Shipping Pets

Texas requires annual rabies vaccination for pets which may obtained at the installation veterinary service. Pet owners must register their pets that will be residing on the installation within five days of their arrival into base housing. Pets residing within the Abilene city limits are required to wear a city license. To register a pet and/or obtain a city license, bring the pet's current inoculation certificate to the base veterinarian. The Dyess Veterinary Treatment Facility can be contacted at 325-696-3366 or DSN 461-3366. If boarding a pet may be necessary in Abilene, assistance may be found at one of the kennels from town https://www.yellowpages.com/abilene-tx/pet-boarding-kennels.

Pets must be in good general health and have all current vaccinations, especially if traveling by air transport. Check with your airline service for specific details including any restrictions or limitations, costs for pet carriers, required vaccinations and shot records, etc. 

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 — well in advance.

There are no pet quarantines in Texas.

Service members may be authorized allowances associated with the costs of moving with one household pet. For moves within CONUS, the Service member may be reimbursed up to $550 and for OCONUS, up to $2,000 which can be applied for with the finance office upon arrival - keep all your pertinent receipts.

(Note: Dyess Air Force Base and the Military and Family Readiness Center do not endorse or recommend any specific boarding or veterinary clinic.) Dyess does not have any kennels on base. Use the Yellow Pages and the internet to find kennels near the installation https://www.yellowpages.com/abilene-tx/pet-boarding-kennels. Remember, if you will neet boarding services, it is a good idea to make advance reservations as soon as you know your arrival date. Your sponsor can also be of assistance in finding a kennel. 

Note: There are only six temporary lodging facility pet rooms on Dyess Air Force Base, you must reserve your rooms as early as possible.

Veterinarians in the Abilene area who provide boarding services include:

• Abilene Animal Hospital 325-672-4744
• Abilene Pet Regency 325-677-7387
• Abilene Veterinary Clinic 325-692-4433
• Big Country Veterinary Clinics 325-692-2625
• Diamonds in the Ruff 325-695-2931
• Frontier Veterinary Clinic and Pet Resort 325-698-4900
• Judge Ely Animal Hospital 325-672-1666
• Key City Veterinary Clinic 325-672-7801
• Radford Hills Animal Clinic 325-672-3090
• Southern Hills Kennel 325-695-5477
• Windmill Animal Hospital 325-698-8387

Veterinarians offer immunization services at the base veterinary clinic, but appointments are necessary. To schedule an appointment, call 325-696-3366 on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to1 p.m., and also on holydays and family days).

Rabies and heartworm are the significant health concerns for pets in the Abilene and Dyess Air Force Base areas. Therefore, it is crucial for pets to receive periodic vaccinations and/or medications. The Dyess Air Force Base Vet Clinic, located at 941 Louisiana Drive, provides wellness services for pets including annual immunization, treatments for skin disorders, eye and ear infections, microchip insertion, and health certificates for travel. Additionally, heartworm prevention, flea and tick medication, vitamins, dental kits and shampoos are available for purchase. Periodically, the clinic also offers equine vaccination clinics - call the clinic for details.

Residents of base housing are required to register their pets with the installation vet clinic. Bring the animal's shot record at registration time or the animal will need to receive vaccinations. The installation requires dogs to be on heartworm prevention as well. Pets residing off-base and within Abilene city limits are required to wear a city license, which is available at the base veterinary services. Both Abilene and Dyess enforce a leash law.

For appointment scheduling or any other inquiries, call 325-696-3366. NOTE: there is a dangerous dog restriction for housing residents.

• Pet owners should expect a prolongd search for off-base rentals that will accept pets, along with higher cleaning deposits for these rentals. 
• Both Abilene and Dyess enforce a "leash law" and also enforce a maximum limit for the number of pets. Abilene allows a maximum of four adult dogs or cats; Dyess Air Force Base allows a maximum of two pets: dogs, cats and/or ferrets.