Moving is a huge part of military life, and for many service members, that means moving with a beloved family pet. Fortunately, starting January 1, 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) introduced a major change to ease the financial burden of relocating pets during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move. Even better, effective February 21, 2025, additional provisions will help service members who cannot bring their pet to their next duty station.
Here’s your complete guide to understanding the new military pet travel reimbursement policies — and how Alaska Pet Movers can help make the move as smooth as possible.
What Is the Pet Travel Reimbursement Entitlement?
Service members under PCS orders are now eligible for reimbursement of pet travel expenses for one household pet (defined as a cat or dog) per PCS move.
The maximum reimbursement amounts are:
- $550 for moves within the continental United States (CONUS)
- $2,000 for moves to or from outside the continental United States (OCONUS)
Important: This benefit is not retroactive. PCS orders must be effective on or after January 1, 2024.
For more details, visit the Defense Travel Management Office.
What Expenses Are Covered?
You can be reimbursed for the following types of expenses:
- Mandatory microchipping
- Boarding fees
- Hotel service charges (related to pet accommodation)
- Pet licensing fees at your new duty station
- Pet shipping fees (including if shipped separately from the service member)
- Quarantine fees and virus immunity (titer) testing for OCONUS moves
Note: If government travel or government procured travel is available for an OCONUS move, service members must utilize it. If it is not available, you must provide a non-availability letter to be eligible for reimbursement.
Special PCS Situations (Starting February 21, 2025)
Service members may also be eligible for reimbursement if they cannot bring their pet to the next duty station due to:
- Government housing rules prohibiting pets
- Specific breed bans at the new location
- Transportation restrictions (e.g., airline breed embargoes)
- Assignment to an unaccompanied tour or sea duty
- Early return of dependents at government expense
In these cases, the cost of transporting the pet to an alternative location or designated place can be reimbursed — still limited to $550 CONUS or $2,000 OCONUS for one pet.
What Documentation Is Required?
To claim your pet reimbursement, you’ll need to provide:
- Itemized receipts for all pet-related expenses (even under $75), clearly listing the pet’s name if possible
- Receipts for cargo shipments must include the pet’s weight
- Completed DD Form 1351-2 (Travel Voucher)
- Non-availability letter (only if government-arranged transport was unavailable — for OCONUS air shipments)
- Mission impact statements or weight documentation, if required for the non-availability letter
Note: Travelers using AMC Patriot Express flights will receive a receipt for pet fees at check-in.
How to Claim Reimbursement
- Confirm you are on PCS orders effective January 1, 2024 or later.
- Collect all receipts and required documents.
- Submit your travel voucher (DD Form 1351-2) through your local finance office.
- If needed, obtain a non-availability letter from the Traffic Management Office (TMO) or Installation Transportation Office (ITO).
📍 Heads up: Notify your outgoing and incoming commands before you PCS to avoid delays. Reimbursement is processed through your receiving command after your move.
Dual-Military Couples and Multiple Pets
- Dual-military couples: If both members are on separate PCS orders, each can be reimbursed for one pet — allowing for two pets to be covered.
- Multiple pets: If you have more than one pet, you can choose which pet’s expenses to claim.
Contact Information for More Help
- Air Force and Space Force: Local finance office
- Navy: Human Resources Service Center — (833) 330-6622 or askmncc@navy.mil
- Marine Corps: usmcpassengertravel@usmc.mil
- Army: Local chain of command
