FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — Pets are a vital part of the Army family, contributing to morale, complementing physical and mental fitness and performing vital work as service animals on the installation. It is for these reasons U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos maintains a comprehensive domestic animal policy to keep its residents safe and to maintain order at The Great Place. Residents and visitors are encouraged to be informed on the garrison’s pet policy to minimize risk and ensure pets can enjoy a welcoming environment.
“We love our pets in Cavalry Family Housing,” said Chris Albus, Cavalry Family Housing project director. “Our residents are in accordance with the regulations and rules that we have here on post. They’re allowed to have two pets, either a dog or a cat. Small animals, such as birds, fish and guinea pigs, are allowed as long as they’re properly cared for.”
All pet owners on post must enroll their pets with the Fort Cavazos Veterinary Center within five days of bringing the pet into housing. There they will be required to show proof of all current vaccines, testing and microchipping to be registered on post. Additional details regarding eligible pets can be found in the Fort Cavazos domestic animal policy.
The policy also helps residents and visitors navigate situations where they may come across stray animals on post.
“For stray animals, I would recommend contacting the military police, or you can contact the DPW (Directorate of Public Works) work phone,” said Capt. Vivian Holt, branch chief for the Fort Cavazos Veterinary Services Branch. “From there, that animal is going to go to the stray animal facility on post, and that is run by the Killeen Animal Services … at that point, they’re going to hold that animal for about three working days. During those three working days you can go and claim your animal if you have proof, but if those three working days pass by then that animal is up to the Killeen Animal Services on what to do next.”
The most up-to-date contact information for the appropriate services is available in the garrison’s domestic animal policy. Residents are encouraged to keep those numbers handy as a phone contact, a note on a refrigerator door or anywhere it may be accessible. As always, in cases of emergency, residents are encouraged to dial 911.
As for service animals, Fort Cavazos maintains a clear distinction between service animals and emotional support animals.
“A service animal is trained to do certain tasks,” said Luis Miranda, chief of housing for Fort Cavazos. “For example … for someone (who has lost) sight, that service animal is basically trained to make sure that the service dog becomes the eyes for the (owner).
“An emotional (support) animal is not considered (a service animal),” Miranda continued. “It is considered a pet … it makes the individual feel at ease because of mental health issues or any other condition, but it’s not trained to do certain things (like a service animal).”
Service animals and their accessibility to facilities on the installation is mandated as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and is incorporated within the garrison’s domestic animal policy. Visitors on post are also expected to be aware of the rules and limitations of bringing an animal on the installation to avoid unnecessary risks to safety and security to post residents and other visitors.
For additional questions and information related to having and bringing animals onto The Great Place, residents, visitors and employees are encouraged to view the Fort Cavazos domestic animal policy, available online and accessible on this page through the QR code provided.
The policy will also provide the appropriate contact information for specific topics regarding pet ownership, pet visitation, support and services and more.
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