New rules for pets in military housing

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Lausanne Morgan
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The Air Force has recently implemented new regulations regarding pets in military housing.

"The policy change includes the banning of certain breeds of dogs in military family housing, government-managed and government-controlled housing," said Ian Lancaster, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron chief of facilities.

The new rules prohibit Airmen from boarding dogs of any breed (including mixed breeds) that are deemed "aggressive or potentially aggressive," unless the dog is a certified military working dog being boarded by its handler/trainer or approval is obtained by the installation commander.

The regulation now bans pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Chows and wolf hybrids in base housing.

"It makes it hard sometimes for people moving, but the new regulations are Air Force-wide," said Yvonne Chadwick, 48th Force Support Squadron animal welfare officer.

Additionally, the updated Air Force Instruction 32-6001 now bans exotic animals such as, but not limited to, reptiles, rodents (other than hamsters and guinea pigs), ferrets, hedgehogs, skunks, rats, raccoons, squirrels, pot-bellied pigs, monkeys, arachnids, or any farm animal from base housing.

To aid with these new changes, Lancaster also suggests that pet owners speak to a counselor from the housing office to discuss their options if they already own unauthorized breeds.

The U.K. also has local laws pet owners must be aware of and adhere to. Information about local U.K. pet laws can be found on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' website, http://www.defra.gov.uk.

All animals belonging to base personnel are required to be registered and de-registered at the RAF Feltwell Veterinary Clinic regardless of residence, on or off base.

Pets are also required to be microchiped and wear identification tags with the pet owner's name, address and other contact details on it.

"We've had many instances where dogs get loose," said Chadwick. "It's important to know who to contact in those cases."

More information about the new regulations can be found at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, RAF Lakenheath Housing Office or in AFI 32-6001.