Shipping Pets

New London Submarine Base Veterinary Treatment Facility is professionally staffed by Army Veterinary Corps personnel with the primary mission of providing complete veterinary care for all government-owned animals.

• Email: uss.newlondonVTF@health.mil

The state of Connecticut requires dogs and cats to have rabies vaccination, and dogs must be registered at six months of age with the local town hall.

SUBASE NLON requires all dogs and cats that are in housing to be registered with the U.S. Army Veterinary Treatment Facility on base. Contact the facility by phone at 860-694-4291 and the Groton Town Hall Clerk's Office at 860-441-6640.

Plan for your pet's trip well in advance. Visit your Veterinary Service Center for information on the best ways to travel with your pet. Contact SUBASE NLON Housing Office at 860-694-3851 for specifics of pet policy. Some kennels and boarding services offer pet pickup at area airports in conjunction with boarding services.

• LINK: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel
• LINK: https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/military-installation/naval-submarine-base-new-london/moving/shipping-pets

US Army Veterinary Treatment Facility: Pets are seen by appointment only.

Hours of Operation:

• Closed in observance of all federal holidays.
• Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Closed 12-1 p.m. for lunch.

Pet Travel to a foreign country can be complex and time-consuming. Before you start the process, you will need to know the following:

• The type of animal traveling
• The destination country
• The date of departure from the United States
• Whether the pet will be traveling alone, as cargo or with a person in the cabin of the plane.

Your destination country sets requirements for pets entering the country, which can change at any time. Most countries require pets to arrive with a health certificate (also called an international health certificate, a veterinary health certificate, a veterinary certificate or an export certificate). You must verify the country’s requirements each time you plan to travel with your pet.

The process for taking a pet bird or other exotic animal out of the United States may involve multiple agencies, including the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Veterinary Services Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. You must meet all requirements for each of these agencies before traveling with a pet bird or exotic animal. If you are bringing your pet bird back to the U.S., plan to meet the requirements for returning.

Airlines and shipping lines establish their own policies to transport pets in addition to the requirements of the federal, state and local governments. Check with your airline or ship representative to determine what requirements they may have. if you are bringing your pet bird back into the U.S., plan to meet the requirements for returning.

• LINK: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/take-pet-to-foreign-country

US Army VTF Pricing List: (2026)
A $2.00 user fee is added to each total bill at the VTF.

Canine Vaccines*

• Bordetella (kennel cough): $26
• Canine distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus: $22
• Leptospirosis: $22
• CR Lyme: $33.00
• Canine influenza (H3N2/H3N8): $29
• Rabies: $17

Feline Vaccines*

• Feline distemper: rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia: $22
• Feline leukemia: $26
• Rabies (three-year): $17
• Purevax feline rabies (one-year): $22

Exam Fees

• Wellness examination: $45
• Sick-call examination: $55
• Health certificate examination: $50
• Preventive administration fee: $17
• Health check processing fee: $11
• Recheck examination: $33
• Technician patient encounter: $22
• Wellness screening: $33.00

Additional Services*

• Anal gland expression: $18
• Toenail trim: $11
• Microchip: $31
• Canine heartworm, Ehrlichia, Lyme and Anaplasmosis test: $36
• Heartworm antigen only: $18
• Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization: $112

There are no pet quarantines in Connecticut or on Naval Submarine Base New London. For overseas transfers, you are responsible for obtaining all required documentation, immunization, and border clearance requirements of the host nation.

Traveling with Pets: Are you taking pets with you to your next installation? If so, there are many things to consider, such as quarantine restrictions, transportation regulations, and vaccination requirements.

Begin researching as soon as possible, and know that you do not need to wait for orders to initiate the pet PCS process. Contact your installation’s veterinary clinic or another USDA-certified vet to learn more about what it takes to move a pet to your next duty station. Look into the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service guidelines, as well as the State Department’s articles on “Pets & International Travel” and “Returning to the US with Pets”. Also, check out Military OneSource’s “Moving with Pets” article. Many say this part of the PCS process can be the most challenging. The sooner you get started, the easier it will be.

• https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
• https://www.state.gov/transition-center/pets-and-international-travel
• https://www.state.gov/transition-center/returning-to-the-u-s-with-pets

For moving pets to or from Naval Submarine Base New London, you must plan well in advance, understand your destination's regulations, and budget for costs. New policies allow for the reimbursement of some pet-related expenses for permanent change of station moves.

On-base requirements

• Rabies vaccination: The state of Connecticut requires all dogs and cats to have a current rabies vaccination.
• Housing registration: If you live in base housing, you must register your pets with the U.S. Army Veterinary Treatment Facility on the installation.
• Local registration: For dogs over six months old, you must register them with the Groton Town Hall Clerk's Office.

