But before you\u2019re ready to commit to hiring a pet transporter, you should know the government policies so you can prepare for pet relocation<\/a> for PCS orders.<\/p>\n The total cost of transporting your pet varies, depending on a few factors. Every pet transportation<\/a> company has different ways of calculating cost, but most follow a similar formula.<\/p>\n When hiring a pet ground transportation company, there are four main factors that affect the overall pet transportation costs. These factors are:<\/p>\n There\u2019s a specific breakdown of the typical fees that pet transportation companies have. Let\u2019s take a look at each of the factors in more detail.<\/p>\n The most important factor is distance. The longer the transport, the more you will expect to pay. A related factor is your location \u2014 if you\u2019re in a remote corner of the United States, it may cost you more to get a transporter to travel off the beaten path to pick up your pet.<\/p>\n Some transporters won\u2019t charge extra for bigger pets, but many will. Larger pets require more labor, from increased feeding to the need for more exercise on the road.<\/p>\n Plus, large pets take up more room in the vehicle. This limits the transporter\u2019s ability to drive with multiple animals (and therefore make money more efficiently), or may force them to rent a larger vehicle.<\/p>\n If your pet needs to be given medicine regularly, needs to take more potty breaks than the average dog, or has some other health need, you may expect to pay more. If your pet has health needs, consider a transporter with a strong background in animal medicine\/care. One benefit of CitizenShipper is that every transporter has 24\/7 televet access.<\/p>\n Check online to see what health requirements are needed at your destination. Most states and pet transportation companies (and airlines) will require:<\/p>\n A pet health certificate is a form that documents that your pet is up to date on their vaccines and in good health to travel.<\/p>\n A fourth major factor is whether or not you\u2019ll be transporting your pet<\/a> alone or with other animals. As mentioned before, the more pets a driver can transport at once, the more money they\u2019ll make. If your pet is comfortable with other animals, we recommend finding a transporter that \u201cstacks\u201d shipments.<\/p>\n However, this isn\u2019t a good option for all animals. If your pet is easily stressed or doesn\u2019t get along with other animals, it\u2019s a good idea to pay more and book a solo ride.<\/p>\n Ready to get quotes? Post a free listing on CitizenShipper and compare prices from background-checked pet transporters. Most military families receive their first quote within 15 minutes. \u2192 Get Free Pet Transport Quotes<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n In June 2023, the Department of Defense released new policies governing pet relocation reimbursement following Congress’s passage of a new law in December 2022.<\/p>\n \u201cas 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.\u201d<\/p>\n This is a first \u2014 before, military members had to pay for pet relocation costs themselves. Unfortunately, the new policy is not applied retroactively.<\/p>\n Using CitizenShipper is the best choice for military personnel who need to transport a pet during a PCS move. After your transport is complete, simply fill out this form<\/a> to receive your reimbursement.<\/p>\n In order to get reimbursed, troops must:<\/p>\n The Department of Defense decided the reimbursement cap was a fair amount. The amount takes into account the average cost of pet transportation within the continental United States and internationally. The allowance only covers cats and dogs.<\/p>\n Military advocates and pet owner advocates have lobbied Congress to increase coverage. Many members have multiple pets, and pet transportation costs are on the rise.<\/p>\n It doesn\u2019t appear that the reimbursement amount will increase substantially or cover multiple pets in the near future. The good news is that there are other options for families struggling to afford pet transportation following PCS orders. There are military relief organizations like Army Emergency Relief and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society that have provided nearly a million dollars in assistance<\/a> \u2014 an average of about $3,000 per client \u2014 for pet transportation costs.<\/p>\n Pet relocation costs can stack up, especially if you are traveling across the country or need to find temporary housing for a pet<\/a>. Moving is already expensive, so finding ways to save can mean a lot when you\u2019ve received PCS orders.<\/p>\n The best way to save money on pet transportation services is to compare quotes. In the past, you had to call pet transportation companies or fill out online forms one at a time, then wait hours before getting quotes to compare.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a better way. CitizenShipper makes it so much easier to compare quotes. Simply fill out and submit a listing for free \u2014 within minutes, you\u2019ll have multiple options to choose from. Less effort, more choices!