Can I Keep My Pets with Me?

Generally, you can keep your pets with you when transferred. Be prepared to pay for shipping costs for your animals, for any necessary vet bills, and for items such as kennels or fencing. Also, many duty stations have quarantine requirements for imported animals. Be sure to determine the quarantine requirements for your new duty station and include any of those additional costs in your calculations.

If you are unable to keep your pets, try contacting the Military Pets Foster Project, which seeks to put pets into foster homes until their servicemember owner’s return. To learn more, visit their Web site. Your vet also may be able to offer suggestions. Many breeds of animals have their own rescue societies that may be able to help. As a last resort, look into “no kill” shelters.

Estimate the cost of moving your pets, including the cost to license them and any quarantine or boarding costs that won’t be reimbursed. Record that amount here:

$ ______________