Servicemembers on a PCS move from nations with higher risks of rabies will be eligible for up to $4,000 in pet-transport reimbursement under a DoD policy that took effect Nov. 25.

The new rule comes in response to an August regulation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which adds to screening requirements and limits ports of entry for dogs leaving such countries. 

[READ THE REGULATION: CDC.gov]

A full list of those countries is available at this link.

The expanded benefit applies only to servicemembers whose orders are effective Nov. 25 or later and who are unable to transport their pet "when both Patriot Express capacity and regularly scheduled commercial airline service are not available," according to an Army news release.

Servicemembers must submit itemized receipts along with a nonavailability letter regarding transportation options for reimbursement. Learn more about required documents and other pet-transport provisions from the Defense Travel Management Office.

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Servicemembers can be reimbursed for one household pet only. The new regulation does not change the $550 reimbursement available for moves within the continental U.S.

For more information on pet relocation options and reimbursement, including Patriot Express travel and commercial airline reservations and authorization, visit Military OneSource.