Shipping Pets

Shipping Pets

Active-duty service members may be authorized reimbursement for certain expenses associated with moving one household pet (a dog or cat) when traveling on qualifying Permanent Change of Station orders.

Current reimbursement limits are up to $550 for a CONUS PCS and up to $2,000 for an OCONUS PCS, with limited exceptions for certain qualifying overseas moves. Reimbursable expenses and documentation requirements vary depending on the type of move.

Visit the Defense Travel Management Office Pet Transportation Allowance FAQ for current eligibility requirements, reimbursable expenses, documentation requirements and reimbursement limits.

Pet Licensing Information

Pet licensing requirements and fees vary by locality. Use the appropriate city website for current requirements, fees and exemptions:

Pet Licensing Information

• Norfolk - Licensing Dogs and Cats
• Virginia Beach - Animal Licenses
• Hampton - Dog and Cat Licenses
• Newport News - Pet Licensing
• Chesapeake - Licenses & Fees
• Portsmouth - Dog License
• Suffolk - Registration

A current rabies vaccination certificate is generally required to obtain a local pet license. Where reduced licensing fees are offered for spayed or neutered animals, proof of spay/neuter may also be required. Licensing requirements, fees, exemptions and license periods vary by city, so check your locality's website for current information.

Pets in Military Housing

There is a maximum of two pets (dogs or cats) per family in government housing. Breed and animal restrictions may apply.

Designated streets or units at Midway Manor do not allow pets. Units without rear fenced yards will not allow pets without prior permission from the Housing Authority.

Barnyard or exotic pets, including reptiles, ducks, rabbits, chickens and ferrets, are not permitted.

Pet policies may differ by housing community or military-leased property. Contact the Navy Housing Service Center or your housing management office for current pet restrictions and requirements before signing a lease or bringing a pet into military housing.

Airline Pet Travel Requirements

It is the service member's responsibility to verify that all airlines involved in the travel itinerary accept their pet(s) and to comply with each carrier's requirements. Airline policies vary and may include restrictions based on the type, breed, size and number of animals; aircraft or route; time of year; temperature; and whether the pet travels in the cabin, as checked baggage or as cargo.

If traveling on a civilian air carrier, contact the airline well in advance of travel and verify its current pet policy before making arrangements. Airline requirements and restrictions can change.

Pet travel information is available from major carriers, including:

• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Delta Air Lines

Temperature and Weather Restrictions

Airlines may restrict animal transportation during periods of extreme heat or cold. Temperature limits and seasonal restrictions vary by airline and type of pet transportation and may apply at the departure airport, connecting locations and destination.

Check directly with each airline for its current temperature, seasonal and breed restrictions before travel. Do not assume that a pet accepted on one portion of an itinerary will automatically be accepted by another carrier.

Air Mobility Command (AMC) Pet Travel

PCS passengers may be able to transport dogs and cats aboard AMC Patriot Express flights. Pet movement is limited to passengers traveling in PCS status, and reservations are limited to a maximum of two pets per family.

Pet space is very limited and is booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible travelers should contact their Traffic Management Office (TMO) or Installation Transportation Office as early as possible to request pet reservations.

Pet owners are responsible for providing an approved kennel and complying with current AMC requirements, including required documentation, health and vaccination requirements, and applicable entry or border-clearance requirements.

AMC pet fees are based on the combined weight of the pet and kennel:

• 70 lbs. or less – $125
• 71–140 lbs. – $250
• 141–150 lbs. – $375
• More than 150 lbs. – Not accepted

Fees are charged per kennel/per mission and are subject to change. Verify current fees and requirements with your transportation office before travel.

For current requirements, kennel specifications, documentation and other information, visit the AMC Pet Travel Page.

Country-Specific Pet Travel Requirements

Each country establishes its own requirements for importing animals. Requirements may include microchipping, vaccinations, health certificates, laboratory testing, import permits, quarantine and specific timelines for completing each requirement.

Begin researching requirements as soon as you receive orders. Some countries require preparations to begin weeks or months before the pet's arrival.

Helpful resources include:

1. Your installation Veterinary Treatment Facility – for assistance with health requirements, vaccinations and required documentation.
2. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service – provides current country-specific requirements for taking pets from the United States to another country and bringing pets into the United States.
3. U.S. Department of State – Pets – provides information and links for taking pets abroad and returning to the United States.
4. Your airline or transportation office – for carrier-specific requirements and assistance with official PCS travel.

Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with the destination country, USDA APHIS, your veterinarian/VTF, airline and transportation office before travel.

Virginia does not routinely require quarantine for healthy domestic dogs and cats entering the state. Dogs and cats four months of age and older must be currently vaccinated against rabies.

Additional health, documentation, import or quarantine requirements may apply depending on the animal's health, species, origin and circumstances of entry.

For requirements involving other pets, exotic animals, international pet travel or interstate movement, visit the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Pet Travel website and verify current Virginia requirements before travel.

Making arrangements for pet boarding well in advance of your move can help make the transition less stressful for both you and your pet(s). Keep in mind that military installations in the Hampton Roads area do not operate pet boarding facilities.

Numerous commercial boarding facilities are available throughout the Hampton Roads area. Rates, requirements and services vary by facility, so contact the boarding facility directly for current pricing, availability, vaccination requirements and other policies.

If temporary lodging is needed, ask about pet-friendly accommodations, as some Navy lodging facilities and local hotels offer a limited number of pet-friendly rooms.

Military Veterinary Treatment Facilities are staffed by U.S. Army Veterinary Services personnel and provide veterinary services to eligible military beneficiaries. Services and appointment availability vary by location.

For many overseas assignments, pets may be required to have an ISO-compliant microchip as part of the destination country's entry requirements. Because requirements vary by destination, contact your VTF as soon as possible after receiving PCS orders and review the current USDA APHIS requirements for your destination.

Services available at military VTFs may include:

• Microchipping
• Vaccinations and immunizations
• Parasite prevention and control
• Health certificates for PCS and international travel
• Limited sick-call and preventive veterinary care
• Services related to zoonotic disease prevention

Appointments are required for veterinary services at the Naval Station Norfolk VTF. PCS-related appointments may be prioritized when possible; however, availability is not guaranteed. Families should begin the process early and may need to use a civilian veterinarian if the VTF cannot accommodate required PCS appointments.

Dogs should be kept on a leash, and cats and other small animals should be secured in an appropriate carrier when visiting a VTF. Contact the individual clinic for current eligibility, services, fees, appointment availability and clinic policies.

Hampton Roads Military Veterinary Treatment Facilities:

• Naval Station Norfolk VTF
  1100 Tower St., Norfolk, VA 23511
  757-953-0350
  Serves as the closest military VTF for Naval Station Norfolk, NAS Oceana, JEB Little Creek–Fort Story and Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
• Langley AFB Veterinary Clinic
  504 N. Roma Rd., Langley AFB, VA
  757-764-5678
• Fort Eustis Veterinary Treatment Facility
  580 Jefferson Ave., Fort Eustis, VA
  757-878-5824

Veterinary services for JEB Little Creek–Fort Story are provided through the Naval Station Norfolk VTF.