Military families often plan for a military PCS with their pets, which includes moving overseas (OCONUS). Although the process is stressful for humans and animals, there is some good news. A growing industry exists to help military families secure their pet’s travel to their new duty station.
Whether you choose a private shipping company, a commercial airline, or a military flight, safe options are available for transporting your pet overseas if you take the time for proper research.
Flying with Your Pet
Commercial Airlines
Airlines vary, but pet transport options include an under-seat carrier, a regulation-size crate in the baggage area, or in cargo storage (separate from checked baggage). Pets flying in cargo spend much more time in their crates vs. those checked as baggage.
Commercial airlines have their own set of restrictions regarding the transportation of pets in the cargo and baggage areas during the summer months, which, unfortunately, is the highest point of PCS season. This leaves military families with narrow options for travel overseas, especially those with large pets.
For families with short-nosed dogs and cats prone to breathing problems, such as Persians, pugs, bulldogs, and boxers, even fewer commercial transportation opportunities exist, as carriers now have strict policies regarding these breeds. Some have even banned their transport altogether or during the hot months.
As each airline customizes its own pet safety rules, a one-size-fits-all policy doesn’t exist, especially when it pertains to the size and breed of the animal. In order to maximize safety and reduce wasted time and money, become familiar with the airline’s policy in totality to leverage as much control over the process as possible.
Though convenient, commercial airlines have several disadvantages. They have a lower weight limit of an almost across-the-board limit of 100 lbs for both pet and crate. Given that a large crate can weigh approximately 40 pounds, big dogs may need to find a home with family or friends for the duration of an overseas military move.
Finally, these services are expensive, ranging from around $1,300 for coordinating overseas pet travel with the airline and ensuring that an airline pet care specialist watches over any pets before and after the flight to $2,500 for door-to-door pet service.
However, in 2024, the DOD introduced a pet travel reimbursement program for a PCS move. The service member is entitled to coverage for only one pet, and the reimbursement is limited to $2,000 for an overseas move or $550 for a U.S. move.
Military Flight, a.k.a., The Patriot Express
One affordable but limited military airline option exists for military families moving overseas with dogs and cats. The Air Mobility Control operates Patriot Express flights, but your local transportation office manages them. Note that you’re responsible for the flight fees, but remember, they are reimbursable.
The AMC Pet Travel page has more details and offers this breakdown of guidelines.
- Pet movement is limited to passengers in PCS status only.
- Pet space is very limited on AMC Patriot Express flights.
- Pet spaces are booked on a first come, first served basis.
- To book pet spaces, contact your local Traffic Management Office/Installation Transportation Office as early as possible.
- Orders are not required at time of booking.
- Reservation limits: Two pets per family.
- Pets must be accompanied by their owner and transported at owner’s expense.
The Patriot Express operates flights to Germany and the Pacific region. The former operates out of Baltimore-Washington International Airport, and flights to the Pacific leave directly from Seattle-Tacoma Washington International Airport.
Photo by gchutka from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com
Pet Carrier Sizes
You must have the approved crate sizes for your pet’s safety and ability to fly on Patriot Express. The pet must be able to move around comfortably within this amount of space. The HQ AMC Pet Travel Pamphlet has the most accurate breakdown of dimensions and recommendations.
In order to fly on Patriot Express, pets need documentation. Military families need PCS orders to fly with approval from the transportation for the pet’s flight. It is important to make these arrangements quickly as these flights fill almost immediately, particularly during busy PCS seasons.
AMC also recommends reading these resources to help you prepare pet travel documents, including vaccinations and quarantine policies, but your transportation office should help you understand the details.
- CDC.gov
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Pet Travel Page
Flying Your Pet with a Transport Company
There are many reasons a family chooses to fly their pet alone. From scheduling difficulties to finances, sometimes the best option is to send them solo. Pet transportation services exist to lessen the worry and burden of the process, but pet owners will pay a premium to work with a qualified company with a reputable record of safety and care.
Military families use private pet transport companies because they offer a variety of solutions to move your pet overseas with minimal discomfort. They coordinate all the necessary details like veterinary care, flight details, and pick up and delivery transportation to and from the airport.
To begin your search for a pet transport company, start with the International Pet and Travel Association (IPATA). They source recommended and vetted companies serving airports across the globe.
If this is your first time flying with a pet, The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Animal Welfare Act are two strong points of reference for understanding the overall picture of regulated pet travel.
MilitarybyOwner knows exactly how important pets are to military families! This blog is updated with information about pet PCS resources, including transportation and on and off base housing pet restrictions.
Moving overseas? Get our free guide for a military PCS overseas below!
