As of January 1, active service members are now authorized to receive reimbursement for expenses related to moving a pet home due to a permanent change of station transfer.
The cost of moving for either a dog or a cat includes travel costs within the US or abroad and any other travel requirements, according to the Joint Travel Regulations Office.
Since taking office, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has prioritized efforts to strengthen support for Defense Department personnel and family members under his “Caring for Our Service Members” campaign and Family.”
Those efforts include major initiatives to improve the lives of service members and their families through access to quality and affordable child care and by easing the burden of relocation for to military families, among other things.
“DOD recognizes that pets can be a source of stability and security to service members and families who move frequently. Reimbursing the cost of PCS moves involving a pet recognizes the role played by these will continue to be emotional and improve the quality of life for the force,” said Jennifer McPherson-Todd, director of the Defense Travel Management Office.
Quarantine fees
Mandatory microchipping
Boarding fees
Hotel service charges
New duty station licensing fees
Shipping fees if the service member flies, instead of driving
Also, dependents of service members, DOD civilians, and dependents of DOD civilian employees ordered to evacuate from a foreign duty station are allowed for transportation and quarantine fees for up to two pets animal — dog or cat.
For more details on this new benefit, click here.
