Shipping Pets

Government housing allows two pets per unit. The term pet means dogs, cats, birds and other animals of a common household variety. Snakes, monkeys, rabbits, ferrets are not permitted. All pets must be registered with the Housing Office. To register, proper documentation of spay/neutering and shots must be provided within 10 days. The rabies vaccination is required by state law.

Dog owners in St. Mary's County are reminded they will need to purchase tags for their pets through the County Treasurer's office or duly authorized agent. Before a license can be issued, the owner will need to produce a valid rabies certificate, issued by a licensed veterinarian, certifying that the dog is currently vaccinated against rabies. All dogs four months old or older are required to have a St. Mary's County license. For more information, please visit St. Mary's County's Animal Control Office.

There is a "Leash Law" in the state of Maryland. The animal must be confined to property or on a leash when off the property. Fines are invoked for noncompliance with these rules. If proof of rabies immunization cannot be provided or if the animal bites someone, these fines will may be increased.

Animal Control Office:

• Department of Emergency Services
• 22975 FDR Blvd California, MD 20619
• 301-475-8016
• Animal.Control@stmaryscountymd.gov

Policies and rules for shipping pets vary at each installation. It’s important to understand the regulations, prohibitions and laws at your new installation before moving with a pet.

Consult Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Instruction 4650.15C, the Passenger Transportation Manual, where you can get more information. Be aware that during the hotter months pet air transportation may be limited. Also, the Personal Property Office can help you determine what you need to do concerning your pets and your transfer. Always check with your veterinarian if you are taking your pet on trips for carrier size and ways to make your pet more comfortable.

Maryland does not require pets to be quarantined when transported from other states/countries. There are however, immunization and other requirements that must be met. As you prepare to move overseas, check with a licensed veterinarian to verify if a Health Certificate is required for your destination. A Health Certificate effective for ten days or rabies certificate is required for travel aboard public transportation. A Health Certificate may also be required by local lodging options. Be sure to check your lodging reservations for these possible requirements.

Boarding facilities are not available aboard the Naval Air Station. The Navy Gateway Inns and Suites does not allow pets in the rooms. The Navy Lodge does allow pets in some of the rooms for an additional fee. Check the Temporary Lodging topic area for specifics. Check the yellow pages or the Internet for kennels nearby the Air Station.

Use Lexington Park or California Maryland for the search point when researching local kennels. Costs vary according to pet species, size and number of pets. An alternative may be to ask your sponsor to see if anyone in your gaining command would be willing to "pet sit" until you acquire a place to live that allows pets.

There is no Veterinary medicine office on Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Recommend using off base Veterinarian.