Does the Army help with pet transport during a PCS?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 15:29:59 -0500

Does anyone have any experience with transporting pets on an overseas PCS? Does the Army provide financial assistance at any capacity? Also, I have two dogs that are found on “certain breeds” lists so I’m concerned about that as well.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Dec 23 at 2019 3:35 PM

SSG Brian G. — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 15:35:28 -0500

https://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move/transporting-pets-military-options.html

No. The military does not help with the finance end of pet transport. That is all up to the pet owner.

Military Options for Transporting Pets

DoD regulations allow for a maximum of two pets per family (dogs and cats only) to travel with their owners on Air Mobility Command (AMC) flights.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 23 at 2019 3:41 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 15:41:02 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member we brought the family cat over to and back from Germany. It was on us to do so. El Gato had to have medical screening within a certain number of days to travel, else there was extensive quarantine time. Travel at certain times of year is prohibited as they may succumb to the Heat. Certain carriers don't offer it as an option after being embarrassed in the media. You'll need to provide the crates for the transport and getting the dog into that carrier unless it can accompany you in the cabin. Check with SATO for transport and Vet Services onmpost for medical requirements by theater. Your levy brief should cover pet types/breeds that are unacceptable. If it isn't check with your sponsor and the Theater gateway website for new comer information.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2019 3:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 15:50:45 -0500

Definitely not. But, if you reserve your spot early enough on the military flight you can fly your dogs for a lot less than the civilian side

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 23 at 2019 5:08 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 17:08:23 -0500

Nope, it is 100% personal expense. Any it requires detail planning and execution.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2019 6:27 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 18:27:59 -0500

If you go to your local passenger terminal, they will have a brochure that explains all the ins and outs of transporting your pets. I flew with two dogs over to Germany when my wife PCS'ed. It's a relatively painless process if you reserve spots for your pets to fly on one of the rotators (not sure where you are talking about overseas (Asia or Europe)). I believe it was about half the price of what it would have cost to ship them via the civilian route, maybe around $240 total for 2 medium-large dogs, if I remember correctly. Feel free to hit me up if you have any questions.

AMC Pet Brochure:
https://www.amc.af.mil/Portals/12/AMC%20Tvl%20Pg/AMC%20Tvl%20Pg%20Docs/AMC%20Pet%20Brochure%202019%20v3.pdf?ver=2019-10-18-124628-290

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Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2019 6:33 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 18:33:02 -0500

If you can get on a rotator it will save you a lot of money. Prices are based on weight and dimensions of the crate. If you fly the civilian side, different airlines will give different prices. if you do reserve a flight with a pet, ensure you get it in writing/email. This way when you get there they cant turn you away. I cannot give advice on the breeds but I would advise contacting your gaining station and airline to see if they accept those breeds. There is a more expensive option in which you ship your pet unaccompanied and someone will pick them up at the distant end.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Dec 23 at 2019 8:11 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 20:11:21 -0500

You need to check with the rules of the sponsor country. Some pets, Pit bulls ( American Bulldogs), Rots etc. are not authorized. Also if your flight has a layover in Wngland they are subject to extended quarantine. As for payment they will not pay for pets. Thank you for your service.

Response by LTC Ray B. (Ret) made Dec 23 at 2019 8:37 PM

LTC Ray B. (Ret) — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 20:37:41 -0500

Lol.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Dec 23 at 2019 10:57 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 22:57:38 -0500

Cost is on you. Make sure you have all shots and records up to date.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 24 at 2019 12:22 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 00:22:30 -0500

You don't want to be involved with situations where the MIL side does start shipping your pets. We had to empty all the dependents and pets out of NAS Misawa after the Fukushima quake. Big task dealing with 3 widebodies a day at SEA-TAC on the back end, but got all two and four legged critters taken care of. We had Veterinarians working round the clock making sure the pets were good to go. Only had to quarantine a few.

Probably the weird air carrier problem is many airframes can't take the large dog kennels. So when you work with the travel folk, make sure they see if the stuff you have to pay for is actually doable. Not up on "certain breeds" but that with be the receiving country's policy that would apply.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2019 1:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 13:27:14 -0500

I payed to transport my dog feom Florida to Alaska $840.00 out of my pocket.