Military service members can now get reimbursed for pet-related moving expenses. Here's the safest way to fly with animals. (2024)

Military service members can now get reimbursed for pet-related moving expenses. Here's the safest way to fly with animals. (1) Andrea Vale · Updated April 25, 2024

Home » For Customers » Military service members can now get reimbursed for pet-related moving expenses. Here’s the safest way to fly with animals.

Military service members can now get reimbursed for pet-related moving expenses. Here's the safest way to fly with animals. (4)

Moving can be stressful for anyone, but having a pet can make things significantly more complicated and expensive—especially for military members, who typically get uprooted every 2.5 years. It’s particularly challenging if the move is happening by airplane.

Historically, any extra moving costs associated with bringing a pet along were the responsibility of a military family. But beginning this year, the Defense Department will reimburse pet travel expenses such as transportation or quarantine fees incurred by service members during a Permanent Change of Station. It will reimburse service members up to $550 to transport up to one cat or dog within the U.S., or up to $2,000 for international moves.

CitizenShipper compiled information from the Department of Agriculture, State Department, and Department of Travel to suggest the best and safest ways to transport pets via ground or air.

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The forthcoming tips aren’t just helpful for members of the military, however.: Largely spurred on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the percentage of U.S. households with at least one dog rose from 38% to 45% between 2016 and 2020; those with at least one cat increased from 25% to 29% from 2016 to 2022.

Pet-related expenses are up, too. According to the American Pet Products Association, the amount Americans spend on their pets—including food, supplies, medicine, grooming, boarding, and other services—ballooned to $147 billion in 2023, and the organization only expects that number to grow.

Keep reading to discover the safest and most cost-efficient ways to transport animals while moving.

Military service members can now get reimbursed for pet-related moving expenses. Here's the safest way to fly with animals. (5)

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Gather the Necessary Paperwork

Paperwork requirements for moving pets vary depending on whether you are leaving the country, re-entering the country, or traveling between states.

For the first scenario, it’s essential to look up specific requirements of the country you’re traveling to, which may include certificates proving vaccinations, tests, or health. For the second—which applies to bringing in a pet from a different country, not bringing a domestic pet back into the U.S. after traveling—requirements differ depending on what kind of animal you have and the destination state. For interstate travel, each state will also have unique regulations that include a combination of health certificates, vaccinations, or proof of different medical tests.

Traveling by plane in any of these cases also means registering your pet with the airline ahead of time and keeping a health certificate and physical description of your pet handy.

Many of these forms and certificates may not be readily available, so leave plenty of time to visit the veterinarian and allow for forms to be processed before you travel.

Military service members can now get reimbursed for pet-related moving expenses. Here's the safest way to fly with animals. (6)

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Budget for Fees

Airlines often charge a nonrefundable fee for bringing a pet aboard a flight, plus costs for checking kennels and other carriers. Fees vary by airline.

For service members flying via the Air Mobility Command, Patriot Express Flights accommodate dogs and cats on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees are calculated using the combined weight of the pet and its carrier: Those under 70 pounds cost $125, from 71 to 140 pounds cost $250, and 141 to 150 pounds cost $375.

No pets and carriers over 150 pounds are allowed. Military personnel will need to weigh the expenses for pet transport against the allowable reimbursem*nt.

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Military service members can now get reimbursed for pet-related moving expenses. Here's the safest way to fly with animals. (7)

Creative Cat Studio // Shutterstock

Get Your Pet Comfortable in a Crate

Depending on the airline, your pet may be allowed in the cabin, or you might have to check them as cargo; either way, they will be confined to a crate.

Crating during a flight can be traumatizing for an animal—if your pet is highly anxious, you may consider with your pet’s veterinarian whether a tranquilizer would be appropriate to help keep the pet calm during the journey. However, before exploring that option, check whether the airline or company you’re using allows pets under sedation, as many do not.

Calculating the ideal carrier dimensions based on your pet’s height, width, and length is also essential. It’s helpful to practice with crate time in the weeks before your departure. Always be sure your pet can stand, lie down, and turn around comfortably inside.

Military service members can now get reimbursed for pet-related moving expenses. Here's the safest way to fly with animals. (8)

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Find a Pet Shipper

If you already have enough to handle on moving day, you can ship your pet separately through a third party.

The International Pet and Animal Transportation Administration provides a database that allows pet parents to search for a qualified shipper based on departure country or specific airport and destination. IPATA provides information on pet-shipping experts stationed at either location. The organization can still help if none are available by connecting you to a reputable and qualified shipping agent nearby.

Determine When You Need to be at the Airport

Pets necessitate additional layers of registration, security checks, and baggage preparation to a travel day; the typical rules of getting to an airport two hours before a domestic flight or three hours before an international flight don’t necessarily apply.

Many flights accept animals on a quota basis, so be sure to call your airline at least 48 hours before setting out for the airport to make sure there is still space for your pet.

Your circ*mstances will dictate how early you should get to the airport and check-in. If you are checking your pet as cargo, for example, it’s better to check in early so your pet can acclimate to being in the hold and get calm. If your pet is allowed in the cabin during travel, arrive as late as possible to minimize the stress and irritation your pet will bring on board.

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Story editing by Nicole Caldwell. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.

