Airlines Compliant Crate
(IATA Compliant)

Airlines use measurements relating to the pet’s size to make sure there is enough room inside the crate for the pet to travel comfortably, with enough room to stand, sit and turn around.

The dimensions shown below should be used for the internal measurements and should be used as the minimum required.

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A + ½ B = Length 

C = Height 

D x 2 = Width

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Note that measurements A, B, C and D for determining the dimensions must relate to the largest animal. For more useful information on pet crate requirements – head to the IATA Traveller’s Pet Corner.  

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Here, you’ll also find information about crate measurements for two or three animals, as well as special rules for certain breeds - e.g. snub-nosed breeds need a 10% larger container.

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Crate ventilation

Each crate must have ventilation on four sides for travel internationally.

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Crate must:

• Be made of rigid plastic, wood or metal that’s sturdy enough to resist bending when firm pressure is applied

• Have a solid roof with no doors or ventilation openings

• Have only one metal door which must close securely, yet allow pets to be accessible in the event of an emergency

• Have crate hardware that’s in good working condition

• Have a nut and bolt firmly tightened in each hole that connects the top and bottom of the crate. The bolt must be made of metal. The nut may be metal, nylon or plastic as long as the nut is unbreakable and securely connects the top and bottom of the crate.

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The crate must not:

• Have door openings on top, or have more than one door

• Be made entirely of cardboard, welded or wire mesh, wicker or other collapsible materials

• Have a plastic or fiberglass door

• Have side plastic latches, unless additional holes have been drilled and metal bolts have been added to secure the crate

• Have crate wheels, unless they are removed, locked or firmly taped to keep the crate from rolling while in transit.

• Be constructed of plastic that will bend when pressure is applied

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Multiple pets in the same crate (for some airlines)

Pets may travel in the same crate if:

• They’re the same species, are similar in size and weight, and are used to cohabitation

• Each pet weighs no more than 14kg individually.

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Inside the crate - do's and dont's

• You can place absorbent material but no straw, kitty litter or newspaper. A puppy training pad is allowed.

• One small toy is permitted

• A firmly fixed water bowl that your pet can drink from with a funnel on the outside is mandatory

• Please provide your pet’s name and an emergency contact number.