PCSing Your Pets

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).

 Starting August 1, 2024, EVERY dog entering or returning to the United States must meet new, specific requirements depending on where they have been in the 6 months before entering the U.S. and where they received their rabies vaccines.

All dogs must:

• Be at least 6 months of age at time of entry or return to the United States
• Have an implanted International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip
• Appear healthy upon arrival
• Have a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form
  • Dogs that received their rabies vaccine at a CONUS or OCONUS Army Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) will be considered as vaccinated within the U.S. for the purposes of CDC import requirements
  • Dogs that received their rabies vaccine at off-post Korean civilian veterinarian will be considered as vaccinated outside the U.S. for the purposes of CDC import requirements and owners will need to get validation done through host nation Korean channels
  • You may need additional documentation depending on where the dog has been in the 6 months before entering or returning to the United States, or if the dog has a current rabies vaccine administered in the United States
• Have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt
  • This form should be filled out online ideally 2-10 days before arrival; however, it can also be completed right before travel (even in line at the border crossing) if you have internet access. If the information on the form changes before the dog arrives, you must submit a new form and indicate you are making changes to an existing form. All information, including port of entry where the dog is arriving, must be correct at time of arrival.
  • This form requires you to upload a clear photograph of the dog showing its face and body. Dogs that will be less than one year of age at time of arrival should have the photograph taken within 10 days before arrival.

 The new CDC rules can be a challenge to navigate. For more details, links to info on the CDC website and contact info for USFK veterinary services, please visit the Eighth Army website at Patriot Express Departures – Eighth Army | The United States Army

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.

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/

• 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) Bus shuttle.

Wolf Pack Lodge 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.