Shipping Pets

Moving with your pet includes researching airline requirements and quarantine restriction laws in your new location. Many airlines have requirements for size, weight, breed, number of animals, kennel construction, documentation and seasonal limitations. Small pets may be shipped on military flights, but availability and regulations frequently change. Contact your installation household goods/transportation office to request specific country instructions. Military OneSource can make your move easier with helpful tips, resources and hands-on information related to moving with pets and more.

Bay County does not require a license, tags or fees, but there are leash laws everywhere in the Panama City area.

Panama City, Lynn Haven and Mexico Beach require proof of rabies shots, and quarantine is required for any animals suspected of having rabies.

Florida State Law (FSS 828.30) requires all cats and dogs 4 months of age or older to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. The law further requires that the veterinarian provide both the pet owner and the local animal control authority with the certification of the rabies vaccination. For additional information, contact 850-767-3333. 

If you have made the decision to have an animal traveling with you, it is important to begin making arrangements well in advance, and making financial considerations for the extra cost.

Pet owners are responsible for all pet shipment requirements such as documentation, immunization and country pet entry requirements. When transporting pets, be sure to do the following:

• Make arrangements for transportation well in advance.
• Carry health and rabies certificates with you.
• Know what vaccinations are needed to travel to foreign countries.
• Attach an ID tag to your pet's collar.
• Check on the type and size of kennel needed for overseas shipment of pets.

For assistance in shipping your pet, https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-pcs/plan-to-move/moving-with-pets/.

Pets traveling from one country to another may be subject to animal health requirements specific for that destination. It is important to research and plan accordingly with consideration given to the overall health and age of the animal, additional costs for travel, lodging/kennels and deposits. If traveling by car, explore in advance which hotels along the way will accept pets. For information on rules that may be in place state to state, visit the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website.

In addition, pet travel resources and tips can be found at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-housing/moving/planning-your-move/moving-with-pets/.

If you will be arriving with a pet, it is highly recommended you make reservations for pet boarding as soon as you know your arrival date. There are no pet boarding or kennel facilities on this installation.

There are no veterinary services available on the installation; however, the local community has several vet clinics available.

Policies and rules for shipping pets vary at each installation. It's important to understand the regulations, prohibitions and laws at your new installation before moving with a pet. For more information on quarantine and traveling with pets, view the pet travel guidelines at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website.