Shipping Pets

Arlington County

All dogs four months or older living in Arlington County must be licensed by the County government. The dog must wear the license at all times. The Arlington County code does not require a license for cats.

• Provide a copy of your dog’s current rabies certificate. (Virginia state law requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated at four months.)
• AWLA offers low-cost rabies vaccinations at regularly scheduled clinics throughout the year.
• Send a completed license application, a check or money order (payable to “Treasurer, Arlington County) for $30, to the Office of the Treasurer at:
  • Office of the Treasurer
  • Operations Division
  • 2100 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 201
  • Arlington, VA 22201

You may also submit your completed application in person at the above address.

Fairfax County

All dogs and cats four months old and older must be licensed annually and vaccinated against rabies. Licenses are due by January 31, and licenses are good for the calendar year in which they are issued and expire on December 31st. Dog licenses will be sold only upon presentation of a certificate that the dog has been inoculated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. All dog licenses are $10.00. Licenses are issued free of charge for service animals that assist residents who are visually impaired, deaf or need mobility assistance.

Prince William County

Dog licenses (both new and renewal licenses) can be purchased online.

All dogs four months of age or older must be licensed each year by January 31st. 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 four months of age or older must have a current rabies vaccination. Cats are not required to be licensed.

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 is 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 the 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.

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.

• Patriot Pet Care 703-805-1102
• Springfield Animal Hospital 703-451-1995
• Pet Medical Center- Springfield 703-455-1188
• Montrose Pet Hotel 703-425-5000

Cost

The cost to board a cat ranges from $10-25/day. To board a dog, the cost can be $15-35/day. For pets other than cats and dogs, please contact the kennel to determine if they will accept your pet. Please confirm costs with each facility prior to boarding your pet.

Veterinary Services Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall; Bldg. 239, Myer Campus of JBVM-HH. Phone 703-696-3604.

The United States Marine Corps has set official policy on types of dogs allowed in installation housing and other rules surrounding pets on base. You are encouraged to contact the Family Housing Branch prior to your move regarding pets. For further information call 703-784-2711. 

Pets

All pets must be registered with the Vehicle Registration Section within 10 days of their arrival on base, or after reaching the age of four months. Wild animals or exotic pets are prohibited. Registration will include a current civilian or military veterinarian certification of required vaccinations and a functioning microchip identification device that complies with the International Standards Organization (ISO) Certification of rabies vaccination is required. The registration tag issued must be worn on the animal's collar or affixed to its cage. Call 703-784-3024 for forms, or go to the Visitor’s Center, 27031x, Telegraph Road, Stafford, 22556. Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.

All animals are seen by appointment only. Eligible 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.

• Ft. Belvoir
  10015 Theote Rd bldg 610, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
  Phone: 571-515-8297
• Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Veterinary Services:
• Bldg. 239 Myer Campus of JBM-HH, 703-696-3604