A new policy allows troops on PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders to receive reimbursement for relocating one cat or one dog per move. 

This line item reimbursement was given the go-ahead in the fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The law authorizes up to $4,000 per pet for overseas transportation. However, Department of Defense (DoD) officials set the maximum at $2,000. The reason cited for the delay in policy implementation to January 2024 was that there were “significant unbudgeted costs of this new authority.” 

Compensation can be up to $550 for moves within the United States and up to $2,000 for moves to or from overseas. This policy is not retroactive and does not apply to the current PCS season. Overseas pet travel must be achieved using government or government-provided travel, should it be available. If it is not, the member is not authorized to receive reimbursement.

Costs that may be reimbursed include shipping fees, boarding fees, licensing fees, hotel service charges, and mandatory microchipping. If the family is shipping a pet outside of the United States, there are additional eligible costs, such as antibody blood test fees and quarantine fees. Military families shipping pets need to keep all receipts for the trip.

Although shipping expenses are to become available in early 2024, military relief societies continue to help pay for pet shipping. Three relief societies have paid $813,000 for shipping since 2021.

The Army Emergency Relief (AER) plans to keep offering assistance for pet shipping costs. The AER and other relief assistance agencies, such as the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society for Sailors and Marines, are aware that many military households have more than one pet. 

AER was launched in 2022 and has helped 48 soldiers ship pets for a cost of $144,000, reimbursed via zero-interest loans, grants, or loan/grant combinations. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society has helped 87 members and provided $252,973 in assistance since 2021, and the Air Force Aid Society, operational since 2021, has provided $325,937 in grants and loans to 332 airmen and guardians.