DoD announces new PCS pet reimbursement policy

The Department of Defense is taking another step to recognizing furry friends as family members. On June 21, 2023, DoD approved a new policy to cover pet travel expenses, like pet shipping or quarantine fees, incurred by service members during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). But, before you start ordering luxurious travel bags for your guinea pigs, make sure you know the rules: It's just for dogs and cats. And only one. Not both. Baby steps.

As of January 1, 2024, military service members going through a PCS within the continental United States can be reimbursed up to $550 for one household pet, either cat or dog, and up to $2,000 for moves to or from a location outside the continental United States to cover costs related to the transportation of a pet.

The services estimate that this new allowance may be used by an estimated 227,000 service members. Historically, service members paid the majority of out-of-pocket expenses to transport pets when assigned to a new duty station. This policy reduces that financial burden while recognizing the important role a pet plays in a military family's household.

According to the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN), service members spend an average of $5,000 in out-of-pocket, non-reimbursable costs during a PCS.