How to Move Your Pets on Military Orders

Military moves are funded differently than civilian relocations, and your pets travel under the same rules as your household goods

When you receive permanent change of station (PCS) orders, the Department of Defense covers transportation for your household goods and your pets as part of your move. Your branch's transportation office arranges the actual move and pays the carrier directly — you do not pay out of pocket for the transport itself. The carrier is required to follow specific rules about how animals travel, but those rules vary by transportation method and distance.

The key difference from a civilian move is that you work through your branch's transportation office, not a commercial pet mover. That office coordinates with the carrier and handles the paperwork. Your job is to get your pets ready, provide the required health documents, and arrange for care during the gaps between when you leave your current home and when you arrive at the next one.

Key Takeaways

• Your branch's transportation office arranges and pays for pet transport as part of your PCS move — contact them at least six weeks before your departure date.
• You must provide a current health certificate from a veterinarian dated within 10 days of travel, plus proof of rabies vaccination and any required state permits.
• Pets typically travel by ground transport for moves within the continental United States, but air transport may be used for overseas moves or long distances.
• Most carriers will not transport pets during extreme heat or cold, so timing your move around seasonal weather is often necessary.
• You are responsible for arranging temporary boarding or care if there is a gap between leaving your current home and arriving at your new one.

How to start the process with your transportation office

Contact your branch's transportation office (also called the traffic management office or TMO) as soon as you have your PCS orders. Give them at least six weeks' notice, though eight weeks is better. You will provide them with the number and type of pets you have, their weight, and any special needs — such as a pet requiring climate-controlled transport or a dog that cannot fly.

The transportation office will tell you which carrier they are using and what that carrier's specific rules are. Different carriers have different policies about crate size, ventilation, and whether pets can travel in the passenger cabin or must go in cargo. The office will also tell you the approximate pickup date and delivery window at your new location. Ask them directly whether your pets will travel by ground, air, or a combination, because this affects what health documents you need and how you prepare your animals.

Get the carrier's contact information from your transportation office and call them yourself. Do not rely only on the office to communicate details — carriers often have specific requirements about crate type, labeling, and documentation that are easier to understand when you hear them directly. Ask about their cancellation policy and what happens if your pet becomes ill before the move date.

Health certificates and vaccination records you will need

You must have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian dated within 10 days of your travel date. This is not the same as a vaccination record. The veterinarian examines your pet, confirms it is healthy enough to travel, and issues an official certificate. Schedule this appointment at least two weeks before your move so you have time to address any health issues the vet finds.

You also need proof of current rabies vaccination. Most states and all overseas destinations require this. Bring the vaccination record from your vet or the card you received when your pet was vaccinated. If you cannot find the original record, your veterinarian can issue a replacement.

If you are moving to a different state or overseas, check whether that destination requires additional permits or health documents. Some states require a certificate of veterinary inspection in addition to the health certificate. Some overseas destinations require an import permit obtained weeks in advance. Your transportation office should tell you what your destination requires, but verify this with your destination's veterinary board or agriculture department — the rules change and the office may not have the most current information.

What happens during transport and what carriers will and will not do

Most carriers will not transport pets when outdoor temperatures are below 45°F or above 85°F at any point during the journey. This is a safety rule, not a preference — animals can overheat or become dangerously cold in cargo holds or transport vehicles. If your move date falls during extreme weather, ask your transportation office whether the carrier will delay the pickup or whether you need to reschedule your move.

Pets typically travel in climate-controlled ground transport for moves within the continental United States. Your pet will be in a crate in a truck with other household goods. The crate must meet the carrier's specifications — usually a hard-sided crate with ventilation on multiple sides, your pet's name and your contact information on the outside, and "Live Animal" labels on the top and at least one side. The carrier will provide you with the exact crate dimensions and labeling requirements.

