Shipping Pets

Pet licenses can be obtained from the Kitsap County Humane Society. Individual cities may have their own licensing requirements and pricing. For more information contact Kitsap County Humane Society at 360-692-6977 or online at http://www.kitsap-humane.org/.

Kitsap County pet licensing fees:

• Dog – Spayed/neutered with microchip:
  • One year license for $12.00
  • Three year license for $25.00
  • Lifetime license for $45.00
• Dog – Spayed/neutered without microchip:
  • One year license for $25.00
  • Three year license for $50.00
• Dog – Not spayed/neutered with microchip:
  • One year license for $50.00
  • Three year license for $100.00
  • Lifetime license for $200.00
• Dog – Not spayed/neutered without microchip:
  • One year license for $60.00
  • Three year license for $120.00
• Cat – Spayed/neutered with microchip:
  • One year license for $7.00
  • Three year license for $15.00
  • Lifetime license for $25.00
• Cat – Spayed/neutered without microchip:
  • One year license for $20.00
  • Three year license for $40.00
• Cat – Not spayed/neutered with microchip:        
  • One year license for $40.00
  • Three year license for $80.00
  • Lifetime license for $160.00
• Cat – Not spayed/neutered w/out microchip:    
  • One year license for $50.00
  • Three year license for $100.00

There is a $3.00 fee for replacement tags for current licenses.

All pets on Naval Base Kitsap must be on a leash when outside and cannot be tethered without the owner in attendance. Leash laws off-installation vary widely by city and county ordinances. Check your address to see which laws apply to you.

https://www.kitsap-humane.org/resources/licensing/

There is no quarantine area at Naval Base Kitsap.

Animal Health

Nothing can waylay a trip with an animal faster than a health problem, and your pet's well-being should be of primary importance to you.

Your pet will be subjected to conditions guaranteed to cause it stress. And a clean bill of health is an important first step in assuring its ability to adjust safely to unfamiliar surroundings.

Most states and countries require recent health certificates and disease inoculation documentation before you will be allowed to cross borders, making a trip to the veterinarian mandatory. Even if you are traveling within your own state boundaries, it is a good idea to have your pet examined and inoculated.

Your pet will be out of its own backyard and possibly in contact with unknown animals, increasing its chances of contracting disease or infection. So have your pet examined by a licensed veterinarian, preferably one who has cared for your animal on a regular basis.

Consider asking your vet to prescribe a motion sickness pill or sedative as a preventive measure but be aware that some sedated animals are more likely to develop problems (motion sickness pills are preferable to tranquilizers). So never give your pet tranquilizers without your vet's approval and never give an animal any medication that has been prescribed for human use.

Avoid traveling with an animal during extreme weather.

Identification

A pet in transit without identification is a disaster in the making. Dogs can break free from leashes, and cats can dash out of cages cracked open for just a second.

The opportunities for pets to be separated from their owners are numerous. Avoid the potential loss of a beloved pet by purchasing a comfortable collar (elastic for cats) for your pet bearing complete identification tags. The information should include your pet's name and your name, address and phone number.

A license tag is also necessary and can be obtained from your local humane organization. If you have a cat that has never worn a collar, allow time for the cat to become accustomed to wearing something around its neck. As an additional safeguard, you may want to consider microchipping your pet information as a permanent form of identification. Then, if your pet breaks free of both carrier and collar, it can still be positively identified.

Carriers

The carrier in which your pet will be spending most of its trip is of the utmost importance. In fact, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has very specific regulations for cages and crates used to transport animals across states or internationally. Your pet must have room to turn freely while in a standing position and be able to use normal movements to stand or lie down.

Construction: Crates should be constructed of metal, wood or plastic of sufficient strength to withstand the rigorous handling it will receive while in transit. The carrier must have a solid bottom to prevent leakage and the bottom should be lined with shredded paper or another absorbent material.

Include a familiar blanket and a favorite toy in the carrier. It will make your pet more comfortable and less frightened. Note: Airlines are a good place to purchase carriers that meet all requirements, and they are generally cheaper than if purchased at a pet store.

Housing

If you plan to stay in a hotel, motel or inn, call in advance make sure pets are allowed. It is not a good idea to try and sneak a pet in or announce upon your arrival that the reason you need a double room is that your Great Dane is staying with you. You and your pet could be left without a place to stay. 

