Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland, Randolph, Sam Houston)  Moving

San Antonio has a leash law; your dog must be either on a leash or in fenced yard. All animals must be registered either on-Post or off-Post if you reside in the community. The post/base Veterinary Service/ Small Animal Clinic provide Health Certificates and vaccinations. Please keep both documents current at all times.

The Animal Defense League (ADL) has "vaccination drives" and pets can receive shots at reduced rates, call 210- 655-1481. You may adopt a dog or cat from Ft. Sam Veterinary Clinic or at ADL's Adoption Center 210-655-1481 or at the Humane Society 210-226-7461.

If living in base housing, a pet must be under the owner's direct control any time it is outside. This means the owner must be outside with the pet unless it is contained in an adequately fenced area.

Leash laws also apply in Bexar County. Dogs and cats are not allowed to roam free. Some home owner associations have small animal traps to lend in the event that a pet is being a nuisance. Trapped pets are then turned over to the Animal Control Services.

Pet Licensing

If living in base housing, an animal must be under the owner's direct control any time it is outside. This means the owner must be outside with the animal unless it is contained in an adequately fenced area. If you live on post or base, your pet MUST be registered with your base/post small animal clinic/veterinary facility.

If your pet has a current vaccination certificate, bring it for licensing to any of the following agencies. The Animal Defense League has "vaccination drives" and pets can receive shots at reduced rates. Call 210-655-1373.

• San Antonio Animal Control -- 210 Tuleta Street, San Antonio, TX 78212; Phone: 210-737-1442. You can register your pet at the above address or at Customer Service at most HEB Stores.
• Ft. Sam Houston Veterinary Treatment Facility -- Bldg 2186, 2133 North Pine St, Fort Sam Houston, TX; 234-6231; Phone: 210-295-4260/4265, DSN 312-421-4260/4265. Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am - 4 pm. If you live on post, pet must be registered at Fort Sam Houston Clinic.
• Port Call Office -- Bldg 367, Stanley Rd., Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234; Phone: 210-221-1629/1656. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 4 pm. If you are relocating to any overseas installation, please contact the port call office as soon as possible. There are many arrangements you have to take care if you are planning to take your pet with you. Plan ahead, the sooner the better for you and your pet.

Identification

A disaster in the making is a pet in transit without identification. Dogs break free from leashes. Cats dash out of cages cracked open for just a second. The opportunities for pets being separated from their owners are numerous. Avoid the potential loss of a beloved pet by purchasing a comfortable collar (elastic for cats) for your pet bearing complete identification tags. The information should include your pet's name, your name, address and phone number. A license tag is also necessary and can be obtained from your local humane organization. As an additional safeguard, you may want to consider tattooing as a permanent form of identification. Your pet can have a number tattooed on the inside of his ear or flank. Another option, micro-chipping, identifying information implanted in the neck of the animal is available at most vet clinics. To obtain additional information contact your local vet clinic. Licensing of pets can be accomplished at any of the many veterinarian offices located in the city area. All pets residing on post/base must be registered with the Base Veterinarian Treatment facility/Small Animal Clinic.

Exotic Pets

There are no restrictions on exotic pets on the installation. However, large animals that are normally considered to be wild such as tigers or lions are not allowed. There is some conflict off base regarding keeping wild animals such as lions, tigers, or bears because of the potential for harm to others.

Please plan in advance, if you are traveling with pets, for the base/post guest houses and many motels in the area do NOT allow pets. Let your sponsor assist you with this task. For the record listings of phone numbers and a brief description of kennels in the nearby communities, check under Boarding topic.

Check with the base/post Veterinary Treatment Facility/Small Animal Clinic for the requirements to ship a pet to a specific area. Shipping requirements and rabies shots vary depending upon where you are shipping your pet. 

Automobile

Many of the issues involved with traveling with a pet revolve around the pet's temperament and level of training. A pet that does not like to "go for a ride" can make for an interesting trip. Dogs should be trained to lie or sit quietly in a designated place.

Traveling with cats is more challenging. Train your cat to wear a harness, either a figure 8 or an H type, and confine them to a crate while driving. Do not open the car door until the pet is safely restrained.

To protect your pets from hazardous situations:

• Don't leave the rear windows open. Fumes from exhaust can blow into car and poison the animal
• Don't leave the animal in a parked car
• Don't leave your animal unattended
• If your pet is not micro-chipped, have one implanted prior to traveling

Pets can become carsick. Please discuss this and other health concerns with your veterinarian. Keep the necessary medications handy, along with supplies for cleaning up in case the worst happens.

If you will be crossing state or country boundaries, have a health certificate signed within the last 30 days with your hand carried-papers. It is extremely unlikely that anyone will ask to see them, but they are required for most interstate travel.

