Shipping Pets

Pet restraint and leash laws are enforced in each of the local communities. Animals are required to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Dogs must have proof of rabies vaccinations to obtain a license. Most communities charge impoundment fees if your pet is picked up as a stray. There often is an additional charge for shots if you cannot provide proof of vaccination when picking up your pet from impoundment. Specific ordinances regulating cats and exotic animals vary from city to city.

For Rock Island Arsenal-specific pet policy, contact your Relocation Assistance program manager at 309-782-0816 or email at usarmy.ria.imcom-central.mbx.usag-acs@army.mil.  The USAG RIA homepage also houses policy letters for your reference as well.

There are no pet quarantines for pets arriving from overseas locations as long as the pet is disease-free and has a valid veterinarians certificate of rabies inoculations.

For information about pet quarantines for overseas relocation contact the Transportation Office or Relocation Assistance Program.

When transporting your pets, take each pet's personality and health into consideration, as they may all have different needs. If you have a highly anxious pet, you might speak with your veterinarian about sedation. Make sure you have water available for them during long trips. If traveling in a car, it is a good idea to plan for regular stops to exercise your dogs. If you plan on flying with your pets, consult your airline for specific pet information including rates. Remember that most airlines have embargos during the summer months that prevent your pet from being transported within the cargo area of the plane.

If you are traveling with a pet, you must make pet boarding and/or transportation arrangements prior to arriving at your destination. Pet boarding kennels are not available on Rock Island Arsenal, however, there are several available in the surrounding communities. See the Yellow Pages in the local telephone book for a listing of kennels in the Quad City area or call the relocation program manager.

Average daily fees: canines $30-$50.00 depending on the weight of the dog; cats $30.00- 60.00; and fees vary for other animals. Vaccination records are required and must be up to date. Most kennels require dogs to have a kennel cough vaccination or charge an additional fee to provide the vaccine. Some kennels offer transportation to and from the airport. For additional information and exact charges, contact the individual boarding facilities.

This table represents a sample of local kennels and is not exclusive, nor does it imply endorsement by the U.S. Army or any of its agencies:

• Abel Keppy Animal Hospital - 619 14^th St., Bettendorf, IA 563-823-5994
• Beaks ‘n Barks Professional Pet Care -  2926 11^th St, Rock Island, IL 309-786-7963  
• Bettendorf Veterinary Hospital - 3510 Belmont Rd., Bettendorf, IA 563-332-8387
• Glenroads Veterinary Clinic - 2775 Devils Glen Rd,. Bettendorf, IA 563-332-2999
• Highland Veterinary Hospital, PC - 2925 Avenue of the Cities, Moline, IL 309-764-4562
• Kimberly Crest Veterinary Hospital - 1423 E. Kimberly Rd, Davenport, IA 563-386-1445  
• Kimberly Pines Veterinary Hospital - 2342 W. Kimberly Rd, Davenport, IA 563-388-0610
• North Brady Animal Hospital - 6011 N. Brady St., Davenport, IA 563-391-9522
• River Bend Animal Clinic - 1500 48th St. Moline, IL 309-517-0268

Rock Island Arsenal does not have a veterinary clinic on post. However, Naval Station Great Lakes visits with their mobile clinic twice a year. Clinic info is distributed through mailing lists and installation announcements. Additionally, there are several options for veterinary services in the local community.