Moving Pets During PCS: Complete Guide (Costs, Requirements, Tips)

Bottom Line Up Front: Government does NOT pay to move pets. Expect $1,500-$4,000 per pet for OCONUS PCS. Requirements vary by country (rabies vaccines, microchips, blood tests, quarantine). Plan 6-9 months ahead for international moves. Pet-friendly housing is limited - apply early. Most airlines allow 1-2 pets per passenger.

PCS Pet Costs (What You'll Pay)

CONUS PCS (Driving)

Typical costs:

• Gas/lodging for you + pet: +$200-$500 (vs. solo travel)
• Pet-friendly hotels: +$25-$75/night pet fee
• Kenneling during house-hunting: $30-$60/day
• Total: $500-$1,500 extra

CONUS PCS (Flying)

Airline pet fees:

• In-cabin (small dogs/cats): $125-$200 each way
• Cargo (large dogs): $200-$500 each way
• Total: $400-$1,000 per pet

OCONUS PCS (Europe, Asia, Pacific)

Major costs:

• Airline cargo fees: $500-$2,000
• Vet prep (vaccines, certificates): $300-$600
• Quarantine (if required): $1,000-$3,000
• Pet relocation service (optional): $2,000-$5,000
• Total: $1,500-$4,000+ per pet

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Pet Import Requirements by Region

Europe (Germany, Italy, UK, Spain)

Requirements:

• ✅ Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
• ✅ Rabies vaccine (21+ days before travel, within 1 year)
• ✅ EU Pet Passport OR USDA health certificate
• ✅ Tapeworm treatment (dogs only, UK/Ireland/Finland)

Quarantine: Usually NONE if paperwork correct

Timeline: Start 3-6 months before PCS

Japan

Requirements:

• ✅ Microchip
• ✅ Rabies vaccine (twice, 30+ days apart)
• ✅ Rabies antibody blood test (6+ months before travel)
• ✅ Advance notification (40 days before arrival)
• ✅ Import permit

Quarantine:

• 0-12 hours if all requirements met
• Up to 180 days if requirements missing

Timeline: Start 7-12 months before PCS (blood test takes 6 months)

South Korea

Requirements:

• ✅ Microchip
• ✅ Rabies vaccine (30+ days before, within 1 year)
• ✅ Health certificate (within 10 days of travel)
• ✅ Advance notification

Quarantine:

• 10 days if no rabies antibody test
• 0 days if test provided

Timeline: Start 3-6 months before PCS

Hawaii (Non-Foreign OCONUS, But Has Strict Rules)

Requirements:

• ✅ Microchip
• ✅ Rabies vaccines (2 doses, 30+ days apart)
• ✅ Rabies antibody test (120+ days before arrival)
• ✅ Advance notification (30 days)
• ✅ $185 inspection fee

Quarantine:

• 5 days or less (Direct Airport Release program)
• 120 days if requirements not met

Timeline: Start 6+ months before PCS

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How to Move Pets (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Research Import Requirements (6-9 Months Out)

1. Google "[Country] pet import requirements"
2. Check USDA APHIS website
3. Call vet to discuss timeline
4. Note ALL deadlines (blood tests, vaccines, certificates)

Step 2: Vet Visits & Vaccinations (3-6 Months Out)

1. Get pet microchipped (if not already)
2. Rabies vaccine (follow country timeline)
3. Blood test (if required - takes 30+ days for results)
4. Keep ALL receipts and certificates

Step 3: Book Pet Travel (2-3 Months Out)

Option 1: Fly Pet in Cabin (Small Pets)

• Weight limit: 15-20 lbs (including carrier)
• Carrier must fit under seat
• Book pet at same time as your ticket
• Cost: $125-$200 each way

Option 2: Fly Pet as Cargo (Large Pets)

• Book through airline cargo OR pet relocation service
• Requires airline-approved crate
• Temperature restrictions (no cargo in extreme heat/cold)
• Cost: $500-$2,000

Option 3: Use Pet Relocation Service

• They handle everything (booking, crate, paperwork)
• Door-to-door service
• Cost: $2,000-$5,000
• Worth it for complex international moves

Step 4: Get Health Certificate (7-10 Days Before Travel)

1. Vet examines pet
2. Issues USDA health certificate
3. Certificate must be endorsed by USDA (takes 2-3 days)
4. Valid for 10 days from endorsement date

Step 5: Travel Day

1. Don't feed pet 4-6 hours before flight (reduces airsickness)
2. Water available in crate
3. Check in at cargo or ticket counter
4. Label crate with contact info, "LIVE ANIMAL" stickers

Step 6: Arrival & Customs

1. Collect pet from cargo area (or baggage claim)
2. Present import documents to customs
3. If quarantine required, follow instructions
4. Take pet to vet within 48 hours (recommended)

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Finding Pet-Friendly Housing

On-Base Housing

Pros:

• Usually allows pets (check base policy)
• No breed restrictions (usually)
• Lower fees

