Shipping Pets

Texas requires an annual rabies vaccination for dogs and cats, which may be obtained at one of the many off-base veterinarian offices.

Pet owners must register their pets that will be residing on the installation with Dyess Family Homes — be sure to inquire about restricted breeds. Pets residing within the Abilene city limits are required to wear a city license, which can be obtained at a veterinarian office and will ensure that lost pets can be returned.

If boarding a pet may be necessary in Abilene, assistance may be found at one of the kennels from town.

Learn more about traveling with a pet on a military flight on the Air Mobility Command website. If you are flying commercial, be sure to contact your flightline to inquire about pet travel.

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. 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.

There is no pet quarantine in Texas.

Service members may be authorized allowances associated with the costs of moving with one household pet (cat or dog). 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. More information is available on the Defense Travel Management Office website.

The Air Force Aid Society may help with financial expenses that exceed the reimbursable amount.

(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. An internet search will help you find kennels near the installation. Remember, if you will need 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; therefore, you must reserve your rooms as early as possible (orders are not required to make lodging reservations).

Veterinarians in the Abilene area who provide boarding services include:

• Abilene Animal Hospital 325-672-4744
• 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 325-399-6017
• Jolly Ranch Pet Resort 325-669-7278
• Key City Veterinary Clinic 325-672-7801
• Radford Hills Animal Clinic (small pets only) 325-672-3090
• Southern Hills Kennel 325-695-5477
• Suite Life Pet Resort and Spa 325-704-5460
• Windmill Animal Hospital 325-698-8387

Base housing residents are required to register their pets with Dyess Family Homes. Have the animal's record available and up to date. Both Abilene and Dyess enforce a leash law.

The base does not have a veterinary office, and a simple internet search should yield all the other available veterinarian offices in Abilene.

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. Wellness services for pets may include 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.

Note: There is a dangerous dog restriction for housing residents.

• Pet owners should expect a prolonged 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 in any combination; Dyess Air Force Base allows a maximum of two pets: dogs, cats and/or ferrets.