Did you know that certain pets aren’t allowed in base housing? From dog breed restrictions to exotic animals, privatized housing companies agree that some critters do not belong in their properties. At the top of the list are skunks. While most can agree that skunks are better left outside, restricting other, less stinky animals can stir some frustration.
While animal restrictions might feel more like pet discrimination, the rules exist to help keep families safe and happy while living in military housing. No one wants to get bitten by an aggressive dog, nor do they want to be incessantly barked at during an evening walk or while taking out the trash. However, pet policies differ between installations and housing companies.
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Pets Generally Permitted on Military Installations
Military housing usually allows standard pets like:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Hamsters
- Guinea pigs
Dogs and cats are often limited to a total of two. Residents may have two dogs, two cats, or one dog and one cat.
Banned Breeds and Exotic Animals in Military Housing
Banned animals and dog breeds vary among military branches, installations, and housing companies, but they all generally follow the same guidelines.
"Residents may not board dogs of any breed (including a mixed breed) that are deemed ‘aggressive or potentially aggressive’, unless the dog is a certified military working dog that is being boarded by its handler/trainer or approval is obtained by the Installation Commander in writing." -Air Force Standardized Pet Policy
Animals Banned in Military Housing
- Reptiles
- Rodents
- Hedgehogs
- Skunks
- Ferrets
- Raccoons
- Squirrels
- Monkeys
- Arachnids
- Pigs
- Ducks
- Rabbits
- Chickens
Base Housing Dog Breed Restrictions
- Pit Bull (American Staffordshire Bull Terrier or English Staffordshire Bull Terrier)
- Rottweiler
- Doberman
- Pinscher
- Chow
- Wolf hybrids
Learn more about dog breed restrictions in military housing.
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Emotional Support and Service Animals in Military Housing
Not all emotional support animals are stereotypical dogs. People bond with all kinds of furry, feathery, and scaly critters—so what if the animal you or your family member relies on sits squarely on the restricted list?
Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act protect service dogs, the language isn’t clear about whether certified service dogs of restricted dog breeds are exempt from military base and private housing regulations.
Adding to the confusion, some military families own animals that are an ESA per their doctor's note but not covered by the ADA. Many animals can qualify as an ESA (mice, rabbits, birds, hedgehogs, rats, mini-pigs, ferrets), but some of these are exotic animals and will probably not be allowed on base.
It’s best to review the policies issued by the base you’re moving to and the local housing company to verify pet restrictions and your particular case, if you have one.
What to Do if Your Pet Is Restricted from Military Housing
If you're not allowed to have your pet in base housing, you’ll likely need to look for housing elsewhere. Thankfully, MilitaryByOwner makes it easy to scroll for pet-friendly homes near any military installation. Click the "pet policy" search filter to narrow your search. But remember, if you have a service animal, you can forgo the filter as they should be immune to any "no pets policy" you might find.
Connect with a Helping Organization
Dogs On Deployment provides military members a free national pet boarding network and financial assistance programs, ensuring no service member has to part with their pet due to military commitments or hardships.
If you arrive at a new duty station and learn that your pet is not eligible for housing, Dogs on Deployment and other similar programs can offer temporary solutions to care for your pet.
See 6 Resources for a Military Move with Pets for other pet foster options.
Military Housing Pet-Policy FAQs
1. How many pets can you have in military housing?
Pet policies vary from installation to installation and privatized housing companies. They differ on the number of pets, though most allow two domestic pets per household, sometimes four. For example, Liberty Housing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord allows four domestic pets while Hunt Military Housing at Bolling Air Force Base limits pets to two.
Because the installation sets the hard rules on pets, privatized housing companies must first enforce the base regulations, then expand to include their own stipulations.
2. Can I get an exception if my pet is on the restricted list?
There are typically no exceptions for pets who fall on the restricted list, as it exists for safety reasons. However, while it’s not guaranteed, a waiver for a certified service animal on the restricted list may be possible.
3. Does military housing require a pet deposit or pet rent?
Privatized companies handle pet deposits differently. Many, like Liberty Military Housing at 29 Palms, charge a refundable pet deposit per pet. Others, like Aurora Military Housing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, do not charge any pet fees or security deposits.
4. Are rabbits, birds, reptiles or hamsters allowed in military housing?
Birds and fish in small aquariums are often considered domestic pets. Rabbits and hamsters are not universally accepted on base. Some installations require kennel specifications while others, like Hunt Military Housing in Hawaii, prohibit rabbits and hamsters, classifying them as exotic animals.
That said, this policy is greatly influenced at the base-regulation level, not at the housing company level, as the above rule often doesn't apply at CONUS bases. Reptiles are universally considered exotic animals and are usually prohibited in base housing.
5. Do I have to register my pet to move into military housing?
Yes, all pets must be registered with military housing. Registration includes immunization records, current rabies certificate, microchip number, and in some cases, proof of spay or neuter.
Pet policies can vary widely between installations and housing companies, so check the rules for your new duty station before making housing plans. If your pet isn't allowed in housing, start your search for pet-friendly rentals here at MilitaryByOwner. Consider including a pet letter of recommendation or other information that helps show a prospective landlord that your pet will be a good fit for the property. 
