Deployment and long-term boarding

Deployments differ, so this page shows how a long stay works rather than promising a plan. If a family member or friend can care for your pet, that may be easier. When no one can, a kennel with set hours and a boarding agreement is another way to cover the months.

How billing works

Rates are charged by the night like a hotel. A stay of four weeks or less is paid at pick-up. A stay of more than four weeks needs a credit card on file, charged every two weeks in advance. A deployment-length stay therefore never leaves a large bill to cover on the day you return.

Example: 60 nights for one dog in Economy Class at the $47 military rate is 60 x $47, $2,820, billed in two-week parts. The same dog in First Class is 60 x $65, $3,900.

Setting up before you go

1. Complete the boarding agreement: owner details, a second contact, others allowed to pick up, and your veterinarian.
2. Name an emergency contact who is not traveling with you and who may decide and pick up for you.
3. Choose the medical release level in case the kennel cannot reach you for a decision.
4. Send current vaccine records and update them when boosters fall due during the stay.
5. Request dates by phone or through your online account; the kennel confirms.

The kennel your pet will live in

Each dog has an indoor/outdoor run on about 10 country acres, heated in winter and air-conditioned in summer, with a Kuranda bed and blankets. Dogs choose inside or out through a doggie door and see their neighbors through the fence. Cats have individual four-level condos with their own litter box and blanket. Medications, walks and special feedings are included in the nightly price.

The agreement asks you to call if a pet will not be picked up on the scheduled date, so tell the kennel about any change in orders.

Using the right sources

Military OneSource and your command's family readiness office are the places to confirm what support exists for your situation. See also Travis AFB families and long-term boarding.