Moving With Pets

• A current rabies vaccination and a health certificate from a vet — usually issued within 10 days of travel.
• Microchip registration with your current contact information.
• For overseas moves: country-specific import requirements, which can include blood tests months in advance. Start early.
• Copies of everything, hand-carried with you — not in checked bags or household goods.

Driving is the simplest option for stateside moves. For flying, each airline has its own pet rules, carrier requirements, and breed restrictions — and many won't fly snub-nosed breeds in cargo at all. Book early; pet spots per flight are limited.

For overseas moves, the Patriot Express (military rotator) has very limited pet spaces that book out months ahead. As of recent policy, the government reimburses some pet transportation costs for PCS moves — ask your transportation office what currently applies to your orders.

On-base housing and many off-base rentals have breed and size restrictions. Check before you sign anything — 'pet-friendly' often means 'some pets, sometimes.'

Budget for pet deposits, which are common off base and typically not reimbursable.

• Vet visits, health certificates, and vaccines: plan on a few hundred dollars.
• Airline pet fees: commonly $125–$500+ per pet each way, more for cargo.
• Overseas quarantine or import fees where required: can run into the thousands.
• Pet deposits and pet rent at the new home.