Flying Internationally with Two Dogs

Travelling internationally with two dogs is very doable but requires more advance planning than travelling with one. The main considerations are airline limits on the number of pets per booking, crate sharing rules, and the documentation burden of managing two sets of paperwork.

Airline policies on multiple dogs

Most airlines that accept pets in the hold allow two pets per booking, subject to space availability. However, this is not universal. Some carriers limit live animal bookings to one pet per passenger on certain routes. Call your airline’s cargo or live animal team before buying tickets to confirm multi-dog bookings are accepted on your specific route.

For in-cabin travel, nearly all airlines limit passengers to one pet carrier under the seat. Two dogs cannot both travel in-cabin on the same flight unless you have separate passengers for each dog.

Crate options for two dogs

Separate crates: Each dog in its own IATA-compliant crate is the safest and most commonly required option for hold travel. This avoids any stress between dogs during loading, transit, and the unfamiliar cargo environment.

Shared crate: IATA regulations permit two animals to share a crate if they are: both under 14 kg, under 6 months old, or from the same household and demonstrably compatible. Airlines apply their own rules on top. Some airlines refuse shared crates for liability reasons.

If you choose shared crate travel, carry documentation confirming both dogs are from the same household. A letter from your vet or a signed statement from you may be requested.

Documentation for two dogs

Each dog needs:

  • Its own microchip record
  • Its own vaccination certificate
  • Its own health certificate (issued per animal)
  • Its own import permit where required (e.g. Singapore, UAE, Costa Rica)

For countries requiring titre tests, each dog’s blood must be drawn and tested separately. You cannot share one titre test result between two animals.

Practical tips

  • Book cargo space for two pets well in advance, especially in peak relocation periods
  • Label each crate clearly with the dog’s name, your contact details, and the crate’s contents
  • If one dog is significantly larger or heavier than the other, confirm both crates meet the airline’s maximum weight limits
  • Travel in cooler months where possible to reduce heat stress for dogs in holds

Frequently Asked Questions

In limited circumstances, yes. IATA Live Animal Regulations permit two dogs under 14 kg each to share a single large crate if they are compatible, under 6 months old, or are a bonded pair from the same household. Airlines have their own policies on crate sharing, and many are more conservative than IATA minimums. Contact your airline directly to confirm whether crate sharing is permitted. Each dog still needs its own documentation.

Most airlines limit one pet per passenger for in-cabin travel. For hold or cargo travel, many airlines accept up to two pets per booking but policies vary. If you have more than two dogs, you may need to use a separate cargo booking, split the shipment across multiple flights or dates, or use a specialist pet freight service. Check your airline’s specific multi-pet policy.

Yes. Each individual animal needs its own health certificate, its own microchip record, and its own vaccination documentation. Health certificates are issued per animal. If you are moving two dogs, your vet will prepare two separate certificates. Some national authorities (USDA APHIS, APHA, CFIA) may allow multiple animals on a single endorsed certificate form if they are travelling together, but this varies by country. Check with your specific authority.

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