IATA Crate Labelling: What Labels Your Pet's Travel Crate Must Have

Crate labelling is one of those details that seems minor until the airline handler picks up your crate on departure day and says it cannot be loaded. Getting the labelling right is simple once you know what is required.

IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR)

The IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) is the industry standard for transporting animals by air. It covers crate construction, labelling, handling, and documentation. The labelling requirements are covered in the current edition of the LAR (published annually).

Required Labels for a Live Animal Crate

1. LIVE ANIMALS label A prominent “LIVE ANIMALS” label must appear on the top of the crate and on at least one side. The label should be large (minimum 12 cm x 12 cm) and clearly visible. Most IATA-compliant crates come with a pre-printed label or a label attachment point. If not, you can attach your own clearly printed label.

2. Directional arrows (“THIS WAY UP”) Directional arrows indicating the correct upright position must appear on at least two sides of the crate. These are critical – cargo handlers use them to ensure the crate is loaded the right way up.

3. Owner contact information Attached to the crate (typically on a tag or label on the outside): your name, phone number, home address, and destination address. Include both origin and destination contact details.

4. Feeding and watering instructions A written note – attached to the crate or included in a document sleeve – stating when the animal was last fed and watered, and instructions for feeding and watering during the journey. For journeys over twelve hours, this is particularly important. Example: “Last fed 6am 08/05/2026. Water only. Provide water at layover.”

5. Health certificate and documentation sleeve A clear document sleeve attached to the outside of the crate holds the health certificate (or a copy), the import permit (if applicable), and any other travel documentation. The originals should travel with you as the passenger.

  • The animal’s name and a photo (helps handlers in an emergency)
  • A brief description of the animal’s temperament (e.g., “friendly, calm” or “nervous – handle quietly”)
  • Your emergency contact number and the contact number of your pet transport specialist

Where to Get IATA Labels

IATA crate labels are available from pet travel suppliers, pet transport companies, and printable templates are widely available online. Many IATA-compliant crates include a full label pack. If buying separately, ensure the “LIVE ANIMALS” label meets the minimum size requirements in the current LAR.

Final Check on Departure Day

Before you hand your pet’s crate to cargo check-in, run through:

  • LIVE ANIMALS label visible on top and at least one side
  • Directional arrows on at least two sides
  • Your contact information attached
  • Feeding/watering instructions attached
  • Document sleeve with health certificate and permit copies attached
  • Interior: water container filled and attached, absorbent bedding on floor, no leads or collars inside

Frequently Asked Questions

If the crate is missing required IATA labels, the airline cargo handler may refuse to accept it for loading. This can result in a missed flight. In some cases, the handler will allow you to add a missing label on the spot if the issue is minor (such as a missing directional arrow). Critical missing items (no LIVE ANIMALS label, no health certificate sleeve) may result in the shipment being refused entirely.

The LIVE ANIMALS label must appear on the top of the crate and on at least one side. It should be prominently visible and not obscured by strapping or other labels. The label should be at least 12 cm x 12 cm. Most IATA-compliant crates have a designated label area on the top – use it.

A copy of the health certificate in the document sleeve is standard practice. Keep the originals with you as the passenger. At customs and quarantine inspection, you will be asked to present the originals. If your pet travels on a different flight from you, ensure the original documents travel in a sealed envelope attached to the crate or are handed to the cargo agent with instructions to pass them to the receiving agent at the destination.

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