PCS passengers can book their dogs and cats on AMC Patriot Express flights. Movement expenses must be paid by the owner. For more information about pet reservations, contact your local transportation office.
DOD PET TRANSPORTATION GUIDELINES
- Pet movement is limited to passengers in PCS status only.
- Pet space is very limited on AMC Patriot Express flights.
- Pet spaces are booked on a first come, first served basis.
- To book pet spaces, contact your local Traffic Management Office/Installation Transportation Office as early as possible.
- Orders are not required at time of booking.
- Reservation limits: Two pets per family.
- Pets must be accompanied by their owner and transported at owner’s expense.
Note: Eligible travelers may work directly with their Traffic Management Office (TMO) or Installation Transportation Office (ITO) to book pet reservations. AMC does not have the authority to provide an Exception to Policy, for DoDI 4515.13, Air Transportation Eligibility. An Exception to Policy request must be submitted through the traveler's service headquarters and receive final approval from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense. Additional information is available on CDC.gov.
NEW PET TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
AMC Pet Pamphlet - (As of 8 Nov 2022)
Provides information to assist for the transportation of pets aboard AMC Patriot Express (PE) flights in conjunction with Permanent Change of Station (PCS).
AMC Pet - Risk Acknowledgement Document (RAD) - (As of 13 Dec 2022)
Pet owner acknowledgement of the risks associated with air travel, especially for Brachycephalic (Short-Nosed) bread pets.
(Print, Read & Sign RAD. Present to Passenger Service Agent during Check-in)
Information about your pets health and their exposure to extreme heat.
PET CHECK-IN
- Check-in time for AMC flights at Baltimore/Washington International Airport is no later than 2 hours and 20 minutes prior to flight departure.
- Check-in time for AMC flights at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is no later than 3 hours and 20 minutes prior to flight departure.
- Contact your local transportation office or AMC Passenger Terminal for more information.
Note: Passengers on Patriot Express missions may check in up to 6 hours prior to departure; but, due to limited pet storage space, you must retain custody of your pet until 45 minutes prior to boarding unless there is a suitable holding area available. All pets must remain in their kennel or shipping container while in public or terminal areas.
PET IMMIGRATION
For pets and service animals, contact your local transportation office for specific immigration requirements to include quarantine and detention for the country to which you are shipping your pet.
Additional information can be found in the OCONUS Country Instructions under paragraph "6. Pets/Quarantine" for each country. The transportation of service animals is subject to country quarantine procedures. When it is necessary to detain a service animal pending a determination of admissibility, the traveler will provide detention facilities that are satisfactory to the quarantine officer. The passenger will bear the expense of such detention, including necessary examinations, vaccinations, and other expenses incurred.
Note: If you have a commercial airline flight prior to or following your AMC Patriot Express flight, contact that airline to determine if additional documentation or charges are required to transport your pet.
KENNEL SIZE & WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with FAA & AMC Pet Travel Policy:
In-cabin pet kennels/carriers are treated like carry-on baggage and will be stowed under the passenger seat in front of you and pets must remain in container for the duration of the flight.
- You’re responsible for providing an authorized kennel/carrier and ensuring your pet is transported in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines.
- Kennels must provide adequate ventilation on at least three sides.
- Kennels must be large enough for your pet to stand-up, turn around, and lie down with normal posture and body movement.
- Pets will not be accepted if containers are too small.
- 2-piece kennels must be bolted together with metal nuts/bolts.
- Plastic/nylon slides, clips, or screws/bolts are not authorized.
- Securing kennel door with a zip tie is recommended for additional safety but not required.
- Soft-sided pet carriers may be accepted for in-cabin movement only.
- Combined weight of your pet and kennel will not exceed 150 pounds.
In keeping with major airline in-cabin kennel requirements.
- Soft-sided kennels should be constructed of leak-proof/water repellent padded nylon with mesh ventilation on at least two sides.
- Kennel size must not exceed 18"l x 11" w x 10.5" h to ensure it will fit under the seat in front of you.
- Several layers of newspaper, shredded paper or absorbent material should be placed in the bottom of all kennels.
- Do not use any, hay, grass, wood shavings, sand or soil.
Special note: Pets will be individually kenneled, however, two small animals older than 8 weeks and younger than 6 months old of the same species and comparable size, weighing less than 20 pounds each, may be transported in the same kennel as long as both can stand up, turn-around, and lie down with normal posture and body movement. If container does not meet requirements, you will be placed on duty standby under administrative hold.
PET TRAVEL FEES
Be prepared to pay associated fees. Fees are charged on a per-kennel/per-mission basis depending on the combined weight (pet + kennel).
- The combined weight of ≤70 lbs will be charged $125 (one piece of excess baggage).
- The combined weight of 71-140 lbs will be charged $250 (two pieces of excess baggage).
- The combined weight of 141-150 lbs will be charged $375 (three pieces of excess baggage).
Note: Fees may change. Check with your Travel Management Office/Installation Travel Office for current fees. Pet + kennel weighing >150 lbs will not be accepted for shipment.
SERVICE ANIMALS
Special Notes for Service Animals
A recent Memo outlines new guidance on Service Animals and Service Animal Handler Responsibilities.
No later than 48 hours in advance of the date and time of departure, the service animal handler must provide the departing DoD passenger terminal a signed Statement of Assurance (Click HERE for an example) with the below information:
- Service animal handlers name, email address, and phone number
- Service animal user’s name if different from the handler and phone number
- Service animal name and description that includes appearance, height, and weight
- Current service animal information:
- Rabies vaccination date and date vaccination expires
- Other health, disease, or conditions such as fleas, ticks or a disease that could endanger people or other animals.
- Veterinarian’s name and phone number.
- Name and contact information of service animal trainer or training organization that provided training to do work or perform tasks for the service animal user.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS
The Office of Under Secretary of Defense released an amendment to DoDI 4515.13, Air Transportation Eligibility, removing language of Emotional Support Animals traveling on DoD-owned and Controlled Aircraft.
SNUB-NOSED ANIMALS
All pets are susceptible to the risk of heat stroke, respiratory problems and the possibility of death during travel. The risk is increased for snub- or pug-nosed pets.
For health and safety concerns, it is recommend that pet owners discuss their pet’s susceptibility to complications with their veterinarian prior to air transport and ensure your pets kennel has adequate ventilation.
PET FOOD
Pet owners must provide a separate food and water supply source that can be fixed inside the container or attached to it and have food/water available to replenish for your pet’s needs.