PCS with Pets
Everything you need to move dogs, cats, and other pets on a military PCS, from vet records to OCONUS import timelines.
Moving pets on a military PCS requires more planning than most people realize, especially for OCONUS moves. Unlike the rest of your household goods, pets can't be handed off to a moving company. You're responsible for every step: vet appointments, health certificates, airline coordination, import documentation, and finding temporary housing that allows pets if on-base quarters have a waitlist. Getting this wrong can mean weeks of quarantine, denied boarding, or an emergency vet visit in an unfamiliar country.
This guide covers the core requirements for both CONUS and OCONUS pet PCS moves. For country-specific OCONUS timelines (Germany requires a microchip and EU health certificate; Japan requires a 180-day rabies antibody titer test starting months before departure; Korea has its own import protocol), see the dedicated OCONUS guides at /pcs-to-germany and /pcs-to-japan.
Pet PCS Checklist
Airline Cabin Rules (2026)
| Airline | In-Cabin? | Max Weight (pet+carrier) | Fee (one-way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United | Yes | 20 lbs | $125 |
| American | Yes | 20 lbs | $125 |
| Delta | Yes | 20 lbs | $95-$200 |
| Southwest | Yes | 20 lbs | $95-$125 |
| Alaska | Yes | 20 lbs | $100 |
| Spirit | Yes | 40 lbs | $125 |
Airline policies change, verify directly with the airline before booking. International routes have additional restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documentation do pets need for a CONUS PCS move?
For CONUS (domestic) moves, most states require a current health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination, and any state-specific import requirements. Health certificates must be signed by a licensed veterinarian. Some states (Hawaii is the main exception among US territories) have strict quarantine requirements even for domestic arrivals.
Can I ship my pet with the government household goods shipment?
No. Pets are not authorized as part of the government-funded HHG shipment. Service members are personally responsible for pet transportation costs during a PCS move. Pets can travel in the cabin (small pets, airline restrictions vary), as checked baggage (most airlines have discontinued this), or via specialized pet transport services.
What breed restrictions exist in on-base housing?
Most installations prohibit pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and chow chows in on-base housing. The specific list varies by installation and branch. Weight limits (typically 30-80 lbs) and a limit of 2 pets per household are common. The BaseReady installation profile for each base includes the on-base pet policy.
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