Moving abroad with one pet involves careful planning. Moving with two, three or more animals can seem an even more daunting prospect! This is especially true if they have different health requirements, need various sized crates or have miscellaneous entry requirements.
The best way to manage international pet shipping for multiple pets is to begin early, create a separate travel plan for each animal and coordinate every part of the journey together.
At Airpets, we help families safely relocate pets from the UK to destinations around the world, as well as importing them into the UK.
Can multiple pets travel on the same flight?
Yes, multiple pets can often travel on the same flight. However, this depends on the airline, route, aircraft and available cargo space.
Even when pets are travelling to the same destination, airlines assess each animal and their travel crate separately. Larger dogs may require more space in the cargo, while certain breeds can be subject to additional airline restrictions.
We book directly with airlines as an IATA-accredited agent and assess suitable routes for the whole family. Our pet travel consultants will aim to keep your pets on the same flight where possible, although alternative arrangements may sometimes be safer or more practical.
How early should you plan for international travel?
For moving multiple pets, it’s better to begin planning several months before your preferred travel date.
Some destinations require rabies blood tests, import permits, veterinary treatments or government-approved health certificates. These steps must often be completed in a particular order and within strict timeframes.
Starting early also gives you more time to:
- Check each pet’s individual entry requirements
- Arrange suitable airline-approved travel crates
- Complete vaccinations and veterinary checks
- Introduce pets gradually to their crates
- Coordinate collection, flights and delivery
- Prepare for possible seasonal or breed restrictions
Every destination has different rules, so there is no single timeline that applies to every international relocation. Our team provides destination-specific guidance and helps keep the process on track.
One move, separate travel plans
Although your pets are moving together, each one needs an individual travel record.
A two-dog household may need two different sized crates. A family travelling with cats and dogs may face different vaccination, handling and accommodation needs. An older pet may require additional veterinary advice, while a nervous animal may benefit from a longer crate-training period.
Each pet’s plan should include their:
- Microchip details
- Vaccination history
- Veterinary documentation
- Breed, age and weight
- Travel crate measurements
- Medication or health requirements
- Feeding and handling instructions
At Airpets, our consultants, veterinarians and animal handlers work together to make sure these details are recorded accurately. This reduces the risk of document errors and helps ensure each pet receives appropriate care throughout the journey.
Do pets share a travel crate?
In most cases, adult pets travel in separate crates.
Airlines generally require each animal to have enough room to stand naturally, turn around and lie down comfortably. Separate IATA-compliant travel crates also make it easier to monitor each pet and reduce the risk of stress or conflict during the flight.
There may be limited exceptions for young animals from the same litter, depending on their age, size, destination and airline rules. These arrangements must be approved in advance and should never be assumed.
We source and supply tried-and-tested travel crates that meet airline acceptance requirements. We can also help owners measure each pet correctly, as an unsuitable crate can lead to delays or refusal at the airport.
How much does it cost to ship multiple pets internationally?
The cost of international pet shipping for multiple animals is based on more than the number of pets travelling.
Your quote may be affected by:
- Destination and flight route
- Airline cargo charges
- Number and size of travel crates
- Veterinary work and travel documents
- Import permits and customs clearance
- UK collection or destination delivery
- Boarding or animal lounge requirements
Charges by airlines are often linked to the size of the crate rather than just the pet’s weight. This means transporting two small cats can cost very differently from transporting two large dogs.
We provide tailored quotes based on your pets, route and required services. Our cost estimator can provide a useful starting point, but a detailed quote gives a clearer picture of the full journey.
What happens if the pets cannot travel together?
Sometimes pets cannot travel on the same flight because of cargo capacity, airline restrictions, weather conditions or differences in document readiness.
If this happens, the move can be divided into carefully coordinated stages. One pet may travel ahead, or another may remain in our animal lounge until the next suitable flight.
Our Heathrow Animal Lounge provides secure, comfortable accommodation before or after travel. We are a fully licensed boarding facility, and our team provides regular care, feeding and welfare checks.
For pets arriving in the UK, we can also assist with customs clearance at London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester, followed by home delivery to a mainland UK address.
How can you reduce stress for your pets?
Preparation is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress.
Introduce each pet to their travel crate gradually, starting several weeks before departure. Place familiar bedding inside, allow them to enter voluntarily and build up the time they spend in it.
Try to keep feeding, exercise and sleep routines consistent in the days before travel. Owners should also tell their pet shipping company about behavioural concerns, medication and any previous travel difficulties.
Our experienced handlers and drivers are trained to care for animals during transport. We use climate-controlled vehicles, complete daily compliance checks and keep owners updated as the journey progresses.
Planning your pets’ journey with Airpets
International pet shipping for two, three or four pets is manageable when every animal’s needs are considered from the start.
Since 1966, we have helped tens of thousands of pets travel safely. From airline bookings and veterinary support to travel crates, home collection, customs clearance and onward delivery, we can manage the journey door to door.
Our priority is to keep your family together wherever possible and make the process as smooth as we can for both pets and owners.
Start by requesting a personalised quote for each pet and your intended destination.