Shipping Pets

The location of your home depends on where you will license your pet. (i.e., if residing on Whidbey Island, you will license your pet with Island County via your specific city). Proof of rabies vaccination and the neutered or spayed status of your pet is required. Health certificates and proof of rabies vaccination are screened at ports of entry to the U.S. The average cost of licensing a neutered or spayed pet is $10 and $33 - $50 for an unneutered or non-spayed pet. The impound fees are also higher for unlicensed and unneutered or non-spayed pets. Many rental agencies prohibit pets or require additional deposits and monthly fees so it is in your best interest to research this ahead of time.

If residing in Navy housing, you must have your pet micro-chipped and registered in Oak Harbor. This can be done at the veterinary treatment facility on base.  As of 1 February 2023 pet deposits may apply and the following breed restrictions (including mixes) have been implemented: Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Presa Canarios, Doberman Pincher, Chow Chow, Akita, Mastiff, Great Dane, Alaskan Malamute, and Wolf Hybrids.  Additionally, the following exotic animals are prohibited in all Navy housing areas: reptiles, rodents (other than hamsters and guinea pigs), ferrets, hedgehogs, and all farm animals.

Most cities in Washington State have leash laws requiring your animal to be restrained at all times, this includes all military installations. Some locations have designated no-leash parks. You are also required to clean up after your pets when walking in public areas and many parks have convenience bags strategically placed.  There are Washington State and local rules governing potentially dangerous animals. Please check with the animal control department where you intend to reside to educate yourself on the rules to prevent any grievances and fines later.

To register your pet with Island County please visit: Island County, Dog Licenses

To register your pet with the City of Oak Harbor visit: City of Oak Harbor, Animal/Pet Licensing

To register your pet with the City of Anacortes visit: City of Anacortes, Dog Licenses

For military members traveling on permanent change of station orders, pet transportation can be arranged at the same time the member's transportation is arranged. For all questions concerning pet transportation and possible eligible reimbursement(s), contact your Command Pay and Personnel Administrator (CPPA) or Travel Clerk.

Pet transportation allowance and reimbursement information can be obtain from the Defense Travel Management Office. 

Make sure pets have a correctly sized kennel to accommodate them and all identification and paperwork to facilitate travel. Please check with the airline for pet restrictions as far as size and travel dates as some carriers have restrictions during summer months due to heat. When making travel arrangements to go overseas, arrange travel times to arrive in approved ports of entry during working hours. Contact the overseas location to check if there are any quarantine policies as soon as you receive orders. Also check the USDA website for a list of requirements to enter countries for overseas locations.

If flying into the SeaTac or Bellingham airport, you will need to make arrangements to get to Whidbey Island with your pet. The Whidbey SeaTac Shuttle does allow pets; however, to check the full animal policy and/or to make reservations ahead of time call 360-679-4003 or going online to the SeaTac Shuttle website.

Currently there are no known quarantines for pets coming to Whidbey Island.

Most of the local hotels, motels, and the billeting facilities on the base do not allow pets. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to make arrangements for your pets, preferably as far in advance as possible. Currently the Navy Lodge has limited pet-friendly rooms and there are three hotels in Oak Harbor that allow pets: Acorn Motor Inn, 360-675-6646, Candlewood Suites, 360-279-2222 and Coachman Inn, 360-675-0727 (must call for pet reservation, online reservation for pets is not available).

In addition, there are several options for kennel services, these include but are not limited to:

• Dogs on Deployment, application and vetting process done online: Dogs on Deployment - FREE, use zip code 98277 to search for local boarding providers
• All Critter Pet Care and Training 360-679-2914, open seven days a week for boarding and day care.
• Dogwood Pet Resort 360-675-4483, open seven days a week for boarding and day care.
• Sunset Kennel & Grooming 360-675-7288, open seven days a week for boarding and day care.
• Adventure Trails Dog Camp 360-914-0999, open six days a week for boarding and day care, closed Sundays.
• Whidbey Island Pet Resort 360-544-2742, open seven days a week for boarding and day care

The average cost to board your pet ranges from $15 - $35 per day depending on animal type and care required. It is in your best interest to make kennel arrangements before you arrive to ensure availability and care.

The Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) is available courtesy of the US Army Veterinary Services and is located on the Seaplane Base in the back of Building 13. Pets of active duty, retirees, and active reserves are eligible for services. The staff administers routine immunizations, provides medical care, and routine elective surgeries (spays and neuters) however exotic pets or rodents are not treated at the facility. They also offer diagnostic services and second opinions when needed. General medications such as flea products, ear cleaners, heartworm preventatives, shampoos, and other items are available. There are NO emergency or walk-in services are available on base but Whidbey Island has many veterinary service options, including the Pet Emergency Center in Mt Vernon, which is staffed 24/7.

Clinic hours for the VTF can be found on their website. https://phcp.health.mil/Commands/Public-Health-Activity-Fort-Lewis/Naval-Air-Station-Whidbey-Island/

They can be reached at 360-257-2001.