Starting January 1, 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) has introduced a new policy to help alleviate the financial burden on military families when relocating with pets during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). This policy allows for reimbursement of certain pet travel expenses, recognizing the important role pets play in military households.
What is the Pet Travel Reimbursement Entitlement?
Service members on PCS orders are eligible for reimbursement of pet travel expenses. The reimbursement covers one household pet, defined as a cat or dog, per PCS order. The maximum reimbursement amounts are:
- $550 for moves within the continental United States (CONUS)
- $2,000 for moves to or from locations outside the continental United States (OCONUS). Effective November 25, 2024, DTMO permits reimbursement of up to $4,000 (source) for PCS moves from high-risk countries listed in JTR Supplement AP-PQ-02 when both Patriot Express capacity and regularly scheduled commercial airline service are unavailable for pets; Secretarial Process approval is required above $2,000.
For more details, visit the Defense Travel Management Office.
Reimbursable Expenses
Reimbursable expenses include:
- Mandatory microchipping
- Boarding fees
- Hotel service charges
- Licensing fees at the new permanent duty station
- Pet shipping fees if the service member flies rather than drives, or if the pet is shipped separately from the member
- Quarantine fees and testing vaccine titer levels for OCONUS moves.
Airline discounts for service members
American Airlines Cargo gives active members of the U.S. military 50% off its published rate for cats and dogs shipped within the domestic United States and to San Juan on PCS or TDY orders. American asks for a scanned copy of your military ID at the time of booking and a scanned copy of your orders. PCS orders must be dated no more than 120 days before or after your report date, and TDY orders no more than 30 days. Bring both documents when you drop your pet off.
Documentation Requirements
To claim reimbursement, service members must provide:
- Itemized receipts for all costs, including those under $75
- Receipts should indicate they are for one pet and include the pet’s name if possible
- If the pet is flying cargo due to weight limits, the receipt must include the pet’s weight
- A non-availability letter if government transportation is not available, along with all documentation used to obtain this letter.
How to Claim Reimbursement
Service members must:
- Have PCS orders with an effective date on or after January 1, 2024; qualifying preparatory expenses incurred before that date may be reimbursable
- Submit a travel voucher (DD Form 1351-2) along with the required documentation
- Contact their local finance office for assistance with the reimbursement process.
Special Considerations
- Dual-Military Couples: If both members are on separate PCS orders, each can claim reimbursement for one pet, allowing for a total of two pets to be covered.
- Government Transportation: For OCONUS moves, service members must use government or government-procured transportation if available. If not available, a non-availability letter is required to claim reimbursement for commercial travel.
- Multiple Pets: The reimbursement is limited to one pet per PCS order. Service members can choose which pet’s expenses to claim if they have multiple pets.
Why Choose Transcon Pet Movers?
At Transcon Pet Movers, we understand the complexities and emotional stress involved in relocating with pets, especially to international destinations. Our team is particularly experienced in shipping pets to Asian destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, and the Philippines. We offer comprehensive services that include:
- Flight booking and coordination with airlines
- Completion of all necessary veterinary certificates and obtaining USDA endorsements
- Handling quarantine arrangements and ensuring compliance with import regulations
- Providing airline-approved travel crates and tips for crate training your pet
If you are moving to Japan or Taiwan, see our guide to what it costs to ship a dog or cat to Japan and our Taiwan pet shipping page.
Trust Transcon Pet Movers to handle your pet’s journey with the utmost care and professionalism. For more detailed information and assistance, service members can visit the Defense Travel Management Office or contact their local finance office. This new policy is a significant step in reducing the financial burden on military families during PCS moves, ensuring that pets can accompany their families without causing undue financial stress.
Related reading: Military Support for Pet PCS: A Comprehensive Guide to Benefits and Procedures, How Much Does It Cost to Fly a Dog Internationally?
Planning a move with your pet? Get a quote from Transcon Pet Movers.