Contacts:

• Submarine Base Veterinary Treatment Facility: 860-694-4291
• SUBASE NLON Housing Office: 860-694-3851
• Groton Town Hall Clerk's Office: 860-441-6640
• Email: uss.newlondonVTF@health.mil 

Pet travel during a PCS move:
Your pet travel arrangements will depend on whether you are moving within the continental U.S. (CONUS) or overseas (OCONUS).

CONUS moves

• By car: Driving is often the most straightforward option, allowing you to control the travel environment and make stops for your pet.
• By air (commercial): For moves that require flying, you must contact your airline to make arrangements. Airlines have their own rules regarding pet carrier size, breed restrictions, and temperature limitations. You are responsible for any transfers if you have connecting flights.

Reimbursement: Service members can be reimbursed up to $550 for expenses for one cat or dog during a CONUS PCS.

OCONUS moves

• Prepare early: Start preparing 3 to 6 months before your move. Some destinations have complex requirements and mandatory quarantine periods.
• Military air (Patriot Express): This is a popular and relatively low-cost option for overseas travel. However, space for pets is very limited and booked on a first-come, first-served basis by your transportation office.
• Early booking is critical, ideally 90 to 120 days before departure.

Reimbursement: Service members can be reimbursed up to $2,000 for expenses for one cat or dog for an OCONUS PCS.

Commercial air: If a Patriot Express flight is unavailable or if you are transporting more than two pets, you will need to use a commercial airline. Book as early as possible and be aware of potential breed or size restrictions.

• Military aid societies: Organizations such as the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society may offer interest-free loans to help cover the cost of overseas pet travel.
• Required documentation for OCONUS travel
• Health certificate: An International Health Certificate is required and must be issued by a licensed veterinarian (and often endorsed by the USDA) within a specific timeframe before your arrival.
• Vaccinations: Your pet's vaccinations must be current. Some countries require additional blood tests, like a rabies titer, that can take several weeks to process.
• Microchips: Many countries require a specific type of microchip for identification.

Country-specific rules: Use the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Pet Travel website to check the specific, and sometimes complex, requirements for your destination.

Quarantine policies

• No quarantine for arrival in CONUS: The state of Connecticut does not have a general pet quarantine policy upon arrival. A quarantine would only be imposed in specific cases, such as a pet biting a person.
• OCONUS quarantine: For overseas moves, mandatory quarantine depends entirely on the destination country's regulations. It is the owner's responsibility to research and comply with these rules. Reimbursement for quarantine fees: As of 2024, PCS reimbursement may cover quarantine fees if required by your destination.

Key actions for pet travel

1. Start early: Begin planning and contacting military transportation and veterinary offices as soon as you receive your PCS orders.
2. Contact your sponsor: Reach out to your new command for information on local base regulations and resources.
3. Visit your vet: Discuss travel, vaccination requirements, microchipping, and any potential anxiety concerns.
4. Confirm base housing rules: If you live on base, contact the SUBASE NLON Housing Office regarding their specific pet policies.
5. Book early: For air travel, make pet reservations as soon as possible, as space is limited.
6. Budget for costs: Plan to pay out-of-pocket for all costs initially, as reimbursement may take time.
7. Keep receipts: Collect and save all receipts for pet-related expenses to submit for reimbursement after your move.

For overseas transfers, you are responsible for obtaining all required documentation, immunization, and border clearance requirements of the host nation.

Commercial Air Transportation: All pet transportation arrangements for permanent change of station orders by commercial air, whether domestic or overseas, are made by you. The alternative to commercial air is discussed below in "Military Air Transportation".

Most airlines limit the number of pets in cargo per flight. Call at least three days before the flight to plan or make arrangements. Health certificates issued by a licensed veterinarian are needed when transporting a pet by air. If you change planes, you are responsible for seeing that the pet is transferred at the connecting point.

Be sure to have your name and address on the outside of a regulation airline kennel. Give your pet a drink of water within two hours of takeoff. If your flight is more than twelve hours long for young pets, or 24 hours for adult pets, you must send food with your pet. Federal law requires the airline to provide water every twelve hours. Check with your commercial flight carrier for more information.

Air Mobility Command Pet Travel Information

Military transportation will be provided to those transferring overseas, as available. Pet shipment is restricted to a maximum of two pets per family; dogs or cats only. You must present a rabies vaccination certificate or a veterinary health certificate to the Navy Passenger Transportation Office as proof of ownership. Pets may travel if accompanied by a veterinary certification stating that the animal is fit to travel and there is no risk of birth occurring during the journey.

