Pet Travel Crates: Expert Guide to Choosing and Preparing the Perfect Crate for Your Pet’s Journey

The right crate is important not only for meeting airline requirements but also for your pet’s safety and comfort throughout the trip. Ensuring your pet has plenty of ventilation and room to turn around in the crate comfortably is the best step you can take towards their safety.  

Use the chart to determine measurements:  

A = Length of animal from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail  

B = Height from ground to elbow joint  

C = Width across the shoulders or widest point  

D = Floor to top of head/tip of ears when the pet is in a natural standing position 

 

Accepted vs. Not Accepted: THE RIGHT FIT

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Accepted:

• The crate allows your pet to stand up comfortably.
• Your pet can see out of the crate without ducking.
• The crate provides enough space for your pet to turn around.
• Your pet can lie down comfortably with paws extended.

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Not Accepted:

• The crate is too short for your pet to stand up straight.
• Your pet has to duck to see out of the crate.
• The crate doesn't allow your pet to turn around.
• The crate is too small for your pet to lie comfortably with paws extended.

 

 

 

 

 

Custom Pet Travel Crates: Solutions for Large Dogs and Exotic Pets

For large dogs exceeding #700 crate size or exotic pets with specific needs, we offer custom-made travel crates adhering to IATA standards. From crate extensions for extra height to custom bird crates with perches, we ensure safe and comfortable transport for all pets, regardless of size or species.

Once you've determined your pet's measurements, it's time to buy a crate that meets the standards of the airline you'll be traveling with. In the United States your pet's crate will need to comply with USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations.

Double check with your airline to be sure, but in general your pet's crate must meet the following standards:

• Crates should be made of hard plastic, metal or wood, and the top should be solid (no ventilation or doors).
• The crate door must be made of metal and must be able to close securely. Hard plastic and other materials are not acceptable.
• Kennels must be assembled completely and kennel hardware should be in good condition and functioning properly. For example, nuts and bolts connecting the crate's top and bottom should be properly connected and show no signs of damage.
• Kennels with plastic side latches won't be accepted unless additional holes have been drilled to accommodate metal nuts and bolts.
• Two water dishes must be affixed to the inside of the kennel door and accessible from the outside of the crate.
• The floor of the kennel should be solid and leak-proof, and it is acceptable to place an absorbent material (an old towel, shredded newspaper, etc.) at the bottom of the crate.

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Here's an overview of standard kennel sizes, along with their measurements in inches:

#100 Series: 21 L x 16 W x 15 H

#200 Series: 27 L x 20 W x 19 H

#300 Series: 32 L x 22 W x 23 H

#400 Series: 36 L x 24 W x 26 H

#500 Series: 40 L x 27 W x 30 H

#700 Series: 48 L x 32 W x 35 H

Note: Larger crates may be too big to fit on some aircraft. Double-check before you book your flight.

 

Large dogs whose size exceeds the #700 crate can still fly safely, but they must obtain a custom-made travel crate that adheres to IATA standards for international travel. Custom crates may be too large to fit on some aircraft, so double-check with your airline before you fly.

An extension kit will be necessary for larger dogs who need just a little extra height. Crate extension kits add height to Extra Large (#500 series) and Giant (#700 series) crates.

For relocation of feathered friends, we can help obtain custom bird crates complete with perches for both large and small birds.

Travel Crates for Reptiles and Rodents

Reptile and rodent shipping crates can be highly customized, allowing for the placement of inserts within the travel crate when transporting more than one pet.

Travel Crates for Other Exotic Pets

Moving another kind of pet? Custom exotic animal crates should be built for strength and safety as well as for the pet's comfort. Rules for transporting animals in custom crates vary from airline to airline, so contact the proper authorities before ordering your pet's custom crate.