Moving With Pets, Including Overseas Quarantine

Pets are family, but moving them is one of the most complicated parts of a PCS, especially overseas. Start early.

What the military pays

For orders dated on or after January 1, 2024, the Joint Travel Regulations allow reimbursement of some pet relocation costs for one cat or dog per household. The cap is $550 for a move within the U.S. and $2,000 for a move to or from an overseas location. Qualifying costs can include microchips, required vaccinations and tests, quarantine, boarding and airline fees. Keep every receipt and claim them on your travel voucher.

Moving within the U.S.

• Get a health certificate from your vet if flying, and check the airline's rules for crates and temperature embargoes.
• If driving, book pet-friendly hotels in advance and bring food, medication and records.
• Check your new city or county's licensing rules and any breed restrictions in base housing and in your lease.

Moving overseas

International pet moves can take months. Each country sets its own entry rules, which may include:

• An ISO-compliant microchip implanted before the rabies vaccine.
• Specific rabies vaccination timing.
• A rabies antibody blood test, sometimes followed by a waiting period.
• Health certificates endorsed by the USDA within a short window before travel.
• Quarantine on arrival in some locations, such as Japan, Hawaii and Guam, unless strict pre-arrival requirements are met.

Start researching as soon as you know the destination, since missing one step can lead to a long quarantine or a pet being denied entry. The gaining installation's veterinary treatment facility and the USDA's pet travel site list current rules.

Getting your pet there

The AMC Patriot Express flight serves many overseas bases and allows a limited number of pets per flight. Spaces are first come, first served and open 90 to 120 days before departure, so ask your transportation office to book as soon as you can. Commercial airlines are another option but often have size, breed and seasonal restrictions; some do not fly snub-nosed breeds or fly pets in cargo in summer. Professional pet shippers can handle complex moves for a fee.

Housing and pets

Overseas housing may limit the number, type or size of pets, and off-base landlords in some countries rarely accept them. Ask the gaining housing office before you move.

A note on rehoming

If a move is truly not workable for a pet, look for a responsible rehoming option early. Never abandon a pet at a base; most installations have programs to help.

Quick checklist

1. Look up destination rules the week you get orders.
2. Book a vet visit for microchip, vaccines and any blood tests.
3. Reserve flight space.
4. Get the health certificate endorsed on time.
5. Save receipts for reimbursement.