6 Resources for a Military Move with Pets

Moving with pets during a military relocation adds extra paperwork and complications, especially for overseas PCS moves. However, many military families agree that it's worth the effort to keep their dogs and cats with the family.

Whether you're moving overseas or across the U.S., it's important to know about resources like pet relocation grants and foster care options. Take advantage of these helpful resources to simplify your move with pets!

1. Air Mobility Command (AMC) "Patriot Express" Flights

You may be eligible to ship your pet via military transport.

There are limited spaces for pets on AMC flights (the Patriot Express) for overseas PCS travel from Baltimore/Washington International Airport or Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. A limit of two pets per family applies. 

AMC flights have similar breed restrictions as commercial airlines. Because this option is far cheaper than commercial flights, it's recommended to contact your transportation office early to get requirements and details, as limited spots are available.

Some current requirements to fly your pet on an AMC flight: 

• You must be in PCS status (no leisure travel). 
• Pet spaces are booked on a first come/first serve basis. 
• Pet flights are booked through your local Traffic Management Office/Installation Transportation Office.
• Orders aren't required at the time of booking. 
• Pet owners must accompany their pets on the flight and pay all expenses. 

Find current information about Patriot Express flights, including kennel size and weight requirements, at the AMC Pet Travel page.

2. Pet Transport Companies

Type "pet relocation" into Google and you'll be faced with a multitude of companies. But when it comes to transporting your beloved pet, how do you know who to trust? 

A pet transport company will handle all the details of shipping your pet overseas or transporting domestically, including quarantine and immunization paperwork you’re required to file, travel and flight arrangements, any other needed documents, and pickup/delivery to and from the airport.

But not all companies are equal. Avoid a shady company or scam artist by finding a professional pet shipper already screened through the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA). Pet shippers associated with IPATA must adhere to ethical guidelines for shipping animals. The website also covers common FAQs about transporting pets and a members-only section with country profiles, a directory, training resources, and more. 

Photo by Andrew Pons on Unsplash

3. DoD Pet Travel Expense and Quarantine Fee Reimbursements

Before 2024, military members absorbed the expenses of transporting their pets during a PCS move. Now, the DoD helps cover pet shipping and quarantine fees, up to $550 for one pet (cat or dog) within CONUS (Continental United States) and up to $2,000 for OCONUS (overseas) moves. 

And very exciting news for military members faced with a move to a location they can't bring their pet:

"Effective February 21, 2025, Service members who are unable to take their pet to their next permanent duty station (PDS) may be authorized reimbursement for the cost of pet transportation to an alternative location or designated place.

This change will provide increased financial assistance for Service members who are:

• ordered to a permanent change of station (PCS) location where Government quarters rules prohibit the possession of a pet,
• ordered to a PCS location where a particular breed that the Service member owns is prohibited from being transported to that new PDS,
• ordered from a PCS location where transportation of a pet was prohibited, to a location where transportation of the pet is authorized,
• unable to arrange transportation for a pet to a new PDS due to airline constraints such as breed restrictions, or other factors,
• assigned to serve an unaccompanied tour or unusually arduous sea duty, and the pet will accompany the member’s dependents to a designated place, authorized an early return of dependents at Government expense."

See the DoD's policies for further details on the above reimbursements: 

• New Reimbursement Available for Pet Transportation Costs
• DoD Approves Pet Expenses Reimbursement Due to PCS 
• FAQs on the Pet Transportation Allowance

It’s recommended to discuss reimbursement ahead of time with your local command as you plan your military relocation.

4. Military Pet Relocation Grants

Even with the new DoD travel expense and quarantine reimbursements, the cost of shipping a cat or dog in the cargo area of a plane can vary widely, and is largely dependent on the animal’s size. With other costs, including vet screening, an approved kennel, quarantine fees, and customs clearance, the price tag can add up quickly.

Several companies and nonprofits are working to ease the hardship of moves for military families with pets. Here are a few:

• Dogs on Deployment offers financial assistance for certain pet expenses for military members (priority given to E-5 or below), including travel costs due to a PCS move. See their site for requirements and to apply. 

• Operation We Are Here maintains an extensive list of military pet resources, including pet foster care and transportation costs assistance. 
• Operation Roger is a network of regional and long-haul truckers who volunteer to transport pets in need. Non-profit organization. 

Photo by Eric Ward on Unsplash

5. Pet Foster Care for Military Families

When faced with a short-notice overseas move or deployment, some military families must make the decision to leave a pet behind temporarily. For instance, when our family moved to Hawaii on short-notice orders, my sister kept our dog for several months until his required quarantine period passed, then flew out to us with him later. (See point #3 above for help from the DoD with transportation costs to an alternative location when you're not able to bring your pet with you.)

If you don't have friends or family members able to help in a similar situation, the following organizations have a mission of providing temporary foster homes for pets of military members going through a transition, such as a military move overseas. Their goal is to reunite families with their pets and help prevent the occurrence of abandoned animals. Note that each agency has differing options and requirements.

• American Humane Society
• Dogs on Deployment
• Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet
• PACT for Animals
• State Humane Societies (check with your state)

6. Alternative Travel Plans

If your PCS falls during the time of year when pet travel in a plane cargo hold is limited due to extreme temperatures, you have some alternatives.

Send your pet on a cargo flight. 

This option is understandably more expensive and can usually only be booked a couple of weeks in advance. For examples, see Delta Airlines’ guidance for year-round shipment of animals and American Airlines PetEmbark program.

Travel by train!

Amtrak allows dogs and cats up to 20 pounds to be transported for a small fee for each travel segment when they travel with you. Travel time can only be seven hours total, and breed restrictions apply.

Need more information on moving with your pet? Check out these articles from MilitaryByOwner's PCS move experts: 

• Moving with Your Pets
• How to Prepare Your Pets for a PCS Move
• Options for Transporting Your Pet Overseas
• Moving Overseas With Pets: What Military Families Need to Know

A military move with pets can be stressful, but so worth it when you're finally reunited. If you're about to face a PCS move, we hope this information helps alleviate some of your concerns about moving with your dog or cat. Please share your favorite pet moving resources with us in the comments or on social media.

Please note that all links are for informational purposes. It's important to do your own due diligence and research before working with any organization. 

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