Pet & Passenger
Transportation

The moment you receive PCS orders, your pet travel plan should begin. Most airlines require health certificates issued within 10 days of travel, but the preparation starts much earlier. Your veterinarian needs to ensure vaccinations are current, microchip information is up to date, and any destination-specific health screenings are completed.

Gather your pet's complete veterinary records, including vaccination history, spay/neuter documentation, and any medication records. If your pet takes prescription medications, request enough supply to cover the transition period plus a buffer. Having a well-organized file makes every step of the process smoother.

Commercial airline pet policies vary significantly. Some carriers allow small pets in the cabin, while others only accept animals as checked baggage or cargo. Weight limits, carrier dimensions, and seasonal heat or cold embargoes all factor in. Certain airlines offer military discounts on pet transport fees, so ask specifically about military pricing when you book.

For larger pets that cannot fly in the cabin, you may need to use a dedicated pet shipping service. These companies specialize in animal transport and handle the logistics from pickup to delivery. Research reviews carefully and book well in advance, as capacity is limited during peak PCS season in the summer months.

If you are moving overseas, quarantine and import requirements can be complex. Many countries require a rabies titer blood test, which must be performed at an approved laboratory and may need to be completed months before travel. Some destinations mandate a waiting period after the titer test before your pet can enter the country.

Your installation's veterinary clinic is your best resource for OCONUS pet travel. They can advise on destination-specific requirements, complete official health certificates, and ensure your paperwork meets the importing country's regulations. Do not wait until the last minute, because some requirements have timelines that cannot be compressed.

Texas is generally pet-friendly with no statewide breed bans, though some installations and housing areas may have restrictions. Privatized military housing communities often maintain their own breed and weight policies, which can differ from the installation's general pet rules. Always verify the pet policy for your specific housing option before making commitments.

If your pet's breed is restricted in on-post housing, off-post housing becomes your best option. I can help you find pet-friendly rental properties and homes for purchase near your duty station that welcome your specific breed and size of pet.

For CONUS moves, you will drive your privately owned vehicle (POV) and receive MALT (Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation) reimbursement per mile. If you have dependents, you may be authorized to drive two vehicles. For OCONUS moves, the government will ship one vehicle through the Vehicle Processing Center (PCSmyPOV).

Passenger travel entitlements cover transportation for your dependents to your new duty station. This includes airfare or mileage reimbursement, per diem for travel days, and temporary lodging expenses. Use Plan My Move to calculate your specific travel entitlements based on your orders.