Shipping Pets

Shipping Pets: 2024 brings a new entitlement for personnel with pets during a PCS move.  Service members and families may now submit associated expenses for reimbursement during their PCS voucher process. For more information about shipping pets and the new Pet Travel Reimbursment program visit: https://www.amc.af.mil/AMC-Travel-Site/AMC-Pet-Travel-Page/ 

Pet licenses are required in Okaloosa County and provided through a contract with the Panhandle Welfare Society, or PAWS. For more information, call 850-244-0196 or go to CustomerService@paws-shelter.org

If you have to surrender a pet before a OCONUS move: Pet Welfare is an agent maintained onsite at Eglin Air Force Base, located at 683 Range Road, Building 683. Hours of operations are 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Call them at 850-678-5066, or visit their website, and/or email: petwelfare@embarq.mail.com. Volunteers are welcome.  

Plan for your pet's trip in the same way you plan your own — well in advance. A clean bill of health is an important first step in assuring your pet's ability to adjust safely to unfamiliar surroundings. In addition, most states and countries require recent health certificates and disease inoculation documentation before you will be allowed to cross borders, making a trip to the veterinarian mandatory.

Make sure your pet has a special identification tag with your pet's name, your name and a destination address or that of a friend or relative. Traveling by car is sometimes the most humane way to transport your pet since you can plan regular stops for exercise and feeding. Take along your pet's food and water bowls, blanket or bedding and a favorite toy to give him a touch of home — and don't forget his leash and collar!

If your pet travels with you, keep your pet on a leash when outside your car or hotel. If you plan to stay in a hotel or motel, call in advance to check if pets are allowed and to make reservations. If you plan to board your pet at your destination point, reservations are also necessary, especially during heavy travel periods such as holidays and summers. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. In summer, it takes only minutes for the heat to climb to more than 120 degrees, even in the shade. In winter, closed cars become refrigerators, and the cold can be as dangerous as summer heat.

Traveling by air is another option for transporting animals. For information on shipping animals, see detail record listing. The pet kennel/carrier in which your pet will be spending most of his trip is of the utmost importance. Your pet must have room to turn freely while in a standing position and be able to use normal movements in order to stand erect or lie down in a natural position. A container for water should be secured to the inside of the carrier and positioned so that it can be filled without opening the cage. A drip bottle is recommended. Include a familiar blanket or favorite toy in the carrier. Be aware if you are PCSing during summer months that airlines may not fly pets when temperatures rise above a certain level. Check with your airline for specifics.

According to federal regulations, an airline cannot accept an animal from its owner unless the animal is 1) at least 8 weeks old; 2) certified as healthy within 10 days of departure; 3) secured in a carrier which meets the required standards; and 4) adequately identified. Pet owners often prefer to have their pet in the cabin section with them. This is possible, but reservations must be made as early as possible. Generally, only one animal per flight is allowed in the cabin, and permission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Another requirement is that the pet carrier must fit under the seat, so this restricts the carry-on option to very small animals.

If your pet travels in the cargo section, extra care must be taken prior to boarding and after landing to minimize the difficulties your pet may face while out of your stewardship. Purchasing the proper carrier, arranging for non-stop, direct flights and making sure that someone is in the baggage area when your pet arrives are safeguards you can take to ensure your pet's safe transportation.

For smaller pets, such as birds, hamsters, gerbils and tropical fish, consider sending them by air express. Airline freight departments or pet stores can supply shipping containers. A local pet shop specializing in tropical fish should pack them.

There is no quarantine for pets arriving from overseas locations.

Updated CDC Pet Dog Importation Regulation Goes into Effect August 1

To minimize the risk of the re-introduction of rabies to the United States, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has implemented a new regulation that requires a higher level of screening for pet dogs entering the country that have been in certain countries that are designated as high-risk for dog rabies in the last six months. Among other things, the change significantly reduces the number of ports of entry for dogs from high-risk countries.

See the list of rabies high-risk countries [cdc.gov].

What you need to know: rabies-free and low-risk countries (applies to most DoD travelers)

There is no change in ports of entry for pet dogs that have been in only rabies-free and low-risk countries in the last six months. Dogs must be six months of age or older, microchipped, and appear healthy and there is a new requirement for a CDC Dog Import Form to be completed by the traveler for entry.

See instructions and a link to the CDC Dog Import Form [cdc.gov].

What you need to know: rabies high-risk countries

DoD travelers in rabies high-risk countries may be eligible for a streamlined entry process.

Check eligibility requirements [CAC required].

Base lodging has 12 pet-friendly family rooms and 5 pet friendly standard rooms that are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Total number of pets authorized to stay in a pet-friendly Temporary Lodging Facility is limited to two; the TLF accepts cats and dogs only. Dogs and cats need to have current rabies shots. Shot records must be provided upon check-in. Each room has a kennel for a medium sized pet. There is a $10 pet fee per night.

If owners choose to stay in an off-base establishment to avoid kenneling their pets, they will not receive Temporary Living Expense reimbursement unless they have obtained a non-availability statement from the lodging office prior to staying off base.

Services

Veterinary services are not available on Hurlburt Field; however, the community has a variety of clinics that will assist you with the care of your pets. 

Eglin Air Force Base Veterinary Clinic, 201 Cherokee Avenue, Eglin Air Force Base, FL

Phone: 850-882-2233

The Eglin Air Force Base Veterinary Clinic is open 8 a.m.-3:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. The clinic is closed on all holidays and weekends. Individuals may ask questions or view their Facebook page, Eglin AFB Veterinary Clinic.

• Dogs and cats 3 months of age or older which are kept on base must be registered and vaccinated annually for rabies.
• Dog and cat owners are reminded that heartworm disease is very prevalent in the dog population and that animals should be given preventive medication.
• Animal control is strictly enforced. Cats and dogs must be on a leash whenever they are outside.
• Animals maintained outside must be secured by fenced patios and yards.
• No exotic pets are allowed in base housing. Contact the Housing Office at 850-884-7505 if you have questions.
• Check with your local transportation management office to arrange pet transportation when PCSing overseas prior to departure from your home base. The Hurlburt Field transportation management office can be reached at 850-884-6051.