If you’re moving multiple pets internationally at once, understanding moving multiple pets internationally correctly starts with one key fact: the federal paperwork doesn’t get simpler with more pets — each one still needs its own complete set of documents. What does change is airline logistics: per-person pet limits, kennel-sharing rules, and fees, and those vary a lot by carrier.
Current as of 2026: Airline policies can change without notice. Confirm directly with your specific carrier before booking — the figures below reflect this site’s own independently-verified airline research.
Federal Paperwork Doesn’t Change Per Pet
CDC requires a completed CDC Dog Import Form for every dog entering the US — this is a per-dog requirement, not a per-shipment one. Two, three, or more dogs traveling together each need their own completed form; there’s no combined or household version. Cats have no federal rabies-related document requirement at all, whether you’re moving one or several.
Airline Per-Person Pet Limits
Before booking, check how many pets you’re actually allowed to bring as one traveler — this varies by airline and sometimes by aircraft type.
- United Airlines: up to 2 pets per person with 2 adjacent seats purchased, reduced to 1 pet per person on certain narrow-body aircraft (A319, A320, A321neo, 737-800/MAX 8, 737-900/MAX 9).
- KLM: 1 cat or dog per passenger in the cabin (Economy Class, or Business Class on European routes only).
- Lufthansa: cabin registration is per pet; check directly for any additional per-person cap on your specific flight.
Can Two Pets Share One Kennel?
On some airlines, yes — under specific conditions. This is different from the per-person limit above; a shared kennel is sometimes still counted and charged as a single pet.
- American Airlines (PetEmbark cargo): two puppies or kittens may share one kennel only if each is under 20 lbs and under 6 months old.
- Delta Air Lines: a nursing mother may travel with her un-weaned litter (8 weeks to 6 months old), with no litter-size cap if all fit safely in the kennel. Two same-breed/size pets aged 8 weeks–6 months may also share one kennel, counted as one pet.
- Lufthansa (cargo hold): one animal per container is standard, with exceptions for two comparable-size animals each under 14kg, or a mother with one young animal.
- Air France KLM Martinair Cargo: up to two adult animals of comparable size, each 14kg or under, may share a container; animals over 14kg must be crated individually.
For any airline not listed above, don’t assume kennel-sharing is allowed — confirm directly before planning around it.
Multi-Pet Moves and CDC’s “Commercial” Classification
If your multi-pet move is part of an organized rescue transport or adoption event rather than moving your own pets, a different rule applies. CDC’s “Commercial” import classification is based on purpose, not how many pets are involved — a single dog imported by or on behalf of a rescue organization already triggers it, and each dog in a multi-pet rescue transport is independently subject to it, along with the USDA APHIS Animal Care import permit that comes with it. A personal move of your own multiple pets, not for resale, adoption, or transfer, doesn’t trigger this classification regardless of how many pets you’re bringing. See Importing Rescue Dogs for the full picture.
Related Guides
Rabies Vaccination Requirements for International Pet Travel
Importing Rescue Dogs
American Airlines Pet Policy
Delta Air Lines Pet Policy
Pet Travel Glossary
