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. 

The annual dog license fees are:

• Unneutered Male $7.50
• Unspayed Female $7.50
• Neutered Male $2.00
• Spayed Female $2.00

License tags will be issued with the license certificate. Dogs are required to wear their tag at all times, except when confined in a kennel or when participating in a competition where such display is prohibited.
The license period is concurrent with the fiscal year, July 1 to June 30. License and tag expire on June 30 of each year. New tags need to be purchased between June 1st and July 31st. Beginning August 1 of each year, there will be an additional $2.00 penalty fee per license.

On base if a pet is picked up by the Command Master at Arms, it will be held on station for a limited amount of time. The animal will then be transferred to the Tri-County Animal Shelter for disposition. If the owner claims the pet before it leaves the base, a $50.00 fee plus $2.50 a day must be paid. If you notice that your pet is missing, call the CMAA at 301-342-3615 immediately and explain you are looking for it. Then the CMAA will not charge you if they find the animal. Pets must be housed inside quarters nightly at 10 p.m.  A pet may not be tied outside for long periods of time (1 hour limit), must not be attached to government property (use a stake) and must be restricted to the immediate area of the owner's unit. Pets may not be left alone in quarters longer than 12 hours. Pet owners should ensure that their pet does not bark, howl, or whine for prolonged periods. Violation of the above will result in seizure and removal of the pet from the area. After the first offense of biting, an animal may be removed from the station depending on the severity of the bite. Bites must be reported to the CMAA, and the victim should report to the hospital for seek medical treatment. Owners are liable for all charges resulting from their brought by the animal's actions. Occupants in housing must ensure that their pet does not cause damage or become a nuisance. Pet owners are responsible for removing the pet's fecal matter from all areas immediately.

Registration and Licensing

St. Mary's County dog and cat registrations (pet tags) are required for pets on and off the base. Tags are available through the St. Mary's County Treasurer's Animal Control Office - cost is $7.50 per pet, $2.00 if spayed or neutered. There is an additional $2.00 late charge attached to each fee if tag is not purchased before August 1 or within 30 days of arrival. Proof of a valid rabies shot is needed and tags may be purchased through the mail by sending the rabies certificate, all fees, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Treasurer's 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.

Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Instruction 4650.15 is the Passenger Transportation Manual. If you go to Chapter 3 Air Movement Pet Shipment Procedures 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 oversees transfer. Always check with your veterinarian if you are taking your pet on trip 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.