Serving All Branches of the U.S. Armed Forces

Military Pet Shipping & PCS Pet Relocation Services

PCS orders move fast. Your pet's relocation planning needs to move faster. The Pet Porters specializes in military pet shipping -- stateside and OCONUS -- handling every step so you can focus on your family and your mission.

Request a Military Pet Shipping Quote (682) 200-9159

Exclusive Military Benefits

Our Commitment to Military Families

As a token of appreciation for your service, The Pet Porters offers exclusive benefits available only to active duty, veterans, and their families.

Military Discount

Exclusive military discounts on consultation services. We honor your service with pricing that reflects our appreciation for what you and your family sacrifice.

7 Days Free Boarding

Up to 7 days of complimentary boarding in our private, on-property kennel. Housing transitions during a PCS rarely align perfectly -- we bridge that gap safely for your pet.

Flexible PCS Planning

We work around your reporting date, not the other way around. Our planning adapts to PCS timelines, leave windows, and the unpredictable nature of military schedules.

Military benefits apply to active duty service members, veterans, and their immediate families. Mention your branch when requesting a quote.

Full-Service PCS Pet Support

Dedicated Support for Military Pet Relocations

Military assignments come with short timelines, limited flexibility, and documentation requirements that can take months to complete. The DoD does not cover pet transportation costs as part of a standard PCS entitlement -- which means military families are responsible for coordinating their pet's move independently, on top of everything else a PCS involves.

The Pet Porters takes ownership of every step. We know what each installation destination requires, which airlines accept pets on military-heavy routes, and how to build a documentation timeline that fits around your reporting date -- not the other way around.

What We Handle for Military Families
  • Stateside and OCONUS pet relocation planning
  • Airline cargo booking & route selection
  • USDA-accredited health certificate coordination
  • USDA APHIS government endorsement submission
  • Rabies titer test (OIE-FAVN) scheduling
  • Destination country import permit applications
  • Quarantine coordination where required
  • IATA crate sizing & compliance verification
  • Door-to-door ground transport options

OCONUS Assignments

We Know Every Major OCONUS Pet Import Destination

Each OCONUS assignment has a unique set of pet import rules. Many require months of advance preparation. We have managed relocations to every major military installation destination worldwide.

Japan

One of the most complex OCONUS destinations. Requires ISO microchip, two rabies vaccinations 30+ days apart, OIE-FAVN titer test, a 180-day waiting period after passing the titer, and a Japan-specific import permit. Preparation typically takes 6-8 months minimum.

6-8 Month Lead Time
South Korea

Requires microchipping, rabies vaccination, OIE-FAVN titer test with a 90-180 day waiting period, and an import permit issued by Korean authorities. Breed restrictions apply. Process typically takes 4-6 months.

4-6 Month Lead Time
United Kingdom

Follows Great Britain pet import rules post-Brexit. Requires microchip, rabies vaccination, Great Britain-format health certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS, and tapeworm treatment for dogs within 1-5 days of arrival.

2-3 Month Lead Time
Germany & Italy

EU member states follow EU pet travel regulations: ISO microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and an EU-format health certificate. Generally more straightforward than other OCONUS destinations, with a shorter preparation window.

6-8 Week Lead Time
Hawaii

Technically domestic but with international-level requirements. The Direct Airport Release (DAR) program requires microchip, two rabies vaccines, OIE-FAVN titer test, a 90-day wait, and HDOA document submission. Missing a step means up to 120-day quarantine at your cost.

4-6 Month Lead Time
Bahrain & Middle East

Requirements vary by country. Many Middle East destinations require import permits, health certificates with government endorsement, and specific vaccination records. Breed restrictions are common. We advise on current requirements for each destination.

2-4 Month Lead Time

Moving to an installation not listed above? We handle OCONUS relocations worldwide.

Ask About Your Destination

Start Early

When to Start Your PCS Pet Relocation

The most common reason military pets miss their owner's travel date is starting too late. Here is a general planning guide -- contact us immediately when orders arrive to build your specific timeline.

6+ Mo.
Orders received -- contact us immediately. Research your destination's requirements, initiate titer testing if required (Japan, Korea, Hawaii, Australia). This is the step most families delay -- it is also the one with the longest mandatory waiting period.
4 Mo.
Confirm microchip and vaccinations. Verify your pet's ISO microchip is registered. Update rabies and other required vaccinations in the correct sequence with a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
3 Mo.
Airline booking and import permit applications. We identify the best airline routing and initiate permit applications. Some permits take 4-8 weeks to process.
6 Wk.
Begin crate training. Introduce your pet to their IATA-approved travel kennel. Familiarity with the crate significantly reduces travel stress -- especially for long international flights.
10 Days
Veterinary health certificate issued. Visit a USDA-accredited vet for the official health certificate. Submit immediately to USDA APHIS for government endorsement. Rush processing is available in some states.
Move Day
Travel day -- we are with you. We confirm all documents, crate labeling, and check-in procedures. We remain available throughout your pet's journey and follow up to confirm safe arrival.

Managing Costs

Understanding Military PCS Pet Relocation Costs

Typical PCS Pet Move Expenses
  • Airline cargo fees and live animal surcharges
  • USDA-accredited veterinary exams and health certificates
  • OIE-FAVN rabies titer test (laboratory fees)
  • USDA APHIS endorsement processing fees
  • Destination country import permit fees
  • IATA-approved travel crate purchase
  • Quarantine costs (if applicable)
  • Temporary boarding during housing transition
Resources & Assistance Programs

While the DoD does not reimburse pet transport costs under standard PCS entitlements, several organizations and programs can help offset expenses:

  • DITY/PPM allowance -- some families apply personal property move savings toward pet costs
  • Military relief organizations -- Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society, and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance may offer pet relocation grants
  • PAWS Act advocacy -- ongoing legislative efforts to include pet transport in PCS entitlements
  • Our military discount -- applied to consultation services automatically for service members

We are happy to help you identify which programs may apply to your situation when you request a quote.

Why Choose Us

Why Military Families Choose The Pet Porters

Military PCS Specialists

We have guided hundreds of military families through stateside and OCONUS pet relocations. We understand PCS timelines, installation requirements, and the documentation demands of every major military destination.

Compliance-First Documentation

We manage every document -- in the right format, submitted to the right authority, within the right time window. One documentation error can mean quarantine or re-entry denial. We prevent that.

Available When Duty Calls

Military schedules are unpredictable. We work around yours. Our team is available outside standard business hours for military families managing PCS timelines, deployments, and last-minute travel changes.

PCS Orders Just Arrived?

Contact us the moment your orders come through. Tell us your destination and your pet's details -- we will build a custom PCS pet relocation plan with a complete documentation timeline, airline options, and cost estimate. Military discount applied automatically.

Serving Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force families