How to choose a suitable travel crate for your pet?

When pets travel as checked baggage or manifest cargo, an IATA qualified travel crate is required. Different airlines may have different regulations for travel crate; so how to choose a suitable travel cage for your pet? 

You can find various kinds of pet travel crates with different sizes，appearances and models online. Most pet owners find it difficult to select a suitable, qualifying crate.  In this article, we will guide you how to choose a suitable crate for your pet when travelling as checked baggage or manifest cargo.

• Materials

Rigid plastic crates are suitable for all kinds of cats and most dogs

Wooden or metal crates are required for some breeds of flighting dogs, such as the American Bully, Rottweiler.

• Ventilation

The total ventilation area must be at least 16% of the total surface of the four sides. The ventilation openings on the sides and the back must be placed over the upper 2/3 of the container.

To protect the nose and paws of the pets and the pet handler, the openings must be less than 25*25mm for dogs and 19*19mm for cats.

In addition, some airlines like Air China require that all openings be covered with a wire mesh to prevent the animal from extending its paws or nose outside the container.

• Size

Each pet in the crate must have enough space to stand, to sit erect, to lie in a natural position or to turn about normally while standing.

Guidance on caculating minimum crate dimensions.

Animal measurements:

A=length of animal from tip of nose to root of tail

B= height from ground to elbow joint

C= width across shoulders or widest point (whichever is the greater)

D= height of animal in natural standing position from the top of the head or tip of the ear to the floor (whichever is higher)

Minimum internal container dimensions for a single pet

Crate length=A + 1/2 B

Crate width= C x 2

Crate height =D plus bedding

When pets lie down, they extend their front paws as shown. That’s why the length of “B” should also be included in the crate length.

If you have a snub nose pet like a pug, or French bulldog, please choose a crate that is 10% larger (one size bigger).

• Feeding & Watering

The water bottle and food dish can be affixed to the door of the crate. You can tape some food on top of the crate in case of delay.

• Mat & Toy

You will need an absorbent mat, like a skymat, or a small thin blanket, for the interior of the crate. The mat should not be too big as there is limited space in the travel crate.

Toys are not allowed.

• Labeling

A “Live Animal” label and a “ This Way Up” label are mandatory on the travel crate and must be placed on at least two opposite sides. We also suggest preparing a contact sticker or contact tag with your flight number and emergency contact number just in case.