Air Travel

Have your pet evaluated to determine overall health and ability to withstand the rigors of flying. Have all immunizations updated at the same time. Certain breeds of cats and dogs that have small airways are at a high risk for respiratory failure unless they can be in a constantly pressurized and climate-controlled cargo area.

Domestic flights require health certificates completed by a veterinarian within 10 days before the pet is shipped. Check with the airlines to ensure that all requirements are met.

There are a number of variables in shipping a pet. Severe weather conditions are normally defined as temperatures less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The rates for shipping also vary. It is typical to charge a service fee for cabin travel or for shipping as baggage. The service fee is normally around $80 and up. Some airlines will charge you the full price of an airline ticket.

The shipping crate also requires certain labeling requirements including "Live Animal" stickers on all sides. For convenience sake, most pet stores have packets with all the required labels and airline approved food and water dishes for the crate.

Remember, the government will not pay for you to ship your pet, as that is the military family's responsibility.

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 - well in advance.

Nothing can waylay a trip with a pet faster than a health problem, and your pet's well-being should be of primary importance to you. Your pet will be subjected to conditions guaranteed to cause stress to your animal. 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. Even if you are traveling within your own state boundaries, it is a good idea to have your pet examined and inoculated. Your pet will be "out of his own back yard" and subject to contact with unknown animals. His chances of contracting disease or infection greatly increase. Have your pet examined by a licensed veterinarian, preferably one who has cared for the animal on a regular basis.

Ask the doctor to prescribe a motion sickness pill or sedative as a preventive measure. Don't tranquilize your pet automatically. Sedated pets are more likely to develop problems. (Note: Motion sickness pills are preferable to tranquilizers.) NEVER give your pet tranquilizers without your vet's approval and NEVER give a pet any medication that has been prescribed for human use. Avoid traveling with a pet during extreme weather. Exceptionally cold or hot weather can result in hyper- and hypothermia, heart failure, even death. During summer months, schedule travel for early morning or evening hours.

Federal Regulations

Federal regulations provide some solutions to the problems of pets traveling by air but owner awareness is still the key factor in assuring the safe arrival of their pets. According to regulations, an airline cannot accept a pet from its owner unless the following qualifications are met: The pet must be 1) at least 8 weeks old; 2) certified as healthy within 10 days prior to departure; 3) secured in a carrier which meets the required standards; and 4) adequately identified in the manner specified by APHIS.

Identification

A disaster in the making is a pet in transit without identification. Dogs break free from leashes. Cats dash out of cages cracked open for just a second. The opportunities for pets being separated from their owners are numerous. Avoid the potential loss of a beloved pet by purchasing a comfortable collar (elastic for cats) for your pet bearing complete identification tags. The information should include your pet's name, your name, address and phone number. A license tag is also necessary and can be obtained from your local humane organization. As an additional safeguard, you may want to consider tattooing as a permanent form of identification. Your pet can have a number tattooed on the inside of his ear or flank. Another option, micro-chipping, identifying information implanted in the neck of the pet is available at most vet clinics. To obtain additional information contact your local vet clinic. Licensing of pets can be accomplished at any of the many veterinarian offices located in the city area. All pets residing on base must be registered with the Base Veterinarian Treatment facility

There are no quarantines for dogs or cats in Texas as long as the pet has a current rabies vaccination, has no diseases, the owner is in possession of a valid veterinarian's certificate that states the pet has no diseases, upon entry to the United States. If for some reason, additional rabies immunizations are indicated, your pet will be quarantined in your residence. This would happen only in unusual circumstances. For other country quarantine information call the Veterinary Service or Small Animal Clinic on your post/base.

Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam Houston

The services provided by the Fort Sam Houston Veterinary Treatment Facility include:

• Yearly vaccinations for distemper/parvo, rabies, cat distemper, leukemia
• Heartworm and leukemia tests
• Fecal tests to check for intestinal parasites
• Health certificates
• Sick call (limited to zoonotic diseases, or diseases contagious to people and pets)
• Prescription medications for fleas and heartworm prevention

These services are only available with proof of current vaccinations, a negative heartworm test and after the pet has been seen by a military vet within the past 12 months.

All pets residing on base must be registered at the VTF. It is mandatory that all animals residing on base are microchipped. Your pet's rabies tag is also a registration tag. Upon arrival to the installation, a valid rabies certificate and negative heartworm exam must be presented to the VTF.

The primary mission of VTF is to provide preventative medications for heartworm prevention, flea control and treatment of diseases which can be transmitted from animals to humans. Routine immunizations and minor medical problems can be provided at the Small Animal Clinic. Please visit the Small Animal Clinic website for additional information. A $2 fee, mandated by the U.S. Treasury, is charged at each visit.

Services are provided only to military personnel enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. Reservists and National Guard are eligible only while they are on an active-duty tour. A valid military identification card must be presented before services are received.

Surgeries or major illnesses must be treated by an off-base veterinarian.

