Four service members crouch down and smile as they train a puppy. (Perry Shirzad/U.S. Coast Guard)
American service members moving stateside with a cat or dog from countries considered high-risk for rabies could soon qualify for a larger relocation reimbursement from the Defense Department.
Starting Nov. 25, military personnel making a permanent change of station from a location that is on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s list of high-risk countries may receive up to $4,000.
Previously, DOD authorized up to $2,000 for moves outside the continental U.S. for pet relocation.
But in August 2024, the CDC implemented a regulation requiring a higher level of screening for dogs returning to the U.S. from countries including Brazil, Djibouti, Ghana, Jordan, the Philippines, Turkey, Ukraine and dozens more. The reimbursement was updated in response.
The higher amount applies when Patriot Express or commercial flights are not available for pets and expenses more than $2,000 must be approved ahead of time.
The Patriot Express is the government-contracted air service that flies service members and their families between the United States and some overseas bases in Europe and Asia.
Like the previous allotment, it can be used for only one cat or dog. Additional pets can be shipped at the service member’s expense.
To be reimbursed, service members must provide itemized receipts for pet expenses, as well as a non-availability letter from the office processing the transportation request if government transportation isn’t available.
