Shipping Pets

The main priority of the Minot Air Force Base Veterinary Treatment Facility is to provide care to the Security Forces military working dogs. The VTF also serves the Minot Air Force Base community and their privately owned animals. The VTF staff must ensure all privately owned animals residing on Minot Air Force Base are registered in accordance with Minot Air Force Base Operating Instruction 31-203 which requires all dogs, cats and ferrets to be registered with the veterinary treatment facility within 14 days of their arrival on base. Registration can be done on a walk-in basis and the pet is not required to be present.

In addition, base housing residents must have microchips implanted in all their dogs and cats within 30 days of moving into a base housing unit. This can be accomplished at the base veterinary treatment facility or an off-base facility of your choice. The cost of microchip at the base facility is $27.50 with the cost of an exam. Pets already having proof of microchip implantation and registered at the Minot Air Force Base Veterinary Treatment Center are in compliance. All newly acquired pets must obtain a microchip and be registered within 30 days of ownership.

There is a limit of three four-legged pets per household on Minot Air Force Base. Exotic pets to include but not limited to wolves, wolf hybrids, birds of prey and reptiles of any species are not authorized in base housing without prior approval from the 5th Support Group Commander.

If a registered pet becomes lost and is picked up by Security Forces it can be promptly returned to its owner. Unregistered pets however are taken to the local humane society in Minot. If their owner cannot be located the pets are kept for three days before being put up for adoption.

There is no quarantine for pets arriving from overseas locations as long as the owner can provide a valid veterinarian's certificate which states the pet has no diseases and the pet has a current rabies inoculation. Due to constant changes, visit your local Traffic Management Office for tips and requirements on pet transportation.

Prohibited Breeds of Dogs on Minot Air Force Base

Minot Air Force Base Instruction 31-203 states prohibited breeds of dogs on Minot Air Force Base are defined as Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler full or mixed breed or any other breed with dominant traits geared towards aggression. These animals are not permitted on base. 

There are 12 pet friendly family units available on a first come, first serve basis. Pets are not allowed in visiting quarters facilities. Remember, it's a good idea to make advanced reservations for pet boarding as soon as you know your arrival date. Your sponsor may be of assistance to you.

Some of the hotels and motels in Minot allow pets. If there is not a pet friendly unit available on base, the front desk can put you in contact with kennels in the local area.

There are no facilities on base to temporarily house pets, however, there are kennels in Minot. Prices range from $9 to $18 a day depending on type, size and number of pets. The following is a list of local kennels:

• Ambush Kennels - 701-728-6363
• Best Pet - 701-852-6413
• Overton Country Kennels - 701-833-1193
• Sterling Kennels Inc. - 701-500-3311

Clinics for routine vaccinations and sick calls are held as a veterinarian is available. The veterinary treatment facility also issues health certificates for animals in connection with home day care, traveling overseas or crossing state lines. The VTF staff performs routine diagnostic procedures and micro chipping. Please call to ensure that qualified personnel are available and keep in mind that pets are seen on an appointment-only basis. The veterinary treatment facility is not authorized or equipped to provide emergency medical care to privately owned animals. The VTF can also be reached by calling 701-723-6449 or DSN 312-453-6449.