Shipping Pets

Fairfax County

Dogs over 4-months-old must be licensed annually and vaccinated against rabies. Dog licenses will be sold only upon presentation of a certificate that the dog has been inoculated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Dog licenses cost $10 per year for spayed or neutered animals and $10 for fertile animals. To obtain a $10 license, provide certification that the animal has been spayed or neutered by a veterinarian or is infertile. All dogs must have a license tag securely attached to a collar and worn whenever the dog is off the owner's property.

Cats over 4-months-old must be inoculated against and required to be licensed annually. Licensing of cats is required;  the wearing of an identification tag on a safety collar is recommended.

Prince William County

All dogs four months of age or older must be licensed each year by January 31. The fee is $5.00 per dog. A current rabies vaccination certificate must be shown for each dog to be licensed.  Persons moving into the county must comply with the license requirements at that time.

Cats 4-months-old or older must have a current rabies vaccination.

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 is healthy and strong enough to travel. Think about the changes your pet will face in its new home. Is there enough space for exercising? How does your pet adjust to new people or strange places? If you are flying with your pet, make sure the crate has a label with the pet's name, your name, address, phone number, and the destination address. You will also want to ensure the cage has any special instructions. Also, make sure your pet has proper identification tags. The information should include your pet's name, your name, address and phone number.

There is no quarantine for pets arriving from overseas locations as long as the owner provides a valid veterinarian's certificate that states the pet has no diseases and current rabies inoculations.

It's a good idea to make advanced reservations for pet boarding as soon as you know your arrival date. This is an area where your sponsor can be of assistance. If you will be staying in temporary lodging, please remember that Fort Belvoir lodging does not accept pets of any kind. Also, many local hotels require an extra deposit if you are staying with a pet.

Fort Belvoir just opened our brand new facility built with your pets in mind, the Patriot Pet Care. Your fur babies will feel right at home. This facility offers your pets a safe and fun place to stay for boarding, day care, full-service grooming and training. More information and reservations are available on the Patriot Pet Care website.

Service members, Defense Department civilians, retirees, family members and installation visitors are eligible.

Facility Features:

• 24 indoor and outdoor boarding rooms
• 30 cat condos
• Outdoor play area with rubberized play surface for exercise and socialization
• Full service grooming salon with deluxe Hydrosurge bathing units - your pup will get a massage while they are being cleaned
• Kuranda hammock-style beds for your pets comfort

There are many pet kennels in this area, however, the following kennels are those closest to Fort Belvoir. To obtain a more exhaustive list, please consult the Northern Virginia Yellow Pages. 

• Royal Pet Shop and Kennel: 703-354-7222
• Woodlawn Kennels: 703-360-6161
• Springfield Animal Hospital: 703-451-1995
• Saratoga Animal Hospital: 703-455-1188
• Montrose Pet Hotel: 703-425-5000

Cost

The cost to board a cat ranges from $15 to $25 per day. To board a dog, the cost can be $50 to $95 per day. For pets other than cats and dogs, please contact the kennel to determine if they will accept your pet.

All animals are seen by appointment only. Clients may call for an appointment. Routine services include vaccinations of dogs and cats, heartworm testing, feline leukemia virus testing and health certification. There is a small service charge added to the total cost of every cash transaction as required by the Treasury Department.

The veterinary clinic also runs a stray/homeless facility. Stop by and check the photo board located in the waiting area.