New pet policy affects base housing residents Published May 3, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Desiree Economides 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- The family and unaccompanied housing pet policy has recently undergone several modifications at Yokota. With the new changes, residents are now authorized to have pets in more on base housing units. "The recent changes to the housing pet policy have been implemented so that Yokota will be compliant with Air Force level changes and also as directed by the base commander's guidance," said Liza Lim-Ramos, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron housing manager. The most current pet policy for residents housed on all Air Force installations can be found in Air Force Instruction 32-6001, Family Housing Management, and includes the following information: - Residents may not board dogs of any breed (including mixed breeds) 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. For purposes of this policy, aggressive or potentially aggressive breeds of dogs are defined as a Pit Bull (American Staffordshire Bull Terrier or English Staffordshire Bull Terrier), Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Chow and wolf hybrids. - Prohibition also extends to other breeds of dogs or individual dogs that demonstrate or are known to demonstrate a propensity for dominant or aggressive behavior as indicated by any of the following type of behavior; -- Unprovoked barking, growling or snarling at people approaching the animal. -- Aggressively running along a fence line when people are present. -- Biting or scratching people. -- Escaping confinement or restriction to chase people. - Residents may not board 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 animals. - Pets must be secured with leashes or under positive control while outdoors, except in fenced patios and yards. Pets must not be left tied or unattended in exterior appurtenances or unfenced yards or allowed to run loose outside fenced yards. - Pet and common areas must be cleaned or disinfected regularly to control and prevent vermin infestation. Pet feces must be picked up daily or immediately if the pet evacuates outside the patio or yard. - Operating a commercial kennel is prohibited. For residents at Yokota, additional information on specific pet allowances and authorizations can be found in the AFI 32-6001, 374th Airlift Wing Supplement. This local policy became effective Feb. 21, and states the following: - Residents of government quarters on Yokota are allowed to have fish, caged birds, hamsters, guinea pigs or gerbils in standard containers. - Pet owners must maintain current immunizations on all pets. Dogs and cats are required to wear a collar or harness with current rabies and distemper vaccinations attached. Upon completion of a vaccination, pet owners must ensure that the veterinary clinic sends the Pass and Registration Office one copy of the DD Form 2208, Rabies and Vaccination Certificate. - Garden Units. Residents are authorized up to two dogs/cats, no more than two total. - All Towers. Residents of the first two floors are authorized up to two dogs/cats, no more than a total of two pets. - Tower 3001 and 4303 (third to nine floor). Residents are authorized up to two cats only, no more than a total of two pets. - Unaccompanied housing (dormitories), are authorized to keep fish, caged birds, hamsters, guinea pigs or gerbils in standard cages/containers. These animals cannot exceed a total of three. - Pets will not be allowed in elevators at any time. Nuisance complaints must be addressed by the owner immediately. - Any damage caused by pets will result in personal liability, payment to the government and/or removal of the pet from family housing. - Adherence to these rules is mandatory and failure to do so will result in the removal of the pet(s) and/or disciplinary action to include possible eviction from on-base housing. "The staff at the Yokota Family Housing Office understands how important pets are and the critical role they play in a family," said Lim-Ramos. "The pet policy was established as a quality of life issue to allow families the freedom to have pets in their household while at the same time, still maintaining an Air Force instruction that governs pets contained in family housing on base. This policy is consistently enforced on our installation and transparent for all family members," she added. Individuals interested in finding out additional information on the base housing pet policy should contact the Housing Office at 225-8636.