Shipping Pets

All dogs and cats over four months of age must be licensed with the Virginia Beach City Treasurer.

For up to date information please visit the following website: https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/city-treasurer/licensesandpermits/Pages/Animal.aspx

New residents have a grace period of 30 days to license their pets after establishing residency. If the rabies certificate is older than 90 days at residency a prorated license is only available at one of the local treasurer's offices with verification of new residency.

Due Date

The license tax on dogs and cats shall be due and payable as follows:

• When a dog or cat becomes four months of age and receives its first rabies vaccination.
• When a dog or cat receives a subsequent rabies vaccination.
• Within 30 days from the day a person brings a dog or cat into the city from another jurisdiction, if such dog or cat is to be kept in the city more than 30 days.

License Term

Animal licenses will expire one, two or three years from the date of vaccination or expiration of the prior license, depending on the license term purchased. The license cannot be valid longer than the rabies vaccination expiration.

There is a maximum of two pets, dogs or cats, permitted in government housing. Barnyard or exotic pets such as reptiles, ducks, rabbits, chickens, ferrets, etc., are not allowed. 

Airlines have various animal transport rules. If traveling by a civilian air carrier, please check with the airline well in advance of travel.

For the health and safety of your animals, please consider the dangers and risks during periods of extreme temperatures. Most airlines will not transport your animals if the actual or forecasted temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit or falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit at any city on the routing.

For information on booking pet flights and for up to date information on pet travel guidelines, requirements, and limitations please contact Air Mobility Command Travel by visiting the following website: https://www.amc.af.mil/Home/AMC-Travel-Site/AMC-Pet-Travel-Page/.

Contact your local transportation office as early as possible to book your pet space.

For general information on traveling with pets, contact the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or your nearest Military Veterinary clinic.

For pet transportation allowance information, please visit the following website: Pet Transportation Allowance > Defense Travel Management Office > FAQs | Defense Travel Management Office (dod.mil) 

Animals entering the United States may be subject to regulation by United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service as well as other federal agencies. Although quarantine may not be required, depending on your destination state, your pet may need to meet specific health requirements. For up to date guidelines and requirements, please visit the United States Department of Agriculture website at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/bring-pet-into-the-united-states

Looking for a hotel that will allow your pets to stay with you? Check with the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. Making arrangements for boarding your pets before you arrive will make the move less stressful on you as well as your pets. Keep in mind that military installations in the Hampton Roads area do not have boarding facilities. The cost of boarding your pet varies and is determined by the guidelines for each specific facility. Call for up to date and accurate information by searching pet kennels, pet boarding, and/or pet spas on the internet.

The Veterinary Treatment Facility is professionally staffed and operated by the Army Veterinary Corps personnel. For most overseas duty stations pets are required to have microchips installed. Services are provided for active duty, retired active duty personnel, their dependents, and reservists serving on active duty. All services except over-the-counter purchases are made by appointment only.

The VTF offers the following services for small animals:

• Micro-chipping
• Immunizations
• Parasite control
• Health certificates
• Treatment of zoonotic diseases

Due to the small waiting room and mixed animal population awaiting services, children have a high risk of being injured. For this reason, they regret that children 12 years of age and under will not be permitted in the facility while vaccination and sick call clinics are being held. Dogs must be on a leash. Cats and other small animals must be in a cage or carrier at all times in the facility.

Local area VTFs:

• Naval Station Norfolk: phone number 757-953-0350 
• Langley Air Force Base:phone number 757-764-5678