The Good News: The Military Finally Helps Pay for This
If you've ever PCS'd with a pet, you know the drill. You're already stressed about orders, housing, and getting your family across the country (or the ocean), and then you realize nobody's paying to move your dog. For years, pet shipping was 100% out of pocket for military families. That changed on January 1, 2024.
The DoD now reimburses service members for pet transportation costs during a PCS. Here's what you can get back:
| Move Type | Max Reimbursement | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| CONUS (within the continental US) | $550 | Pet shipping fees when you fly instead of drive, or ship the pet separately |
| OCONUS (overseas, standard) | $2,000 | Shipping, microchipping, quarantine fees, boarding, titer tests, licensing at new PDS |
| OCONUS (high-rabies country) | $4,000 | Same as above, plus additional costs for rabies-controlled country requirements |
Eligibility: Your PCS orders must be dated January 1, 2024 or later. The pet must be a cat or a dog that you own for personal companionship. One pet per household. The policy was finalized on February 21, 2025, so if you PCS'd in 2024 and didn't claim it, you may still be able to file retroactively through your finance office.
For OCONUS moves, the reimbursement covers way more than just the plane ticket. Quarantine fees, mandatory titer tests, microchipping, boarding at the destination while you wait for housing, and even licensing fees at your new base can all be submitted for reimbursement.
CONUS Moves: The (Relatively) Easy Part
Moving your pet within the continental US is pretty straightforward. You've got options, and most of them won't break the bank.
Driving With Your Pet
If you're driving to your new duty station, your pet rides with you and there's no extra shipping cost. This is what most families do for CONUS moves. Just make sure you've got a plan for overnight stops (pet-friendly hotels book up fast during PCS season) and that your pet is up to date on vaccines in case your route crosses state lines with specific requirements.
Flying Commercially
If you're flying, small pets (under 20 pounds with their carrier) can ride in the cabin for $95 to $200 each way. Larger pets need to go cargo, which runs $300 to $700 depending on the crate size and airline. Remember, the DoD reimburses up to $550 for CONUS pet shipping when you fly instead of drive.
Hiring a Ground Transporter
If you're flying but your dog is too big for the cabin and you don't want to deal with cargo, ground transport companies will drive your pet to your new base. This typically costs $0.50 to $2.00 per mile. For a cross-country move like Fort Liberty, NC to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA (about 2,800 miles), expect $1,400 to $3,000.
PCS season tip: June through August is peak PCS season, and pet shippers book up fast. If you know you're moving in summer, start calling transporters as soon as you get orders. Booking 4 to 6 weeks out can save you 10% to 20%.
OCONUS Moves: Where It Gets Complicated
Moving your pet overseas is a whole different game. Every country has its own import rules for animals, and getting them wrong can mean your pet gets turned away at the border or stuck in quarantine longer than necessary.
Start Early. Like, Really Early.
For an OCONUS move with pets, you want to start the paperwork 4 to 6 months before your report date. Some destinations (like the UK, Japan, and Australia) require a rabies titer test that has to be done at least 180 days before arrival. If you wait until you have orders in hand, you might already be behind.
The General OCONUS Timeline
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 6 months out | Research destination country's pet import requirements on the USDA APHIS website. Schedule microchip implant if your pet doesn't have one (must be ISO 11784/11785 standard). Get rabies titer test if required. |
| 4 months out | Contact your Transportation Office about Patriot Express availability. Get quotes from pet shipping companies for commercial options. Apply for import permit if your destination requires one. |
| 2 months out | Confirm Patriot Express booking or finalize commercial transport. Purchase IATA-compliant crate and start crate training. Schedule vet appointments for final health checks. |
| 10 days before travel | Visit a USDA-accredited vet for the health certificate exam. The health certificate must be dated within 10 days of departure. |
| Within 10 days | Get the health certificate endorsed by your local USDA/APHIS office (this can take 2 to 5 business days, so don't wait until day 9). |
| Travel day | Bring original USDA-endorsed health certificate, rabies vaccination records, titer test results, import permit, and microchip documentation. |
Countries That Require Extra Steps
Some destinations have rules that make the process longer and more expensive:
- Japan: Requires a rabies titer test with a 180-day wait period. Plan at least 7 months ahead. No quarantine if you follow the process correctly, but mistakes can mean up to 180 days of quarantine at Narita.
- UK and Ireland: Pets must enter as cargo (no in-cabin pets on inbound flights). Requires microchip, rabies vaccine, and tapeworm treatment 1 to 5 days before arrival.
- Germany: EU pet passport rules apply. Rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before entry. Relatively straightforward compared to island nations.
- South Korea: Rabies titer test required, but no mandatory quarantine if paperwork is correct. The base vet clinic at most USFK installations can help with the process.
- Hawaii and Guam: Even though they're US territory, they have their own quarantine rules. Hawaii requires a 120-day process to qualify for the 5-Day-Or-Less quarantine program. Start this the moment you get your orders.
