Why We Are Here
Military Families
Deployment, TDY, a PCS heat embargo, or basic training. The kennel was built for these weeks.
Since 2008
How long has The Pet Brigade served military families?
The Pet Brigade opened on 14 April 2008 and has since helped thousands of soldiers with lodging during deployment, with rehoming and fostering, with transporting military pets across the globe, and with everyday care. It is open to military families, retirees and civilians who hold Joint Base Lewis-McChord access.
The Pet Brigade opened on 14 April 2008 after several years of work with the Contracting Office of the U.S. Department of the Army and with Morale, Welfare and Recreation at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. It is the only privately owned boarding facility on a military post in the United States, and it is inside the fence rather than half an hour outside it because that is what the families here needed.
Regis and Nancy Jackson, who own it, describe working with the people who stand up for the nation as the ultimate blessing. Both are registered nurses, and both also run Pet Ponderosa in Graham, so this is not their first kennel.
The Weeks It Was Built For
What situations does The Pet Brigade handle for military families?
The Pet Brigade regularly covers four: a deployment, a permanent change of station stalled by the summer heat embargo, temporary duty orders that move, and a recruit leaving for basic training. Every one of these arrived through their contact form this summer, and long stays are routine rather than an exception.
A deployment
Long stays are routine here, not an exception to be negotiated. Family quarters keep a multi-pet household together, medication is dispensed at no extra charge, and the staff keep to your pet's own routine and diet so the change is as small as it can be.
A PCS, and the heat embargo
When the summer embargo stops a pet flying, the gap has to be covered somewhere. Boarding runs as long as you need it, and the transport van runs to the airport at the other end of it.
TDY, or orders that move
Orders change. Dates change with them. Boarding is booked through PawPartner, and anything the portal will not do, the office will do on the phone.
Basic training
Recruits leaving for training need a plan for a dog that does not have one. Long-term boarding and the foster programme both exist for exactly that, and the office will talk it through.
Foster Families
How does The Pet Brigade's foster programme work?
The Pet Brigade needs families willing to look after a pet while a soldier is deployed. It is not a shelter and it is not a donation: it is one household taking in one animal for the length of a deployment, with the kennel in the middle of the arrangement. Volunteers should contact the office.
The Pet Brigade runs a foster programme and it needs people. If you love animals and you are willing to help out a soldier while they are away, they want to hear from you.
The kennel sits in the middle of the arrangement rather than handing an animal over and walking away. If that sounds like your house, say so and the office will talk you through what is involved.
Military Questions
What do service members ask most often?
The questions reaching The Pet Brigade from service members are about length and logistics: boarding from August to October around a heat embargo, care while both parents have orders, a dog needing somewhere to go before basic training. The answers below cover cost, transport, medication and the weekend.
Where are you, and can I get to you?
04907 Pendleton Ave, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433, on Joint Base Lewis-McChord itself, off Pendleton Avenue near the Lewis Army Museum. It is the only privately owned boarding facility on a military post in the United States. Access to the post is controlled by JBLM, not by the kennel, so if you do not hold a DoD ID, call the office before you drive out: (253) 912-4898.
Can you collect my pet?
Yes. They run their own transport van to and from the airport, veterinary appointments, local area housing, JBLM lodging, daycare and grooming appointments. It was built for exactly the weeks when a family is changing duty stations or deploying. Transport is booked by phone, not online.
How much does boarding cost?
Dogs are $53 a night for the first dog and $50 for each additional dog. Cats are $37 for the first and $35 for each additional. An intact pet is $5 more a night, and holidays are $10 more per pet. A night runs from drop off until noon the following day. Full rates are on the rates page.
Can my dog stay over a Sunday?
Pets stay through the weekend. What closes on Sunday is drop off and pick up: the published hours are Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm and Saturday 9-10am or 4-5pm, with Sunday closed to both.
Can you give my pet medication?
Yes, and there is no extra charge for it. Bring the medication in its own packaging with the dosing written down, and tell the office at drop off. Both owners are registered nurses, which is a large part of why the kennel is run the way it is.
Next Step
Talk it through.
Long stays, foster placements and transport all start with a conversation, not a form.