Shipping Pets

Pet license and tags are required for all cats and dogs in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Contact the Naval Air Station Pensacola veterinarian at 850-452-6882  or the nearest veterinarian office for an appointment to license your pet. Naval Air Station Pensacola requires your pet meet the requirements of Escambia County and Florida regulations, which includes licensing of your pet (obtaining a tag that must be worn by the animal).

All pets must be leashed and under control when outside a fenced kennel run or a fenced yard.

For adoption procedures, contact the Animal Control Shelter 850-595-3075.

When flying to a new duty station, pet owners are responsible for the cost of the pet’s flight and travel via two possible routes: commercial airlines and military chartered flights. A Service member is eligible to be reimbursed the cost to ship one household pet. For moves within CONUS, they may be reimbursed up to $550, and for OCONUS they may be reimbursed up to $2000.

The standard rule for shipping your pet is that all pets must be in a hard-shell crate, whether they are traveling in the cargo bay or in the cabin. It must meet International Air Transport Association standards, and allow the pet to stand, turn around and lie down with ease. If a pet is traveling in the cabin, it must be able to fit under the seat — that is big enough for a kitten or a very small dog. 

Once you have decided to take your pet with you, plan for your pet's trip in the same way you plan your own — well in advance. Remember, if you transfer your pet by air; take the length of time and current climate conditions into consideration. Summer heat could mean that the airline will not transport your pet as most commercial airlines place embargoes on pet travel when temperatures go above 85 degrees. Due to rising outside temperatures, embargoes on pet travel range from mid-May through mid-September, possibly hindering air travel with pets on domestic and international flights.

  *Note: Some commercial carriers may accommodate domestic pet travel during the summer months by offering a service guaranteeing that they will load pets traveling on their commercial flights last and unload them first. 

As long as you make reservations well in advance, your military chartered flight can possibly accommodate your pets traveling with family to an overseas assignment. DOD passengers (this means military and DOD civilians) traveling on PCS orders may request pet spaces, in conjunction with their seat reservation, from any DOD transportation office. Make reservations as soon as possible after the military notifies you of a PCS to have the best chance of securing a space for them.

Make sure you do your homework when you travel with pets and if possible, consider taking a military charter flight.

For assistance in shipping your pet, contact the Naval Air Station Pensacola Veterinary Office at 850-452-6882.

Naval Air Station Pensacola does not offer kennel services. Check the local yellow pages and the Internet for kennels in the area.

Your sponsor can be of assistance in securing a kennel.

Please refer to specific airlines or pet shipping services for updated information.  Remember, rules for shipping pets my change given the season of the year and extreme temperatures.

The Naval Air Station Pensacola Veterinary Service is also available to help you prepare a pet for shipping. They offer health certificates for travel at no charge.  Please call for an appointment at 850-452-6882 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.