In general it is important to keep in mind that a pet should have 3-4 inches clearance above the head as well as length wise when lying in the kennel. When selecting a kennel size make sure to pay attention to the INTERIOR dimensions. For example, with Petmate (a brand we often recommend) the interior dimensions are smaller than the exterior for the popular travel crate series.
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS:
21″ Interior Dims: 18.75″ L x 13.5″ W x 14.5″ H
28″ Interior Dims: 24.25″ L x 18.25″ W x 19.5″ H
32″Interior Dims: 29.5″ L x 19.75″ W x 23.5″ H
36″ Interior Dims: 32.5″ L x 22″ W x 26″ H
40″ Interior Dims: 36.25″ L x 24.75″ W x 28.8″ H
48″ Interior Dims: 44″ L x 29″ W x 32.5″ H
USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PETS TRAVEL CONTAINER
- Minimum requirement for cats departing from the USA and Canada only, is a 200 kennel (200 series kennel = L27″ x W20″ x H19″, L68cm x W50cm x H48cm). For all other countries, series 100 kennels are acceptable.
- Minimum requirement for snub-nosed dogs and cats is a 10% larger container than the minimum.
- The kennel must be constructed of rigid plastic, wood or metal. The roof must be solid with no doors or ventilation openings.
- The kennel must have ventilation on four sides for travel to and from all other destinations
- The kennel must be large enough for your pet to freely sit and stand with its head erect, turn around and lie down in a normal position.
- Your pet’s head or ear tips, whichever is higher, cannot touch the top of the crate. If your pet’s kennel does not provide enough room for your pet to stand and sit, without the head touching the top of the container, you will need to purchase a larger kennel before your pet can fly.
- The kennel door must be made of metal. Plastic and Fiberglas™ doors, including side plastic latches, are prohibited because they are not strong enough to protect animals during normal handling.
- All kennel hardware must be secure and in good working condition. A metal nut and bolt must be secured in each hole that is in place to connect the top and bottom of the kennel. Please note that it’s common for kennels to have nuts and bolts that are metal and covered with a plastic coating on the outside, and those are acceptable.
- Snap-sided kennels or kennels with plastic side latches will not be accepted, unless you have drilled additional holes and added metal nuts and bolts to secure the kennel.
- Kennels using twist locks to secure the top and bottom halves of the kennel will not be accepted.
- Two dishes (one for food and one for water) must be attached to the inside of the kennel but also be accessible from the outside of the kennel so they can be filled from outside the kennel without opening the door.
- Regulations require that any wheels must be locked or otherwise rendered inoperable. Kennel wheels must be either removed or taped to prevent the kennel from rolling in transit.
- The floor must be solid and leak-proof and contain absorbent material, such as shredded black-and-white printed newspaper.
- Each kennel should contain no more than one adult dog or cat, or no more than two puppies or kittens younger than six months, of comparable size, and weighing less than 20 pounds (9 kg) each.
Travel Crate for the in between sizes.
These are IATA approved crates and can also be purchased by Pet-Express.com. They also are available on Amazon.com. However, when determining your pet’s crate size it is helpful to use this crate size calculator.
| Kennel sizing chart for dogs and cats |
|---|
| A = Length of animal from nose to root of tail
B = Height from ground to elbow joint C = Width across shoulders D = Height of animal in a natural standing position from the top of the head or the ear tip, whichever is higher. Note: your pet’s head or ear tips, whichever is higher, must not touch the top of the crate. |
| How to determine kennel size |
| For travel within the 50 United States and Puerto Rico:
Length = A + ½B For travel to and from all other destinations and for short-nosed dogs: Length = A + B |
Required labeling
Label the top of your pet’s kennel with your pet’s name as well as the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the customers who will be dropping off and picking up the animal. Federal regulations require that each kennel is labeled to safeguard your pet. When you drop off your pet, many airlines will provide the required labels to adhere to the kennel. The labels include: The words “LIVE ANIMAL” will be adhered to the top and at least one side of the kennel in 1-inch (2.5-cm) letters. Orientation labels that indicate the top of the kennel with arrows or “This End Up” markings will be adhered to at least two sides of the kennel.
Federal regulations require that each kennel be properly labeled with the words “LIVE ANIMAL” on the top and at least one side of the kennel in 1-inch (2.5 cm) letters. The kennel must also have orientation labels. Indicate the top with arrows or “This End Up” markings on at least two sides.
Certification and Feeding Instructions – Certification must be attached to the kennel stating that the animal has been offered food and water within four hours prior to drop-off (or tender) with airline. If food is necessary it must be attached to the outside of the kennel.
IMPORTANT: Do not feed your animal in the two hours prior to departure, as a full stomach can cause discomfort for a traveling pet.
- Toys Medication, including over-the-counter or prescription (many airlines do not administer medications.)
- Thick blankets, bedding or similar items
- Straw, hay or wood shavings are prohibited for international travel