Published on August 5, 2026
A PCS order comes with a checklist that never seems to end — housing, schools, household goods, out-processing. Somewhere in the middle of it is a dog who has no idea any of this is happening, or a cat who’s about to be very unhappy about a carrier. Pets don’t show up on most PCS checklists, but they should. Here’s what to know before your next move.
You may be eligible for reimbursement
Since 2024, the Department of Defense has reimbursed a portion of pet transportation costs for service members on PCS orders. The specifics, current as of this writing:
- For moves within the U.S. (CONUS), reimbursement is available up to $550, covering pet shipping and quarantine fees.
- For moves to or from a location outside the U.S. (OCONUS), reimbursement is available up to $2,000.
- For OCONUS moves to a country considered high-risk for rabies, where no commercial or military-contracted pet transport is available, reimbursement can go up to $4,000. This higher allowance applies to PCS orders starting after November 25, 2024, and requires Secretarial Process approval.
- The benefit generally covers one pet per active-duty service member. If both spouses are active duty, each may claim reimbursement, covering up to two pets.
- Department of State members may qualify for additional reimbursement beyond the standard allowances.
Rules and limits are set by the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) and can be updated, so it’s worth confirming current details with your installation’s transportation office before you book anything.
Keep documentation for everything
Reimbursement claims move faster with a paper trail. Save invoices from your pet transport provider, quarantine facility receipts, and any health certificates or import paperwork tied to the move. If your pet needs a required test, like a rabies titer for certain OCONUS destinations, that documentation matters too. A transport provider who’s worked with military families before can usually tell you upfront what your transportation office will want to see.
Timing is tighter than it looks
PCS timelines move fast, and pet import requirements don’t bend to match them. Many countries require blood titer tests, specific vaccination windows, or import permits arranged weeks or months in advance — sometimes before your report date is even finalized. The moment you have orders in hand, it’s worth checking the import requirements for your destination and starting any required testing right away. Waiting until the household goods are packed usually means starting too late.
What to look for in a pet relocation provider
Not every pet shipper is set up to work with military moves. A few things worth asking about:
- Experience with OCONUS destinations and the import paperwork specific bases and countries require.
- Familiarity with PCS timelines, including how to plan around report dates and household goods pickup.
- IATA and USDA accreditation, and membership in organizations like IPATA.
- A clear point of contact who can answer questions during a move that already has a lot of moving parts.
How WorldCare Pet supports military families
Our Military 1st Pet Service is built around the realities of a PCS move — tight timelines, changing orders, and destinations with their own import rules. We work directly with service members and Department of State members to plan around report dates, prepare the documentation your transportation office will ask for, and keep you informed at each step, whether your pet is headed across the country or across the world.
If you’re facing PCS orders and trying to figure out where your pet fits into the plan, we’re happy to talk through it. You can request a quote or reach out with questions about your specific destination.
Related resources:
- Pet Travel Frequently Asked Questions
- Measuring Your Pet for the Correct Size Travel Carrier
- ABCs of Pet Travel
Kaitlyn Reid is a Marketing Assistant at WorldCare Pet, where she helps share stories, tips, and guidance for smooth pet relocations worldwide. A devoted dog mom to Piper, she combines her love for animals with her marketing expertise to connect pet parents with the information they need for stress-free moves. Her goal is to make every transferee’s journey as seamless and reassuring as possible.