Keesler AFB  Moving

Mississippi law requires all dogs and cats, 3 months or older be vaccinated against rabies. Distemper vaccines for dogs and cats are given at 6-8 weeks and 14-16 weeks. Cats and dogs are revaccinated annually. Rabies vaccination is required yearly even if a 3-year vaccine is given. Mississippi law has changed but base policy has not. Mississippi now recognizes the 3 year vaccine. Pets residing on base must be vaccinated for rabies annually. 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.

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 offering short and long term boarding are Biloxi Animal Hospital, 228-388-3080; Country Kennel, 228-354-9234; Gulf Coast Veterinary Hospital, 228-432-0183; The Pet Lodge, 228-392-0327;and others in surrounding cities. Ensure all shots are up-to-date and bring certification of shots, to include Kennel Cough vaccination for dogs.

Keesler AFB does not have kennels on base. There are a limited number of TLF units which allow pets. Pit-bulls, Staffordshire terriers and breeds of this descent (i.e., Pit-bull mix/Staffordshire mix) are not allowed in base housing. These breeds cannot be seen at the Veterinary Treatment Facility.

Be aware boarding costs are subject to change. Always make sure you confirm price before finalizing your plans.

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

Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri, 0800-1600

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.

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.