Shipping Pets

Mississippi law requires that all dogs and cats 3 months of age or older be vaccinated against rabies. Mississippi law has changed, but base policy has not. Mississippi now recognizes the 3-year vaccine; however, pets living on base must be vaccinated for rabies annually.

Distemper vaccines for dogs and cats are given at 6-8 weeks and 14-16 weeks. Cats and dogs must be vaccinated annually for distemper.

Due to the climate, fleas may be a problem. “Kennel cough” vaccinations may be required to board pets. Cruelty and neglect laws are in effect.

If planning to live in base housing check with Housing Office for list of pets which are not allowed. If planning to rent check with landlord to see if pets are allowed and if there are any restrictions on types of pets permitted on property.

Dog leash laws are on the books in Biloxi, D'Iberville, Gulfport, Long Beach, Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Waveland, Moss Point, Gautier, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula and parts of Jackson County.

Cat leash laws are in effect in Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Waveland, Ocean Springs and Pascagoula.

Boarding kennels are available both privately and in conjunction with several area veterinarians' offices. Be sure to make arrangements to board your pet before you arrive. Several local area kennels offer short and long-term boarding, including Biloxi Animal Hospital, 228-388-3080; Gulf Coast Veterinary Hospital, 228-432-0183; and The Pet Lodge, 228-392-0327.

Be sure that all of your pet’s shots are up to date and bring certification of shots, including the “kennel cough” vaccination for dogs.

Keesler Air Force Base does not have on-base kennels. There are a limited number of temporary lodging facility units that allow pets. Pit bulls, Staffordshire terriers and breeds of this descent (i.e., pit bull mixes and Staffordshire mixes) are not allowed in base housing. These breeds cannot be seen at the Veterinary Treatment Facility.

Be aware that boarding costs are subject to change, so make sure you confirm the price before finalizing your plans.

Check-ups, immunizations and maintenance medications are available. Contact the clinic for details on scheduling an appointment.

Hours of Operation:

• Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Phone: 228-376-7495
• Fax: 228-376-0131

Shipping Pets/Transportation

Take into consideration your pet's overall health, temperament and age. Ensure you have correct shipping containers, vaccination records and health records. Large animals may be considered cargo and shipment fees may be costly. Contact the Traffic Management Office for specific information about shipping pets. Be aware, if PCSing during the summer months, check with air carriers as they will not transport pets when temperatures are above a certain limit. Air Force Aid Society may help with shipping costs up to $1,000.

Base Housing

Pets must be registered at the base vet clinic. To be registered, animals must be at least three months old and immunized with an approved rabies vaccine by a veterinarian. Upon vaccination or proof of vaccination, the base veterinarian issues a current Keesler tag and rabies certificate.

Base housing is limited to three pets, unless an exception is approved in writing by the Housing Office.

Unleashed pets must be kept either inside the house or in a fenced yard. Where there are no fences, pets must be on a leash or on a rope staked out in the yard and the latter is permitted only if the owner is outside with the pet. A pet's leash may not be staked to houses, fences, trees or shrubs. Leashes are required any time pets are outside the yard. Pets may be under voice control of their owners in their yards only.