PCSing Your Pets

Preparing for Your Move | Getting Settled | Making Osan Home

Traveling with pets requires a lot of pre-planning. Don’t forget to connect with your sponsor for support if you need it. Just remember that everyone’s travel experience with pets is different.

Pets are a Privilege

We all love our pets like family but remember that bringing pets to Korea is a privilege, not an entitlement. Pets are allowed in military family housing (maximum of 2), but NOT the unaccompanied dorms. It is not guaranteed that members PCSing to Osan will be able to reside off base. Both on-base housing and off base have canine breed restrictions.

Requirements for pets to enter Korea:

ISO-compliant microchip
Original Rabies Vaccine signed by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian in BLUE ink (this is important!)
Original Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Test (animals 90 days or older)
Health Certificate issued by USDA Accredited Veterinarian of exporting country

Note: Digital or photocopies are NOT accepted

Failure to bring/have the requirements above may result in animals being quarantined for an extended period of time or being repatriated to the exporting country at your expense.

Visit the USDA Pet Travel website for the most up to date health requirements.

Note: In the event of a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO), dependents will only be allowed to take 2 pets (cats/dogs).

Pet Travel & Restrictions

Breeds: Check with the airlines for guidance on restricted breeds

Kennel (checked or cargo): Pets need airline-approved, hard cages with screw-bolt closures, breathing holes on all sides, room to stand up, turn around and lie down, water and food dishes. Pets going in the plane cabin have different requirements.

Visit International Air Transport Association or AMC Passenger Travel website for pet size and kennel requirements. Certain breeds/sizes require custom crates. Ensure connecting flights can handle the required pet crate size.

Temperature: Airlines won’t let pets travel cargo if it’s too hot/cold on flight day. Have a plan B.

Animal Shippers: Based on breed/size, you may have to ship your pet separately. See International Pet and Animal Transportation Association shippers.

AMC Patriot Express Flights

PCS passengers can book their dogs and cats on AMC Patriot Express Flights based on availability. For more information about pet reservations, contact your local transportation office.

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 is limited to 2 pets per family.
Pets must be accompanied by their owner.

Note: Eligible travelers must 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.

More Information: https://www.amc.af.mil/AMC-Travel-Site/AMC-Pet-Travel-Page/

Commercial Travel Office (CTO)

Pre-Plan: The Contract Travel Office (e.g. CWT, Sato Travel), does not book pet flights, but they can book you on a pet-friendly flight with a contracted airlines or another U.S. Flag Carrier (as required by Fly America Act). Research dates and U.S. Flag Carriers that can fly your pet:
- Use the City Pairs Search Tool to find the airline contracted to fly you to Incheon (ICN). Stop by CTO to learn other possible U.S. Flag Carrier options.
- Research airline pet policies/military exceptions.
- Call the airline. Tell them you are on military orders, and you want to check a pet. Write down flights and dates with available pet space.
Visit CTO: Book flights with CTO after confirming the airline (and partner airlines) can fly your pet overseas. Bring pet-friendly flight options to CTO with: Pet breed, sex, age, cage dimensions and combined weight of pet with the cage.

Commercial airline doesn’t have pet space?

Ask CTO if other U.S. Flag Carriers have pet space.

After CTO Visit

Confirm Pet Flight: Call and reconfirm your pet’s reservation in the weeks/days before departure. Pet reservations can get lost easily.
Flight Day: Arrive extra early to pay and check-in pets.
NOTE: Have a plan B (change flight or friend on standby) in case of a temperature embargo on flight day.
Transportation from Airport in Korea to Base: Prearrange pet transport. Pets won’t be allowed on the public transportation or the Information, Tickets, & Travel (ITT) shuttle. A reimbursable van can be hired through ITT to transport your family and pets.
Pet Lodging Upon Arrival: Contact Turumi Lodge as soon as possible to reserve pet-friendly lodging. If space is not available and you receive a Non-Availability Letter, finding boarding or lodging for your pets is your responsibility. FSS-owned All Paws Pet Care provides kenneling services, but slots fill quickly for the summer PCS season.

Turumi will not provide a Non-A Letter due to a lack of pet-friendly accommodations. If non-pet-friendly lodging is available, members will be required to find separate pet lodging.