• https://www.travel.dod.mil/Support/Travel-Assistance-Center/

Military Air Transportation: Pet space is limited on all flights. The Personnel Support Detachment will determine if you will be booked on commercial or military transportation. You should inform PSD that you intend to bring pets with you so they can make appropriate arrangements. Shipment of pets is not an entitlement - it is a convenience. If PSD arranges military transportation, you may obtain additional pet information from NAVPTO. 1 January 2024: New Reimbursement for Pet Travel Fees; The entitlement is for only one pet (dog or cat) and is limited to $2,000 for an overseas move or $550 for movement within the United States. Travelers using AMC Patriot Express missions will receive a memo receipt for pet travel fees.

• https://www.amc.af.mil/AMC-Travel-Site/AMC-Pet-Travel-Page/

NOTE: Interest-free loans to cover the cost of OCONUS pet travel!

For more Information, call 860-694-3285.

Military and Government Travel Solutions Partners

CW Government Travel Inc. / CWTSatoTravel (Travel Office)
1 Crystal Lake Road
Naval Submarine Base New London
Groton, CT 06349
Building 83, Room 208

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Toll-free: 855-744-4662
Fax: 866-669-3519

Some kennels and boarding services offer pet pickup at area airports in conjunction with boarding services.

The state of Connecticut requires dogs and cats to have rabies vaccination and dogs must be registered at six months of age with the local town hall.

SUBASE NLON requires all dogs and cats that are in housing to be registered with the U.S. Army Veterinary Treatment Facility on base. Contact the facility by phone at 860-694-4291 and the Groton Town Hall Clerk's Office at 860-441-6640.

Plan for your pet's trip well in advance.

• Visit your Veterinary Service Center for information on the best ways to travel with your pet.
• Contact SUBASE NLON Housing Office at 860-694-3851 for specifics of pet policy.
• Some kennels and boarding services offer pet pickup at area airports in conjunction with boarding services.
• Navy Marine Relief Society has interest free loans to cover cost for OCONUS pet travel! Call 860-694-3285 for more information.

Some well-regarded kennels with boarding services near New London, CT, and for those in or near the Groton area, we listed below.

• New Inn Kennels (East Haddam)
  Family-owned and operated since 1977, offering boarding, daycare, and grooming in a comfortable, safe environment.
  860-873-8149
• Creature Comforts Animal Inn (Connecticut/Rhode Island)
  A premier facility offering dog and cat boarding with clean, spacious suites and a focus on safety and well-being.
  860-400-5873
• Norwichtown Pet Resort (Norwich)
  Provides boarding for dogs and cats, with comfortable suites and attentive staff.
  860-373-2085
• Companion Animal Hospital (Groton)
  A veterinary hospital that also offers boarding for dogs of all sizes.
  860-449-9800
• FUN, PLAY, BARK Pet Lodge (Groton)
  Formally “Tippin Rock”, an all-inclusive kennel offering boarding, doggie daycare, and playtime.
  860-574-9541
• Scott's Kennels (North Stonington)
  Provides excellent pet boarding and grooming services with a dedicated, friendly staff.
  860-599-5172
• Skyline Kennels (Salem)
  A family-owned pet boarding resort offering expert services for dogs, cats, and exotic companions.
  860-859-0353

New London Submarine Base Veterinary Treatment Facility is professionally staffed by Army Veterinary Corps personnel with the primary mission of providing complete veterinary care for all government-owned animals.

Links:

• https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
• https://www.aphis.usda.gov/live-animal-import/state-regulations

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

New London Submarine Base Veterinary Treatment Facility is professionally staffed by Army Veterinary Corps personnel with the primary mission of providing complete veterinary care for all government-owned animals.

The state of Connecticut requires dogs and cats to have rabies vaccination and dogs must be registered at six months of age with the local town hall.

Naval Submarine Base New London requires all dogs and cats that are in housing to be registered with the U.S. Army Veterinary Treatment Facility on base. Contact the facility by phone at 860-694-4291 and the Groton Town Hall Clerk's Office at 860-441-6640.

Plan for your pet's trip well in advance:

• Visit your Veterinary Service Center for information on the best ways to travel with your pet.
• Contact SUBASE NLON Housing Office at 860-694-3851 for specifics of pet policy.
• Some kennels and boarding services offer pet pickup at area airports in conjunction with boarding services.
• https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/military-installation/naval-submarine-base-new-london/moving/shipping-pets
• https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel

U.S. Army Veterinary Treatment Facility: Pets are seen by appointment only. uss.newlondonVTF@health.mil 

Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch. Closed in observance of all federal holidays.

