Shipping Pets

Traveling with pets

A military pet is no different than a military family member. When duty calls and you must relocate, pet PCS transportation can become costly. Assistance is available to help with the cost to transport family dog/cat when assignment is to/from an OCONUS location. Required shots, carriers, boarding or other then transportation cost will be the responsibility of pet owner.

The Air Force Aid Society and Army Emergency Relief offers Pet PCS Transportation assistance from or to an overseas assignment. Offical update to 37 U.S.C. 453, dated June 20,23, authorizes reimburssement of cost related to the relocation of a pet that arises during a permanent change of station. Under the adjusted policy, a Uniformed Service member may be authorized reimbursement of up to $550 for a PCS within the continental U.S and $2,000 for a PCS to/from the cotinental U.S. This policy will be effective January 1, 2024 and published in the Joint Travel Regulations on that date.

There are no pet quarantine requirements for Alaska. 

• Pets by Air: Many airlines restrict pet shipment due to extreme temperatures. Most will not transport pets if it is more than 85 degrees or less than 20 degrees. Airlines require pets have current shots and a health certificate. Contact the airline for the most current up to date information concerning your pets.
• Pets by Land: If travelling via Alaska-Canada Highway, your pet will need a 30-day health certificate. Some lodging facilities will allow you to keep your pets in your room but you may have to pay additional fees. Visit http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/imports/policies/live-animals/pets/eng/1326600389775/1326600500578
• Pets by Sea: Animals may be transported on Alaska Marine Highway System vessels, but are restricted to the car deck. They must be properly contained in an approved carrier or be transported in a vehicle and accompanied by an adult passenger. Animals are transported at the owner's risk and all state of Alaska regulations must be met prior to animals entering the state. Visit http://www.dot.alaska.gov/amhs/policies.shtml for more information or call 800-642-0066. 
• Pets on Post: Aurora Military Housing (on-post/base privatized housing) allows pets in their houses but some breeds are not allowed on the installation. Visit https://www.auroramilitaryhousing.com/residents/pets/ or call 907-753-1023 for more information.  All pets must be registered with the Joint Base Elmendorf Vet Clinic within 30 days of moving into a housing unit.

Please note pet-friendly rooms in temporary lodging facility are extremely limited at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Lodging has limited pet units available by reservation only at an additional $10 per night charge. Shot records for pets are required to reserve these rooms. Guests are reminded to clean up after their registered pets. Unregistered animals are not allowed in or around lodging properties. Any animal found tied outside or left unattended in a vehicle will be reported to Security Forces for removal. Guests may be charged up to a $150 fee for having an unregistered pet in lodging, or for damages caused by registered pets. Do Not Disturb signs will not be honored in pet units after 11 a.m. as we are required to enter pet units daily per Air Force Instruction 34-135 1.5.3 and 1.6.2

The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Lodging office can provide you with a list of local hotels that will allow pets (the number of hotels or motels which allow pets is limited). You will need to request a waiver to stay in these hotels if there is availability in TLF in order for these expenses to be reimbursed by the military. For more information on pets in Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson TLF, please call 907-552-2454. 

You can choose to board your pet while you stay in TLF. There are no kennels on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson; however, there are kennels in the local area. TLF can provide a list of kennels per your request or you can research via Internet or local yellow pages for a list of kennels and costs associated. Boarding fees vary, but are usually based on the number and size of the pet.