Shipping Pets

In order to obtain a dog license for your dogs in one of the Hampton Roads cities, a current rabies certificate is required. Additionally, documentation that your animal has been spayed or neutered is required in order to receive the reduced rate for a dog license. Licenses are purchased annually. They are valid for one year, beginning Jan. 1 and expiring on Dec. 31. Licenses for spayed dogs throughout Hampton Roads cities run $5 to $7 and unspayed dogs run $10 to $25, depending on the city in which you register your dog/s. The city of Norfolk is $2 for spayed or neutered (senior citizens), $5 for spayed or neutered, $1 for a lost tag, no charge for seeing eye or hearing assistance dog. Virginia Beach require that all cats be licensed as well. A license for spayed cat/s is $7, and unspayed is $10. Dogs must be on a leash at all times while in public areas.

There is a maximum of two pets (dogs or cats) permitted in government housing. 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.

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.

AMC charter flights now ship pets on most of their flights as part of the normal service to DOD passengers. This service is provided to/from Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Panama, Newfoundland, the Azores, Guantanamo Bay, Japan, and Guam. Pet shipment is limited to passengers in a permanent change of station 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 Transportation Association approved container for pet shipment, which is 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 pay any associated costs. Pet/s 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/s and cage combined. Costs are subject to frequent change, contact your carrier to find exact pricing.

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. Service members can now download the MilPetEd APP for more information.

Looking for a hotel that will allow your pet/s to stay with you? Check with the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce or PetsWelcome website. Making arrangements for boarding your pet/s before you arrive will make the move less stressful on you, as well as 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 average cost for animals 50 pounds or less is $17 per night and animals over 50 pounds range from $18 to $40 per night. These costs may vary between facilities. The following is a list of kennels nearby:

• Kiln Creek Animal Care — 757-886-1300
• Magruder-Tabb Animal Clinic — 757-865-6510
• Mercury Animal Hospital Inc. — 757-826-4951

The Veterinary Treatment Facility is professionally staffed and operated by the Army Veterinary Corps personnel. 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. Service members can now download the MilPetEd APP for information and instructions.

The VTF offers the following services for small animals:

• 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, they regret that children 12 years of age and under 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.

Don't forget to pick up your pet's records to take to your next duty station. If you no longer own the pet, please notify the VTF so your pet's record can be properly disposed of. 

Local area VTFs:

• Naval Station Norfolk 757-953-0350 / 0351 / 0352
• Langley Air Force Base 757-764-5678
• Fort Eustis 757-878-5824