Can my pets share a crate during international pet travel?

International pet transport can be stressful for pets and pet parents alike. The process of transporting a pet from one country to another is bound by several rules and regulations that differ from country to country and airline to airline.

We are often asked by several pet parents who are travelling with multiple pets if two or more pets can share a pet crate during international pet travel. Many pet parents believe that their dogs and cats would be able to deal with the stress of travel better if they fly together in the same pet crate. The idea also makes economic sense, given that international pet transport is expensive. But is it safe for two pets to travel in one pet crate? Read on to find out.   

Is it safe for my pets to share a crate during their international travel?

Most pet travel agencies do not accept to fly two pets in a single crate for safety reasons. During international travel, pets leave their homes and travel in an uncertain and unfamiliar environment. Most pets react well to this change, but some pets can show aggressive behaviour because of the stress of travel.

Sharing a crate with another pet at this time is not deemed safe because they can turn on each other and end up hurting one another. Even pets from the same household can get aggressive with each other. Imagine sharing a small space with an irritable co-passenger; it is not the best experience for everyone involved.

During summer, when the temperature soars in many parts of the world, there are heat embargoes to make sure your pets do not travel during the hottest time of the day. In such a situation, your pet needs a well-ventilated crate to travel. Flying two pets together during the hot summer months is detrimental to the safety of your pets because it reduces the ventilation in the crate.

What is the official IPATA recommendation?

IPATA quotes the United States Animal Welfare Act which states that “no more than two live puppies or kittens, eight weeks to six months of age, that are of comparable size and weighing 9kg or less each, can be transported in the same crate on a flight.”

Most airlines and pet transport agencies follow this good practice. Some airlines, however, do not accept two pets in a crate even if they weigh less than 9kg each, especially for international pet transport. It is recommended to check with the airline before booking your pets’ travel.

Crate training before international travel

Most pet parents are concerned about how their pets will be during the flight, and if they are comfortable all alone in a crate. Parents of pets travelling long distances are especially worried about whether their pets can handle the trip. Having two pets in the same crate may seem sensible, given that the pets can comfort each other. A better option is to make sure your pets are crate trained before travelling.

Crate training should begin a few weeks before the date of journey. Make sure the crate is IATA-compliant and has the correct dimensions. It must be big enough for your pet to turn around and lay down and tall enough for your pet to stand comfortably. The crate must be well-ventilated with vents on all sides.

Crate training your pets before international travel is a great way to make sure your pets are happy and comfortable during the flight. After successful crate training, your pet will consider the crate as their safe place and will not be distressed during travel.

Call the pet travel specialists

International pet travel with multiple pets is overwhelming for most people. You have to make sure that you have followed every single rule and satisfied all pet import criteria for all your pets. An experienced pet travel agency can help you navigate through the maze of international pet travel and make sure the travel experience is stress-free for both you and your pet.

If you are planning to travel to an international destination with multiple pets, reach out to the team at Petraveller for more details on zero-harm pet travel.