Quick Answer
OCONUS pet transport takes longer than a stateside move because paperwork, country rules, airline rules, and timing all stack together. Start early, talk to your vet, and confirm import requirements before booking any transporter. PetDrivr is most useful for the U.S. ground leg to or from an airport, port, base, or family handoff.
Start Earlier Than You Think
Overseas pet moves can involve microchip rules, rabies timing, health certificates, country paperwork, military travel windows, and airline limits. Some steps are date-sensitive. Waiting until pack-out week can force expensive choices.
Break The Move Into Legs
Most OCONUS moves are not one simple ride. Think in legs: home to airport, airport handoff, international flight, arrival clearance, and final delivery. A ground operator may only handle the CONUS leg, but that leg still needs to be clean and documented.
Airline And Breed Rules Matter
Small pets may fly in cabin on some routes. Larger pets may need cargo or a specialized international shipper. Snub-nosed dogs, senior pets, and heat-sensitive animals need extra caution. Do not assume one airline's answer applies to another airline.
What To Ask Before You Pay
Ask who is responsible for each leg, what happens if paperwork is rejected, where the pet waits between handoffs, and who you call in an emergency. Get names, phone numbers, and payment terms in writing.
PCS note: Treat pet transport like its own line item. Orders, movers, leave, lodging, and housing can all move. Your pet plan needs backup contacts and written instructions.
Red flag: Do not pay by gift card, crypto, wire transfer, or friends-and-family payment. Ask for a contract, business name, USDA registration, insurance, and a tracked payment method.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can PetDrivr handle the whole overseas move?+
Start with the route, pet size, dates, and service type. Then ask the operator for USDA registration, insurance, contract, payment terms, update schedule, and the exact pickup and delivery plan. For PCS moves, also ask how they handle changed orders, housing delays, and backup contacts.
When should I start OCONUS pet planning?+
Start with the route, pet size, dates, and service type. Then ask the operator for USDA registration, insurance, contract, payment terms, update schedule, and the exact pickup and delivery plan. For PCS moves, also ask how they handle changed orders, housing delays, and backup contacts.
Do I need a health certificate?+
Start with the route, pet size, dates, and service type. Then ask the operator for USDA registration, insurance, contract, payment terms, update schedule, and the exact pickup and delivery plan. For PCS moves, also ask how they handle changed orders, housing delays, and backup contacts.
Can large dogs move OCONUS?+
Start with the route, pet size, dates, and service type. Then ask the operator for USDA registration, insurance, contract, payment terms, update schedule, and the exact pickup and delivery plan. For PCS moves, also ask how they handle changed orders, housing delays, and backup contacts.
What is the biggest OCONUS pet transport mistake?+
Start with the route, pet size, dates, and service type. Then ask the operator for USDA registration, insurance, contract, payment terms, update schedule, and the exact pickup and delivery plan. For PCS moves, also ask how they handle changed orders, housing delays, and backup contacts.