Shipping Pets

You may register your pet online in El Paso County at https://www.hsppr.org/law. Licenses and vaccinations may be done at many locations throughout the region and are normally accomplished through a veterinarian office. Ensure you have your pets shot records, tags and medical records before you move.

There are no local pet quarantines.

Plan for your pet's trip well in advance. A clean bill of health is an important first step in assuring your pet's ability to adjust safely to unfamiliar surroundings. In addition, most states and countries require recent health certificates and disease inoculation documentation before you will be allowed to cross borders, making a trip to the veterinarian mandatory.

Make sure your pet has a special identification tag with your pet's name, your name and a destination address or that of a friend or relative. Traveling by car is sometimes the most humane way to go since you can plan regular stops for exercise and feeding. Take along your pet's food and water bowls, blanket or bedding, and a favorite toy to give him a touch of home. Don't forget his leash and collar.

If your pet travels with you, keep your pet on a leash when outside your car or hotel. If you plan to stay in a hotel or motel, call in advance to check if pets are allowed and to make reservations. If you plan to board your pet at your destination point, reservations are also necessary, especially during heavy travel periods such as holidays and summers. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. In summer, it takes only minutes for the heat to climb to more than 120 degrees, even in the shade. In winter closed cars become refrigerators, and the cold can be as dangerous as summer heat.

Traveling by air is another option for transporting animals. For information on shipping animals, contact the Peterson Travel Management Office or TMO at 719-556-6779. The pet kennel/carrier, in which your pet will be spending most of his trip, is of the utmost importance. Ensure it is a container your pet can't get out of.  Your pet must have room to turn freely while in a standing position and be able to use normal movements in order to stand erect or lie down in a natural position. A container for water should be secured to the inside of the carrier positioned so that it can be filled without opening the cage. A drip bottle is recommended. Also include a familiar blanket or favorite toy in the carrier. Be aware if you are PCSing during summer months that airlines may not fly pets when temperatures rise above a certain level. Check with your airline for specifics.

According to federal regulations, an airline cannot accept an animal from its owner unless the animal is 1) at least 8 weeks old; 2) certified as healthy with 10 days prior to departure; 3) secured in a carrier which meets the required standards; and 4) adequately identified. Pet owners often prefer to have their pet in the cabin section with them. This is possible, but reservations must be made as early as possible. Generally only one animal per flight is allowed in the cabin and permission is granted on a first come, first serve basis. Another requirement is that the pet carrier must fit under the seat, so this restricts the carry-on option to very small animals.

If your pet travels in the cargo section, extra care must be taken prior to boarding and after landing which will minimize the difficulties your pet may face while out of your stewardship. Purchasing the proper carrier, arranging for non-stop, direct flights, and making sure that someone is in the baggage area when your pet arrives are safeguards that you can take to ensure your pet's safe transportation.

Consider sending smaller pets, such as birds, hamsters, gerbils and tropical fish, by air express. Airline freight departments or pet stores can supply shipping containers. A local pet shop specializing in tropical fish should pack them.

The temporary lodging facility has a few rooms open to pets and it is recommended to call as soon as possible. There are no kennels available on base. However, there are over 25 kennels in Colorado Springs. Pets need to have had their rabies, Bordetella, and distemper shots within the last 12 months. Cost varies depending on the type and size of the pet. Please make reservations before arrival. Your Peterson Military and Family Readiness Center has a list available on local kennels and boarding options.

If owners choose to stay in an off-base establishment to avoid kenneling their pets, they will not receive temporary lodging expense reimbursement unless they have obtained a non-availability statement from the lodging facility or TLF.

Many apartment communities do not allow pets. Those communities that allow pets may have restrictions as to the size and weight of the pet and may charge pet rent in addition to a pet deposit. The pet deposit may be non-refundable. Rental homes that accept pets may have size and quantity restrictions and will probably charge an additional pet deposit, often non-refundable.