For overseas moves or moves to Alaska or Hawaii, pets may travel by air. Air transport is faster but more stressful for animals. Some breeds, particularly flat-faced dogs and cats, have restrictions on air travel because they are at higher risk of breathing problems at altitude. Ask your carrier whether your pet's breed has restrictions before you commit to an air-transport move.

Arranging care during gaps in your move

Military moves rarely line up perfectly — you may need to leave your current home before the carrier picks up your pets, or you may arrive at your new location before your household goods (and pets) arrive. You are responsible for arranging temporary care during these gaps.

If there is a gap before pickup, you have two options: board your pets locally until the carrier arrives, or take them with you and board them near your new location until your household goods arrive. Boarding costs are not covered by the military, so get quotes from local facilities as soon as you know your move dates. Some boarding facilities offer military discounts — ask when you call.

If you are moving overseas or to a location where you cannot easily board your pets, ask your transportation office whether they can arrange temporary housing for your animals. Some overseas military installations have pet-holding facilities, though availability varies. Plan for this well in advance.

Special situations: Pets with health issues, behavioral problems, or breed restrictions

If your pet has a medical condition, tell your transportation office and the carrier before the move is scheduled. Some conditions make air travel unsafe. Others require special handling — a pet on medication may need the carrier to maintain a specific temperature, or a pet with anxiety may need a calming medication before travel. Your veterinarian can advise on what is safe and can provide documentation the carrier may need.

Pets with severe behavioral issues — aggression, extreme anxiety, or a history of escape attempts — may not be transportable by standard carriers. Ask your carrier directly whether they will accept your pet and what their requirements are. Some carriers require a behavioral assessment or a signed waiver. If your pet cannot be transported, you will need to arrange private transport or find alternative housing for your pet at your current location until you can move it separately.

Certain dog breeds are restricted on military transport and on commercial airlines. Flat-faced breeds (bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Pekingese) and some large breeds have restrictions because of breathing and heat-sensitivity risks. Ask your carrier whether your dog's breed is restricted before you finalize your move date. If it is, you may need to arrange private ground transport instead.

What to do if your pet becomes ill or injured before the move

If your pet becomes ill or injured after you have scheduled the move, contact your veterinarian immediately and then contact your transportation office. Do not assume the move will be canceled — the office may be able to delay pickup or reschedule. If your pet needs surgery or extended treatment, you may need to postpone the move entirely, which requires notifying your command and your transportation office.

If your pet is well enough to travel but requires medication or special care during transport, provide written instructions to the carrier and to your veterinarian. Ask your vet to write a brief note about your pet's condition and any restrictions on handling or environment. Carriers are not veterinary staff, but they can follow written instructions about temperature, feeding, or medication timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my pet travel in the cabin with me on a military flight?

No. Military transport aircraft do not allow pets in the passenger cabin. Pets travel in cargo hold with climate control. If you are flying commercially to your new duty station, you can bring a small pet in the cabin on your own ticket, but your household goods and any larger pets travel separately through the military transportation system.

What if the carrier loses or injures my pet during the move?

File a claim with the carrier immediately and document everything in writing. The carrier's liability is usually limited by their contract with the military. Ask your transportation office what the carrier's liability coverage is before the move. Consider purchasing additional pet insurance or a rider that covers transport if you are concerned about this risk.

Do I need to update my pet's microchip information before the move?

Yes. Update your microchip registration with your new address and phone number at least two weeks before the move. If your pet escapes during transport or at your new location, a microchip is the fastest way to be reunited. Also provide the microchip number to your transportation office and the carrier.

Can I move my pet separately if I do not want it to travel with my household goods?

Yes, but you will pay for it yourself. If you arrange private pet transport, the military will not reimburse you. This option makes sense if your pet has severe anxiety about moving, if your pet's breed is restricted, or if you want to move your pet at a different time than your household goods.

What happens if my new duty station will not allow pets in military housing?

Check your new installation's pet policy before your move date. Some installations allow pets; others do not. If your new location does not allow pets, you will need to arrange off-base housing or find alternative care for your pet. Your transportation office can tell you the pet policy at your destination.