ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Owning a pet usually means recreation and fun, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. To many, pets are a part of the family. Dogs, cats, fish and even more exotic animals find their way into the hearts of pet owners, but rules and regulations for our furry friends exist in both base housing and the local area.
When an Airman wants to get a pet, the first step is to look at the City of Altus’ rules regarding animals.
In brief, pet owners are responsible for the safety of both the animals under their control and for other people.
Animals must be cared for and cleaned up after while in the city of Altus. As for the species of animals someone can own, swine and livestock are prohibited as pets. Rabbits may be owned as long as they do not live in an enclosure within 10 feet to the edge of the lot line or within 40 feet of another living establishment.
Other pets not specifically named are considered on a case-by-case basis. The City of Altus’ website has more information.
For Airmen living on base, there are an additional set of rules to comply with.
Balfour Beatty, the company that manages housing on base, has their own rules regarding pets in addition to the city’s restrictions.
Tenants on base can own cats, dogs, hamsters, gerbils, fish and birds. When taking care of a “visiting pet,” management must be alerted.
Pets are also required to be registered at the Base Veterinary Clinic in building 48 and can be reached at (580) 481-5220.
There is a small list of dogs that are not allowed in base housing. Akitas, Chows, Dobermans, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Terriers, English Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Wolf Hybrids or any breed or mix with dominant traits associated with aggression are prohibited on base.
The specific rules about how to care for pets are below:
- Animals may not roam free, and electric fences are prohibited. (There are two dog parks available - one on base and one off base).
- Pet owners must make sure animals are up to date on vaccinations.
- Pets must wear rabies vaccination tags on their collar or harness.
- Owners must leash their animals while outside of their home at all times.
- Pets cannot be left unattended outdoors, even while chained to a wall or stand.
If any of these rules are broken, pet owners can receive a fine or have their rights to own pets on base revoked.
Complaints about wandering or nuisance animals should be given to the Balfour Beatty Community Management Office at (580) 379-4002.