For a deployment, arrange a caregiver or temporary foster before you leave; for a permanent change of station (PCS), plan around destination rules, transport availability and cost. Start both plans early, and give whoever is caring for or transporting your pet the veterinary details and practical instructions they need.
How to arrange care for your pet during deployment
Choose someone who can handle daily care for the expected length of the deployment, including possible changes to the schedule. Agree on who will arrange and authorize veterinary treatment, how costs will be handled, and who is the backup decision-maker if you cannot be reached.
Military OneSource advises service members to give the caregiver veterinary records, medication information and contact details. Add the pet’s feeding and routine notes, your veterinarian’s information, the nearest emergency clinic, and your own and backup contacts. Ask your installation veterinary services office about additional local resources.
Options to explore
- Friends or family: A trusted person may be a good fit if they understand the pet’s needs and can commit for the full period.
- Local volunteer networks: Military OneSource points members to volunteer foster and boarding networks through the National Resource Directory. Availability depends on location and the animal’s needs.
- Operation Foster: Operation Foster, a service of PACT for Animals, describes an application-based process that matches a military pet owner’s need with available foster homes. The organization says its fostering service has no fee and is intended to keep pets with their owners until reunion. Applying does not guarantee acceptance or an available match; confirm eligibility, capacity and timing with the program. Its About Us page reports that it has helped more than 3,000 pets in all 50 states since its founding over 15 years ago; that is the organization’s own cumulative figure, not an independent impact evaluation. Operation Foster’s About Us page.
Military OneSource’s deployment preparation guidance provides the service member starting point. Contact the National Resource Directory and installation veterinary services directly to check what is currently available in your area.
#1 Best Overall
- [PRODUCT DIMENSIONS] Pet travel carrier size : 17x11x11 inches, recommended up to 15 lb pets, it is suitable for large, medium cats and small dogs. Please don't choose your airline cat carrying case based on weight, please refer to your pet's length and height when choosing a pet carrier size.
- [AIRLINE APPROVED] This cat carrier is designed with airline approved, it can fit comfortably under most flight seats, we can take our pets wherever we want. Dog travel carrier offers two attachment loop handles that can be used as a dual harness or as a luggage strap for balanced carry and secure transport.
- [EXCELLENT MATERIAL] Collapsible cat carrier is made of polyester fabric, supported by a steel ring, washable, wear-resistant and durable. The three sides and the top of this pet carrier are nylon mesh, scratch-resistant and not easy to damage, it can not only check your pet in real time, but also ensure enough air circulation.
- [SAFE AND COMFORTABLE] Dog travel bag has metal zippers on the top and side entrances, durable and not easy to deform, it allows your pets to enter and exit easily. The cat carrying case is equipped with an anti-escape safety buckle, which can effectively prevent pets from accidentally falling. It is suitable for car rides and vet rides.
- [PORTABLE AND FOLDABLE] Pet travel carrier comes with a detachable and hand washable wool pet bed, it can provide a comfortable sleeping space for your traveling pet. The cat travel case comes with an adjustable shoulder strap and handle for easy portability. When not in use, you can fold it up for storage.
How to prepare for a PCS with a pet
A PCS is a move, not a temporary-care plan: confirm what the destination requires, which transport options can take your pet, and how the itinerary affects veterinary preparation. Military OneSource’s “Moving With Pets,” published May 2, 2025, recommends checking destination rules early. Requirements can differ by destination and route.
Check rules and veterinary requirements
- Verify local licensing, quarantine requirements, breed restrictions and community rules at the destination.
- For interstate and international entry requirements, use USDA APHIS Pet Travel and check the rules for the specific destination.
- Ask your veterinarian as soon as the move is known about immunizations, health certificates, travel preparation, motion sickness and microchip identification.
- Check the requirements of each carrier and the actual route. Air travel requirements vary, so confirm the permitted carrier or kennel dimensions and other rules with the airline or charter provider before buying equipment.
Request Patriot Express pet space early
For overseas PCS travel, families with orders typically arrange Patriot Express through their local transportation office. Military OneSource says pet spaces are limited and booked first come, first served; requests may be made 90–120 days before departure. Contact the transportation office as soon as possible to ask about the current booking process and availability. Consult Air Mobility Command’s pet travel guidance for kennel dimensions, weight guidance, fees and related transport rules, and confirm current requirements locally because schedules and capacity can change.
