CONUS Pet Moves — The Simpler Scenario
A stateside PCS with pets is relatively straightforward. If you are driving, your pets ride with you. Make sure they have current vaccinations, and carry a copy of their vet records. Plan rest stops every few hours and never leave animals in a parked car. If you are flying commercially within the continental United States, most airlines allow small dogs and cats in the cabin for a fee of $95 to $200 each way. Larger pets must travel as checked baggage or air cargo, which typically costs $200 to $500 depending on the carrier and animal size. Check breed restrictions — many airlines will not transport brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds in cargo due to breathing risks. Review the PCS checklist to add pet tasks to your timeline.
OCONUS Requirements — Start Early
Moving pets overseas is significantly more involved. Every country has its own import regulations, and failing to meet even one requirement can result in your pet being denied entry or placed in quarantine at your expense. At minimum, you will need an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip, a current rabies vaccination administered after the microchip was implanted, and a USDA-endorsed international health certificate (APHIS Form 7001) issued within 10 days of travel. Many countries also require a rabies antibody titer test performed at an approved laboratory, with results available at least 3 months before travel.
Quarantine Rules by Destination
Hawaii enforces some of the strictest pet import rules in the United States. The standard quarantine is 120 days, but the 5-Day-Or-Less program lets you reduce that to direct release or a brief hold if you complete all pre-arrival requirements. Japan requires a microchip, two rabies vaccinations given at least 30 days apart, a titer test, and a 180-day waiting period from the blood draw date. Germany is more lenient for EU-standard vaccinated pets but still requires a pet passport or third-country health certificate. The United Kingdom follows similar EU-aligned rules with a tapeworm treatment required 1 to 5 days before entry. Always verify current regulations with the destination country embassy or your installation veterinary clinic.
Shipping Costs and Pet Travel Companies
Pet shipping costs vary widely. A CONUS commercial flight with a pet in cargo typically runs $200 to $500. OCONUS pet transport through a professional pet shipping company can cost $1,500 to $5,000 or more depending on the destination and animal size. Companies like PetRelocation, Air Animal, and Happy Tails Travel specialize in military pet moves and can handle documentation, crate requirements, and booking. While expensive, these services can be worthwhile for complex OCONUS destinations where paperwork errors could lead to quarantine. The military does not reimburse pet shipping costs, but your DLA payment can help offset the expense.
Vet Records and Pre-Travel Checklist
Keep an organized folder with all of your pet's veterinary records. This should include vaccination history, microchip number and registration, titer test results, and any country-specific documentation. Schedule your final vet visit to get the health certificate within the required window — usually 10 days before departure. Ask your vet to double-check that every document matches the destination country requirements. Browse base guides to find veterinary clinics and pet-friendly housing at your new installation. For a complete overview of your move, see the PCS guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the military pay to move my pets during a PCS?
No. Pet transportation is not a reimbursable PCS expense. You are responsible for all costs including airline fees, health certificates, crates, and commercial pet shipping services. However, DLA (Dislocation Allowance) is a flat payment that can help offset these costs.
Do pets need to be quarantined when PCSing to Hawaii?
Hawaii requires all dogs and cats to go through a rabies quarantine program. If you complete all requirements — including two rabies vaccinations, a blood titer test, and a 120-day waiting period — your pet may qualify for the 5-Day-Or-Less program instead of the standard 120-day quarantine.
What airlines allow pets on military PCS flights?
Patriot Express (the Rotator) allows two pets per family in the cargo hold on select routes. Commercial airlines each have their own pet policies — some allow small pets in the cabin while larger dogs must fly as checked baggage or cargo. Book early as pet spots are limited, especially in summer.
How far in advance should I prepare my pet for an OCONUS PCS?
Start at least 4 to 6 months before your move date. Many countries require rabies titer blood tests that must be done 3 or more months before travel. You will also need a USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of departure, so plan your vet visits carefully.
PCSing With Your Pets?
Stay organized with our checklist and explore your new base.