Did you know that certain pets aren’t allowed in military housing? From 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 bit by an aggressive dog, nor do they want to get incessantly barked at during an evening walk or taking the trash out. However, pet policies differ between installations and housing companies.
Pets Generally Permitted on Military Installations
Military housing doesn’t have any problems with standard pets like:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Hamsters
- Guinea pigs
Dogs and cats are limited to a total of two. Residents may have two dogs, two cats, or one dog and one cat.
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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 include:
- 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 if restricted dog breeds that are certified service dogs are exempt from military base and private housing regulations.
Adding to the confusion, some military families own animals that are ESA per doctor's note but not covered by the ADA. Many animals can qualify as an ESA (mice, rabbits, birds, hedgehogs, rats, minipigs, ferrets), but many are considered exotic animals and will likely 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.
To provide consistency, Dogs On Deployment has a solution:
"Military-pet advocacy groups have created a petition on Change.org to help gain support and awareness of this issue. The most effective solution is to develop a standardized, consistent military policy for all pet owners, regardless of breed. The military would instead focus on strong enforcement of general dangerous dog policies and a robust pet education program to ensure troop’s safety and quality of life.'
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What to Do if Your Pet Is Restricted from Military Housing
If you're not allowed to have your pet in military 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.
As you look for your next rental property, consider including a pet letter of recommendation with your application. A testament to how well-behaved your pet is can go a long way with potential landlords.
