Introduce the crate early
Days before travel, let your pet explore the crate with bedding and treats.
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How to choose the right pet travel crate — sizing rules, IATA compliance, preparation tips, and airline requirements explained clearly.
The travel crate is your pet’s home during the journey — the single most important piece of equipment. A properly sized, compliant, and well-prepared crate keeps your pet secure, ventilated, and comfortable.
his guide covers sizing, airline compliance, and preparation, so you choose the right crate and set it up the right way.
Enter your dog or cat measurements to calculate the approximate minimum internal crate size and match it to the smallest configured model that fits.
Your pet must be able to stand at full height without touching the top.
Room to turn around fully without squeezing or crouching.
Enough length to lie down naturally, fully extended.
Measure your pet’s length, height, and width before choosing a crate.
Air travel crates must meet IATA specifications for materials, ventilation, and hardware.
Ventilation on at least three sides, including the top, for air travel.
Tamper-resistant latches and hardware that handlers can operate safely.
For long journeys, attachable water bowls or accessible hydration points.
Days before travel, let your pet explore the crate with bedding and treats.
Add familiar bedding and an item with your scent.
Close the door for short periods so your pet associates the crate with calm.
Clear identification on the crate, including your contact and destination details.
The rule is simple: your pet should be able to stand at full height, turn around easily, and lie down naturally. Measure your pet’s height, length, and width, then compare against crate dimensions. When in doubt, sizing up is usually safer than sizing down.
For air travel, yes. IATA specifies materials, ventilation, door design, and hardware requirements for pet travel crates. Different airlines may add their own requirements on top, so always verify with your airline before the flight.
Soft-sided crates can work for short, non-air journeys with calm pets. For air travel and most professional ground transport, a hard-sided crate is required for security and durability. We’ll advise on the right type for your journey.
Enter your dog or cat measurements to calculate the approximate minimum internal crate size and match it to the smallest configured model that fits.