Shipping Pets

Cats and dogs are required to be licensed and vaccinated in the local community. Additionally, two pets per family are allowed in government quarters. There are no pet boarding facilities on board Naval Air Station Jacksonville. However, if you reside in base housing it is mandatory that you register your pet(s) with the Base Veterinarian office located in building 537; bring proof of inoculations. Pets must be spayed/neutered and have a microchip I.D. implant prior to residing in base housing. There is a leash law on base and your pet must be constrained to your property and not allowed to run loose. Feel free to contact the NAS JAX Vet Clinic at 1-904/542-3786 or the Base Housing Service Center at 904/542-2996 for more information.

Make sure your pet is healthy and strong enough to travel. For example, your pet may be too old or too young for the trip. Check with your veterinarian. If you are traveling by air also check with your airline for any age or health restrictions. Atlantic Air Ways provides excellent guidance and tips about air travel with pets.

Many of the major airlines do not accept pets for air travel May through September due to heat/temperatures.

The military's Air Mobility Command has a weight limit of a maximum of 150 lbs for total combined weight of the pet and approved pet carrier. Pet(s) and kennel weighing greater than 150 lbs will not be accepted for shipment under any circumstances.

There is no pet quarantine on this base.

General pet boarding costs for dogs and cats can be expensive and can also depend upon length of stay, feeding, grooming, etc. It is important to make reservations early especially if near a major holiday. There are limited lodging spaces for pets on base both in The Navy Gateway Suites and Inns and The Navy Lodge. Check to see if there is availability for your pet. If not visit the yellow pages or websites for a listing of additional boarding facilities.

The NAS Jax Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) is managed by the Army Veterinary Service. The clinic offers veterinary preventive services including new puppy/kitten vaccines and health certificates, routine pet immunizations, testing for intestinal parasites/heartworms, medical management of obesity, arthritis, allergies and minor sick call appointments. Routine surgery and dentistry is also available, as well as digital radiology, ultrasound and in-house blood analysis. The VTF also has a well-stocked pharmacy.

Housing residents may keep cats and dogs in their homes; however, all cats and dogs must be registered with the veterinary clinic. All pets staying on base must have proof of current vaccinations, microchipping and spay/neuter presented at the time of registration. Cats and dogs must be on a leash at all times when outdoors unless they are in a fenced-in yard.

Veterinary service is available to pets owned by active duty and retired personnel, their dependents and reservists on active duty. Please bring any previous medical documents and vaccination records to your pet's first visit.