Shipping Pets

All pets on base must be registered at the base veterinary clinic within five days of obtaining on-base housing. Pets more than four months old must have proof of rabies vaccination to register. The Vet Clinic is located at 900 Perimeter Road, Bldg 1732. They can be reached at 660-687-2667. 

Some off-base housing areas have Home Owners Associations (HOAs).  These HOAs may impose limits on the breed, number and/or size of pets that are allowed in their respective housing areas.  Discuss HOA regulations with your realtor before committing to purchase or lease any off-base property.  You may also want to check with the Military Housing Office, (660) 687-4421 to inquire if there are any housing areas or properties that have a poor record with personnel assigned to Whiteman AFB in the past.

Beginning January 1, 2024 the Pet Transportation Allowance is a new entitlement for personnel who will be moving with a pets during a PCS. Service members may now submit associated expenses for reimbursement along with their PCS voucher. The entitlement is only for one pet (dog or cat). It is limited to $2,000 for an overseas move or $550 for a relocation within the United States. Please secure a receipt for your pet's travel fees during check-in for your flight. For additional details, refer to the JTR, Chapter 5, Part A, Paragraph 050107.

Once you have decided that an animal is going to be your traveling companion, plan for your pet's trip in the same way you plan your own — well in advance. Nothing can disrupt a trip with an animal faster than a health problem. It is quite common for a pet to react poorly to the stress caused by relocation. A clean bill of health is an important first step to assure your pet's ability to adjust safely to new surroundings. In addition, most states and countries require recent health certificates and inoculation documents before you will be allowed to cross borders. This makes a trip to the veterinarian a critical key to a successful PCS. Since your pet will be venturing into a new environment, their chances of contracting disease or infection increases significantly. Have your pet examined by a licensed veterinarian, preferably one who has cared for the animal on a regular basis. Ask the doctor to prescribe a motion sickness pill or sedative as a preventative measure. Don't tranquilize your animal automatically. Sedated animals are more likely to develop problems. Also, during the summer, consider traveling in the morning and evening to minimize the stress caused by heat.

Identification

Pet transit without identification is a disaster waiting to happen. Dogs break free from leashes. Cats dash out of cages when they are opened for just a second. The opportunities for pets being to be separated from their owners are numerous. Avoid the potential loss of a beloved pet by purchasing a comfortable collar (elastic for cats) for your pet, ideally, one that bears complete identification tags. The information should include your pet's name, your name, address and phone number. A license tag is also necessary. You can obtain one from your local humane organization. If your pet is a cat that has never worn a collar, allow time for the cat to become accustomed to wearing something around its neck. As an additional safeguard, you may want to consider having an identification chip put into your pet. Then, if your pet breaks free of both carrier and collar, it can still be positively identified when the chip is scanned.

Carriers

Choosing the appropriate carrier in which your pet will be traveling is of the utmost importance. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has specific regulations for cages/crates used to transport animals interstate or internationally. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel

Travel by Air

Check with your servicing airlines to assure that all pet travel requirements are met.

Travel by Car

When traveling by car, taking your pet along is the most humane way to go. Just remember these friendly tips: It is best not to feed an animal for several hours before leaving on a trip. Bring food and fresh water with you and stop regularly once the animal has had a chance to settle down. 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 on wheels and the cold is as dangerous as summer heat. In some states it is against the law to leave an animal alone in a car. Check your pet frequently so that you can easily tell when he is hungry, thirsty, hot or needs a potty break.

Additional tips for safely and effectively relocating with pets can be found at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-pcs/plan-to-move/moving-with-pets/

If you and your pet plan to stay in a hotel or motel call, in advance to check if pets are allowed and to make appropriate reservations. It is not recommended to try to"sneak" a pet into a lodging facility, or announce upon your arrival that you need a pet-friendly unit. You and your pet could be left without a place to stay. Remember: Pets units are limited at most Air Force installations. Meanwhile, if you plan to board your pet at your destination, reservations are very important, especially during the heavy travel seasons such as holidays and summer.

Locally Available Kennels

Whiteman Inn has a limited number of temporary lodging facilities available for pets. Plan on making arrangements for your pet at a local kennel if you are unable to secure a pet-friendly unit.

Local Kennels include:

• Lifetime Animal Center - Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m; Saturday 8am-12pm. 227 SE State Route 13, Warrensburg, MO 64093. Emergency treatment may be available: Call for appointment. 660-422-7838
• Wee Bark-  Hours of operation: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 23625 Highway V, Sedalia, MO 65301. Phone: 660-827-7297
• Wag-N-Tails Pet Resort - 320 NE U.S. Highway 50, Warrensburg, MO 64093: 660-747-7387