Pet Travel to a foreign country can be complex and time-consuming. Before you start the process, you will need to know the following:

• The type of animal traveling
• The destination country
• The date of departure from the United States
• Whether the pet will be traveling alone, as cargo, or with a person in the cabin of the plane.

Your destination country sets requirements for pets entering the country, which can change at any time. Most countries require pets to arrive with a health certificate (also called an international health certificate, a veterinary health certificate, a veterinary certificate, or an export certificate). You must verify the country requirements each time you plan to travel with your pet.

The process for taking a pet bird or other exotic animal out of the United States may involve multiple agencies, including the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Veterinary Services Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. You must meet ALL requirements for each of these agencies before traveling with a pet bird or exotic animal. If you are bringing your pet bird back to the U.S., plan to meet the requirements for returning.

Airlines and shipping lines establish their policies to transport pets in addition to the requirements of the federal, state, and local governments. Check with your airline or ship representative to determine what requirements they may have. if you are bringing your pet bird back into the U.S., plan to meet the requirements for returning. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/take-pet-to-foreign-country

U.S. Army VTF Pricing List: 2024; A $2.00 user fee is added to your total bill at the VTF.

An exam must be given in conjunction with all service

Plan for your pet's trip well in advance: Visit your veterinary service center for information on the best ways to travel with your pet. Contact SUBASE NLON Housing Office at 860-694-3851 for specifics of pet policy.

NOTE: Some kennels and boarding services offer pet pickup at area airports in conjunction with boarding services.

• https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/military-installation/naval-submarine-base-new-london/moving/shipping-pets
• https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel

Your destination country sets requirements for pets entering the country, which can change at any time. Most countries require pets to arrive with a health certificate (also called an international health certificate, a veterinary health certificate, a veterinary certificate, or an export certificate). You must verify the country requirements each time you plan to travel with your pet.

MILITARY & GOVERNMENT TRAVEL SOLUTIONS PARTNERS CW Government Travel, Inc CWTSatoTravel (Travel Office).1 Crystal Lake Road, SUBASE Groton, CT 06349 Bldg. 83, room 208
Office hours are Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.Toll-Free: 855-744-4662 Fax: 866-669-3519.

Airlines and shipping lines have their own policies for transporting pets, in addition to the requirements set by federal, state, and local governments. Check with your airline or shipping representative to determine their specific requirements. If you are bringing your pet bird back into the U.S., make sure to comply with the returning requirements.

• https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/take-pet-to-foreign-country
• https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
• https://www.state.gov/transition-center/pets-and-international-travel
• https://www.state.gov/transition-center/returning-to-the-u-s-with-pets

For moving pets to or from Naval Submarine Base New London, you must plan well in advance, understand your destination's regulations, and budget for costs. New policies allow for the reimbursement of some pet-related expenses for permanent change of station (PCS) moves.

Military transportation: https://www.travel.dod.mil/Support/Travel-Assistance-Center/

Military Air Transportation: https://www.amc.af.mil/AMC-Travel-Site/AMC-Pet-Travel-Page/

On-base requirements

• Rabies vaccination: The state of Connecticut requires all dogs and cats to have a current rabies vaccination.
• Housing registration: If you live in base housing, you must register your pets with the U.S. Army Veterinary Treatment Facility on the installation.
• Local registration: For dogs over six months old, you must register them with the Groton Town Hall Clerk's Office.

Contacts:

• Submarine Base Veterinary Treatment Facility: 860-694-4291
• SUBASE NLON Housing Office: 860-694-3851
• Groton Town Hall Clerk's Office: 860-441-6640

IMPORTANT:

It is the pet owner's responsibility to make sure their pet has met the requirements of the destination country.

Failure to meet the requirements may result in problems gaining certificate endorsement (when required) or difficulties upon arrival in the destination country.
Health certificates must be legible, accurate, and complete.

Contact the Submarine Base New London Housing Office at 860-694-3851 or toll-free at 877-843-5236 for the specifics of our pet policy.

Navy-Marine Relief Society has [Interest-Free Loans] to cover the cost of OCONUS pet travel! Call 860-694-4550 or 860-694-3285 for more information.
Navy Lodge New London, Pet Friendly, 2 Proteus Avenue, Building DG50, Groton, CT 06340. Phone: 860-446-3119. https://www.navy-lodge.com/New-London

NEW LONDON VETERINARY TREATMENT FACILITY

521 Grayling Ave., Naval Subbase NLON, Groton, CT 06349 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed for lunch 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The last working day of the month- CLOSED and Closed All Federal Holidays Phone: 860-694-4291 Fax: 860-694-3255

*An exam must be conducted in conjunction with all services.