Shipping Pets

PCS Pet Relocation Guide: Fort Riley & General Rules

Good call looking into pet relocation guidelines early. Moving with a pet during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) requires careful planning, as there are strict rules regarding reimbursement, housing limits, breed restrictions, and travel safety.

Here is the essential breakdown of what you need to know to ensure a smooth transition for your animal companion.

Key Takeaway

Budget and Prepare Early: The military only authorizes reimbursement for one pet (which must be listed on your orders), and you are responsible for all other transport costs. While Fort Riley itself has no quarantine, stateside moves require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), and overseas locations (like Hawaii) have strict quarantine and vaccination laws.

Fort Riley Housing & Breed Restrictions

If you are PCS'ing to Fort Riley, it is a pet-friendly installation, but strict limits apply to on-post housing managed by Corvias Military Living.

• Pet Limit Maximum of two pets per household in family housing. Corvias Military Living: 785-717-2258 
• Banned Dog Breeds Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Bull Terriers, English Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Chows, and wolf hybrids. Strict adherence to the Department of the Army Pet Policy. 
• Prohibited Exotic Pets Monkeys, ferrets, snakes, USDA/Fish & Wildlife permit-required animals, marsupials, primates, raccoons, hedgehogs, pot-bellied pigs, exotic felines, squirrels, skunks, rodents (rats/mice), reptiles, and spiders. Not permitted on Fort Riley or in family housing. 
• Adoption Services The Stray Animal Facility has pets available for arriving families. Facebook: Fort Riley Pets

Travel & Quarantine Regulations

• Stateside (CONUS) Travel: Most states require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) to cross state lines by car.
• Hawaii Moves: Hawaii requires a strict quarantine and an extensive series of vaccinations. Visit the Fort Riley Veterinarian Clinic early for assistance.
• European Moves: Proper veterinary documentation and specific paperwork are required. There is no quarantine for Europe, with the exceptions of Ireland and Sweden.
• Air Travel: Consult your airline, a military veterinarian, or the Army Community Service (ACS) Relocation Assistance Program. Note: The Army does not sponsor or pay for commercial pet air transport.

Best Practices for Road Travel

If you plan to drive to your next duty station, follow these safety guidelines to keep your pet secure:

• Preparation - Introduce your pet to car rides and carriers well before your departure date.
• Supplies - Pack your pet's regular food, water, blankets, and favorite toys. Bring a litter box for cats.
• Safety in Transit - Keep pets secured in a carrier or harness. Never leave your pet alone in the car, as temperatures can rapidly reach lethal limits in both summer (120°F+) and winter.
• Stops - Plan frequent stops at safe, quiet locations away from busy traffic so dogs can stretch and relieve themselves.

Financial Assistance

While pet moving costs can add up quickly, financial relief is available if you meet the criteria:

• AER Assistance: You may request an Army Emergency Relief (AER) loan of up to $5,500 specifically for pet shipping.
• Approval Process: This loan requires authorization from your unit command along with Level II concurrence.

Common Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Failing to list your pet on orders: If your single authorized pet is not explicitly listed on your PCS orders, you will not be cleared for reimbursement.
• Assuming housing rules are the same everywhere: Breed-specific legislation and pet limits vary wildly by service branch and specific base. Always contact your destination housing office before committing to a move.

Military PCS Veterinary & Pet Relocation Checklist

Moving with pets during a Permanent Change of Station requires structured preparation well ahead of your report date. Use this timeline-based checklist to keep veterinary appointments, mandatory certifications, travel safety, and administrative requirements organized.

Administrative & Policy Pre-Check

Before scheduling vet appointments, verify your eligibility and housing constraints:

• Orders Verification: Ensure your pet is explicitly listed on your military travel orders to remain eligible for pet travel reimbursement. (Note: Only one pet is authorized for military reimbursement).
• Housing Office Contact (Fort Riley / Corvias):
  • Contact Corvias Military Living at 785-717-2258 to register pets and confirm deposit/pet rent fees.
  • Confirm compliance with the two-pet limit for on-post housing.
• Breed & Species Compliance Check:
  • Verify your dog is not among restricted breeds under the Department of the Army Pet Policy:
    • Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Bull Terriers, English Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Chows, or wolf hybrids.
  • Confirm you are not bringing restricted exotic species (ferrets, raccoons, hedgehogs, pot-bellied pigs, reptiles, snakes, monkeys, or rodents).
• Financial Planning & AER:
  • If commercial shipping or OCONUS transit costs exceed personal budgets, explore the Army Emergency Relief (AER) Pet Travel Loan (up to $5,500, requiring unit commander approval and Level II concurrence).

