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Airline Pet Container Requirements

The rules regarding approved types of containers for cats, dogs, ferrets and birds flying in cabin and as cargo were created by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and, for the most part, have been accepted by the world's airlines.

PETS IN CABIN
On flights of less than 10 hours, many airlines will allow small cats or dogs to be taken with the passenger in the cabin (except travel to the UK, Hawaii, Hong Kong and several other countries). Generally, the airline will only allow one pet per passenger and a maximum of two pets per cabin.

The container for the pet must fit under the seat in front of you and must have a waterproof bottom, secure fasteners and adequate ventilation. Your pet must be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier. In order to size the carrier properly, measure your pet from tip of nose to base (not tip) of tail and from the top of the head to the ground when your pet is standing. With these measurements, you will know which size carrier is appropriate for your pet.

The Sherpa, Bergan, and SturdiBag pet carriers are all airline compliant as long as the carrier is the proper size for your pet. View all of our airline compliant pet carriers.

Each airline has specific pet policies pertaining to pets traveling in the cabin. Many do not allow pets to travel in the cabin. We have pet policies for the majority of the world's airlines.

PETS AS CARGO
Almost all airlines flying larger aircraft (not commuter planes, Southwest or JetBlue) accept live animals as cargo and have made special provisions for their handling.

Whether your pet is traveling as checked baggage or as cargo, they will fly in the same special area of the cargo department, which is pressurized and temperature controlled. During the winter months, the airlines may require documentation certifying that your pet is acclimated to temperatures lower than 45 degrees. To certify that your pet is physically able to travel in cargo, you will need an Acclimation Certificate.

During the summer months, many domestic airlines adhere to the Summer Heat Embargo which does not allow for pets in the cargo hold if the temperature on the tarmac is over 84 degrees (F) in certain airports located in hot climates. Several of the airlines have programs for pets that will keep the pet in air conditioned movers until loaded on the airplane.

IATA PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS

Your pet must be in an IATA compliant pet crate and meet certain other requirements. 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) and are of the same species.

If you are purchasing a container, make sure that it meets these minimum requirements:

• The container must be large enough for the animal(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down.
• The kennel must be made of a sturdy plastic.
• The container must have a secure, spring loaded, all around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door.
• Although this is not an IATA requirement, many airlines are now requiring steel crate hardware instead of plastic fasteners. We would recommend that you use this hardware on your pet's crate to be sure there will be no problems.
• Both water and food bowls must be attached to the inside of the front door and be refillable from the outside of the container without opening the door.
• The container must have ventilation on all sides for international travel and three sides minimum for domestic travel.
• The Container must have LIVE ANIMAL STICKERS on the top and sides in letters at least one inch tall. These stickers can be found in our Accessory Kits.
• NO WHEELS. If the container has wheels, they should be removed or taped securely so that the kennel cannot roll.
• The container must be identified with you pet's name and owner's contact information. The best way to do this is to attach your pet's information to the outside of the crate.

If you are using a crate you already own, make sure it meets the minimum requirements:

• Your container must be large enough for the animal(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down.
• It must be made of a sturdy plastic - no wire pet crates
• Your container must have a secure, spring loaded, all around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door.
• Although this is not an IATA requirement, many airlines are now requiring steel crate hardware instead of plastic fasteners. We would recommend that you use this hardware on your pet's crate to be sure there will be no problems.
• Both water and food bowls must be attached to the inside of the front door and be refillable from the outside of the container without opening the door.
• The container must have ventilation on all four sides.
• The Container must have LIVE ANIMAL STICKERS on the top and sides in letters at least one inch tall. These stickers can be found in our Accessory Kits.
• NO WHEELS. If the container has wheels, they should be removed or taped securely so that the kennel cannot roll.
• The container must be identified with you pet's name and owner's contact information. The best way to do this is to attach your pet's information to the outside of the crate.

Go to the Pet Travel Store to purchase crate hardware, crate accessories, pet crate pads, and accessory kits which include Live Animal Stickers, cable ties, pet ID tag, temporary collar tag, food/water bowls and more.

If your pet is traveling unaccompanyied, your pet will need a Airline Veterinary Certificate.

Traveling Internationally?

If traveling with your pet internationally, then you should attach an extra copy of your pet's health certificate to the container. You will also require a veterinary certificate for your destination country. We have veterinary certificates for over 240 countries in our store.

SNAKES

Snakes require a crate at least two thirds as long as the snake and at least 50% of the snake's length in the crate width.

Rabbits & Hampsters

All small rodents as well as hampsters will travel in the cargo area in a cargo container as described above. Do not put objects in the cage as the airlines frown upon non attached items in the crate. A pet pad and old t-shirt is fine.

Birds

Containers for birds can vary by airline, so we would suggest that you contact the cargo department of the airline you are using for details. Adequate clearance must be allowed for the bird's tail and crown, and a perch must be attached to the crate. It is advised that the ventilation holes be covered with loosely woven material to allow for ventilation while providing privacy for your bird. There must be water available to your bird in a bowl attached to the door. Keep any unattached items to a minimum.

Pet Passport Information | Airline Pet Policies | More Information on Cargo Pet Travel

Questions?

Got questions or need help? send us an email or post your question to the Pet Travel Forum - we're here to help you and your pet with all your travel needs.