Shipping Pets

There is no pet licensing required in Camden County.

Pet Information for Navy Housing

A maximum of two domestic animals are permitted per home. Fish tanks and bird cages count as one animal each.

All pets must be registered with the Community Management Office at the time of signing the lease or within 10 days of acquiring the pet. A pet addendum will be executed. Additional pets acquired after move-in must be added to the pet addendum.

All pets living on installation must be registered with the installation veterinarian within 14 days of arrival. Proof of rabies vaccination required.

If not already microchipped, contact the installation veterinarian for assistance microchipping your pet.

* Only two pets are allowed. Fish tanks and bird cages count as one pet. No more than one fish tank is permitted in the premises. No more than two bird cages are permitted in the premises.

* Exotic pets are not permitted - only dogs, cats, birds, or fish.

* The following breeds are considered aggressive and are not permitted: Akita, American Bull Dog, Chow, Doberman, pit bull (American Staffordshire Terrier or English Staffordshire Terrier), Presia Canario (Canary Mastiff), wolf hybrids and Rottweiler.

* No "visiting" pets are permitted without prior Community Management Office approval.

* Management must approve all pets and all required documents are to be on file prior to housing any pet.

* All required documents and a current picture are required for file.

When moving, please visit the APHIS Pet Travel website for state and country specific requirements for interstate and international movement with your pets. When moving, a health certificate will be required for interstate AND international flights. Schedule these accordingly. Hard cut orders are not required to start the PCS process for your pets.

If pets are part of your family, remember that moving, whether down the block or across the country, can be just as stressful for them as it is for you. But the stress can be greatly reduced with good planning.

Here are some suggestions from veterinarians, zoo experts and experienced pet owners on how to minimize the stress of moving with pets. Read the general guidelines, then check out the specific guidelines for your pet transportation situation.

General Guidelines

Keep your pets' routine as regular as possible as you prepare to move. If you normally feed, exercise or play with them at a certain time, continue to do so. During the final crunch of moving, you may find it works best to keep your pet either at a friend's house or a kennel, reducing the chances of your pet getting upset and running away, or in the case of cats, hiding in a box that will be shipped.

Keep some form of identification on the pet at all times and be sure you have current pictures, along with a written description, available. This will reduce a lot of stress should your pet escape. If the length of the move requires that the animal be provided with food and water, be sure the food is bland and easily digested and that the water comes from your home supply. Changing diet or water sources are common causes of diarrhea and vomiting from upset stomachs. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian for food recommendations.

Prior to moving, schedule a visit with your veterinarian for a thorough physical exam, making sure all vaccinations are current, especially the rabies vaccination. While at your veterinarian's office, get copies of your pets' records and check to see if he can recommend a veterinarian at your new location. You can also call the American Animal Hospital Association at 800-883-6301 for the names of AAHA veterinarians near your new home.

If your pet is on any medication, be sure to have an ample supply so you won't run out before getting settled at your new location. Also, discuss with your veterinarian whether your pet should be tranquilized during the move. If so, get enough to try it out prior to the move to make sure the dosage works properly.

Since each state has different laws and regulations regarding the importation of animals, and some counties have their own ordinances, check with a veterinarian in the new area to be sure your pet complies. It is important to do this several weeks before your move to allow time for all necessary paperwork to be completed.

Temperature extremes should be avoided. In most cases, it's best to transport your animal in a sturdy, insulated carrier to help regulate the temperature. Never leave a pet in a hot or cold car.

If you are traveling by air, a health certificate from your veterinarian is required within 10 days of your flight. An acclimation letter also needs to be filled out stating the temperature range your pet can tolerate. Be prepared in case your cat or dog is bumped from the flight at the last minute.

Strict guidelines have been put into place due to the Safe Air Travel for Animals Act, which was passed by Congress in 2000. Airlines reserve the right to turn your pet away if the ground temperature exceeds 85 degrees for more than 45 minutes in either the departure or destination city. Five airlines (United, Delta, American, Northwest and US Airways) have banned pet travel entirely during the hottest months of the year.

Most airlines allow one pet per owner to fly in the cabin under the seat if the carrier is small enough. But if cabin space is limited, pets may be placed in the cargo hold, which costs much more than checking them as baggage.

Try to book a direct flight to minimize the time your pet may be sitting outside the plane in bad weather conditions, and avoid travel during busy weekends. Also, don't feed your pet for six hours prior to flying, and don't give them any mild anti-anxiety medications.