Master Timeline Checklist

Phase 1: 6 to 3 Months Out (Crucial for OCONUS & Hawaii)

• Initial Veterinary Consultation:
  • Schedule an appointment with your local installation Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) or a USDA-accredited civilian veterinarian.
• Microchipping:
  • Verify your pet has an ISO-compliant (15-digit) microchip.
  • Confirm the microchip was implanted before or on the same day as the primary rabies vaccination.
• Destination Country / State Requirements Review:
  • Hawaii: Begin the 5-Day-or-Less program protocol immediately. This requires rabies titer (FAVN) testing, multiple rabies vaccines, and waiting periods to avoid extended quarantine upon arrival.
  • Europe: Review specific entry requirements and documentation (e.g., EU Pet Health Certificate). Note: Ireland and Sweden have separate, additional quarantine or entry criteria.
  • CONUS: Note that crossing state lines requires a standard health certificate issued shortly before transit.
• Rabies Titer Testing (FAVN/RNATT):
  • If traveling to rabies-free locations (e.g., Hawaii, Guam, Japan, UK), have your vet draw blood for titer testing and submit to an approved lab (e.g., Kansas State University).

Phase 2: 60 to 30 Days Out

• Core Vaccination Updates:
  • Dogs: Rabies, DHPP/DA2PP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), Leptospirosis, and Bordetella.
  • Cats: Rabies, FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia).
• Preventive Medications Supply:
  • Obtain a 60–90 day supply of heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives.
  • Refill any prescription maintenance medications your pet requires.
• Travel Method Reservations:
  • Air Travel: Contact your airline's military/pet desk to reserve cargo space or an in-cabin spot. Ask about breed/snub-nosed restrictions and temperature embargoes. Consult your local Army Community Service (ACS) Relocation Assistance Program for guidance.
  • Ground Travel: Map out pet-friendly hotels along your driving route.

Phase 3: 14 to 10 Days Out

• Health Certificate Examination:
  • Schedule the official pre-travel health exam.
  • CONUS Driving/Flying: Obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) within required state timelines (generally within 10–30 days of entry, depending on destination state).
  • OCONUS: Complete the international health certificate and submit it to the USDA APHIS office for official endorsement.
• Internal & External Parasite Treatments:
  • If required by destination rules (e.g., tapeworm treatment for the UK/Europe or tick treatments for Hawaii), have your veterinarian administer and document treatments within the strict window.
• Carrier & Crate Conditioning:
  • Ensure the crate is IATA-compliant for flights or appropriately sized for car travel.
  • Introduce your pet to the carrier, vehicle rides, and crate rest using positive reinforcement.

Phase 4: Travel Week (48 to 24 Hours Out)

• Assemble the Pet PCS Binder (Carry in hand, never pack in HHG):
  • Hard copy of PCS orders listing the pet
  • Original Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) / International Health Certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificates (signed in blue/black ink)
  • Microchip registration and scan verification form
  • Complete veterinary medical records and vaccination history
  • Destination emergency vet contact info and local housing office contact
• Pack Pet Travel "Go-Bag":
  • 7-day supply of regular food and portable bowls
  • Gallon of tap water from home (helps prevent stomach upset from sudden water changes)
  • Leash, harness, and spare collar with current ID tags (include cell phone number)
  • Portable litter box, litter, and scoop (for cats)
  • Waste bags, cleaning wipes, and paper towels
  • Favorite blankets and familiar toys for stress relief
  • Pet first-aid kit

In-Transit Best Practices (Driving CONUS)

• Vehicle Safety: Secure your pet using an approved travel crate or crash-tested seatbelt harness. Never let pets ride loose in the vehicle or truck bed.
• Temperature Vigilance: Never leave your pet unattended inside a vehicle. Temperatures can exceed 120°F within minutes in mild sun or plummet to freezing in winter.
• Rest Stops: Plan stops every 2–4 hours in safe, low-traffic areas for exercise, hydration, and bathroom breaks. Keep dogs leashed at all times.
• Motion Sickness / Anxiety: If your pet experiences motion sickness or travel anxiety, consult your veterinarian well in advance for safe, mild anti-nausea or calming medications.

Post-Arrival Checklist (Fort Riley / New Duty Station)

• Installation VTF Registration: Register your pet with the Fort Riley Veterinary Treatment Facility (or destination installation clinic) within the required arrival window (typically within 10–14 days of arrival).
• Corvias Housing Final Check-In: Complete pet inspection forms, pay applicable pet fees, and supply copies of rabies certificates to housing management.
• Update Microchip Information: Log into the microchip registry (e.g., Home Again, AKC Reunite) and update your contact phone numbers and new physical address.
• Local Adoption / Shelter Resources: If looking to add a pet upon arrival, connect with the Fort Riley Stray Animal Facility or visit their community page (Fort Riley Pets).

