Shipping Pets

If you are planning to bring your pet with you, ensure you contact the Veterinary Clinic and gather information about the local laws concerning pets. Be sure to hand carry all documents with you, including vaccination and health certificates.

Dogs and cats are required to have a city tag, obtainable at Fort Sill Veterinary Treatment Facility or Lawton Animal Welfare.

• Fort Sill Veterinary Treatment Facility 580-442-3416/4951
• Lawton Animal Welfare 580-581-3219

Lodging Accommodations

Lodging facilities during your travel may require very high deposits in order to provide pet accommodations. It is best to make lodging reservations well in advance and have a list of alternate accommodations that accept pets. A list of confirmed off post kennels and pet care facilities are also references to have before you arrive.

Fort Sill Lodging has limited accommodations for pets, so please let them know you are bringing a pet with you when you make your reservation. 

Quarantine - No quarantines are required for new pets arriving in Oklahoma; however, any time a pet bites a person, the animal is required to be quarantined for 10 days, either at the Fort Sill Veterinary Treatment Facility or at any civilian veterinary clinic or hospital that has a licensed veterinarian on staff.

Boarding - No pet boarding or kennel service is available on Fort Sill. To board at a local veterinary clinic, your pet must have current vaccinations. The average daily cost to board your pet is $15. 

Registration - All animals are required to be registered with the city of Lawton. For a fee of $15 the owner receives the registration and the city tag for the pet. A citation will be given if the animal is caught without proper tags. Dogs must be on a leash or confined to a yard. Stray animals are collected by the city animal handlers. Be aware that a fine must be paid to the city if the pet is collected a second time. Large animals such as horses are required to have a large animal permit. Birds, reptiles, ferrets, etc. are not required to be licensed.

Car Travel

Dogs can travel well by car, if they are trained to sit, not to hang out of the window, and not to bark. If your dog is not used to long car rides, a long trip can cause car sickness. The first signs of car sickness are drooling, followed by restlessness and anxiety. Vomiting may occur. If you stop the car and let your dog out for some exercise, he'll feel better. You can also plan ahead and get some motion sickness pills from your vet. These usually need to be given 30 minutes before the trip starts.

Cats are usually frightened of car travel and may be more comfortable in a carrier.

Air Travel

Most airlines allow only a limited number of pets in cargo per flight. Call at least three days before the flight to make arrangements. If you have to change planes, you are responsible for seeing that the pet is transferred at the connecting point.

Use a regulation kennel/crate for your pet. You can buy these at most exchanges, from the airline, or pet stores. Allow your pet to become used to being in the kennel/crate well in advance of traveling by encouraging it to sleep or even eat and drink while in the kennel/crate. This will allow your pet to feel relaxed during travel.

Be sure to have proper identification. On the outside of the kennel/crate, print your name and address and the pet's destination. Include your pet's name, so the attendants can talk to the animal. Place a tag with your name, address, and the pet's destination on a collar around the pet's neck, because on rare occasions, pets can escape from kennels/crates and might require identification. Place a comfortable pad or the pet's bedding in the kennel/crate and add a favorite toy or two. Also, attach a copy of the health, rabies, and import certificates.

Exercise the pet lightly before departing. Feed a light meal no less than 6 hours before departing and remove water 2 hours before, except on hot days. Provide a water dish with the kennel/crate, so attendants can provide water during stopovers. If the trip lasts longer than 24 hours, provide some food (dry is best). Federal law requires freight to provide water every 12 hours.

Make sure your pet has no health problems. A health certificate, completed by a veterinarian, will be needed if traveling by air. Be sure to hand carry all documents with you, including vaccination certificates, health certificates, and import certificates when required.

You are responsible for the airline ticket for your pet. Check with your local airlines for prices.