If you plan to board your pet at your point of destination, reservations are also necessary, especially during heavy travel periods such as holidays and summers. Try to obtain a reliable recommendation for a boarding kennel.

Air Travel

Air travel has become the most common way to transport animals. Unfortunately, it is also the most stressful and most fraught with potential hazards.

Animals are permitted in both the cabin and cargo sections of aircraft.

Pet owners often prefer to have their companion pet in the cabin section with them, and this is possible, but only under the following circumstances:

• Reservations must be made as early as possible with the airline. Regulations differ from airline to airline, but generally only one animal is allowed in the cabin and permission is granted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Animals traveling in the cabin are considered carry-on luggage, and as such must meet the same criteria as any baggage in that category. In other words, the pet carrier must fit under the seat. Obviously, this restricts the carry-on option to very small animals. A fee is usually charged.
• Be sensible where your pet's safety is concerned. It is better to have your pet in the cargo section of an aircraft in a carrier of the proper size than to try fit a dog or cat into a carrier that is too small just so it can be in the cabin with you.

In most cases, animals must fly in the cargo section of the plane where conditions can be hazardous for animals. The danger of air travel is not, however, in flying, but during down time when your pet is loaded, unloaded or waiting in an unsheltered area and exposed to the elements.

Hazards on the aircraft are usually caused by the delays that result in time spent on the runway before takeoff or after touchdown, when the plane's compartments are not pressurized. During that time, your pet is confined in the cargo hold and deprived of fresh air, and temperatures can fluctuate from very hot to very cold in short periods of time. Pets who are tranquilized are especially susceptible to breathing problems, such as bulldogs, pugs and Pekingese who have short-faced heads.

Travel by Car

In many ways, traveling with your pet by car is the most humane way to go. Although the time spent in transit is greatly increased for long distances, the benefits of having your pet with you at all times cannot be overestimated. And if you heed the following recommendations, both of you will arrive at your destination safely.

Unless your pet is already accustomed to being in a vehicle, take the time to acclimate it to the motion and sounds of your car by taking short drives prior to leaving on a longer trip (this precaution may eliminate the need to administer a motion sickness pill or tranquilizer). Bring a pet carrier, and if the animal has never, or rarely, been in it, allow time for your animal to become familiar with it.

This is especially important if your pet is undisciplined, as an undisciplined animal is a menace in a car. 

• Bring your pet's food and water bowls, blanket or bedding and a favorite toy to give it a touch of home.
• Your pet should never be permitted to ride in the front seat, jump around or hang out a window. This is dangerous for both the animal and driver.
• It is best not to feed an animal for several hours before leaving on a trip. Bring food and fresh water with you and stop regularly once your animal has had a chance to settle down.
• If your traveling companion is a cat, bring a litter pan and litter with plastic bags for changing purposes. If you are traveling with a dog, it is imperative to stop frequently so it can exercise and relieve itself.
• Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. During the summer, it can take only minutes for the heat to climb to more than 120 degrees, even in the shade. And winter can be just as dangerous, as cars become refrigerators on wheels (in some states it is against the law to leave an animal alone in a car).
• Check on your pet frequently so you can tell when it is hungry, thirsty, hot or tired.

The Navy Lodge at Naval Base Kitsap allows pets but restrictions apply. Call ahead for information. You can find listings of area kennels on the Internet or contact the relocation office at Naval Base Kitsap. The housing office can provide names of hotels which allow pets in rooms.

If you and your pet plan to stay in a hotel, motel or inn, call in advance to check if pets are allowed and to make reservations.

Boarding facilities in the local community include:

• Run Dog Run: phone number 360-297-3647
• Big Valley Pet Resort: phone number 360-697-1451
• Alder Creek Pet Lodge: phone number 360-697-6717
• McDonald's Kennels: phone number 360-697-3647
• Camp Union Pet Lodge: phone number 360-830-4427
• Camp Bow Wow: phone number 360-813-3130

The veterinary clinic at Bangor provides routine shots and treats minor illnesses in dogs and cats. Services include basic exams, microchipping, spaying and neutering.

Diagnostic services and second opinions are provided. General medications such as flea products, ear cleaners, heart worm preventatives, shampoos, and other items are available. The staff also deals with such issues as food safety and public health, providing inspections at commissaries and treating military working dogs.

For appointments call 360-396-7900.