The DipNotes

Post edited 11:30 pm – February 18, 2010 by Peter Kennett

I've never been to, or know of a post that does not allow pets, and so far every post allows indoor pets.  Shipping can be a problem to some countries for two reasons:

1.  Shipping costs can be quite high.  While the costs of shipping most other items of your household are covered, pets are not.  A colleague just told be that the cost to ship her dog was $4,500.  It all varies from post to post.  However, the State Department will allow you to cover pet shipping if you itemize your miscellaneous moving expenses instead instead of taking the flat rate $500 (if you are single) or $1,000 (for a family) misc transfer allowance.  If you choose to do this, you can claim up to the equivalent of 1 weeks pay (single) or two weeks pay (family).  This is how I was able to get $1,200 to pay for my two cats.

2.  Some countries require a lengthy quarantine before they allow pets (especially dogs) to enter.   Australia, New Zealand and Fiji are three examples, where the quarantine can be as long as 6 months – and none of those boarding fees are reimbursed.  There are some steps you can do to reduce the quarantine length, so it pays to stay well ahead of this by contacting the post's GSO Shipping office and CLO as soon as you find out where you are going.  Also, you can research these details before you bid on such a post.

You should also note that any damage your pets do to the property or furniture must be paid for before you can depart from that post.  I've seen cats scratch up furniture to the tune of $2,000, and dogs scratch up hard-wood floors for just as high.