<\/p>\n There are several organizations out there that specialize in helping military members out with their expenses. You can always look into some of these organizations that can provide grants or other discounts. Some organizations specifically in the pet relocation sector include Pets for Patriots and SPCA International’s Operation Military Pets.<\/p>\n You can get reimbursed for up to $550 of your pet’s transport \u2014 post a free listing on CitizenShipper<\/a> to compare quotes from background-checked transporters and keep your out-of-pocket cost low.<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes. Since January 1, 2024, the Department of Defense reimburses service members up to $550 for transporting one cat or dog during a PCS move within the continental United States. For moves to or from locations outside the continental U.S., the reimbursement cap is $2,000. Service members file Form DD 1351-2 with receipts after completing their PCS travel to receive reimbursement.<\/p>\n This policy helps offset the growing cost of relocating pets<\/a> during military moves, especially for overseas assignments where airline cargo fees, quarantine requirements, and veterinary paperwork can become expensive. Reimbursable expenses may include:<\/p>\n The reimbursement currently applies to one household pet per service member and typically covers dogs and cats only. Exotic animals and additional pets may not qualify for reimbursement under current Department of Defense rules.<\/p>\n Because airline embargoes and breed restrictions can complicate military relocations, many service members also compare ground transportation options through platforms like CitizenShipper<\/a> to help move pets during PCS transfers.<\/p>\n There are many benefits to using CitizenShipper for your military pet move \u2014 it\u2019s easy to use, you\u2019ll receive multiple quotes instantly and there are many options. CitizenShipper also offers unique benefits like 24\/7 televet access through Vetster and a $1,000 Pet Protection Plan. It’s also been named a “Trusted Military Business” by MyBaseGuide.<\/p>\n Most pet transportation companies in the United States only operate domestically. Unfortunately, with the size and reach of the United States military, many PCS orders involve a move overseas. If you need more information or a quote for military relocation outside of the US, contact our partners \u2014 Starwood Pet Travel<\/a> \u2014 a veteran-owned international pet transport company with decades of experience moving pets across the world.<\/p>\n Starwood Pet Travel is also a product supporter of Veterans Service Organizations, like K9s For Warriors, that\u2019s dedicated to ending Veteran suicide by providing highly trained Service Dogs to military Veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and\/or military sexual trauma.<\/span><\/p>\n Military moves can be stressful, and when you add a pet to the mix, it can be even more stressful. When you get PCS orders, you may not have time to maneuver the pieces in a timely and orderly manner.<\/p>\n CitizenShipper\u2019s affordable pet transportation marketplace is a hassle-free alternative to traditional transport companies. When you receive PCS orders, take advantage of the DoD\u2019s new pet transportation reimbursement policy and use CitizenShipper<\/a> to help complete your move.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/citizenshipper.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PCS-Orders-with-a-Pet-2.png\")
<\/p>\nOverview of Pet Transportation Costs<\/b><\/h2>\n
Factors Impacting Overall Costs<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Breakdown of Transport Service Fees<\/b><\/h2>\n
Distance and Location<\/b><\/h3>\n
Size of Your Pet<\/b><\/h3>\n
Special Health Needs<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Solo Rides<\/b><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nNew DoD Pet Relocation Allowance<\/b><\/h2>\n
Details of Reimbursement Eligibility and Limits<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Analysis of Rationale Behind Allowance Amount<\/b><\/h3>\n
Ongoing Advocacy Efforts for Increased Coverage<\/b><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nMilitary Move Cost Savings Strategies and Resources<\/b><\/h2>\n
Comparing Quotes Across Transport Service Providers<\/b><\/h3>\n
Fundraising Ideas and Assistance Programs<\/b><\/h3>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nDoes the Military Pay for Pet Shipping?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Why Choose CitizenShipper?<\/b><\/h2>\n
How Do I Post a Listing on CitizenShipper\u2019s Pet Transportation Marketplace?<\/b><\/h3>\n
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What About Military Moves Outside the Continental United States?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nBottom Line<\/b><\/h2>\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n