Pet Registration

All pets living on post are required to be registered at the VTF within 30 days of arrival. Registration is done in person, and we will need proof of current vaccinations. If your pet is overdue for vaccinations, we will schedule and update the vaccinations prior to registering the pet. Pets living off post should be registered with the city in which they live. In San Antonio, pets may be registered at most HEB stores.

Effective, January 1, 2008, microchips will the primary form of registration used to identify animals in the city of San Antonio. Pets over the age of 4 months must be registered with Animal Control Services. Registration requires proof of current rabies vaccinations and the microchip information. This can be mailed, faxed or hand-carried to Animal Control Services. Pets are required to wear a collar tag with the microchip number on it. For more information, please contact Animal Control Services at 210-207-4738 or visit the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services website.

Health Certificates

Health certificates are required for all pets that travel by airline. We recommend a health certificate for anyone who is relocating with a pet. We also recommend a health certificate for anyone vacationing with a pet, because some states will not allow pets from Texas to enter the other state without a current health certificate. Health certificates need to be issued within 10 days of departure and the veterinarian will need to see the pet to issue the certificate, so be sure to call for an appointment.

Rabies Vaccinations

Texas requires yearly vaccination for rabies even if your pet received a three-year vaccine in a prior location.

Sick Pets

The VTF does not offer emergency services and sees patients by appointment only. It is a good idea to establish records with a local veterinarian for emergency care and any illness your pet may have.

Lost Pets

All pets lost or straying on post are turned into the VTF by the Military Police. Pets on post are required to be kept on a leash during walks. If your pet should stray away from home, check with us as soon as possible to see if your pet was impounded. We hold pets for three working days before making them available for adoption. If you are thinking of getting a new pet, consider checking with us to see what we have to offer.

Outdoor Pets

Dogs that are kept outdoors are required to have a doghouse and a constant supply of water available to them. This is especially important in the summer, as Texas is very hot. Wading pools for children make good dog pools, too.

There are no boarding facilities on Randolph AFB. It is always good to carry a copy of your pet's medical and immunization records with you while traveling. All kennels will require that your pet's shots are current. Bordetella vaccination (for kennel cough) may be required every six month or every year depending on the kennel.

You must schedule an appointment in advance when boarding your pet in an off-base kennel. Most will book up early during holidays, please plan accordingly. If your pet is on any medications or special food, make sure you have enough for the entire stay. You may want to treat your pet for fleas and ticks prior to their stay in a kennel. Heartworm Preventative is to be given year around here in Texas. If you need additional information for Randolph AFB, contact the Small Animal Clinic on base.

Canine Vaccinations that may be required/recommended:

• Rabies -- every 1 year or every 3 years
• DA2PLCPV
• Bordetella -- every 6 months or yearly

Feline Vaccinations that may be required/recommended:

• Rabies -- every 1 year or every 3 years
• FVRCP
• Feline Leukemia or Test

Please consult the Yellow Pages for Local Boarding Facilities near you. Please search the yellow pages website. For listing of pet friendly hotels, please visit a PET FRIENDLY HOTELS website.

Lackland AFB:

There are some pet-friendly services on Lackland AFB. You may contact the Small Animal Clinic on base for information. For the complete listing of kennels in the area, check the yellow pages of our local phone directory. Plese search the yellow pages website. For listing of pet friendly hotels, please visit a PET FRIENDLY HOTELS website. If you need additional information for Lackland AFB, contact the Small Animal Clinic on base.

Fort Sam Houston:

Please plan in advance, if you are traveling with pets, the Fort Sam Houston Guest House is privatized and managed by the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). All the IHG Hotels are pet friendly. Guests are limited to two pets per room and pets may not exceed 80 pounds. A non-refundable $75 per room cleaning will be charged to the guest's account upon check-in. In addition, there is currently a charge of $7 per night after the FIRST WEEK. The regular room fee is $79.50 per night and you may log onto IHG Army Hotels website or call 210-357-2705 ext 5000 for reservations or additional information. "Wounded Warriors and their families have priority for lodging at Fort Sam Houston."However, many motels in the area do NOT allow pets. Let your sponsor assist you with this task. For the complete listing of kennels in the area, check the Yellow Pages of our local phone directory. Please search the yellow pages website. For listing of pet friendly hotels, please visit a PET FRIENDLY HOTELS website.

Be sure to hand-carry your pet's immunization records. The information is required by reputable kennels. In addition, the owner must provide a padlock, food, water, and cleaning.

If you will need to board your pet, please make reservations as far in advance as possible. Plan your arrival so that you can admit your pet to the boarding facility before they close for the day. Some facilities will open during non-business hours upon request, but there is usually an additional charge for doing so. Be sure to have your pet's immunization records in hand. For additional information call the Ft. Sam Houston Veterinary Treatment Facility at 210-808-6104.