Cons:

• Waitlists (6-12 months common)
• Pet deposit ($200-$500)
• May have pet limits (2 pets max typical)

Off-Base Housing (OCONUS)

Challenges:

• Many European/Asian landlords don't allow pets
• Smaller apartments (harder for large dogs)
• Pet deposits: €500-€1,500 ($550-$1,650)

Solution:

• Work with housing office (they know pet-friendly landlords)
• Start search 3+ months before PCS
• Offer higher security deposit
• Provide pet references (vet letter, photos)

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Breed Restrictions & Dangerous Dog Lists

Countries with Breed Bans

Germany:

• Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Terriers, American Bulldogs (varies by state)
• May require muzzle in public
• Import may be denied for banned breeds

UK:

• Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro
• Import BANNED

Denmark:

• 13 banned breeds (Pit Bull, Tosa, Rottweiler, etc.)
• Import illegal

What to do if your pet is banned breed:

• Rehome pet with family in US (temporary or permanent)
• Decline OCONUS orders (extreme, but some do)
• Get letter from vet stating pet is mixed breed (only works if truly mixed)

Base Housing Breed Restrictions

Commonly restricted breeds:

• Pit Bulls
• Rottweilers
• Dobermans
• German Shepherds (sometimes)
• Huskies/Malamutes (sometimes)

Check with base housing BEFORE PCS to avoid issues.

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Common Mistakes

❌ Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Start Process

Reality: You start pet prep 1 month before PCS to Japan. Rabies blood test takes 6 months. Pet can't travel with you.

Fix: Start 6-9 months before OCONUS PCS. Research requirements immediately after getting orders.

❌ Mistake #2: Not Getting Right Microchip

Reality: Your pet has US microchip (non-ISO standard). Europe requires ISO chip. You have to re-chip pet.

Fix: Get ISO 11784/11785 microchip from start (works worldwide).

❌ Mistake #3: Flying Pet in Summer Heat

Reality: You fly pet in July. Airline refuses cargo (too hot). Pet can't travel.

Fix: Fly pets in spring/fall (cool weather). Avoid summer for cargo shipments.

❌ Mistake #4: Not Budgeting for Pet Costs

Reality: You budget $1,000 for pet PCS. Actual cost: $3,500. You go into debt.

Fix: Budget $2,000-$4,000 per pet for OCONUS. Start saving 6+ months ahead.

❌ Mistake #5: Not Crate Training Pet

Reality: Pet never been in crate. Freaks out during 14-hour flight. Arrives traumatized.

Fix: Crate train 2-3 months before travel. Make crate comfortable and familiar.

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Pet Relocation Services (Worth It?)

What They Do:

• Handle all paperwork
• Book flights
• Provide airline-approved crate
• Door-to-door transport
• Navigate customs/quarantine

Cost:

• CONUS: $800-$1,500
• OCONUS: $2,000-$5,000

When to Use:

• Complex international move (Japan, Australia, UK)
• Large/exotic pets
• You're overwhelmed by requirements
• You have multiple pets

Recommended Services:

• PetRelocation.com
• IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association) members
• Military-specific: VetRelocation.com

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Alternatives to Moving Pet

Option 1: Temporary Rehoming

• Family/friends keep pet during OCONUS tour (2-3 years)
• You reclaim pet when you return CONUS

Option 2: Permanent Rehoming

• Find loving home for pet (if move is too stressful for pet or costs prohibitive)
• Use military pet rehoming groups on Facebook

Option 3: Decline OCONUS Orders

• Rare, but some service members do this for beloved pets
• Especially if pet is elderly or banned breed

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Action Steps

9 Months Before PCS:

1. ✅ Research pet import requirements for destination
2. ✅ Call vet to plan timeline
3. ✅ Start saving $2,000-$4,000 for pet costs

6 Months Before PCS:

1. ✅ Get microchip (if needed)
2. ✅ Start rabies vaccines/blood tests
3. ✅ Book flights (or contact pet relocation service)

3 Months Before PCS:

1. ✅ Start housing search (pet-friendly)
2. ✅ Order airline-approved crate
3. ✅ Crate train pet

1 Month Before PCS:

1. ✅ Get health certificate (7-10 days before travel)
2. ✅ Confirm all paperwork complete
3. ✅ Pack pet travel kit (food, water, meds, comfort items)

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Verification & Sources

Official Sources:

• USDA APHIS Pet Travel: aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
• CDC Pet Import Requirements
• European Union Pet Travel Scheme
• Country-specific government websites

Last Updated: October 31, 2025

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Related Guides

• OCONUS PCS Complete Guide
• Pet-Friendly Bases: Complete List
• PCS Budgeting: Unexpected Costs

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Remember: Pets are family. Moving them OCONUS is expensive and complex, but doable with proper planning. Start early, follow requirements exactly, and budget appropriately. Thousands of military families successfully PCS with pets every year — you can too.