Shipping Pets

All dogs must be under control at Tobyhanna Army Depot. This means that when your dog is not on your property, it must be under the direct control of you or a handler. The best way to control your dog is with a leash. Remember, dogs are personal property. You are responsible for any damage it causes.

All dogs 3 months of age or older must be licensed. Licenses are issued by the county treasurer. The Monroe County Treasurer can be reached at 570-517-3180. More information is available via the Monroe County, Pennsylvania website at Monroe CountyPA Dog License.

Moving is a fact of military life. Frequent relocations pose challenges to service members and their families and include adjusting to a new community and a new job, as well as separation from friends and family. There are physical, mental and emotional stressors related to every move.

Family pets may also experience stress when moving and are very sensitive to changes in their environment, so consult your vet before relocating or transporting your pet. This is true whether your pets are dogs, cats, fish, rabbits or iguanas. Pets cannot verbalize their reactions, so it is the responsibility of the pet owner to thoughtfully consider the impact of relocating on their pets, then make sound decisions based on what they know about their animals. 

The first step before moving should be a visit to your veterinarian. The vet can confirm the health of the animals, administer inoculations, give advice about transporting them and provide necessary health certificates. Interstate health certificates must accompany dogs entering nearly all states, and about half of the states have the same requirement for cats. 

Each state has unique laws and regulations about pet ownership and, increasingly, local governments, states and countries are banning certain dog breeds. Check the entry regulations at your destination. The state veterinarian office can provide you with information or a contact for regulations particular to their state. A directory of state veterinarians is available on the United States Animal Health Association website.

Plan your trip and make necessary reservations ahead of time. A good internet resource is www.petswelcome.com, where there are listings for 25,000 pet-friendly hotels, B&Bs, ski resorts, beaches, campgrounds and more. Airline regulations, moving and traveling tips are also available at the website.

Crate training your pet is a smart idea. You don't have to crate your pet for car trips, but it is safer for the animal. A crate can also be a home away from home, a familiar place for the animal, wherever you go. Should the pet be transported by any other means, it must be crated.

Crates must meet standards for size, strength and ventilation. The pet must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. There must be containers for food and water, positioned so they can be filled with the door closed. Most airlines require the containers to be empty. Drip bottles for water may be an option.

The crate must be labeled "Live animal" and "This end up" in large letters. Label the crate with the pet's name, your name, the destination address and your phone number. Line the crate with absorbent padding and include a favorite blanket and a toy, along with something that has your scent on it. You should last feed your pet 4-6 hours before a flight; do not give the pet water for at least 2 hours prior to departure. Make sure to exercise your pet before it is boarded.

Avoid the potential loss of a pet by purchasing a comfortable collar that has a tag with the pet's name, your name, your address and your phone number. The information should reflect where you can be reached at your destination. If you don't have a permanent address, use a temporary contact, but one that will get to you if you move to another location. A license tag must accompany the ID tag. Also, consider a microchip or tattoo for positive identification.

Before making reservations, check each airline's rules about transporting pets. Some do not ship animals, while others will not ship them if temperatures are too high or too low. Be prepared to show the airline all the appropriate paperwork and health certificates, and provide instructions for feeding and watering.

Since most temporary/guest lodging facilities do not permit pets, remember to make plans to board your pet while you are waiting for permanent quarters. A mandatory quarantine reimbursement is available, not to exceed $550. 

Pet fostering has become an option for service members who must leave their pets behind when deploying. Check with your installation vet, your own local vet, local humane services, animal control facilities and breed clubs.  

There are no quarantines for pets arriving from overseas locations as long as the pets are disease free. If there is evidence of ill health, the owner must pay for a vet to examine the animal.

For information about pet quarantines for overseas relocation, contact the Transportation Office at 570-615-7434.

Dogs require rabies vaccination not less than one month and not more than 12 months before arrival, and the certificate of rabies vaccination signed by a licensed veterinarian must accompany the dog. 

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 the installation; however, there are kennels in the surrounding communities. Call the Relocation Program Manager at 570-615-6682 or DSN 312-795-6682 for local kennel information.

The average daily fees are $40 for dogs and $25 for cats. Be prepared to provide proof of current vaccinations for rabies, Bordetella and DHL-PPC (for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus and coronavirus). Make reservations well in advance for summers and holidays.