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 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 cabin.
The container for the pet must fit under the seat in front of you and must have a waterproof bottom.
The container for the pet must fit under the seat in front of you and must have a waterproof bottom. The Sherpa brand, Pet Roll Around and
Sturdi Brand are the ones we are aware of that are accepted by most airlines.
To view the requirements for individual airlines, visit our
airline rules page.
If you are traveling with your pet in the cabin, you will need an airline compliant pet carrier.
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. 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, purchase a Acclimation Certificate.
If you are traveling on domestic airlines, purchase our airline veterinary certificate.
NEW IATA/APHIS PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS
The animals must be in an IATA/APHIS approved container 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).
We recommend the pet crates made by Kennel Aire as they meet all of the standards for pets traveling as air cargo or checked baggage.
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 all around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below
the door.
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.
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 the pets name and owners contact information.
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.
If traveling Internationally then you should attach an extra copy of the pets health certificate to the container.
If your pet will be traveling in cargo, you will need an IATA approved pet cargo crate.
If you already have a crate for your pet, you will need live animal stickers, a water/food bowl that attaches to the inside of the door, and
sturdy ties or hardware to connect the top and the bottom of the carrier. To purchase an accessory kit for your pet cargo crate that includes Live Animal stickers, cable ties, pet ID tag, airline check list, storage bag and more,
see our crate accessory kits.
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