Airline Pet In-Cabin and Cargo Container Requirements

The rules regarding approved types of containers for pets flying in cabin and as cargo were created by IATA and for the most part have been accepted by the world's airlines.

PETS IN-CABIN
On flights of less than 6 hours most airlines will allow pets to be taken with the passenger in the cabin (except travel to the UK). Generally speaking the airline will only allow one pet per passenger and a maximum of two pets per flight.

The container for the pet must fit under the seat in front of you and must have a waterproof bottom. Several styles of carriers made by Sherpa Products and SturdiBags carriers are both excellent choices for the traveling pet.

To view the requirements for individual airlines visit this page: http://www.pettravel.com/airline_rules.cfm.

To purchase an airline approved pet carrier, visit this page: http://www.pettravelstore.com/store-pet-airline-carriers1.html.

PETS AS CARGO
Most airlines flying larger aircraft (not commuter planes) accept live animals as cargo and have made special provisions for their handling.

Whether the pet is traveling as checked baggage or as cargo they will wind up in the same special area of the cargo department, which is pressurized and temperature controlled.

The animals must be in an IATA approved container and meet certain other requirements. To purchase an IATA approved pet crate, CLICK HERE.

It is considered best to have only one animal per container but the IATA rules state that two animals can share the same container if the animals are under 14kg (30lbs).

The container must be large enough for the animal(s) to turn around, stand and sit up.

The container must have a secure all around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door.

A water container must be present and must be accessible from outside the container.

The container must have ventilation on all four sides.

The container must be identified with the pets name and owners contact information.

If traveling Internationally then you should attach an extra copy of the pets health certificate to the container.

To purchase an accessory kit for your crate with the essential items as required by the new IATA/APHIS rules for pets traveling in cargo, CLICK HERE.