PCSing with Pets FAQs

Pets are now authorized to travel to and from Korean on Patriot Express Flights. Families in PCS status are authorized to take two pets (dogs and cats only) as long as the kennels, with pets, do not exceed 150 pounds per pet, but the number of pets allowed on each flight is limited. The kennel must be approved for air travel by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For pet safety, soft-sided and collapsible kennels are not allowed for pets that will be transported in the cargo area of the aircraft. Small pets traveling in-cabin can be transported in soft-sided (constructed of leak proof/water-repellent padded nylon with mesh ventilation on two (2) or more sides) and hard plastic kennels. Kennel size must not exceed to ensure it will fit under the seat in front of the passenger. All pets must be able to lie down, stand up, and turn around in the kennel using normal posture and body movements. Pets will not be accepted in kennels that are too small. Passengers are responsible for all pet shipment requirements, quarantines, and all costs associated with the shipment of their pet. Depending on your destination, pet costs can vary but will not normally exceed $103 for an average sized pet that is 70 lbs and under, for example. However, the exact charge is based on your travel destination and the combined weight of each pet and kennel. Check with your veterinarian for advice on preparing your pet for shipment, including such issues as immunizations, feeding, watering, sedative, and proper documentation.

Who do I contact for information concerning shipment of my pet?
Pet shipment information is available at your local military transportation office, booking/reservation agency, and local veterinarian office
When are pets allowed to be transported on AMC missions?
Pet shipment is limited to passengers traveling in PCS status only and at traveler's expense (IAW DoD 4500.9R, Part I, Chapter 103, Section J, Paragraph 1.a.9.a)
What type of AMC missions can be used to move my pet?
Pets may only be moved on AMC Commercial Contracted missions in conjunction with PCS. PCS travel is not authorized on organic (military) aircraft, so pets may not be shipped on organic aircraft. (IAW DoD 4500.9R, Part I, Chapter 103, Section A, Paragraph 2)
What types of animals are authorized for shipment?
Dogs and cats only (IAW DoD 4500.9R, Part I, Chapter 103, Section J, Paragraph 1.a.9.b)
How many pets can I ship?
Limited to two (2) pets per family. Each pet along with kennel cannot exceed 150 pounds (IAW DoD 4500.9R, Part I, Chapter 103, Section J, Paragraph 1.a.9.e and 1.a.9.c)
Is it necessary to reserve a pet space to travel with the passenger on AMC aircraft?
Yes, passengers should request a pet space when making their initial reservation to travel on an AMC Patriot Express (PE) mission. Pet spaces and total weight is limited by commercial contracted PE air carriers and are strictly enforced
Is a pet wavier available to allow a passenger to travel with more than two pets?
Pet waivers are no longer granted. However, 15 days prior to AMC flight departure, pet spaces open in GATES are available to travelers that already have two (2) pet spaces booked. Transportation offices should contact the 618 TACC/XOGC Passenger Reservation section to arrange additional pet space(s). This program is entitled "Space Available Pet Program"
Can two pets travel in one kennel?
Two small animals of the same species older than 8 weeks and younger than 6 months, of comparable size, and up to 9.1kg (20 pounds) each that are used to cohabitation may be shipped in the same container as long as they can each stand up, turn around, and lie down with normal posture. Only one excess baggage fee shall apply in this circumstance if the combined weight plus kennel does not exceed 70 pounds.
How are pet charges assessed?
Pet shipment is at traveler's expense. Travelers pay an excess baggage fee when shipping pets. Excess baggage fees are levied based on pet plus kennel weight, if the pet plus kennel weighs under 70 pounds, one excess baggage charge will be levied, if the pet plus kennel weighs 71 pounds up to 140 pounds, two excess baggage charges will be levied, and if the pet plus kennel weighs between 141 up to the authorized 150 pounds, three excess baggage charges will be levied. Example: if a pet owner ships a pet and the excess baggage fee for that particular flight is $103.00 per bag. A pet plus kennel weighing up to 70 pounds is charged at $103.00, if the pet plus kennel weighs 71 to 140 pounds the charge is $206.00 (2 x $103.00) and if the pet plus kennel weighs 141 to 150 pounds the charge is $309.00 (3x$103.00). Each pet weight limit is 150 pounds (pet plus kennel weight). Weight limit cannot be waived (IAW DoD 4500.9R, Part I, Chapter 103, Section J. Paragraph 1.a.9.c).
Are pets authorized to travel in the aircraft cabin?
Yes with restrictions. Maximum number of pets allowed in the cabin is three. Your pet must be able to fit comfortably in a kennel (hard-sided or soft-sided) no larger than 20" Long x 16" Wide x 8" High in order to fit under the seat in front of you. Pet must be able to stand up, lie down, and turn around with normal posture and body movements. Note: AMC Pet Brochure contains additional pet shipment information and is available on our web site at: https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/AFP40/d/1074111948/Files/a4t/a4tp/petmessages/pet_brochure.pdf
Are pets permitted to travel alone on AMC aircraft?
No, pet(s) must be accompanied by their owner when traveling on AMC aircraft.
If a passenger is traveling alone, can he/she reserve two in-cabin pet spaces?
No, in-cabin pets must be able to fit under the seat (kennel no larger than 20"L x 16"W x 8"H) in front of the passenger, therefore a passenger traveling alone can only take one pet in the cabin.
Excess baggage is approved and stated on a passenger's funded travel orders; if a passenger does not take excess baggage can he/she take his pet instead?
No, shipping a pet and authorized excess baggage is not interchangeable. Pet shipment is not an entitlement and is at the traveler's expense. Due to limited number of pet spaces and weight assigned to each aircraft, pet spaces must be reserved in advance of passenger travel.

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