Choosing the Right Pet Travel Crate: IATA Size Requirements, Materials, and What Airlines Check

A non-compliant crate means your pet does not travel. Airlines check crates at check-in, and a crate that fails any IATA requirement is grounds for refusal. This is one of those areas where getting it right the first time saves significant stress.

IATA’s Core Crate Requirements

The IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR) specify minimum standards. These are the rules airlines enforce:

Construction:

• Rigid (hard plastic or metal) for cargo travel
• Solid floor, no gaps larger than 1.9cm (3/4 inch)
• Ventilation on at least three sides (some airlines require four)
• Doors must be secure - spring-loaded or bolted shut, not twist-close catches only
• Nuts and bolts on the door hinges (some airlines require bolt-through nuts, not just clips)

Size: The crate must be large enough for your pet to:

• Stand with full head clearance (head does not touch the roof)
• Turn around fully
• Lie down in a natural position (stretched out)

Interior measurements to aim for (dogs):

• Length: animal’s length nose-to-tail + half that length again
• Width: animal’s width at widest point x 2
• Height: animal’s standing shoulder height to highest point x 1.1-1.25

Accessories required:

• Water dispenser attached to the door (accessible from outside)
• Food dispenser (for journeys over 4 hours)
• Absorbent bedding (not loose material)
• Live Animal stickers on all four sides (usually supplied by the airline)
• Directional arrows (THIS WAY UP) on two sides
• Your name, address, phone number, and destination contact on the crate
• “Do Not Feed” or feeding instructions with schedule

Soft-Sided Carriers

Soft-sided carriers are acceptable for cabin travel only if they meet the airline’s under-seat dimensions. They are not acceptable for cargo. Each airline specifies maximum dimensions - typically around 40x25x20cm, but check your specific carrier.

Common Rejection Reasons

• Crate too small: The most common reason. Measure your pet in position, not from memory.
• Non-rigid construction: Soft crates are not accepted for cargo.
• Inadequate ventilation: Bottom of crate or solid walls on all four sides.
• Unsecured door: Doors must not be able to open under pressure.
• Missing water dispenser: Required for all cargo flights.
• No contact information: Must be on the outside of the crate.

Buying the Right Crate

Brands that consistently meet IATA requirements include Vari Kennel, Petmate, Sky Kennel, and Ruff Tuff. Measure your pet before purchasing - manufacturers list sizes by weight as a guide, but weight-based sizing is unreliable across breeds. Measure, then buy.

Purchase the crate 2-3 weeks before travel and leave it in your home, open, with bedding inside. A familiar crate is a less stressful crate.

Sources: IATA Live Animal Regulations (current edition). Data current as of {TODAY}.