Published on November 6, 2025
For pet parents in the military, moving with your furry companion comes with special considerations, and planning for those can make all the difference in a smooth relocation. At WorldCare Pet, our Military 1st Pet Service supports uniformed service members during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). Here’s your step-by-step guide to preparing your pet for relocation
1. Confirm Your Benefits & Budget
If you’re a uniformed service member relocating with your pet, you may be eligible for reimbursement of pet transportation costs:
- Within the U.S.: up to US $550 for pet shipping expenses incurred within the United States. This can include costs associated with pet shipping and quarantine fees.
- International (to/from a location outside the U.S.): up to US $2,000 for pet transportation expenses. This can include costs for shipping and quarantine fees.
- For members of the U.S. Department of State, additional reimbursements may apply. If you choose to work with WorldCare Pet Transport, please check with our team for more information regarding eligibility criteria and reimbursement amounts.
2. Understand Your Move & Timeline
- Are you relocating domestically or internationally? The requirements differ.
- What is your PCS order date? Make sure you know when you’ll be at your new duty station and whether there are any restrictions (e.g., mandated arrival date, base housing rules for pets).
- Does your new location allow pets (and specific breeds, if applicable)? Review housing and installation rules well in advance.
3. Start Health & Documentation Prep Early
- Schedule a veterinary check-up well ahead of travel. Ensure vaccinations, microchip, and parasite prevention are up to date.
- For international travel, check the destination country’s import/export rules, quarantine regulations, and required veterinary certificates.
- If you are traveling by airplane, choose the correct travel carrier and start training with it early. Our site offers a How to Measure Your Pet for a Travel Carrier guide.
- Develop a pet travel file that includes veterinary records, airline documents, microchip information, and any paperwork your installation or housing office requires.
Tip: Create a checklist with dates and checkboxes. This is especially helpful for pet parents managing many moving details. If you work with WorldCare Pet Transport, we will help you figure out all the health and document requirements and timelines.
4. Choose the Right Transport Mode & Service
- Will your pet fly as cargo, in-cabin (if small enough), or travel via ground transport? Consider pet size, breed, health, climate at departure/arrival, and any layovers
- Ask transport providers about door-to-door options for military families vs. airport-to-airport, weather holds, quarantine support, and communication updates during travel.
5. Prepare Your Pet for Travel Day
- Get your pet accustomed to their travel carrier early: leave it open at home, feed meals in it, and add a familiar blanket or toy.
- On travel day, give a light meal, offer water up until the recommended time, and walk or play with your pet so they’re calmer before departure.
- Label the carrier clearly with your contact information, destination details, and “Live Animal” signage as required by airlines or transport services.
- Provide comfort items: your pet’s bedding, water and food bowls (plastic or metal), and some dry food in a separate sealed bag.
Note: Airlines typically discourage sedation for pets. Talk with your veterinarian well in advance about any safe calming options for your pet, as sedated pets may not be accepted for travel.
6. On Arrival: Help Your Pet Settle In
- Once you arrive, set up a quiet area for your pet with familiar bedding, food, and water. Let them explore and acclimate at their own pace.
- Note: Upon arrival avoid overfeeding/overhydrating your pet. Offer small increments (about ½ portion of their food and water), then provide a little more food and water 1 hour later. Do not encourage rapid eating or drinking.
- Reintroduce walks or play routines slowly.
- Schedule a follow-up vet visit after travel to ensure everything is okay.
- Update your housing records, tag your pet with your new address, and register with installation or local animal services if required.
7. Communicate with Your Command & Housing Office
- Inform your base housing office and/or relocation office that you are traveling with a pet and may qualify for reimbursement.
- Ask about housing rules, such as breed restrictions, kennel requirements, or maximum number of pets.
- Maintain a folder (digital or hard copy) of all related communications, receipts, and transport documents.
8. Re-Check & Plan Ahead
- For major moves, review your plans again 1 month out, 2 weeks out, and 1 week out. Changes such as flight delays, weather holds, or changes in your pet’s health can impact the plan.
- Prepare a backup plan for emergencies: vet contacts at both origin and destination, alternate flight or ground options, and transport service contact information.
- If you’re moving again (frequent PCS families), consider using the same trusted pet transport specialist. Consistency helps reduce stress and streamline logistics.
Helpful Resource for Military PCS Pet Shipping
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website is a great resource for pet parents looking to relocate their pet to another country. It also explains how to bring your pet back to the U.S. from another country and how to travel with your pet across the United States.
Why Choose WorldCare’s Military 1st Pet Service
- Developed specifically for military and State Department families undergoing PCSs and global relocations.
- Door-to-door options both in the U.S. and internationally, helping simplify the end-to-end transport process.
- Established reputation and support: you aren’t doing it alone, your pet’s relocation is handled by specialists who understand how important your pet is to you.
Final Takeaways for Military Pet Parents
- Start early: pet relocation is a process, not a one-day task.
- Stay organized: documents, carriers, vet records, and housing rules all matter.
- Work with a trusted provider.
- Most importantly, keeping your pet safe, comfortable, and included in your family’s move is worth the investment in planning.
Valerie Neyra is the Marketing Coordinator at WorldCare Pet and a proud cat mom to Lucky. She is dedicated to creating resources that simplify domestic & international pet transport. Valerie understands how important pets are to our lives and works to help pet parents feel supported and confident every step of the way during their global moves.