You just got orders. The clock starts now. This is the exact PCS pet shipping timeline we use with active-duty families every week — built by veterans, tested on hundreds of moves.
60+ days out: lock the route and the crate
Airlines cap live-animal bookings per flight and per crate size. Book the reservation before the household-goods packers arrive, not after.
Order an IATA-compliant Petmate or Pet Express Sky Kennel with the correct interior height (pet stands fully upright, ears clear the top). Undersized crates are the #1 reason a shipment gets denied at the counter.
30 days out: vet paperwork and endorsements
USDA APHIS endorsement is required for OCONUS moves and takes 5–10 business days. International destinations (Germany, Japan, UK, Spain) add rabies titer windows measured in months, not weeks.
For CONUS moves you need a health certificate dated within 10 days of travel. Book the vet appointment now — good luck getting a walk-in the week the movers show up.
The real cost breakdown
Air cargo: base airline fare × service markup + crate + kennel boarding + APHIS endorsement + optional airport tender. Our Live Pet Cargo Quote Calculator itemizes every line.
Ground transport: $75/hour driver time + real-time fuel + $150 per additional pet. Best value under ~1,200 miles or when the pet can't fly (snub-nosed breeds, summer heat embargoes).
Emergency orders (10 days or less)
Short-fuse orders trigger our rush workflow: same-day quote, priority crate sourcing, and direct communication with airline cargo desks. Pricing is quoted verbally after we confirm availability — don't trust a website that promises a flat rush rate sight-unseen.
Frequently asked questions
Does the military reimburse pet shipping costs?
As of the 2024 NDAA, service members can be reimbursed up to $550 CONUS and $2,000 OCONUS for one household pet per PCS. Keep every receipt — our quote PDF is reimbursement-ready.
Can my pet fly in the cabin instead of cargo?
Only pets under airline-specific weight limits (usually 20 lb combined with carrier) qualify for in-cabin. Everything else ships as manifested cargo or via ground.
How far in advance should I book?
60 days is the sweet spot. 30 days is workable. Under 10 days becomes an emergency booking and pricing changes accordingly.