Veterinary clinic is located at 10015 Theote Road, Building 610. 

Boarding

There are many kennels located throughout the area that offer a variety of services. Research these services and make arrangements for pet boarding as soon as you know your arrival date. Pets are allowed in Fort Belvoir temporary lodging for members on PCS orders.