An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Oct. 29, 2012

Service members can find pet-friendly resources at next duty station

By U.S. Navy Lt. Theresa Donnelly American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - Moving in the military is tough. With loose ends to tie up, such as obtaining spouse employment, moving household goods, transferring schools, shipping vehicles and setting up child care, it can seem overwhelming.

Many families have questions on and are sometimes unprepared for what resources exist to help them move their pets.

It's imperative to plan for the pets as soon as you're notified of the next duty station. Although pet information for military families isn't consolidated at one central location, there are a few helpful places to check:

  • Military veterinarians. The Army's Public Health Command's website has an interactive locator map, to contact the treatment facility for veterinarian services and a listing of requirements for that location.
  • Shelter resources. Most communities have a government-run shelter enforcing animal law and educating on vital pet services such as spay/neuter, micro-chipping and lost and found. They offer volunteer opportunities and ways to advocate on behalf of animals. Many facilities have programs designed for the needs of military members.
  • Newcomer information.  Family service centers and your sponsor can be invaluable in navigating the details on moving with your pets. Bases' commercial guides may list shelters in the area, pet services such as grooming, boarding and dog walkers, plus if your sponsor is a pet owner they may have recommendations for services they know and trust.
  • Meet-up groups and pet clubs.  Many duty stations have breed-specific organizations and play groups. There are Facebook groups, meet-ups, and clubs for those interested in activities such as agility, obedience, conformation,
    fly ball, and others. You may find them by searching your pet breed and the area.
  • Deployment help. Organizations exist to help families when troops are deployed and are without family and friends to care for the pets. Dogs on Deployment and Guardian Angels for a Soldier's Pet fill this need and ensure that no military pet ends up in a shelter while service members are fulfilling military commitments.

Military moves can be less stressful and your time in your new location more enjoyable if you have take advantage of pet-friendly resources.

(Guest blogger Navy Lt. Theresa Donnelly is the owner of Hawaii Military Pets, a volunteer online resource for military families in Hawaii to help with moving with pets in the military, boarding information and pet policies in state and federal governments. She partners with nonprofits that specialize in service members and their companion animals, such as Dogs on Deployment and Pets for Patriots.)

 

 

Related Articles
Photo of medical training during a Port Subject Matter Expert Exchange at the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, August 20, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)
Washington Guard Continues Strengthening Relationship at Thailand’s Port of Laem Chabang
By Joseph Siemandel, | Sept. 30, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Four members of the Washington National Guard partnered recently with more than 170 employees from the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, to continue improving the port’s all-hazard response as part of the...

Leaders and attendees from the Hawai‘i National Guard, Guam National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines gather for a group photo during the 25th anniversary celebration of the State Partnership Program between the Hawai‘i National Guard and the AFP at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Sept. 25, 2025. The Hawai‘i Guard and AFP launched the Indo-Pacific’s first State Partnership in 2000, marking 25 years of cooperation in training, disaster response and regional security.
25 Years Strong: Hawai‘i Guard and Philippines Celebrate Enduring Partnership
By Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy, | Sept. 30, 2025
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — Cheers, handshakes and shared stories filled the air Sept. 23–25 as the Hawai‘i National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrated 25 years of partnership — a bond that has endured...

Oklahoma National Guard leaders and Italian representatives unveil a plaque at the former headquarters of the 45th Infantry Division during WWII in Venafro, Italy, Sept. 8, 2025. A delegation of Oklahoma National Guard members and veterans toured key locations from the 45th Infantry Division’s campaign in Italy against German forces during World War II, continuing the development of the Thunderbird Trail. The initiative is aimed at preserving the Division's role in World War II through a memorial trail tracing its footsteps through Italy, France and Germany, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Danielle Rayon)
Thunderbird Trail: Preserving Sacrifice, Strengthening Connection for Oklahoma Guard
By Sgt. Danielle Rayon, | Sept. 29, 2025
ITALY – Standing among rows of white marble headstones at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial, Soldiers of the Oklahoma National Guard bent to place sand from the beaches of Anzio into the carved names of...