Patriot Express: The Military's Pet-Friendly Flight
Patriot Express is the government-contracted flight that shuttles military families to and from overseas duty stations. And yes, pets can fly on it. Here's what you need to know.
The Basics
- Dogs and cats only. No birds, reptiles, or exotic pets.
- Two pets max per family.
- Each pet plus kennel cannot exceed 150 pounds combined.
- Hard-sided kennels only (no collapsible or soft-sided carriers).
- The fee is $125 per pet at last published rate.
How to Book
You don't book Patriot Express yourself. Your local Transportation Management Office (TMO) or Installation Transportation Office (ITO) handles it. Pet spaces are first-come, first-served, and they fill up fast, especially during summer PCS season. Tell your TMO about your pet the moment you start processing orders.
When Patriot Express Isn't an Option
Patriot Express doesn't fly to every OCONUS location, and pet spaces are limited. If you can't get a spot, you'll need to book commercial transport. Here's the catch: for transoceanic moves, the DoD requires you to use government or government-procured transportation if it's available. If Patriot Express has space and you choose commercial instead, you may not get reimbursed. Always check with your TMO first.
Watch out: Patriot Express has similar breed restrictions to commercial airlines. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs may be restricted. Check with your TMO about your specific breed before making plans.
Base Housing Breed Restrictions
This is the part that blindsides a lot of families. You might be able to fly your dog to your new duty station, but if you're living on base, certain breeds might not be allowed in military housing.
Since 2008 and 2009, most military branches have breed-specific policies that restrict certain dogs from privatized housing. The commonly banned breeds include:
- Pit Bulls (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier)
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- Chow Chows
- Wolf hybrids
The Army has the longest list, also restricting Bull Mastiffs, Dogo Argentinos, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Dogue de Bordeaux, Chinese Fighting Dogs, and any crossbreeds of these breeds.
It Varies by Branch and Base
Here's what makes it confusing. The Navy often defers to whatever the privatized housing company decides, so restrictions can vary from base to base. The Marine Corps has its own list. The Coast Guard doesn't outright ban breeds but can remove dogs that show aggressive behavior. And the Air Force has a standardized pet policy, but individual installations can add their own rules.
Congress has repeatedly introduced provisions in the NDAA to replace breed-specific bans with a standardized dangerous-dog policy across all branches. As of 2026, this is still being worked on.
Before you PCS: Call the housing office at your gaining installation directly and ask about breed restrictions. Don't rely on generic branch-wide policies because individual bases and housing companies often have their own rules. If your dog is a restricted breed, you'll need off-base housing, which affects your BAH situation.
Financial Assistance Beyond the DoD Reimbursement
Even with the new DoD reimbursement, an OCONUS pet move can cost way more than $2,000. Here are some programs that can help fill the gap:
Dogs on Deployment
Dogs on Deployment is a nonprofit specifically built for military pet owners. They offer a few programs worth knowing about:
- Pet PCS Program: Financial assistance for international pet relocation costs including transportation fees, quarantine charges, and vet expenses. Priority goes to E-5 and below.
- Boarding Network: If you can't bring your pet to your next duty station (maybe it's a short tour or an unaccompanied assignment), their volunteer network will foster your pet until you can take them back. It's free.
- Pet Chit Program: Emergency vet care grants for active duty and veterans.
- Operation Pet Wellness: Covers spay/neuter and preventive care costs.
Other Resources
- Military OneSource: Free counseling and planning help for PCS moves, including pet logistics. They can connect you with installation-specific resources.
- ASPCA and Humane Society programs: Some local chapters offer reduced-cost vet care for military families.
- Base veterinary clinics: Many bases have vet clinics that can do health certificates and vaccinations at reduced cost compared to civilian vets. Check if yours handles international travel paperwork.
Keep your receipts: For the DoD reimbursement, you'll need to submit itemized receipts through your finance office. Keep everything: shipping quotes, vet bills, crate receipts, quarantine fees, titer test results. Digital copies are fine but hang onto the originals until your claim is processed.
Choosing a Pet Shipper for Your PCS
If you're going the commercial route (either because Patriot Express isn't available or doesn't serve your destination), picking the right pet shipping company matters. Here's what to look for:
- IPATA membership: The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association is the industry's main professional body. Members follow a code of ethics and typically have more experience with complex international routes.
- Military experience: Some pet shippers specifically serve military families and know the ins and outs of PCS moves, including how to coordinate with TMOs and handle the unique paperwork requirements.
- Door-to-door service: For an OCONUS move, you want a company that handles pickup at your current location, all transit logistics, customs clearance, and delivery at the other end. Trying to coordinate this yourself from across an ocean is a headache you don't need during a PCS.
- Transparent pricing: Get an itemized quote that breaks down every cost. Be wary of companies that quote a low flat rate and then add fees later.
Get quotes from at least 3 companies. Prices for the same OCONUS route can vary by $1,000 or more. And ask specifically about their experience with your destination country, because a company that moves 50 pets a year to Germany might have no clue about Japan's titer test requirements.