Pet Transportation Allowance

Start Here If You Are New to Pet Transportation

Effective 1 January 2024 per MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24, Marines on PCS orders may be reimbursed for costs associated with relocating ONE household pet (a cat or dog owned for personal companionship). The reimbursement caps at $550 per CONUS move and $2,000 per OCONUS move. Common eligible expenses include commercial pet shipping, kennel boarding during transit, airline fees for pet cargo or in-cabin transport, and OCONUS quarantine costs. The reimbursement is processed through the DTS travel voucher with receipts. The framework helps Marines reduce the cost of relocating family pets during PCS.

This page walks you through Pet Transportation from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The 1 January 2024 effective date and MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24 framework
• $550 CONUS / $2,000 OCONUS reimbursement caps
• One pet (cat or dog) per PCS
• Eligible expenses
• Receipts and DTS submission process
• The DTMO Pet Transportation Allowance FAQ

Every fact on this page comes from MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24 (26 November 2024), the JTR Chapter 5, the DTMO Pet Transportation Allowance FAQ, and Title 37 U.S.C.Title 37 U.S.C.

What Pet Transportation Allowance Is

Per MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24 paragraph 7 and the DTMO Pet Transportation Allowance framework, Marines on PCS orders may be reimbursed for costs associated with relocating ONE household pet.

The reimbursement applies specifically to a CAT or DOG owned for personal companionship. The framework recognizes the costs Marines incur to keep family pets during PCS relocations.

Effective Date

Per MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24 paragraph 7, the Pet Transportation Allowance was effective 1 January 2024.

Eligibility

A Marine on PCS orders is eligible if.

• The PCS is a covered move (CONUS-CONUS, CONUS-OCONUS, OCONUS-CONUS, or OCONUS-OCONUS).
• The pet is a cat or dog.
• The pet is owned by the Marine for personal companionship.
• The Marine submits the reimbursement claim through DTS with receipts.

One Pet Per PCS

The reimbursement applies to ONE household pet per PCS. Marines with multiple pets are reimbursed for one only. Costs for additional pets are at the Marine's expense.

Cat or Dog Only

Other types of pets (birds, fish, reptiles, etc.) are NOT covered by the allowance. The MARADMIN specifies cat or dog only.

Reimbursement Caps

Per MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24 paragraph 7.

CONUS Move

Up to $550 per CONUS PCS move. Covers driving to the new PDS with the pet, kennel boarding during the move, or shipping the pet to a destination CONUS PDS.

OCONUS Move

Up to $2,000 per OCONUS PCS move. Covers the higher costs of OCONUS pet transportation, including.

• Commercial pet shipping (typically required for international travel).
• Quarantine costs at the destination country.
• Veterinary documentation for international travel.
• Specialized pet carriers and shipping equipment.

Eligible Expenses

Common reimbursable expenses include.

Transportation

• Commercial pet shipping by certified carriers (e.g., specialized pet shipping companies).
• Airline cargo or in-cabin pet transport fees.
• Pet ground transportation between origin/destination airport and home.

Boarding and Care During Transit

• Kennel boarding while the Marine is in transit.
• Pet boarding while OCONUS quarantine is processed.

OCONUS Quarantine

• Quarantine fees at the destination country (e.g., Hawaii, Japan, UK quarantine programs).
• Quarantine boarding costs.

Veterinary Documentation

• International health certificate fees for OCONUS travel.
• Specific vaccinations required for international transit.
• Microchipping (when required for the destination).

Pet Travel Equipment

• Travel-approved carriers and crates.
• Specialized shipping containers for OCONUS air cargo.

Expenses NOT Covered

The reimbursement does NOT cover.

• Cost of purchasing a pet.
• Pet adoption fees.
• Routine veterinary care unrelated to PCS travel.
• Pet food during the move.
• Pet care services after arrival at the new PDS.
• Costs for pets other than cats or dogs.
• Costs for additional pets beyond the one-pet limit.

Documentation Requirements

The Marine submits reimbursement through DTS with supporting documentation.

Required Receipts

• Pet shipping invoice from the carrier.
• Airline cargo or in-cabin pet transport receipt.
• Kennel boarding receipt.
• Quarantine fee receipts (OCONUS).
• Veterinary documentation receipts.

Receipts for All Expenses

All expenses claimed require receipts regardless of amount. Pet Transportation Allowance is itemized with documentation.

DTS Submission

The Marine submits the Pet Transportation Allowance claim through the Defense Travel System (DTS) on DD Form 1351-2DD Form 1351-2 (Travel Voucher).

Workflow

1. Marine arrives at the new PDS.
2. Marine submits the PCS travel voucher in DTS.
3. Pet Transportation Allowance is itemized as a reimbursable expense.
4. Receipts are attached.
5. Voucher routes to the AO.
6. AO approves and routes to DFAS for payment.

DTMO Pet Transportation Allowance FAQ

The DTMO maintains a Pet Transportation Allowance FAQ at https://www.travel.dod.mil/Support/ALL-FAQs/Article/3624131/pet-transportation-allowance/. The FAQ covers.

• Specific eligible expenses.
• Documentation requirements.
• Common scenarios and edge cases.
• DTS submission instructions.

Common Questions Marines Ask

How much can I be reimbursed for pet transportation?

Per MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24, $550 for a CONUS PCS or $2,000 for an OCONUS PCS. One pet per move.

What types of pets are covered?

Cats and dogs only. Other pets (birds, fish, reptiles, exotic animals) are NOT covered by this allowance.

I have two dogs. Can I get reimbursed for both?

No. The reimbursement is for ONE household pet per PCS. The Marine selects which pet to claim and pays for the additional pets out of pocket.

What if my OCONUS quarantine costs exceed $2,000?

The reimbursement caps at $2,000. Costs above $2,000 are at the Marine's expense.

When did this allowance take effect?

1 January 2024 per MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24.

How do I submit the reimbursement claim?

Through DTS as a reimbursable expense on the PCS travel voucher. Attach all receipts.

Do I need to keep receipts for everything?

Yes. All Pet Transportation Allowance expenses require receipts regardless of amount.

What if my pet flies in the cabin with me on a commercial flight?

The cabin pet fee charged by the airline is reimbursable as a Pet Transportation Allowance expense.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Pet Transportation Allowance verification. The DTMO Pet Transportation Allowance FAQ at https://www.travel.dod.mil/Support/ALL-FAQs/Article/3624131/pet-transportation-allowance/.
• Travel voucher submission. Through DTS at https://dtsproweb.defensetravel.osd.mil/.
• OCONUS quarantine coordination. The Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) at the gaining unit installation.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• PCS landing page lists all the PCS topics.
• PCS Orders and Overview covers the foundational PCS framework.
• Household Goods and PPM covers HHG shipment.
• Member and Dependent Travel covers travel modes.
• Travel Vouchers and Reimbursement covers DTS voucher submission.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on Pet Transportation Allowance options for OCONUS PCS.
• Admin at S-1 supports DTS voucher submission with pet-related receipts.
• Commanders endorse PCS orders that may include Pet Transportation Allowance.

Pet Transportation Allowance reimburses costs of relocating one household pet (cat or dog) during PCS. $550 CONUS, $2,000 OCONUS. Effective 1 January 2024 per MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24. Receipts required. Submit through DTS travel voucher. The DTMO FAQ covers specific scenarios.