Shipping Pets

Traveling with pets

The Department of Defense has approved a new policy to cover pet travel expenses, like pet transportation or quarantine fees, incurred by Service members during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) as of January 1, 2024.

There are no pet quarantine requirements for Alaska.

• Pets by Air: Many airlines restrict pet shipment due to extreme temperatures. Airlines require that pets have current shots and a health certificate and approved carriers. Contact the airline for the most current up to date information concerning your pets.
• Pets by Land: If travelling via Alaska-Canada Highway. Some lodging facilities will allow you to keep your pets in your room but you may have to pay additional fees.
• Pets by Sea: Animals may be transported on Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) vessels but are restricted to the car deck. They must be properly contained in an approved carrier or be transported in a vehicle and accompanied by an adult passenger. Animals are transported at the owner's risk and all state of Alaska regulations must be met prior to animals entering the state. Service animals are allowed on the passenger deck. Contact the AMHS at 800-642-0066 for more information.
• Pets on Base/Post: Aurora Military Housing (on-post/base privatized housing) allows pets in their houses but some breeds are not allowed on the installation. All pets must be registered with the Joint Base Elmendorf Vet Clinic within 30 days of moving into a housing unit. Contact Aurora Housing for more information at 907-753-1023
• Base Lodging
• Contact base lodging for availability 907-552-2454

Please note pet-friendly rooms in temporary lodging facility are limited at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Lodging has pet units available, by reservation only, at an additional $10 per night charge. Shot records for pets are required to reserve and check into these rooms. Guests are required to clean up after their registered pets. Unregistered animals are not allowed in or around lodging properties. Any animal found tied outside or left unattended in a vehicle will be reported to Security Forces for removal. Guests will be charged fees for having an unregistered pet in lodging and/or for damages caused by registered pets. Do Not Disturb signs will not be honored in pet units after 11 a.m. as we are required to enter pet units daily per AFMAN 34-135.

The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Lodging Office can provide you with a list of local hotels that will allow pets. The number of hotels or motels that allow pets is limited. Another option is looking at Airbnb or Vrbo, which can offer pet-friendly options as well. For more information on pets in Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Lodging, please call 907-552-2454.

You can choose to board your pet while you stay in lodging. There are no kennels on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, however, there are kennels in the local area. Lodging can provide a list of kennels per your request or you can research online or local yellow pages for a list of kennels and costs associated. Boarding fees vary but are usually based on the number and size of the pet.