PCS Pet Travel Packing Inventory & Supply Checklist

When moving with a pet during a Permanent Change of Station, packing an independent, accessible "pet travel kit" is vital. Never pack your pet's essentials or medical paperwork with your Household Goods (HHG) or unaccompanied baggage—keep them in your personal vehicle or carry-on.

1. Pet PCS Document Binder (Carry-On / In Cabin)

Keep all originals in a waterproof, secure folder within arm's reach.

• Hard Copy of Military PCS Orders: Explicitly showing pet authorization/listing for reimbursement.
• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI): Or endorsed USDA APHIS International Health Certificate.
• Rabies Certificates: Original signed certificates showing manufacturer, serial/lot number, and vaccination date.
• Microchip Registration Details: 15-digit ISO chip number, registry phone number, and account login info.
• Complete Medical History: Past vet records, spay/neuter proof, allergy charts, and treatment histories.
• Recent Photographs of Pet: High-resolution printed photos (front and side profiles) in case your pet goes missing.
• Emergency Contact Sheet: Destination sponsor phone, installation housing office, local emergency vet clinics along your route, and destination VTF contact.

2. Food, Water & Daily Nutrition

Pack at least a 7 to 10-day supply to avoid gastrointestinal upset from switching diets in transit.

• Regular Dry/Wet Food: Sealed in airtight, waterproof storage containers or pre-portioned zip bags.
• Familiar Water (1–2 gallons): Water from your originating duty station/home to prevent stomach upset from sudden mineral changes.
• Collapsible / Non-Spill Travel Bowls: For food and water during rest breaks.
• Can Opener & Plastic Lids: If feeding canned/wet food.
• Measuring Scoop: For accurate portion control.
• High-Value Treats: For reward reinforcement, crate re-entry, and counter-conditioning travel stress.
• Long-Lasting Chews / Kongs: To keep your pet occupied during hotel stays or car journeys.

3. Medication & Health Supplies

• Prescription Medications: A 30 to 90-day supply labeled clearly with dosage instructions.
• Preventatives: Heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives for current and arrival months.
• Travel Anti-Anxiety / Anti-Nausea Meds: (e.g., Trazodone, Gabapentin, Cerenia) prescribed by your military/civilian vet.
• Calming Aids: Pheromone collars or sprays (Adaptil for dogs, Feliway for cats).
• Pet First-Aid Kit:
  • Self-adhesive bandage wrap (vet wrap) and gauze pads
  • Antiseptic wipes or chlorhexidine spray
  • Tweezers (for ticks and burrs)
  • Digital pet rectal/ear thermometer and lubricating jelly
  • Styptic powder or pencil (for bleeding toenails)
  • Saline eye flush solution

4. Vehicle & Transit Equipment

• Travel Crate / Carrier:
  • Cleaned and properly sized with secure latches.
  • Attached "Live Animal" labels and contact cards with your cell phone and destination address.
• Crash-Tested Car Harness / Seatbelt Tether: For pets traveling outside of carriers in vehicles.
• Comfort Bedding: Familiar blankets, t-shirts with your scent, and waterproof crate pads.
• Absorbent Puppy Pee Pads: Several pads to line carriers or protect vehicle seats in case of motion sickness or accidents.
• Sunshades for Vehicle Windows: To protect pets from direct sun and heat during daytime drives.

5. Dog-Specific Essentials

• Sturdy Collar & Harness: Fitted with durable ID tags (including pet name, your cell phone, and microchip alert tag).
• Standard 6-Foot Leash: (Do not use retractable leashes at busy rest areas or unfamiliar locations).
• Spare Collar and Leash: Stored separately in case of breakage.
• Waste Bags & Dispenser: Multiple rolls of biodegradable poop bags.
• Portable Paw Cleaner / Towels: For wiping off muddy paws after rainy rest stops.
• Favorite Comfort Toys: Chew toys and comfort plush items.

6. Cat-Specific Essentials

• Portable Travel Litter Box: Collapsible fabric or disposable cardboard travel pans.
• Familiar Cat Litter & Scoop: 5–7 day supply of their regular litter.
• Small Trash Bags: For quick daily scooping and clean-up.
• Breakaway Collar & ID Tag: With an up-to-date phone number.
• Cat Harness & Leash: Essential for safe handling during hotel transit or crate cleaning.
• Carrier Cover / Light Towel: To drape over the crate and reduce visual stimulation/stress during movement.
• Scratching Mat / Portable Post: To allow stretching and keep hotel furnishings safe.

7. Sanitation & Housekeeping "Go-Bag"

• Enzymatic Stain & Odor Remover Spray: Immediate cleanup for hotel room or vehicle accidents.
• Pet-Safe Disinfectant Wipes & Paper Towels.
• Heavy-Duty Trash Bags.
• Rubber Lint / Pet Hair Brush: For tidying up pet-friendly hotels before checkout.
• Hand Sanitizer.