Rank #2
- AIRLINE APPROVED CARRIER - With airline-approved design, you can take your pet to go to everywhere. This pet carrier provides two connecting loop handles for balanced carrying as a dual seat belt or luggage strap to secure transport
- SAFETY DESIGN - The adjustable shoulder strap help you hands-free carrying and makes it more safe and convenient pet carrier bag for your travel
- DURABLE - This cat carrier is made of durable and lightweight polyester fabric. The four-side mesh will not only give a safe and comfortable travel for your pet, but also easy for you to check on your pet
- PORTABLE & FOLDABLE - This dog carrier is easy to carry and store, which has a padded shoulder strap and handles
- BOTH SIZES AND WEIGHTS - The mediun cat carrier is designed for small and medium pets within 15" x 9" x 9"(smaller than product) and 15 lbs. Please do not choose your carrier only based on weight. Reference your pets' length and height in selecting a carrier size.If carried on board, the maximum dimensions should not exceed 18IN*11IN*11IN.
A pet travel carrier or kennel is only suitable if it meets the requirements for your specific route and animal. Verify dimensions, rules and veterinary advice before purchasing; no general product can be assumed to be accepted by every airline or charter.
What PCS pet-transportation reimbursement may cover
The U.S. Department of Defense announced on June 21, 2023, that reimbursement would take effect January 1, 2024. The announcement set caps of up to $550 for one household cat or dog on a CONUS PCS and up to $2,000 for a move to or from outside the continental United States. These are maximum amounts, not a guarantee of reimbursement for every expense or move. See the DoD announcement and check the current Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) and your transportation office before relying on a figure.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Pet Carrier: 17.5” L x 11” W x 11” H, Recommended max load of 16 lbs cats small dogs. Please do not choose your carrier based on weight--please reference your pet's length and height in selecting a pet carrier size.
- Fits for under-seat dimensions of most airlines. Every airline has a specific set of rules and regulations, please contact with airline before flying with your cats small dogs.
- Mesh windows for ventilation, top and side entry with locking zippers for safety. Carrying handles, adjustable shoulder strap which can also be used as seatbelt, and back strap can fasten the pet carrier to your luggage.
- Pet carrier comes with a removable base insert, which creates a solid surface for your pet to stand on, along with a removable & hand washable cozy fleece pet bed, which offers a cozy sleeping space for your traveling cats small dogs.
- "Toys for pets, of textile materials". Mostly used as a Toy of Fabric Pet Home for pets playing and relaxing.
Defense Centers for Public Health–Aberdeen guidance describes a conditional exception effective November 25, 2024: an eligible service member moving from specified high-risk countries may receive up to $4,000 for one dog if neither Patriot Express capacity nor regularly scheduled commercial airline pet service is available. Costs above $2,000 require approval through the Secretarial Process. The guidance says only one dog or cat per move is eligible; Army personnel must have the pet added to PCS orders, and other services may have similar requirements. Confirm whether the exception applies to your move, the approval process and current JTR terms with your local transportation management office. See Defense Centers for Public Health–Aberdeen departure guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where the USO Canine Program fits
The USO Canine Program offers canine-centered visits and events that may provide connection for members of the military community. It is not described as a boarding service or a deployment foster program for a service member’s own pet. Availability depends on participating centers and local schedules. Find details at the USO Canine Program.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Hard sided pet carrier with 2 doors for front and top entry; suitable for cat or medium size dog weighing 12 - 20 pounds
- Durable plastic construction with steel wire doors; screws keep the top and bottom sections securely connected
- Spring load latches ensure easy one-handed door opening and closing; top door swings open to the left or right and includes a top carry handle
- Plenty of air ventilation on the sides, top, and back of the carrier
- Note: Be sure to measure the size of the pet when choosing carrier size
Rank #4
- High Quality Design：Sturdy steel cage structure and wooden support board maintain good spatial stability and shape. Breathable mesh windows on four sides,which can ensure good air circulation and views,make pets have a comfortable and safe travel.It can also be easy for you to check on your pets.There is a front pocket to store pet toys,treats,etc.
- Dimension and Weight：Made of durable tear-resistant fabric.Four easy entrances for pets. Dimensions: 17 inch x 11 inch x 11 inch (L*W*H), suitable for pets up to 16 lbs.Please don't choose your carrier based on weight only,consider your pet's length and height when choosing a carrier.
- Airline Approved & Safty：Can be placed under the seats of most airplanes(Four non-slip feet on the bottom to prevent movement), and comfortably on the seat next to you in a car or bus.It has a adjustable shoulder strap.Can also be fastened to the car seat with a safety belt or shoulder strap to keep your pet safe.
- Easy to Clean ：You can clean the stains and dirt on the surface with a soft cloth.Soft mat inside the pet carrier is removable and washable.You can take it out and wash it easily to solve all stains.
- Easy to Collapsible & Lightweight：When not in use,fold it into a flat,space saving and easy to store.Only 2.2lbs,it's easier to carry around.It can also used as a toy of pet house,allowing pets to play in a safe space to relax and rest.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
