How to Measure Your Dog for an IATA Travel Crate
The single most common pre-travel mistake for first-time pet shippers is getting the crate size wrong. An undersized crate is a welfare problem and will be rejected by the airline. An oversized crate can cause the dog to be thrown around during turbulence.
Here is how to measure your dog correctly.
The Four Measurements You Need
1. Height (A) Measure from the floor to the top of the dog’s head when standing naturally. For dogs with upright ears (German Shepherds, Chihuahuas, Huskies), measure to the top of the ears, not the skull. Add 10 cm.
2. Length (B) Measure from the tip of the nose to the base (not the tip) of the tail. Add 10 cm.
3. Width (C) Measure the width across the widest point of the body (usually across the shoulders). Multiply by 2.
4. Crate height and floor area
- Minimum crate height = A (the height measurement including +10 cm)
- Minimum crate floor area = B x C
The IATA Crate Size Chart
IATA crates are sized from 100 (smallest) to 700 (largest). The sizing is not perfectly standardised across manufacturers, so always check the specific dimensions of the crate you are buying against your measurements.
As a rough guide:
- Size 1 (100): Toy breeds, cats under 4 kg
- Size 2 (200): Cats 4-6 kg, small dogs 4-7 kg (Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, small Terriers)
- Size 3 (300): Medium dogs 8-14 kg (Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Westie, Corgi)
- Size 4 (400): Larger dogs 14-25 kg (Labrador, Golden Retriever, Springer Spaniel)
- Size 5 (500): Large dogs 25-40 kg (German Shepherd, Irish Setter, Labradoodle, Weimaraner)
- Size 6-7 (600-700): Giant breeds (Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, Saint Bernard)
These are guides only. Always check the actual dimensions.
What Makes a Crate IATA-Compliant?
An IATA-compliant crate must have:
- A solid (not wire) base and roof
- Ventilation openings on at least three sides (not just the door)
- A secure spring-loaded door with a latch that can be opened from inside (important for emergency access)
- Water and food dishes accessible from outside without opening the door
- Rounded edges internally (no sharp projections)
- Absorbent bedding on the floor
- Clear labelling: “LIVE ANIMALS” on top and on at least one side, directional arrows, your contact information, feeding and watering instructions
Where to Buy
IATA-compliant crates are available from major pet retailers (Petmate Compass, Vari-Kennel, Ferplast Atlas), specialist pet travel suppliers, and many pet transport companies supply them as part of a full-service package. Avoid cheap unbranded crates that claim IATA compliance but do not specify which edition of the IATA Live Animals Regulations they comply with.
Crate Training After Purchase
Buy the crate at least two to three months before travel. Begin introducing it immediately. A dog that has spent months comfortable in its crate handles cargo travel far better than one experiencing the crate for the first time at the airport.