Pet Crate Requirements for Airlines

The rules regarding pet crate regulations for containers for cats, dogs, ferrets, and birds flying on commercial airlines either in-cabin or in the cargo hold are written by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For the most part, these regulations have been accepted by the world’s airlines. The specifications in these regulations are written for all types of animals flying in the cargo hold. They address stocking density*, construction and ventilation requirements, animal health and welfare, food and water, as well as safety requirements.

*Stocking density refers to how many animals can be placed in a crate depending on their size and the space available in the crate.

We will be detailing crate specifications for dogs and cats in this article. We do not deal with custom-made or wooden crates here, but only crates made of rigid plastic available in pet stores today. Welded mesh or wire mesh crates are not acceptable for air transport.

Note: Some dog breeds that have a propensity for chewing or are aggressive are better transported in custom wooden or metal crates with secure fasteners on the door. These are commonly referred to as CR82 crates.

Pets Flying in the Cargo Hold

Whether your pet is flying as checked baggage or cargo, it will travel in a temperature-controlled and pressurized compartment in the aircraft located right under the cabin. Most airlines flying larger aircraft (not commuter planes) accept live animals in the cargo hold and have made special provisions for their handling. Exceptions to this are Southwest, AirTran, JetBlue, Frontier, Virgin America, and those airlines that only accept pets in the cabin or not at all.

Pet Cargo Crate Requirements

Your pet must travel in a pet crate that conforms to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and meets certain other requirements, depending on the airline.

• Your pet’s pet crate must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Brachycephalic breeds (snub nosed) will require one size larger than normal for most airlines that permit them to fly in cargo. See sizing instructions below.
• The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood (note that not all airlines will accept crates made of wood, e.g. Air France and KLM)
• The floor must be solid and leakproof.
• Handling space bars or handles must be present on the long (depth) side of the crate.
• The crate door must have a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking system with the pins extending at least 1.6 cm (5/8 in) beyond the framework above and below the door. Many airlines will also require that the door be further secured with cable ties at each corner. Doors must be constructed of heavy plastic, welded, or cast metal strong enough so that a pet cannot bend them. (We recommend metal.) The door must be nose- and paw-proof so as not to injure your pet in any way.
• The crate should be sturdy in design and not collapsible. (Crates with doors on the top are not IATA or airline compliant.)
• The upper and lower sections of the crate should be attached with metal crate hardware.

Although this is not an IATA requirement, many airlines are now requiring metal 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. Also, many airlines require cable ties in the corners of the crate. Plastic clips are not recommended. All hardware and fasteners must be in place and securely tightened.

• Both water and food bowls must be attached to the inside of the front door and be refillable from the outside of the crate without opening the door. Small funnels attached to the door by cable ties make it easier for airport handlers to refill water bowls. Food can be attached to the top of the crate in a plastic bag.
• The container must have ventilation on a minimum of three sides (domestic flights) and 4 sides (international flights). The openings must be a maximum of 1″ (2.5 cm) over the upper two thirds of the opposite end (dogs) and 3/4″ for cats. On the remaining two sides, the ventilation openings must be at a distance of 4 in (10 cm) from center to center of each opening. The total ventilated area must be at least 16% of the total surface area of the four sides. Additional holes on the roof or sides are permitted as long as they do not affect the strength of the crate. The ventilation holes must not be taped over or blocked in any way.
• The container must have LIVE ANIMAL STICKERS on the top and sides in letters at least one inch tall, as well as directional stickers. Also, there must be a sticker adhered to the top of the crate called a Shipper’s Declaration stating when your pet was last watered and fed. 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 your 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 with duct tape or other sturdy tape.
• Forklift spacers must be provided when the pet exceeds 132 lbs. (60kg).

Related: Preparing your pet’s crate for travel

More Crate Recommendations

• Attach a leash and collar to the outside of the kennel. (Put in a plastic bag and tape.) 
• Tape or print your pet’s name on the outside of the crate, as well as the owner’s name, address, and cell phone number.
• Include a pet pad or shredded newspaper. This is a requirement for many airlines.
• Include an unwashed t-shirt with your scent on it. Your scent will provide comfort for your pet.
• Tape the original health certificate and any other papers required by your destination country to the top of the crate in a Zip-lock plastic bag marked “DO NOT REMOVE! ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS”
• Do not include any hard toys or objects in your pet’s that could bounce around and injure your pet.

Proper Crate Sizing

Measuring your pet is a crucial step in selecting a properly sized pet crate, and can make the difference between being accepted or refused by your airline. Measure your pet according to the chart below for domestic flights. See below for international requirements. Compare your findings with the interior measurements of the crate.

  A= length of animal from nose to root of tail
  B = height from ground to elbow joint
  C = width across widest part of pet (usually the shoulders)
  D = height of animal in standing position, including the pet pad (top of head for pets with non-erect ears; from tip of ears for pets with erect ears) NEW REQUIREMENT: Include the depth of the pad or bedding in the height measurement.

  The length of the kennel must be equal to A + 1/2 B.
  The width of the kennel must be equal to Cx2
  The height of the kennel (top flat or arched) must be greater than D.

We would note that some airlines will require the following measurements on international flights:. British Airways is an example of this:

  The length of the kennel must be equal to A + B.
  The width of the kennel must be equal to (C+1) x 2
  The height of the kennel (top flat or arched) must be equal to D + 3″.

Stocking Density

It is considered best to have only one pet per container; however, the IATA rules state that two animals can share the same container if they are under 14kg (30 lbs.) each and are of the same species and compatible. Up to three puppies and kittens under 6 months of age from the same litter can travel in the crate together.

It is up to the airline to set its own rules, however, and most of them do.

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