Pet moving resources
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection, or APHIS, Pet Travel webpage provides must-have information for moving your pet. Visit the page to learn how to:
PCSing with a pet?
Listen to this podcast to learn about steps to ensure safe and healthy pet travel as well as financial support for both CONUS and OCONUS moves.
The APHIS website’s search tool enables you to choose your destination and view the pet entry requirements (e.g., microchipping, vaccinations, health certificate, etc.) to allow your pet to travel to your new location. It also has information about the USDA online Veterinary Export Health Certification System.
Service members and families with orders for a PCS move to or from an overseas location typically travel on Defense Department charter aircraft referred to as the Patriot Express.
- These flights are arranged through your local transportation office.
- Visit the Air Mobility Command Pet Travel Page for detailed information on pet transport guidelines, including immigration, kennel size and weight requirements, fees, service animals and more.
Patriot Express pet reservations are made by your local transportation office when you request your passenger reservations.
- Orders are not required to request passenger reservations for Patriot Express and may be made 90-120 days prior to your departure.
- Pet spaces on Patriot Express are limited, booked on a first-come, first-served basis, and should be requested as early as possible.
Visit your local transportation office to find out about installation regulations regarding breed restrictions, quarantine, licensing, vaccinations, pet boarding, pet embargo requirements and more.
Health and safety tips
Talk to your vet as soon as you know you are moving.
- Ask for tips and recommendations on traveling.
- Plan immunizations to ensure your pet is current.
- Ask about obtaining a health certificate.
- Make sure you understand your host country’s regulations and restrictions so you and your vet can ensure your pet has any required vaccinations and health documents.
- Ask your vet for recommendations about preparing for travel and issues such as motion sickness if your pet isn’t used to traveling.
- Ask about identification microchips if your pet doesn’t already have one.
For detailed information on traveling with pets, check out the following resources from the USDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Humane Society:
Advance planning is a key step to helping you and your pet have a safe, smooth move. Make sure you understand all transportation rules and health regulations, and prepare your pet for the trip as much as possible.
Still have questions or need help finding information? Military OneSource consultants are available 24/7/365 anywhere in the world to help connect you with the resources you need to master your move. Call 800-342-9647, view OCONUS calling options or schedule a live chat.
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