Andrea Vale

Andrea Vale is a freelance writer and filmmaker, focusing on biodiversity and conservation. She has reported for National Geographic, USA Today, Oceana, The Oxford Scientist, The Oxford Climate Review, and many other publications on topics including wetlands along the India-Pakistan border, community-based salmon conservation in the U.S, and seabirds in the Pacific.

Previously, she worked as a Human Story Specialist at the National Geographic Society, and producer on the Oxford University Anthroposea Expedition. She has a B.A. in English and creative writing from the University of Notre Dame and a Masters of Sciences in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management from the University of Oxford.

Military service members can now get reimbursed for pet-related moving expenses. Here's the safest way to fly with animals. (2024)

FAQs

Military service members can now get reimbursed for pet-related moving expenses. Here's the safest way to fly with animals.? ›

Service members and families may now submit associated expenses for reimbursem*nt during their PCS voucher process. The entitlement is for only one pet (dog or cat) and is limited to $2,000 for an overseas move or $550 for movement within the United States.

How do I get reimbursed for military pet travel? ›

Troops must provide the required receipts to get their money back, but the services may require additional documentation, according to the Defense Travel Management Office's website. Troops will use the form DD 1351-2 to claim pet expenses, and they'll be paid when the travel claim is settled.

Does the military pay to move your pet? ›

A Service member may be authorized allowances associated with the costs of moving with one household pet. For moves within CONUS, the Service member may be reimbursed up to $550 and for OCONUS, up to $2,000.

How much is the Army pet transportation allowance? ›

Reimbursem*nt is for actual authorized expenses, up to a maximum. For moves within the continental United States (CONUS), the maximum reimbursem*nt is $550. For moves OCONUS, the maximum reimbursem*nt is $2,000.

Can the military fly with dogs? ›

Military Pet Travel Details

Military members and U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers can check their pets as baggage for a fee, when traveling on active transfer orders. You or your spouse must book your pets as checked baggage at least 48 hours before arrival.

Does military Tricare cover pets? ›

Does military TRICARE cover pets? No. TRICARE plans are designed to cover service members and their dependents, but there is no provision for pet care. Any service member who is a pet owner should consider getting separate pet insurance to help pay for unexpected and often costly veterinary care.

What is the military pet policy? ›

It is worth underscoring the obvious: When living in the barracks, a pet is a no-no, but if you are living in a private home or a military-owned home on a base campus, then, yes, your cat or dog is allowed, unless there are specific regulations against it.

How does pet relocation work? ›

Pet relocation companies boast the ability to serve the entire world. The practice itself is fairly straightforward; a relocation agency typically picks up your pet at your home, checks the pet in at the departure airport, clears the pet through customs on arrival, and delivers the pet to their owner's new home.

What happens to dogs after military service? ›

Since 2000, a military working dog retired from duty can now be adopted by a civilian or law enforcement personnel though most find a permanent home with their handlers. The handler-dog bond is strong as soldiers put their lives in their canine's paws every day. No dog is left behind.

What happens to your dog when you go to the military? ›

THE OPTIONS

Shelters and private groups, such as Dogs on Deployment*, Military Pets FOSTER Project**, and PACT For Animals*** may be able to help place pets in foster homes temporarily. Military personnel may also be able to get assistance from their local base command.

How much does it cost to fly a dog military? ›

For service members flying via the Air Mobility Command, Patriot Express Flights accommodate dogs and cats on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees are calculated using the combined weight of the pet and its carrier: Those under 70 pounds cost $125, from 71 to 140 pounds cost $250, and 141 to 150 pounds cost $375.

How much does a military working dog cost? ›

While the average cost for training a military dog ranges from $20,000 to $40,000, preparing a dog to be an explosives detection expert may cost over $150,000.

How many pets can you have in the military? ›

Army-owned Family Housing must comply with this policy and installation specific domestic animal policies. Also, residents of Army- owned Family Housing are limited to two dogs, two cats, or one dog and one cat.

What dogs are not allowed in the military? ›

Full or mixed breeds of Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and canid/wolf hybrids are prohibited aboard Marine Corps installations.

Do soldiers get to keep their military dogs? ›

The dogs usually stay with their assigned service throughout their careers, just like their human comrades.

What size dog can fly in the cabin? ›

In general, if your pet carrier (with your pet inside) can fit under the seat in front of you, your dog can ride in the cabin on flights that permit it. Typically, this would be a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

How do reimbursem*nts work in pet insurance? ›

Reimbursem*nt Rate is the amount a pet insurance company pays you back for the cost of care. The most comprehensive pet health coverage will reimburse 80% to 100% of your total vet bill (after your deductible is met).

How does pet best reimbursem*nt work? ›

Reimbursem*nt will be made directly to the bank account of your choosing if your direct deposit information has been added to your policy. If you have not entered your bank information through your Pets Best Customer Portal, the payment will be made by check and mailed to the address on file.

What does pet travel insurance cover? ›

On the other hand, pet travel insurance is specifically designed to cover risks associated with traveling with your pet. This can include coverage for costs incurred due to travel delays, cancellations, lost or delayed pets, and even some medical emergencies that occur while your pet is in transit.

What is annual reimbursem*nt for pet insurance? ›

Your pet insurance policy's annual limit is the maximum amount your plan will reimburse you for covered expenses within a 12-month period, after your deductible is met. If you incur a vet bill after your annual limit has been exhausted for the policy term, your plan will not typically reimburse you for the expenses.

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