Shipping Pets

Licensing and Registration

Pets

Presently Eielson AFB and Fairbanks Northstar Borough do not have any licensing or registration requirements for pets. However, residents of government managed and privatized family housing must be in compliance with the current Air Force Guidance Memorandum.

Please note

When residing in post housing, the following applies:

• Residents may not board dogs of any breed (including a mixed breed) that are deemed “aggressive or potentially aggressive,” unless the dog is a certified military working dog that is being boarded by its handler/trainer or approval is obtained by the installation commander in writing.
  • For purposes of this policy, aggressive or potentially aggressive breeds of dogs are defined as a:
    • Pit Bull (American Staffordshire Bull Terrier or English Staffordshire Bull Terrier)
    • Rottweiler
    • Doberman Pinscher
    • Chow and wolf hybrids.
  • Prohibition also extends to other dogs that demonstrate a propensity for dominant or aggressive behavior as indicated by any of the following type of behaviors:
    • Unprovoked barking, growling or snarling at people approaching the animal
    • Aggressively running along a fence line when people are present
    • Biting or scratching people
    • Escaping confinement or restriction to chase people.

Residents identified as owning and/or harboring a dog of one of those breeds will be immediately evicted without appeal.

• Residents may not board exotic animals such as, but not limited to, reptiles, rodents (other than hamsters and guinea pigs), ferrets, hedgehogs, skunks, rats, raccoons, squirrels, pot bellied pigs, monkeys, arachnids, or any farm animal.
• Pets must be secured with leashes or under positive control while outdoors, except in fenced patios and yards. Pets must not be left tied or unattended in carports or unfenced yards or allowed to run loose outside fenced yard.
• Pet owners must maintain current immunizations on all pets. Dogs and cats are required to wear a collar or harness with current rabies and distemper vaccination attached.
• Pet areas must be cleaned regularly to control and prevent vermin infestation. Pet feces must be picked up daily or immediately if the pet evacuates outside the patio or yard.
• Operating a commercial kennel is prohibited.

Base housing has a limit of two pets per household and does require a refundable $200 pet deposit per pet.

Neither the pet fee nor the pet deposit is a limit of resident’s liability. Resident will be liable for all damages caused by the pet, including but not limited to, all cleaning, de-fleeing and deodorizing (if necessary), as well as all damage to carpet, flooring, doors, walls, shades, blinds, windows, screens, appliances, cabinets or any other property damages to either the home or the community, including landscaping. If items cannot be cleaned or repaired to the owner’s satisfaction, the resident will be responsible for replacing them completely. Payment for all damages, repairs, cleaning, replacements, etc. are due immediately upon demand of owner.

Click here to view the Air Force Policy on pets.

Long distance travel, environmental stress and disruption and extremes in weather conditions require special considerations for your family pet(s). Preparing in advance and researching the options that best fit the size and breed of your pet(s) will help to reduce stress for you and your loved ones. Be sure to research whether or not there is a restriction on the specific breed of your pet either in housing or travelling through Canada.

Flying with pets:

If you choose to transport your family pet via airplane, please contact the airline directly to discuss your specific needs and to ensure that you are receiving the most updated information regarding traveling with pets.

Pets through Canada:

Please make sure that all vaccinations are up to date (within 30 days) and that a current certificate is with the animal. Animal tags are not acceptable in place of certificates. Please review the following link for more detailed information regarding pets travelling through Canada

If considering renting off-base, be sure to read the details regarding pet policies and any deposits and penalties that may be applicable prior to signing your lease. If you are unsure of how the policies may apply to you, be sure to contact that base Legal Office at 907-377-4114 or the Military Housing Office at 907-377-1840 for more assistance with a review of your rental documentation.

There are no quarantines for pets in the state of Alaska. All pets must have a health certificate to travel the Canadian portion of the Alaska Highway. If flying, check with the airlines for their specific rules. Be aware that travel is often not allowed during extreme temperatures, making it difficult to ship pets during winter months.

Prior to PCSing, please be advised that kennel boarding facilities require certain proof of tests/immunizations prior to accepting your pet. These requirements vary from kennel to kennel. To ease with placement challenges, be sure to obtain anticipated tests/immunizations prior to your departure for Alaska. Your sponsor can assist you in making your kennel reservations and confirm the immunizations needed.

In-bound personnel traveling with pets should make prior arrangements to ensure their pets boarding upon arrival. Eielson AFB has 18 pet-friendly rooms available at the Gold Rush Inn. There is a 2 pet maximum and only dogs and cats are allowed. The pet fee is a flat rate of $10 a night. For more information, please visit the Eielson Force Support Lodging web page or call 907-377-1844 or DSN 317-377-1844. Be sure to make reservations well in advance or make other arrangements for pets to be boarded off base.

Veterinary Services are not available on Eielson AFB, however, a full spectrum of veterinary services are available at Ft. Wainwright (approximately 26 miles from base). Fort Wainwrights’ Veterinary Clinic is currently not make monthly visits to Eielson AFB due to staffing shortages. Services for cats and dogs include routine vaccinations, microchip implantation, canine heartworm tests, deworming, toenail trims and health certificates. Same-day registration is available. Please bring your military ID or be in uniform and have copies of your pet’s medical history. Eligible members include active duty, reservists, retired service members, and dependents. Please call in advance to schedule your appointment. Walk-in services are unavailable. Excepted forms of payment include check, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover).

Once visits to Eielson resume, Eielson monthly vet services are conducted on the third Wednesday of every month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at: 2610 Central Ave, building 3347.

• Fort Wainwright Veterinary Treatment Facility
• 3597 Oak Avenue
• Fort Wainwright, AK 99703
• 907-361-3013