Shipping Pets

Airline Pet Travel Requirements:

While SATO and similar agencies manage travel bookings, it remains the service member’s responsibility to verify that all airlines involved in their travel itinerary accept their pets. There have been cases where pets were permitted on the first leg of travel but were denied boarding on connecting flights. Since each airline maintains distinct policies covering which pets are allowed, quantity limits, seasonal restrictions and other factors - service members must proactively research and obtain all necessary clearances.

Country-Specific Regulations:

Just as airlines have varied requirements, each country enforces its own rules for pet importation and travel. We have encountered multiple situations highlighting the complexities involved. View the NAVSEA PCS resources (e.g., Bahrain’s guidance), Military OneSource information (e.g., Yokosuka’s resources) and other vetted sources for service members, including but not limited to:

1. Installation veterinary clinics, which are excellent resources on pet PCS requirements. Consider inviting vet representatives to speak during permanent change of station briefings or classes.
2. The Defense Travel Management Office’s updated pet transportation cost reimbursement limits (March 2025).
3. USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service guidelines.
4. Department of State articles on “Pets & International Travel” and “Returning to the US with Pets.”