Are you PCSing with a dog or a cat? Will the military pay to move them?
PCSing is a huge part of your life as a military family. Whether you move every 2-3 years, or are able to stay at a duty station a little longer, moving is going to be apart of your life.
We all know that the military will move a military family once they get orders to their new location. However, does that include pets?
You Can Receive Between $550 to $2,000 as a Reimbursement
The answer is…yes, they will reimburse you for the expense of moving your pet. If you are PCSing with a dog or cat, you can receive either $2,000 for an overseas move, or $550 for a move within the lower 48. Remember that Alaska and Hawaii both qualify as overseas locations as far as the military is concerned.
It is important to remember that this is for one dog OR cat. Not both. This is a new benefit that started January 1st of this year, so if you do have more than one pet, you will need to pay out of pocket for them.
If you are ordered to evacuate from a foreign duty station, you are then authorized for transportation and quarantine fees for up to two pets, dogs, and cats.
Why Did This Benefit Get Added?
The Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III has been in office since January of 2021. The Secretary of Defense is the principal assistant to the President in all matters relating to the Department of Defense and serves on the National Security Council.
Since Lloyd J. Austin III has taken office, he has worked to strengthen support for Defense Department personnel and their families under his, “TakingCare of Our Service Members and Families” campaign.
Jennifer McPherson-Todd, the Director of the Defense Travel Management Office commented, “DOD recognizes that pets can be a source of stability and security to service members and families who often move. Defraying the cost of PCS moves involving a pet acknowledges the role played by these emotional constants and will improve quality of life for the force.”
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Reimbursement When PCSing with a Dog or Cat
What travel costs are included in the reimbursement when PCSing with a dog or cat?
- Quarantine fees
- Mandatory microchipping
- Boarding fees
- Hotel service charges
- Licensing fees at the new duty station
- Shipping fees if the service member flies, rather than drives
What does a military family need to do to receive the reimbursement?
Make sure your orders are dated for on or after 01/01/2024. This is when this benefit started. Your service member will need to fill out form DD 1351-2. They must submit all receipts for the travel expenses and additional documentation may be required. The documation can differ by branch, for example, this is what the Air Force has put out.
You can also check out Pet Transportation Allowance FAQs and The Joint Travel Regulations.
Happy PCSing!
