Shipping Pets

If you live on base you are required, by regulation, to register your animal with Veterinary Services within 10 working days of your arrival. Veterinary Services can be reached at 623-856-6354 and are located at 13725 Lightning Glendale AZ, 85307.

All dogs 3 months and older are required to be licensed in Maricopa County. You will be required to provide a certificate from your veterinarian verifying required rabies shots, and register for the license online.  Licensing fees are lower for neutered animals.

Only two pets are allowed in base housing. Recent Arizona legislation states that during summer months it is a criminal offense to leave an animal in a car and penalties up to $150,000 may be levied. The law also states that dogs must be on a leash at all times. For more information, see the Maricopa County Animal Care & Control site at https://www.maricopa.gov/3560/Animal-Care-and-Control .

You'll have to consider such things as preparations for travel, medical information, whether to transport by car or by air, feeding and care while traveling, and settling into the new home. Plan for you pets early! Ask about pets at the Airman and Family Readiness Flight and Transportation Office during counseling sessions, and check any regulations regarding pets that may apply to your location.

Be very careful when traveling with pets, especially through the southwest desert areas. Remember you will be in the desert! The heat can be extremely stressful and dangerous to pets. Never leave your pet in the car during the summer.  On a hot summer day the inside of a car heats very quickly, for example an 85 degree day can make the temperature inside your car with windows slightly open reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes. A 105 degree day has produced a 215 degree temperature inside a car which is deadly to your pet. Be conscious to only walk your pet when the concrete has cooled off, as it can burn your pets paws and cause serious injury. You can test this by placing and holding your hand on the sidewalk for a few seconds to see if it is uncomfortable for you.  The summer days in Arizona are over 100 degrees almost every day so always consider your pet’s needs and comfort when making plans. While traveling ensure you have plenty of fresh water for you and your pets.

By Car

Traveling by motor vehicle is less expensive and often easier for short distances. Tips for traveling with a pet by car: Pets can travel well by car if they are trained and conditioned for car rides. If your pet isn't used to cars, long rides can cause anxiety or car sickness. If you stop the car and let your dog out for some exercise, or let your cat regain their equilibrium, they should feel better. Cats can be frightened of car travel and may be more comfortable in a carrier. Portable kennels can be handy for overnight trips and they make it easy to leave your pet in a motel or hotel if you go out for dinner.

You can also plan ahead and get some motion sickness/anti-nausea pills from your vet. There are also anti-anxiety medications that can help historically stressed pets travel more comfortably prescribed by your vet. Make sure you call to schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as you know your travel plans so you will have time to get in. Sometimes the vet can be booked out for a couple weeks.

By Plane

You may be able to take small pets around 20 pound or less into the cabin with you as long as they are in a carry-on kennel that fits under the passenger seat in front of you. Trained service dogs can also travel in the cabin. A lot of pets do not fall into these categories and must go in cargo. It is critical that your check your specific airline for their requirements/regulations, and they can greatly vary. Tips for traveling with a pet by plane: Most airlines only allow a limited number of pets in cargo per flight, so call well in advance of the flight to make arrangements. You must use a regulation airline kennel for your pet and you can buy these at most exchanges, from the airline or from someone who has recently moved. Make sure you let your pet get used to the kennel in advance and it is familiar to them. Be sure to have proper identification on the outside of the kennel, particularly a “Live Animal” sticker. Check with the airline about feeding and water requirements prior to and during travel, as they can vary. A health certificate is required for a pet on airline travel and are country/location dependent; most are only good for ten days. If pets are being sent on freight alone, you'll be expected to sign an air waybill, pay in advance and make all arrangements. If you can't travel with your pet on the same flight, there are shipping services that can fly your pet to you at a later date but be aware that these can be very pricey.

For overseas pet travel and requirements, visit the USDA Pet Travel website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel

No quarantine is necessary to bring most types of animals into Arizona. Visit this site, https://agriculture.az.gov/animals/state-veterinarians-office/animal-importation-requirements or call 602-542-4373 for more details.

Pets are allowed in a few of the temporary lodging units on base. If a pet friendly unit is not available, you will have to use one of the local kennels. Before you move with pets, you must ensure they have all required vaccinations or they won't be able to stay in local area kennels or in base housing. Many kennels will not accept your animal without vaccination records. Dogs normally require rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella; cats require rabies and FVRCP (a respiratory combo vaccine). Average daily rates for boarding cats and dogs range between $30-$80, depending on the size and type of the animal. Some kennels do board exotic animals and birds; make sure to call ahead for availability, rates and to ask about any additional fees. NOTE: There are no boarding kennels on base.

Learn about the rules and requirements for importing animals into the state of Arizona at https://agriculture.az.gov/animals/state-veterinarians-office/animal-species-specific-information/cats-dogs or by
calling 602-542-4373.

The Luke AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) is staffed by U.S. Army and civilian personnel who provide wellness visits and basic sick care for pets. The clinic is located on base at 13725 Lightning, Bldg 1146, Glendale, AZ 85307 and can be reached at 623-856-6354. 

The clinic provides vaccinations, laboratory testing (heartworm disease, intestinal parasites, FeLV/FIV, bloodwork and urinalysis), health certificates for domestic and international travel and general sick calls for companion animals. Please note that pets that are used or planned to be used for commercial breeding purposes are not allowed services at the VTF in accordance with Army Regulation 40-905 (AFI 48-131).

They currently do not have the facility or staff to provide hospitalization, intensive veterinary care, or emergency services. The clinic also does not perform surgical procedures or dentals at this time, but personnel can provide you with a list of clinics in the area that perform surgery as well as information regarding local veterinary facilities that can perform more advanced diagnostics.

If you live on base, you are required to register your pets with the clinic within ten working days of your arrival.  You can register by calling the clinic or stopping by to fill out the registration form.  You will need to provide a copy of your pet's vaccine history and any relevant medical history.  The clinic will maintain your pet's medical records and can provide all required vaccinations at a nominal charge, including rabies and other recommended immunizations for dogs, cats and ferrets. The clinic also offers microchip implants, which is a permanent identification system that is widely used throughout the world and is required for all international and some domestic travel.

The veterinary clinic is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. with a lunch break from noon - 1 p.m. They are open on occasional Fridays, depending on staffing availability. The VTF is closed on weekends and all federal holidays. Pets are seen on an appointment basis only and cannot see walk-in or emergency presentations. To make an appointment, or for additional information, please call 623-856-6354 or stop by the clinic.

Only pets allowed in the dorms are limited to fish. Dorm manager phone number 623-856-7841