Most drivers tend to spend 4-7 days driving the shortest distance to Seattle and 10-14+ if driving to the East Coast. Here our top tips for navigating it with a pet!

What to Expect When You’re Driving the Alcan with a Pet

1. Long Days, Limited Services

Fuel stops, pet-friendly lodging, and veterinary services are few and far between once you’re in the remote stretches of the Yukon. Make sure your pet is comfortable with long drives, and build in plenty of extra time for rest breaks.

2. Border Crossings

If you’re crossing the U.S.-Canada border, your pet will need up-to-date rabies vaccinations and possibly a health certificate. It’s smart to carry printed copies of all paperwork—you may be asked for them at customs.

If traveling with a dog back from Canada into the USA you will need to submit the CDC Dog Import Permit before re-entry. It takes about 10min to fill out and the permit will be emailed to you within 15min.

3. Weather and Road Conditions

Even in summer, conditions can be unpredictable. Snow in May? Totally possible. Mud, potholes, and closed roads? Also possible. Plan your timing wisely, especially if you’re transporting a senior pet, a puppy, or a breed sensitive to heat or cold.

4. Pet Safety in the Car

Whether you’re using a secured kennel, a travel harness, or a barrier in the back seat, make sure your pet is properly restrained. Sudden stops or wildlife encounters can turn into dangerous situations fast.

5. Emergency Planning

Spotty cell service is the norm along large stretches of the Alcan. Download maps in advance, carry paper maps, and make a list of veterinary clinics along your route—just in case.

Not Sure If the Alcan Is the Best Route for Your Pet?

You’re not alone. Many pet owners think driving the Alcan is their only option—but it might not be the safest or fastest choice for your pet.

At Alaska Pet Movers, we help families explore alternative routes that can significantly reduce travel time, risk, and stress for both pets and their people. Whether it’s combining ground and air travel, using our specialized pet porters, or customizing a route to avoid extreme weather and border hassle—we’re here to find the best journey for your pet.

Ready to explore safer and faster options?

Contact Alaska Pet Movers today to get a personalized route recommendation for your pet’s journey to or from Alaska.

The post Driving the Alcan with a Pet: What to Know Before You Hit the Road appeared first on Alaska Pet Movers.

Here’s your complete guide to understanding the new military pet travel reimbursement policies — and how Alaska Pet Movers can help make the move as smooth as possible.

What Is the Pet Travel Reimbursement Entitlement?

Service members under PCS orders are now eligible for reimbursement of pet travel expenses for one household pet (defined as a cat or dog) per PCS move.

The maximum reimbursement amounts are:

• $550 for moves within the continental United States (CONUS)
  
• $2,000 for moves to or from outside the continental United States (OCONUS)
  

Important: This benefit is not retroactive. PCS orders must be effective on or after January 1, 2024.

For more details, visit the Defense Travel Management Office.

What Expenses Are Covered?

You can be reimbursed for the following types of expenses:

• Mandatory microchipping
  
• Boarding fees
  
• Hotel service charges (related to pet accommodation)
  
• Pet licensing fees at your new duty station
  
• Pet shipping fees (including if shipped separately from the service member)
  
• Quarantine fees and virus immunity (titer) testing for OCONUS moves

Note: If government travel or government procured travel is available for an OCONUS move, service members must utilize it. If it is not available, you must provide a non-availability letter to be eligible for reimbursement.

Special PCS Situations (Starting February 21, 2025)

Service members may also be eligible for reimbursement if they cannot bring their pet to the next duty station due to:

• Government housing rules prohibiting pets
  
• Specific breed bans at the new location
  
• Transportation restrictions (e.g., airline breed embargoes)
  
• Assignment to an unaccompanied tour or sea duty
  
• Early return of dependents at government expense
  

In these cases, the cost of transporting the pet to an alternative location or designated place can be reimbursed — still limited to $550 CONUS or $2,000 OCONUS for one pet.

What Documentation Is Required?

To claim your pet reimbursement, you’ll need to provide:

• Itemized receipts for all pet-related expenses (even under $75), clearly listing the pet’s name if possible
  
• Receipts for cargo shipments must include the pet’s weight
  
• Completed DD Form 1351-2 (Travel Voucher)
  
• Non-availability letter (only if government-arranged transport was unavailable — for OCONUS air shipments)
  
• Mission impact statements or weight documentation, if required for the non-availability letter
  

Note: Travelers using AMC Patriot Express flights will receive a receipt for pet fees at check-in.

How to Claim Reimbursement

1. Confirm you are on PCS orders effective January 1, 2024 or later.
   
2. Collect all receipts and required documents.
   
3. Submit your travel voucher (DD Form 1351-2) through your local finance office.
   
4. If needed, obtain a non-availability letter from the Traffic Management Office (TMO) or Installation Transportation Office (ITO).
   

Heads up: Notify your outgoing and incoming commands before you PCS to avoid delays. Reimbursement is processed through your receiving command after your move.

Dual-Military Couples and Multiple Pets

• Dual-military couples: If both members are on separate PCS orders, each can be reimbursed for one pet — allowing for two pets to be covered.
  
• Multiple pets: If you have more than one pet, you can choose which pet’s expenses to claim.
  

Contact Information for More Help

• Air Force and Space Force: Local finance office
  
• Navy: Human Resources Service Center — (833) 330-6622 or [email protected]
  
• Marine Corps: [email protected]
  
• Army: Local chain of command
  

The post Military Pet Travel Reimbursement: What You Need to Know appeared first on Alaska Pet Movers.