Military PCS Pet Transport: Moving Your Pet During a Permanent Change of Station

PCS moves are stressful enough without figuring out how to get your dog or cat from Fort Bragg to Fort Lewis. The military does not pay for pet transport as part of standard PCS entitlements, which means most service members pay out of pocket. Ground transport through a verified service is usually the best option for large pets when you're flying to your new duty station.

TL;DR

• The military generally does not reimburse pet transport costs as part of PCS entitlements
• Ground transport works well when you're flying to your new duty station
• Plan early: PCS timelines are often compressed
• Health certificates and up-to-date vaccinations are required for interstate transport
• OCONUS (overseas) moves require extensive advance planning for pets

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What the Military Covers (and What It Doesn't)

Standard PCS entitlements do not include pet transport. Some commands offer limited assistance or reimbursement programs, but these are not universal. Check with your installation's transportation office (TMO/PPPO) to understand what, if anything, is available for your specific orders.

The military generally covers:

• Your household goods (weight allowance)
• Travel pay for service member and dependents
• Temporary lodging allowance

The military generally does not cover:

• Pet transport costs
• Pet health certificates or vet fees related to transport
• Boarding during transit

Some nonprofit organizations assist military families with pet transport costs. The American Humane organization and others have programs for this. Research options specific to your situation.

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Why Ground Transport Works for PCS

When you receive orders, you typically fly (or drive your POV) to the new duty station. If you're flying, your large dog or cat can't come with you in-cabin, and cargo hold pet transport on a domestic flight is not a good option for most military families' pets.

The alternative: use a ground pet transport service. Your pet is picked up at your current address (or a trusted contact's address), driven to your new duty station, and delivered to your new home or temporary lodging.

This gives you time to get settled at the new installation before your pet arrives, which is often easier than trying to manage a pet in TLF (temporary lodging facility) on day one.

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Timing: PCS Moves Are Compressed

PCS timelines are often short. Receiving orders with 30 days until your report date is common. This creates pressure on pet transport booking.

Key steps:

1. Book transport immediately when you have orders or as soon as you know your report date. Don't wait until you've finalized housing.
2. Schedule the vet visit as soon as the transport date is confirmed. Health certificates must be within 10 days of transport.
3. Coordinate pickup address early. If you're leaving base housing, confirm your move-out date and when the pet needs to leave.
4. Confirm delivery address. If you'll be in TLF initially, confirm that the TLF allows pets and what the address is. Ferried deliveries are door-to-door, so having a confirmed delivery address matters.

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OCONUS Moves

Moving to an overseas duty station with pets is significantly more complex. Requirements vary by country:

Japan (e.g., Okinawa, Yokota, Kadena): Japan has specific import requirements for dogs and cats, including microchipping, rabies vaccination with titer testing, and advance application to the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture. The process takes months and must be started well before orders are cut.

South Korea: Similar to Japan with specific import requirements. Contact your gaining installation's veterinary services well in advance.

Germany and European installations: EU pet travel requirements apply. Microchipping and rabies vaccination are required; some countries require additional health certificates and advance veterinary endorsement.

Hawaii: Hawaii is technically domestic but has the most restrictive pet quarantine requirements of any US state. The 5-day-or-less program requires specific titer test results documented months in advance. Start the Hawaii process at least 6 months before your PCS date.

For any OCONUS move, contact the gaining installation's veterinary services office as soon as possible. They are the authoritative source for current requirements and will help you navigate the process.

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Using Ferried for PCS Moves

Ferried works well for CONUS-to-CONUS PCS moves. Post your transport request as soon as you have your report date. Be specific in your listing:

• Your pet's details
• Your current installation or address
• Your new installation or delivery address
• Your preferred dates (and any flexibility)

Because PCS timelines can be tight, note in your listing that you have a hard report date. Experienced drivers understand military moves and will work with you on scheduling.

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Tips from Military Pet Owners

Get vaccination records before you move. On-post vet clinics are excellent but can have long lead times for appointments. Schedule the health certificate visit as soon as you have an approximate transport date.

Update microchip registration immediately. Change the registered address and contact information as soon as you have your new duty station address. This is the only way your pet gets home to you if they get lost during transport.

Tell your new installation housing office. Some military housing has breed restrictions or pet fees. Confirm your new housing is pet-ready before the transport is booked.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my pet in the moving truck (DITY/PPM move)? No. Pets should never travel in moving trucks. They are not climate-controlled and are dangerous for animals.

What if I'm driving my POV to the new duty station? Drive your pet with you. For CONUS moves within comfortable driving range, this is the simplest option. Use a ground transport service when you're flying or when the driving distance makes it impractical.

Can my spouse fly with the pet in-cabin? For small pets under about 20 pounds, yes, as a separate airline booking. Most airlines charge $100 to $125 each way for an in-cabin pet. For large pets, in-cabin is not an option.

Does Ferried have experience with military moves specifically? Ferried's driver network has transported pets for military families on PCS moves. Note your military move context in the listing and when messaging drivers; many are familiar with the specific constraints.

What if I get extended TDY before my PCS? Find a trusted contact who can hold your pet until transport. The pet can be picked up from the contact's address. Update the pickup location in your Ferried listing accordingly.