Shipping Pets

Pets are allowed in some military housing communities within Metro San Diego. You will need to register your pet with the housing office and follow the community policies inregards to the number of pets, weight and breed restrictions and the care of your pet. Please refer to the pet policy available for each San Diego military family housing neighborhood at Liberty Military Housing San Diego or call for more information 858-633-2105  Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

San Diego's 3.3 million residents share the county with more than 1 million pets and sheltered animals. By San Diego law all dogs must be licensed within 30 days of moving into the County. Fees will vary, please see the Dog License (sddac.com) website for details.

The County of San Diego Animal Services can be contacted either through their website listed above or by phone at 619-767-2675

Moving to a new home can be stressful on your pets, but there are some things you can do to make the process a little less painful. 

Here are a few tips:

• Update your pet's tag. Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your home location & phone number so that you can be reached immediately during the move. 
   
• Travel with your pet's veterinary records. 
   
• Keep at least one week's worth of food & medication with you in case of an emergency. Vets can't write a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship, which can cause delays if you need medication right away. You may want to ask for an extra prescription refill before you move. The same preparation should be taken with special therapeutic foods - purchase an extra supply in case you can't find the food right away in your new area. 
   
• Seclude your pet from chaos. Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day. Keep them in a safe, quiet, well-ventilated place, such as the bathroom, on moving day with a "Do Not Disturb! - Pets Inside!" sign posted on the door. There are many light, collapsible travel crates on the market if you choose to buy one. However, make sure your pet is familiar with the new crate before moving day by gradually introducing him or her to the crate before your trip. Be sure the crate is well-ventilated & sturdy enough for stress-chewers; otherwise, a nervous pet could escape. 
   
• Prepare a first aid kit. First aid is not a substitute for emergency veterinary care, but being prepared & knowing basic first aid could save your pet's life. A few recommended supplies: Your veterinarian's phone number, gauze to wrap wounds or to muzzle your pet, adhesive tape for bandages, non-stick bandages, towels, & hydrogen peroxide. You can use a door, board, blanket or floor mat as an emergency stretcher & a soft cloth, rope, necktie, leash, or nylon stocking for an emergency muzzle. 
   
• If you'll be using overnight lodging, plan ahead by searching for pet-friendly hotels. Have plenty of kitty litter & plastic bags on hand,  keep your pet on its regular diet & eating schedule. 
   

Traveling by car

• It's best to travel with your dog in a crate; second-best is to use a restraining harness. When it comes to cats, it's always best for their safety & yours to use a well-ventilated carrier in the car. Secure the crate or carrier with a seat belt & provide your pet with familiar toys. Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck or the storage area of a moving van. In any season, a pet left alone in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to injury & theft. Talk to your vet for information on other types of pets & the safest way to transport them by plane, car, or other means.

Traveling by air

• When traveling by air, check with the airline about any pet requirements or restrictions to be sure you've prepared your pet for a safe trip. Some airlines will allow pets in the cabin, depending on the animal's size, but you'll need to purchase a special airline crate that fits under the seat in front of you. Give yourself plenty of time to work out any arrangements necessary including consulting with your veterinarian & the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Upon Arrival

• When you get to your new home, immediately set out all the familiar & necessary things your pet will need: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, toys, etc. Pack these items in a handy spot so they can be unpacked right away. Keep all external windows & doors closed when your pet is unsupervised. Be cautious of narrow gaps behind or between appliances where nervous pets may try to hide.

For community services for pets, including a list of boarding facilities. There are many different facilities for pet boarding in San Diego. Military OneSource  website can also help you research for your specific breed or pet needs. Costs vary but it's not uncommon to see rates at roughly $50 per day for dogs or cats, with higher costs for exotic pets. It is critical to plan for pet boarding arrangements prior to your arrival in San Diego. Contact FFSC for relocation support, including referrals to various community resources that can assist you.

Civilian and Emergency Veterinary Services

Consult the local yellow pages, humane society or the American Animal Hospital Association for the names of veterinarians in your area or a list of after-hours emergency care locations. You can also visit the County of San Diego Animal and Pets website for updates. 

Military Veterinary Services

Veterinary services at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar offers comprehensive pet health care services on a space-available basis. Priority is given to military working dogs. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Marine Corps Air Station Miramar at 858-577-6552/1773 or visit their Veterinary Treatment Center website for updates.

The San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association is a membership organization comprised of over 585 members. The purpose of this association is to promote the art and science of veterinary medicine including their relationship to the public health, to elevate the standards of the profession and to provide excellent continuing education programs. The general public can find veterinary referrals or emergency hospital locations by visiting the San Diego County VMA website or calling 619-640-9583 for updates.

Visit the Better Business Bureau of San Diego or call 858-496-2131 for a list of accredited business, to include veterinarians, with statistics and customer reviews.

Before you attempt to bring your pet to San Diego especially if you are transferring from an overseas location you should check with the following national, state and county agencies to ensure that your pet’s species is permitted and if so what if any permits or certificates are required for their entry.

If flying also check with your airline.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• United States Department of Agriculture
• California Department of Food and Agriculture
• County of San Diego Animals Services

Before your departure, make sure you have:

• Photos: A recent photograph of your pet, in case the animal is lost, can be a lifesaver.
• Identification: Whether you are traveling by air or car, any pet that can wear a collar should have one on with an ID tag and rabies tag, if required, secured to it. Birds may be identified by leg bands. The ID tag should include the pet's name, your name, the destination address and a contact phone number.
• Health and immunization records
• Health certificates and/or permits, if required