Shipping Pets

Due to its location along the border, El Paso is an area with a higher than average incident rate of rabies. It is recommended that pets receive all required shots prior to or immediately upon arrival.

All pets living on post must be registered with the Fort Bliss Veterinary Treatment Facility upon arrival. Proof of rabies immunization within the last year is required of all dogs and cats over 3 months of age at the time of registration.  If your animals were not vaccinated at the Fort Bliss VTF, bring the certificate of rabies vaccination to the VTF for registration and/or update of their records.

On-post housing may limit the number and breed of pets. Contact on-post housing for more information at 915-564-0795.

Dogs and cats residing off post must be registered with the city at the Animal Regulation and Disease Control for a $12 fee. More details may be obtained at the Fort Bliss Veterinary Treatment Facility. 

Pets are seen by appointment only. This clinic does not see emergency pet situations. In the case of a pet emergency, call the El Paso Animal Emergency Center at 915-545-1148. The El Paso Animal Emergency Center is located at 1220 Airway Blvd and is open 24/7.

Travelers shipping pets into El Paso should time their arrival and/or transfer of pets at other airports to ensure the pet does not sit out on the hot tarmac during transfer between aircraft. If at all possible, try to schedule the flights in the early mornings or evenings for your pet's safety. All cats and dogs must receive annual rabies shots and tags through your local veterinarian. All dogs and cats over 3 months of age must have a current rabies vaccination.

Dogs or cats that bite any individual must be quarantined for a 10-day period. Bites must be reported to Animal Control workers in El Paso at 915-212-PAWS/7297. When reporting a bite, abuse and/or neglect, press option 1 and you will be transferred to the non-emergency 311 city phone number. There is no quarantine required for pets being brought into the El Paso geographic area.

At the IHG Army Hotel at Fort Bliss, there are a limited number of pet rooms available at lodging. Advance reservations for these rooms is suggested. There is a $75 non-refundable pet fee for a pet room. There is an additional $10 per day fee that begins on the 8th night after making the initial $75 non-refundable pet fee. Guests arriving with pets must bring current vaccination records. Pets must be non-aggressive and restrained at all times. Allowed pets are confined to dogs and cats in accordance with installation regulations. Other animals are NOT permitted in the hotel.

Pets other than domestic dogs, cats, small caged rodents, birds and fish are not allowed on Fort Bliss. This includes exotic animals, whether mammals or reptiles, as well as domestic livestock such as goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, etc.

As of 2024, dogs belonging to the following breeds are prohibited at Fort Bliss: all Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Akitas, American Bulldog, Alaskan Malamute, all Mastiff breeds, Chow Chow, Dobermann, Presa Canario, full or mixed-breed Rottweilers, wolves and wolf hybrids. If you have questions or need more information on this policy, please contact the Veterinary Treatment Facility 915-742-2266 or the Family Homes Housing Office 915-564-0795.

The veterinary treatment facility is located in Building 6077, Carter Road, El Paso, Texas 79906 (West Bliss, past the bowling alley) and can be reached by calling 915-742-2266. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed for lunch 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (Closed Saturday, Sunday, the last working day of the month and Federal Holidays). More information may be found on the VTF website https://bliss.armymwr.com/programs/veterinary-services.

Families living in government quarters are limited on the number and type of pets allowed. Check with the housing office for regulations at 915-564-0795.