Permanent Change of Station orders bring enough logistics on their own. When you add a dog or cat to the mix, things can quickly feel overwhelming. From airline restrictions to international import rules, moving a pet during a military relocation is rarely as simple as booking a ticket.
The good news is that new reimbursement options exist for pet transportation, and some airlines offer special considerations for service members. The challenge is understanding what the military covers, what airlines actually handle, and where professional support can make the process smoother and safer for your pet.
Thankfully, AirPets International knows the ins and outs of pet relocation in 2026, including when a family member is in the armed forces.
Will the Military Move Your Pets?
In most cases, the military does not arrange or manage pet transportation. While your household goods and travel are coordinated as part of your PCS or reassignment, pets remain the service member’s responsibility.
That means families must handle:
- Airline bookings and routing
- Crate requirements and sizing
- Health certificates and vaccinations
- Breed and temperature restrictions
- International import permits and customs clearance
For overseas moves or complex domestic routes, these requirements can become difficult to manage alongside tight reporting timelines.
New Military Pet Transportation Reimbursement Rules
In 2024, the Department of Defense introduced a new reimbursement option for qualifying service members who incur costs transporting pets during certain official moves.
This update allows eligible members to receive partial reimbursement for approved pet transportation expenses related to PCS moves, including some overseas assignments. Reimbursement is subject to specific caps and eligibility requirements, and not all expenses may qualify.
How the Military Pet Transportation Reimbursement Works
| Items Eligible for Reimbursement | Expenses Not Covered |
| Airline transport fees for dogs and cats | Boarding or pet sitting |
| Cargo or excess baggage charges | Training or behavior services |
| Required shipping crates or kennels | Non-required veterinary treatments |
Because reimbursement policies can vary based on assignment type and destination, families should confirm current eligibility with their transportation office.
How AirPets International Helps
AirPets International assists military families by structuring compliant transportation plans and providing documentation that supports reimbursement claims whenever applicable.
Airline Rules for Military Pet Travel
Some airlines offer limited flexibility for military members traveling on orders, but airline pet policies still come with strict guidelines that often change seasonally.
Common airline restrictions include:
- Breed limitations for snub-nosed or large breeds
- Weight and size thresholds for in-cabin vs. cargo transport
- Temperature embargoes during extreme heat or cold
- Limited flight availability for live animal transport
- Additional rules for international entry that airlines do not manage
For example, while certain airlines provide special allowances for military travel, they still require compliance with destination country regulations, health certificates, and customs processes. Airlines typically handle only the flight segment, not the broader relocation logistics.
This is where many families encounter unexpected delays or denied boarding due to paperwork issues or routing conflicts.
How Much Does Military Pet Relocation Cost?
The cost of relocating a pet varies widely based on:
- Domestic vs. international travel
- Pet size and breed
- Cargo vs. in-cabin or excess baggage options
- Documentation and customs requirements
- Destination-specific quarantine or inspection fees
Domestic relocations may be relatively straightforward, while international moves often involve multiple carriers, government approvals, and specialized handling.
Even with reimbursement options available, families frequently discover that unplanned expenses arise when documentation or routing must be corrected at the last minute.
A professionally managed relocation helps minimize costly rebooking, delays, and compliance issues that can add stress during an already demanding move.
Are Pet Relocation Services Worth It for Military Moves?
For many military families, one of the biggest decisions is whether to manage a pet’s move on their own or work with a professional service.
Handling a relocation independently means coordinating airline schedules that accept live animals, navigating import laws for each destination, managing veterinary paperwork within strict timelines, and adapting to breed, size, and climate restrictions. On top of that, families often have to troubleshoot unexpected policy changes, flight disruptions, or last-minute compliance issues—all while juggling the demands of PCS orders and reporting deadlines.
Working with a professional pet relocation company shifts much of that burden off your plate. Instead of managing each detail yourself, you gain structured logistics planning, expert handling of international documentation and permits, and routing that accounts for your pet’s breed, size, and environmental needs. A dedicated team also plans for contingencies, helping prevent delays or denied boarding that can derail an already tight moving schedule. Most importantly, professional support reduces stress for both you and your pet, creating a smoother transition into your new assignment.
AirPets International specializes in military pet relocation and understands the urgency, structure, and compliance requirements that come with PCS orders and overseas moves. Our goal is to ensure your pet’s journey is safe, fully compliant, and as stress-free as possible—so you can focus on your family and your next chapter.
The 3-3-3 Rule for Pets After a Military Move
Even when travel goes smoothly, relocation is a major transition for animals. Many pet professionals reference the 3-3-3 rule as a guideline for adjustment.
Military moves often involve unfamiliar climates, housing, and schedules. A carefully planned transport experience reduces stress during this transition and helps pets adapt more quickly upon arrival.
Planning a Military Move With Your Pet
Military pet relocation requires early planning, accurate documentation, and a clear understanding of airline and destination rules. While reimbursement programs and airline considerations help, they do not eliminate the complexity of the process.
AirPets International provides military families with a structured, compassionate approach to pet transport. From domestic PCS moves to overseas assignments, our team coordinates travel, documentation, and logistics so you can focus on your transition while knowing your pet is in the hands of experienced professionals.
Preparing for a PCS relocation or other military move and have pets you’d like to take along? Complete our military pet relocation quote to get started.
