The following conditions apply to live animals accepted in the same container:

• Animals must be the same species.
• Infant animals will only be accepted with their mother. Exceptions: birds, fish, rats, mice and domestic farm animals.
• A female animal in heat will not be accepted in the same container as a male animal.

The number of dogs or cats in one container shall not exceed the following limits:

• One dog or cat six months or more of age.
• One puppy, eight weeks to six months of age and weighing more than 20 pounds.
• Two puppies or two kittens, eight weeks to six months of age, but not weighing more than 20 pounds each and of comparable size.
• Puppies or kittens less than eight weeks old, and littermates accompanied by their mother may be shipped in the same container when the destination is a laboratory or research facility.

The kennel should never:

	Have broken parts or makeshift fasteners.
	Have a wire roof and/or top opening door.
	Have sharp edges, points or protrusions that could injure the animal(s).

Have broken parts or makeshift fasteners.	Have a wire roof and/or top opening door.	Have sharp edges, points, or protrusions that could injure the animal(s).

Additionally, kennels should not be:

• Held together with snap closures nor have parts replaced by zip ties, duct tape or rubber bands.
• Dirty or have an offensive odor.
• Collapsible in any way.
• Made with a wire roof and/or top opening door.

The kennel should always:​

	Be held together with metal or plastic nuts and bolts.
	Have a food and water dish clipped inside of the door.
	Have handholds or handles that are on the exterior of the kennel for lifting without being tilted and to ensure that anyone handling the kennel will not come in physical contact with the animal.

Have handholds or handles that are on the exterior of the kennel for lifting without being tilted and to ensure that anyone handling the kennel will not come in physical contact with the animal.	Be held together with metal or plastic nuts and bolts.	Have a food and water dish clipped inside of the door.

• Be of solid construction, escape-proof with one securely fastened door and able to withstand the rigors of normal transportation.
• Contain a food and water dish clipped inside of the door.
• Be clean and leakproof, with absorbent bedding made of material that is safe and non-toxic to the animal. Non-bedding items are not allowed, with the exception of one small comfort item.
• Be constructed to hold the animal being shipped with no part of the animal protruding out of the kennel.
• Be constructed to retain moisture characteristic with live animal shipments.

Kennels must allow sufficient space for the animal to:

• Turn around freely in a standing position, using normal body movements.
• Stand and sit erect.
• Lie down in a natural and comfortable position.
• Homemade containers are subject to inspection and regulatory compliance.

Kennel size requirements

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Live animal containers must have the following clearly affixed on top and on one or more sides:

• The words "Live Animals" in letters at least one-inch high.
• Marked arrows to indicate the upright position.

The shipper must sign a certification at time of tender with the following:

• The time and date showing the animal was given food and water during the four hours prior to delivery. 
• Name, address and 24-hour emergency telephone number for the shipper and consignee, as well as the name of the animal, when applicable.
• Shipper's written instructions must also include name, address and telephone number of the party to be contacted if the shipment cannot be delivered to the consignee.
• The certification with the information must be attached to the kennel for transport.

For the care and comfort of your pet:

If the animal has been medicated or sedated, affix instructions or warnings regarding medications, including:

• Type of medication, method of administration and time administered.
• Statement that health certification, where required, has been provided.
• Per IATA regulations, sedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary direction, is not recommended.