Shipping Pets

If you live on base, you must register your pet at the base vet clinic with proof of current rabies vaccine and microchip. Owners must keep all other vaccines current. All animal bite incidents, especially those occurring on base, should be reported to 436^th Medical Group.

All pets residing in Delaware must be registered and licensed in their county. To register an animal, Delawareans go to petdata.com and enter their Zip Code. For those without computer access, call Pet-Data at 1-877-730-6347 . Licensing fees are $10.00 for 1 year or $30.00 for 3 years (spayed/neutered) or $15.00 for 1 year or $45.00 for 3 years (not neutered). For the must current info about this topic go to https://animalservices.delaware.gov/detail/30#:~:text=Yes%21%20Under%20Delaware%20law%20it%20is%20mandatory%20that,did%20not%20have%20my%20dog%20licensed%20last%20year.

Once you have decided to travel with a pet, you may need to plan for pet accommodations well in advance. A clean bill of health is an important first step in assuring your pet's ability to safely travel. If you are traveling within the U.S., some states require health certificates and vaccine records upon entry. International travel always requires a minimum of a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination. Requirements vary depending on the country you are going to and can take up to six months to complete. Requirements and instructions for specific countries can be found at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel. You can schedule your pet’s interstate and international health certificate appointments at Dover AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility. Supporting documentation (rabies certificate, microchip number, FAVN, etc.) is needed for a health certificate to be issued. Military Pet Education is also a great resource to utilize for general pet health information and can be downloaded as an app.

Defense Department regulations limit pet shipment to passengers in permanent change of station status only. Pets are defined as dogs and cats only. You are limited to two pets per family, unless moving pets under the Grandfathered Pet Policy or the Space Available Pet Program. Pets must be shipped in a kennel that is large enough for the to stand up and turn around in. Please keep in mind that regulations and restrictions change. We recommend you confirm this information with your local transportation office.

Note: The commercial airline industry currently imposes a 100-pound pet and kennel weight restriction and may not allow pet shipments during seasonal hot or cold conditions. Some airlines also impose restrictions for brachycephalic breeds (“smushed” faced dogs like French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs, etc.). These industry restrictions should be considered when making pet travel plans.

Dover Air Force Base does not have a kennel. Check the internet for a listing of kennels in the area. It is very important that you make boarding arrangements as early as possible.

Local Community Boarding Options

• Shawnee Kennels — 302-422-2355
• Best Boarding Kennel — 302-697-2002
• Marley & Apple Dog Village — 302-566-6790

The Dover Air Force Base Veterinarian Treatment Facility is located in Building 643. Mailing address - 643 Atlantic Street, Dover AFB, DE 19902.

Veterinary services are provided by the U.S. Army Veterinary Services. You can reach them at 302 677-5252 or 5253.