Moving your pet during a PCS

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is stressful enough without worrying about how to get your pet to the next duty station. If you are in the military and facing a PCS with a dog, cat, or other pet, you are dealing with tight timelines, limited control over your move date, and potentially complex international requirements if you are going OCONUS.

Here is what you need to know about moving your pet during a PCS, including what the military covers, what it does not, and how to plan the logistics.

Does the military pay for pet relocation?

The short answer: not directly. The Department of Defense does not include pet transportation as a covered PCS expense. Your pet is considered personal property, and the cost of moving your pet is your responsibility.

However, there are a few things that can help offset costs:

  • The Dislocation Allowance (DLA) and other PCS allowances are not restricted to specific expenses. Some service members use a portion of these allowances toward pet transport.
  • Some military aid societies and nonprofits (like Dogs on Deployment) offer grants or temporary fostering if you cannot bring your pet immediately.
  • If you are driving to your next CONUS station, your pet travels with you at no additional transport cost.

For OCONUS moves (overseas), pet transport is almost always an out-of-pocket expense, and the costs can be significant.

CONUS to CONUS PCS moves

If you are moving between stateside bases, the logistics are relatively straightforward:

  • Driving: your pet rides with you. Make sure you have a health certificate if crossing state lines (required by most states and always smart to carry).
  • Flying: book your pet in-cabin if they are small enough, or arrange cargo or ground transport for larger pets. See our airline pet policies guide for carrier-by-carrier rules.
  • Timing: if your household goods shipment and your own travel leave a gap, plan who has the pet and where during transit.

Costs for CONUS pet moves are in the $300 to $3,000 range depending on method and distance.

OCONUS PCS moves

Overseas PCS moves are where pet logistics get complex. The requirements vary by country, and military timelines do not always align with pet import processes.

Common OCONUS destinations and pet requirements

Germany and other European bases (Ramstein, Stuttgart, Grafenwoehr): Pets need a microchip, current rabies vaccination, an EU health certificate, and USDA endorsement. No quarantine. Timeline: 4 to 8 weeks of preparation. See our Germany destination guide.

Japan (Yokosuka, Okinawa, Misawa): Requires a rabies titer test at least 180 days before arrival. This is the biggest planning challenge. If you get PCS orders to Japan and do not already have a qualifying titer test, you are looking at a minimum 7 to 8 month timeline before your pet can enter. Start the titer process the moment you know Japan is a possibility. See our Japan destination guide.

South Korea (Yongsan, Camp Humphreys): Requires a rabies titer test for dogs. Processing is faster than Japan but still requires planning. See our South Korea guide.

Hawaii (Schofield Barracks, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam): Hawaii is rabies-free and has strict rules. Without a qualifying titer test and proper documentation, your pet faces 120 days of quarantine. With the right paperwork, quarantine can be as short as 5 days or less. Start planning at least 4 to 5 months ahead. See our Hawaii guide.

UK (RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall): Microchip, rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before entry, health certificate with USDA endorsement. No quarantine. See our UK guide.

Timing challenges unique to military moves

The hardest part of a military PCS pet move is the timeline. You often find out your next assignment with limited lead time, and the report date is not negotiable. Here is how to handle the most common timing issues:

Short-notice PCS orders: If you get orders with less than the required preparation time for your destination’s pet import rules, your pet may need to follow you later. This is common with Japan orders. Plan for temporary care (family, friends, or boarding) while the pet’s documentation catches up.

DEROS and return to CONUS: When returning from overseas, your pet needs an export health certificate from the host country and may need additional documentation for re-entry to the US. The CDC requires specific documentation for dogs entering the US from certain countries.

Accompanied vs. unaccompanied: Your pet can fly with you (in-cabin or checked) or travel separately as manifest cargo. Separate travel is sometimes necessary if your own travel is via military transport (AMC/rotator flights typically do not accept pets).

Base housing and breed restrictions

Many military installations have breed restrictions for on-base housing. Commonly restricted breeds include pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and wolf hybrids. These restrictions are set by the installation commander and can change.

Verify the breed policy at your gaining installation before you move. Moving your pet across an ocean only to find they cannot live on base creates a significant housing problem.

How we help with military PCS pet moves

We work with military families regularly and understand the unique constraints: fixed report dates, potential for short-notice orders, AMC flight limitations, and overseas base requirements. We can start planning the moment you have orders (or even when you have a strong indication of your next assignment) and adjust the timeline as details change.

Ready to start planning your pet’s move?

Request a quote and we will put together a detailed plan and price for your specific route.

Prefer to talk? Give us a call at 1-877-540-0555.

Frequently asked questions

Can my pet fly on a military rotator flight?

Generally no. AMC (Air Mobility Command) rotator and Space-A flights do not accept pets. You will need to book commercial airline travel for your pet, either with you or as separate cargo.

What if I cannot afford to ship my pet overseas?

Check with your installation’s Military OneSource, the Army Emergency Relief or equivalent branch fund, and nonprofits like Dogs on Deployment. Some offer financial assistance or temporary foster care so you do not have to surrender your pet.

Should I start the process before I have official orders?

For destinations with long lead times (Japan, Australia, Hawaii), yes. Getting the microchip, rabies vaccination, and titer test done early gives you a head start. These steps are needed regardless of final destination, and they do not expire quickly.

What about pets in temporary lodging facilities (TLF)?

Most TLFs on military installations accept pets, but there may be size limits, breed restrictions, or additional fees. Confirm with the TLF office at your gaining installation before arrival.

Can I bring exotic pets on a PCS?

Exotic pets (reptiles, birds, small mammals) have additional airline restrictions and import regulations. Some countries and some states prohibit certain species entirely. Contact us with specifics about your exotic pet and destination, and we will tell you what is possible.