Moving pets during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) can be a significant concern for military families. Fortunately, AMC Patriot Express flights offer a Pet Transportation service for eligible passengers. This guide outlines the essential guidelines, procedures, and fees associated with transporting your pets on these flights.
Key Guidelines for DOD Pet Transportation
- PCS Status Required: Pet transportation via AMC Patriot Express is exclusively for passengers traveling under PCS orders.
- Limited Pet Space: Availability for pets is highly restricted on AMC flights. Bookings are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing the need for early reservations.
- Booking Through Official Channels: To secure pet spaces, contact your local Traffic Management Office (TMO) or Installation Transportation Office (ITO) as soon as your travel plans are confirmed. Direct booking through AMC is not possible.
- Orders Not Mandatory for Booking: You do not need to have your official orders finalized to initiate a pet space booking. Early planning is crucial due to limited availability.
- Reservation Limit: A maximum of two pets are allowed per family traveling on PCS orders.
- Owner Accompaniment and Expense: Pets must be accompanied by their owner throughout the journey, and all transportation expenses are the responsibility of the pet owner.
It is important to note that AMC Patriot Express operates under strict regulations, and they cannot grant exceptions to the policy outlined in DoDI 4515.13, Air Transportation Eligibility. Any requests for exceptions must be submitted through the traveler’s service headquarters and require approval from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense.
Essential Pet Travel Documents for AMC Flights
Before traveling, ensure you have reviewed and prepared the necessary documentation for your pet’s journey. AMC provides crucial resources to guide you through this process:
- AMC Pet Pamphlet: This pamphlet, updated as of July 12, 2024, offers comprehensive information on pet transportation on AMC Patriot Express flights specifically for PCS moves. It is a vital resource for understanding the requirements and procedures.
- AMC Pet – Risk Acknowledgement Document (RAD): Dated July 29, 2024, this document requires pet owners to acknowledge the inherent risks associated with air travel for pets. Special attention is given to brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, which may face increased risks. You must print, read, and sign this document and present it to the Passenger Service Agent during check-in.
- Pet Dogs and Extreme Heat Info: This resource provides important information regarding your pet’s health and safety, particularly concerning exposure to extreme heat during travel.
For service animals, an additional document is required:
- Statement of Assurance for Service Animals: Handlers traveling with service animals must submit this signed statement to the departing DoD passenger terminal at least 48 hours before departure.
Pet Check-In Procedures for AMC Flights
Adhering to check-in times is critical for a smooth pet transportation process. Note the specific times for different airports:
- Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI): Check-in no later than 2 hours and 20 minutes before your flight departs.
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): Check-in no later than 3 hours and 20 minutes prior to departure.
For detailed information or specific queries, contact your local transportation office or the AMC Passenger Terminal.
Passengers may check in up to 6 hours before departure at Patriot Express terminals. However, due to limited pet holding space, you might need to keep your pet in its kennel until 45 minutes before boarding, unless a suitable pet holding area is available. Throughout the public and terminal areas, pets must remain securely confined within their kennels or shipping containers.
Pet Immigration and International Travel
For international PCS moves involving pets or service animals, it is crucial to understand and comply with the destination country’s immigration requirements. Contact your local transportation office to obtain detailed information on specific regulations, including potential quarantine periods and detention policies.
The Personal Property Consignment Instruction Guide provides country-specific information under paragraph “6. Pets/Quarantine,” offering further guidance on international pet relocation.
If your itinerary includes a commercial airline flight before or after your AMC Patriot Express flight, contact the commercial airline directly to ascertain any additional documentation or charges for pet transportation they may require.
Pet Travel Fees on AMC Patriot Express
Be prepared for pet transportation fees, which are assessed on a per-kennel, per-mission basis, determined by the combined weight of the pet and kennel. Current fee structure is as follows:
- Combined weight ≤70 lbs: $125 (equivalent to one piece of excess baggage)
- Combined weight 71-140 lbs: $250 (equivalent to two pieces of excess baggage)
- Combined weight 141-150 lbs: $375 (equivalent to three pieces of excess baggage)
Important: These fees are subject to change. Always verify the most current fees with your Travel Management Office/Installation Travel Office before your travel date. Pets and kennels exceeding 150 lbs in combined weight will not be accepted for transportation.
New Reimbursement Policy for Pet Travel Fees (Effective January 1, 2024)
A significant update for 2024 is the introduction of a reimbursement entitlement for pet travel fees incurred during a PCS move. Service members and their families are now eligible to claim reimbursement for expenses related to transporting one pet (dog or cat) through their PCS voucher process. The reimbursement is capped at $2,000 for overseas moves and $550 for moves within the United States. When using AMC Patriot Express flights, ensure you receive a memo receipt for pet travel fees during check-in, as this will be required for reimbursement.
For detailed guidance on pet expense reimbursement during PCS moves, consult the Joint Travel Regulations, Chapter 5, Part A, Paragraph 050107.
Service Animal Policies on AMC Flights
Specific guidelines apply to service animals traveling on AMC Patriot Express flights. According to recent policy updates, handlers must adhere to the following:
- Advance Notice: A signed Statement of Assurance must be provided to the departing DoD passenger terminal no later than 48 hours before departure.
- Limit on Service Animals: Passengers are permitted to travel with a maximum of two properly trained service dogs only.
- Animal Size and Restraint: Service animals must either fit on the handler’s lap or within their allocated foot space on the aircraft. They must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times while in the terminal and onboard the aircraft.
- Handler Control and Responsibility: Handlers are responsible for maintaining control of their service animals at all times, including preventing them from relieving themselves in terminal areas or on the aircraft.
- Potential Fees and Liability: While service animal fees may be waived, handlers may be required to pay pet fees in certain circumstances and are liable for any damage caused by service animals that do not comply with travel requirements.
By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, military personnel can ensure a smoother pet transportation experience when utilizing AMC Patriot Express flights for PCS moves. Planning ahead and preparing all necessary documentation are key to a successful and stress-free journey for both you and your pet.
