DoD approves pet expenses reimbursement due to PCS

WASHINGTON — The Department of Defense has approved a new policy to cover pet travel expenses, like pet transportation or quarantine fees, incurred by Service members during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS).

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.

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.

The new policy was published in the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) on January 1, 2024 — see para. 050107.

For more information, see the memorandum on this JTR revision and answers to frequently asked questions.