Some airlines provide counter-to-counter service so your pet will be carried on and off the plane by an airline employee. While this service costs a little more, it may be worth it for your peace of mind.

Cats

Cats are notorious for getting into trouble during the moving process since they are particularly sensitive to stress. For this reason, it is important to maintain your cat's normal routine. During the move itself, keep the cat confined to one room with food, water, a litter pan, some favorite toys and the carrier you plan to use, so your cat can get used to it.

The door should be locked or have a large "Do Not Open" sign on it, so the movers won't let the cat out of the bag, so to speak.

Transport your cat in a well-constructed cat carrier large enough to have room for food, water and a small litter box. Upon arrival at your destination, place the cat and carrier in one secure room and let the cat decide when to come out. Allow your cat to become acclimated to the one room before releasing him to the rest of the house. If the cat scurries for cover when you open the door, wait a day or two longer, then try again. Let the cat explore other rooms of the house when it begins to meet you at the door.

If your cat is accustomed to going outdoors, wait several days after arriving at your new home before letting it out, and place it on a leash or harness for short exploratory trips. After two or three days of these trips, you can begin to let your cat out on its own.

Dogs

Dogs are generally easier to move than cats since they aren't affected as much by stress. A few special considerations to keep in mind include being prepared to clean up after your dog at rest stops.

Carry a roll of paper towels and disposable plastic bags. Place a piece of paper towel over the solid matter, and your hand in one of the plastic bags. Pick up the towel and solid matter and pull the bag down over your hand and towel, turning it inside out. Then, twist, seal and dispose.

Never leave your pet in a car for more than a few minutes. This is especially important during warm weather. If you are carrying your dog with you in the car and plan to stop overnight, be sure to call ahead and find a hotel that accepts pets.

Birds

Birds need a health certificate to enter most states, and depending on the species, may be required to have tests done for certain diseases. Since these regulations can change, it is important that your present veterinarian verify these requirements well in advance of your move.

If you will be taking your bird in the car, maintain a warm, constant temperature since birds are particularly sensitive to temperature changes. It is possible to carry the bird in its cage as long as you have the cover for it to prevent drafts, and keep the bird in a darkened setting to reduce the its anxiety. If you have an excitable bird, it may be necessary to cushion the cage or crate with a soft material to reduce self-inflicted trauma.

Place slices of apples, grapes or other fruit in the cage to supplement the bird's water supply and be sure it has adequate places to perch.

Fish

If you have a small number of fish and are moving a relatively short distance, you can move them to their new location by using plastic bags half filled with water. Place the bags in an insulated container such as an ice chest or Styrofoam container to help maintain a steady temperature.

For a large number of fish or for transporting over a greater distance, 5- to 10-gallon plastic containers can be used. First, fill them with water (either salt or fresh water, depending on the type of fish) and change the water often to remove any toxins that may leach from the plastic. On moving day, fill the containers half full of water and place the fish in the water, about one to two fish per gallon.

If your trip is going to take more than a couple days, it's best to invest in some portable aerators to keep the water well oxygenated. Do not keep the containers in the car overnight since the change in temperature is likely to be too severe.

Reptiles

Venomous snakes are not allowed on military installations as pets.

The easiest pet to move is a turtle, which can be overnight expressed in a well-cushioned insulated box with air holes. American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit organization founded to provide for the rescue of turtles and tortoises, recommends using overnight mail. Be sure to write "Fragile, Live Cargo" and "This Side Up" on the outside of the box to increase the chances of a softer ride. You can also place leaves or grass inside the container for added cushion and to give the box a more homey environment.

Remember to keep the surroundings of all reptiles moist but not wet. Dampening a cloth and placing it inside the container is the best approach.

Since there are some governmental regulations regarding the shipment of reptiles, consult a local veterinarian or the library.

Small Mammals

The best way to move small mammals such as mice, gerbils, guinea pigs and hamsters is to keep them in the car with you and in their containers. Take their water bottle out to avoid it leaking and soaking the bedding. At rest stops, check the animals and place the bottles back in the cage so they can drink.

Be sure to maintain a comfortable, steady temperature, even if it means parking your car away from the restrooms to get it under the shade of a tree. These little critters are comfortable at about the same temperatures people are, so if you are cold or hot, they are too.

If you are flying, small dogs can probably be taken aboard the plane with you in a carrier and placed under the seat in front of you. A health certificate from your veterinarian may be required. Check with your airline for specifics.

There are no pet quarantines in the state.

Check with your local military veterinary clinic for the most up-to-date information regarding PCS pet travel. Do not wait until the last minute to schedule appointments, start early.