PCS Move Coming Up? A Vet’s Checklist for Military Families Moving With Pets

Orders are in, the movers are booked, and your to-do list keeps growing. For many military families, one of the most important items on that list has four legs. Whether you’re heading across the country or overseas, a little planning with your veterinarian can make a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move much smoother for your dog or cat.

Caring for Military Pets in Fayetteville, NC

Cumberland Animal Hospital is proud to serve a military town. Located in Fayetteville, NC, just minutes from Fort Bragg, our animal hospital cares for pets of service members, veterans, and their families every day. We know how PCS season works, from tight timelines to last-minute changes, and our team is used to helping military pets get ready for the road. Our veterinarians understand what a move asks of your family, and we’re here to help your pet arrive at your next duty station healthy and ready for a new home.

Your PCS Pet Checklist

1. Schedule a pre-move exam with your veterinarian

Book a wellness visit as soon as you have orders. A pre-move exam lets your veterinarian catch any health issues before travel, refill medications, and talk through travel stress, especially for older pets or pets with ongoing conditions. Cats in particular can find long trips stressful, so ask about ways to keep them calm.

2. Get copies of your pet’s medical records

Ask our animal hospital for a full copy of your pet’s records, including vaccine history, lab results, and current medications. Keep a paper copy in your carry-on and a digital copy on your phone. Your new veterinarian will thank you, and you’ll have everything handy if your pet needs care on the road.

3. Update vaccines, especially rabies

Make sure your dog or cat is current on core vaccines. Rabies proof is required almost everywhere, from airlines to on-post housing to foreign countries. Some destinations also have rules about how long before travel a rabies shot must be given, so check timing with your veterinarian early.

4. Check your pet’s microchip

If your pet isn’t microchipped, now is the time. If they are, ask us to scan the chip and confirm it works, then update your contact information with the microchip company. Many overseas destinations require an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccine in some cases.

5. Research your destination’s rules

Pet entry rules vary widely. Some places, like Hawaii, Japan, and many other overseas locations, require a rabies antibody blood test that must be done weeks or months before arrival. Start early so a waiting period doesn’t delay your move. Helpful places to check include:

• The USDA APHIS Pet Travel website for international and state requirements
• Your new installation’s housing office, since many bases limit pet numbers or certain breeds
• The Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) at your next duty station
• Your airline or the Air Mobility Command (AMC) pet policy if flying

6. Plan for health certificates

Most airlines and many states and countries require a health certificate signed by a veterinarian within a set number of days before travel, often 10 days. Talk with our team about your destination and timeline so we can help you plan the right appointment date.

7. Prepare for travel day

• Get your pet used to their crate or carrier weeks ahead of time
• Pack food, medications, a leash, litter supplies for cats, and familiar bedding
• Make sure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag that has your cell number
• Ask your veterinarian before giving any sedatives, as many airlines don’t allow them

8. Plan where your pet will stay during the move

Packing day can be chaotic, with open doors and strangers coming and going. If you need a safe place for your pet while the movers work, Cumberland Animal Hospital offers boarding for current clients when needed.

A Simple PCS Timeline for Pets

• As soon as you have orders: Research destination rules and book a pre-move exam with your veterinarian
• 2 to 6 months out (for overseas moves): Start microchip, rabies, and blood test requirements if your destination needs them
• 1 month out: Request medical records, refill medications, and begin crate training
• About 10 days out: Complete the health certificate visit if one is required
• Moving week: Arrange boarding or a quiet room for your pet, and pack their travel kit

Settling In at Your Next Duty Station

Once you arrive, give your pet a few days to adjust. Keep their routine as normal as you can, and watch for changes in eating, litter box habits, or energy. Register your pet with on-post housing if needed, and find a new veterinarian or animal hospital early, before you need one.

Moving to Fayetteville, NC? We’re Here for You Too

If your PCS is bringing you to Fort Bragg, welcome! Cumberland Animal Hospital would love to be your new veterinarian in Fayetteville, NC. Bring your pet’s records and we’ll help you pick up right where your last animal hospital left off.

Getting ready to move? Contact Cumberland Animal Hospital today to schedule your pet’s pre-move exam. Our team will help you check every box so your dog or cat is ready for the journey ahead.