Shipping Pets

Shipping Pets

As of January 1, 2024, active-duty military members can receive reimbursement for pet-related expenses when moving due to a permanent change of station (PCS). Read this FAQ on the Defense Travel Management Office Website to learn more.

Pet Licensing Information

• Norfolk - Licensing Dogs and Cats
• Virginia Beach - Animal Licenses
• Hampton - Dog and Cat Licenses
• Newport News - Pet Licensing

In order to obtain a pet license for your animal in one of the Hampton Roads cities, a current rabies certificate is required. Additional documentation is required if your animal has been spayed or neutered to receive a reduced rate. For fees and exceptions, visit the city websites.

Pets in Military Housing

There is a maximum of two pets (dogs or cats) permitted in government housing. Designated streets or units at Midway Manor do not allow pets. Units without rear fenced yards will not be allowed pets without prior permission from the Housing Authority. Barnyard or exotic pets (reptiles, ducks, rabbits, chickens, ferrets, etc.) are not allowed.

Airlines have various animal transport rules. If traveling by a civilian air carrier, please check with the airline well in advance of travel. A few airlines are listed below:

• American
• United
• Delta

For the health and safety of your animal(s) during periods of extreme temperatures, please consider these guidelines. The optimum temperature range for transporting most warm-blooded animals, including birds, is between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Most civilian airlines will not transport your animal(s) if the actual or forecasted temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit at any city on the routing.

Air Mobility Command charter flights now ship pets on most of their flights as part of the normal service to DOD passengers. This service is provided by AMC to/from Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Panama, Newfoundland, the Azores, Guantanamo Bay, Japan and Guam. Pet shipment is limited to passengers in a PCS status only. Pets are defined as dogs and cats and restricted to a maximum of two pets per family.

There are limited pet spaces on all flights and reservations are handled on a first-come, first-served basis through the local transportation office. The passenger must provide an International Air Transport Association-approved container for pet shipment. IATA-approved containers are available at many exchanges or retail stores. The passenger is also responsible for complying with all required documentation, immunizations and border clearance requirements, and should be prepared to defray any associated costs. Pets accompanying service or family members on the flight must be in a hard-sided cage that conforms to specified measurement. Fees associated with shipping pets are based on the weight of the animal and cage combined: 70 lbs. or less is $125.00, 71-140 is $250.00 and 141-150 is $375.00. For further information please go to the link: AMC Pet Travel Page (af.mil)

For information on booking flights with your pets, contact the Navy Personnel Transport Office. For general information on traveling with pets, contact the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or your nearest military veterinary clinic.

Please check with airlines for current changes and restrictions.

There are no pet quarantines in the state of Virginia for domestic pets (cats and dogs). For quarantine requirements for all other animals or exotic animals, visit the USDA website.

Making arrangements well in advance for boarding your pet/s will help make the move less stressful for both you and your pet/s. Keep in mind that military installations in the Hampton Roads area do not have boarding facilities. The cost of boarding your pet will be determined by the weight of the animal.

The veterinary treatment facility is professionally staffed and operated by the Army Veterinary Corps personnel. For most overseas duty stations, pets are required to have microchips implanted. The VTF's will install them for a fee of $25. Services are provided for: active duty, retired active-duty personnel, their dependents, and reservists serving on active duty. All services except over-the-counter purchases are made by appointment only.

The VTF offers the following services for small animals:

• Microchipping
• Immunizations
• Parasite control
• Health certificates
• Treatment of zoonotic diseases

Due to the small waiting room and mixed animal population awaiting services, children have a high risk of being injured. For this reason, children 12 years of age and younger will not be permitted in the facility while vaccination and sick-call clinics are being held. Dogs must be on a leash, however, cats and other small animals must be in a cage or carrier at all times in the facility.

Local area VTFs:

• Naval Station Norfolk - 757-953-0350
• Langley Air Force Base - 757-764-5678
• Fort Eustis - 757-878-5824
• Fort Story - Veterinary services for Fort Story are now provided at Naval Station Norfolk VTF