Shipping Pets

By city ordinance, dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies and need to have their license renewed every year. With hurricane season beginning June 1, it is more important than ever that pets be licensed. Duval County is opening up pet-friendly shelters, but they will only accept licensed and vaccinated pets. For just $20 you can buy a pet's license from the tax collector; in case your pet gets lost they can help you to find your lost pet, and will not have a fine for being unlicensed (fines range from $250-$500).

For more information, contact the tax collector or Animal Care Services by email or phone: jaxpets@coj.net or call 630-CITY.

To keep your pets healthy, they must have veterinarian care. Puppies vaccinations start at 8 weeks and older. These vaccinations are extremely important to protect you and your pets from dangerous diseases such as rabies.

If you arrive with pets to Naval Station Mayport, it is recommended to visit the local vet clinic. Appointments may be made by calling 904-270-7004 during operation hours or by stopping by at the clinic at 708-B Everglades Ct., Naval Station Mayport, FL 32227. It is open Monday-Wednesday from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. and is closed for lunch from 12 - 1 p.m., weekends, holidays, half day of the last business day of the month for inventory and as necessary to meet mission needs.

The Naval Station Mayport Veterinary Clinic is part of the worldwide pet's microchip ID system that allows the use of the 15-digit international number of the microchip to transfer automatically your pet's record to your new duty station any place around the world.

If you are planning to live in base housing, only two pets are allowed per family (no exotic animals), and there are six restricted dog breeds. Contact Naval Station Mayport's Housing Service Center for more information.

There is no pet quarantine at Naval Station Mayport.

Helpful Hints for Pet Traveling:

Travel by Air

Prior to check-in and flight departure. Please remember, you, the owner, are responsible for obtaining all required documentation, for example, microchip, immunizations, border clearance, kennel labels requirements, DD Form 2208 Rabies Vaccination Certificate or civilian equivalent, DD Form 2209 Veterinary Health Certificate or civilian equivalent, bi-lingual certificates and proof of ownership.

Pet and kennel. Allow your pet to get accustomed to the kennel a few days before departure so they will be more comfortable in their temporary home during flight.

Leash. You should exercise your pet before arriving at the terminal. Carry a leash with you so you can walk your pet before your check-in and after arrival at your destination.

Tranquilizers. The American Veterinary Medical Association does not advise sedation since the effects of tranquilizers on animals at high altitudes are unpredictable. If you plan to sedate your pet, you must have written consent from the pet's veterinarian.

Kennel and pet identification. Mark the kennel with your pet's name, your name, destination or unit address, and phone number if available. It is recommended to purchase an ID tag for your pet.

Pet health. Have your pet evaluated by your personal veterinarian to be sure they are fit for air travel. Ensure your kennel has adequate ventilation and your pet is free of respiratory problems. Feed your pet a very light meal and provide water before turning them in for shipment/travel.

Pet stress. Keep strangers, especially children, at a safe distance if your pet seems to be nervous. Even the gentlest pet can be provoked into growling or snapping.

*** All pets must remain in their kennel or shipping container while in public or terminal areas. Consult your airline website for pet's policy and rules information.***

Travel by Car

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

Unless your pet is already accustomed to being in an automobile, take the time to acclimate your pet to the motion and sounds of your car by taking short drives prior to leaving on a longer trip. Bring a pet carrier, and if your pet has never, or rarely, been in it, allow time for your pet to become familiar with it. This is especially important if your pet is undisciplined. An undisciplined pet is a menace in a car.

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

Common pricing for overnight boarding in a kennel in the Jacksonville/Mayport area is $27-$50 per night. Discounts may be offered for long-term stays and additional dogs. It is a good idea to make reservations early, especially if near to a major holiday. Check listings of boarding facilities prior to your arrival.

The Naval Station Mayport's veterinary clinic is located at 708-B Everglades Court, Jacksonville, FL. Their phone number is 904-270-7004. Hours of operation are: Monday - Wednesday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The veterinary clinic offers affordable quality pet care for all active-duty members, retirees, reservists and their families. The facility is a wellness vaccine clinic, offering annual exams including canine and feline vaccines, heartworm/ fecal tests, and minor treatments of the ears, eyes and skin on an outpatient basis by appointment only.