Shipping Pets

All pets more than 90 days of age maintained in government quarters must be registered at the Veterinary Clinic within 10 days of arrival or acquisition.

Although local laws vary, all nearby areas require dog owners to obtain a license.

Leash Laws and Animal Control

At America's Post, pets found unattended, running free or not under the control of the owner by leash may be apprehended by the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. However, off post, Virginia gives localities the power to make leash laws. Once you have found a place to live, you should contact the respective county to obtain the most up to date information and requirements.

Virginia

• Alexandria: 703-838-4775
• Arlington County: 703-228-3081
• Fairfax County, Office of Finance: 703-222-8234
• Falls Church City: 703-248-5130
• Prince William County: 703-792-6710
• Spotsylvania County: 540-373-3122
• Stafford County: 540-658-7387

Maryland

• Montgomery County: 301-217-6999

District of Columbia: 202-576-6665

By Air

The U.S. government is not responsible for shipping pets. If you wish your pet to accompany you on a flight, notify your transportation office so that concurrent reservations may be made. Only two pets per PCS are authorized and the soldier is responsible for all charges incurred with transporting pets. Average costs can vary from $100 to over $1,000 and are calculated according to either dimensional kennel weight or combined animal and kennel weight, and destination.

When traveling with your pet, make sure your pet is healthy and up to date on all vaccinations. Make sure your pet is properly identified with a current tag and/or micro-chip.

When traveling by air, consider the following:

• Consult the airline for specific regulations, kennel requirements, size and weight limitations and helpful hints.
• Contact your veterinarian for information on pet travel and pet quarantine requirements.
• Federal regulations require that pets be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least 5 days before flying.
• Most airlines have temperature restrictions. Generally, airlines will not allow a pet to travel when the current or forecasted temperature is above 85 degrees or below 45 degrees at any location on the itinerary. You should contact the airline for specific policies.
• Arrive at the airport early, exercise your pet, personally place it in its crate, and pick up the animal promptly upon arrival.   

By Car

When traveling with your pet by car, you should consider the following tips:

• Introduce your pet to car rides and carriers prior to leaving. 
• Plan frequent stops. 
• Keep your pet on a leash at all times when outside the vehicle. 
• Never leave your pet alone in the car. During the summer, temperatures in a car can quickly exceed 120 degrees and in the winter, temperatures can quickly drop to freezing. 

No quarantine is required in the United States for dogs or cats however, all dogs and cats in the metro area are required to be registered and immunized against rabies.

Dog licenses are issued by the Animal Services Program. To obtain a dog license, an owner must show proof of a valid rabies and distemper vaccination. DC law requires dog licenses to be renewed annually. More information regarding how to obtain a valid license can be found at: Dog Licensing in DC Metro Area.

If a hotel/lodging facility does not accept your pet, there are a number of pet boarding facilities/kennels within a 20 mile radius.

Your pets are important to us here at America's Post.  Pet boarding costs and quality vary widely so you may want to research your options thoroughly before selecting one. The following is a list of facilities offering pet boarding services in the area. Note that this list may not be complete and it does not constitute endorsement of any of the facilities listed. You are advised and encouraged to research all facilities before boarding your pet.

• Suburban Animal Hospital, Arlington: 703-532-4043
• Woofs Dog Training Center, Arlington: 703-536-7877
• Fur-Get-Me Not Pet Care, Arlington: 703-933-1935
• Julie's Pooch Pad, Vienna: 703-820-7387
• Sit-A-Pet, Various: 703-243-3311
• Woodlawn Kennel Inc., Alexandria: 703-360-6161
• Old Town Pet Resort, Springfield: 703-455-9000
• Dulles Executive Pet Center, Herndon: 703-709-1111

At America's Post, your pets are important to us!  The Fort Myer Veterinary Clinic is located at 101 Jackson Avenue. The phone number is 703-696-3604. Services for privately owned pets will be provided as personnel availability and time constraints allow, as determined by the installation veterinarian. All animals are seen on an appointment basis. The clinic is operated as an outpatient clinic for administering required immunizations, health certificates, diagnostic services, and treatment of diseases that are an actual or potential threat to the health of the command (diseases shared by and transmissible between humans and animals).