Your pet's travel container is essentially their seat on the aircraft. All containers should be safe, comfortable, and provide plenty of airflow. Choosing the right crate size for pet travel is the most important step in planning your pet's journey. Please take the time to review the guidelines and ensure proper selection.
Crate Guidelines for Pet Travel – Airline-Approved Rules and Tips
Pets must fly without collars or harnesses on their body. Leashes and collars can be attached to crates, but security personnel may not allow them to remain. Please do not send any valuable items attached to the crate. Only the required documents for export will be attached—additional pet records may cause confusion at border inspections.
We can provide absorbent material for the crate, but if your pet has a favorite blanket or something that smells like home, it may be included. One clear ziplock bag of kibble can be attached to the crate. On the morning of the flight, please feed no more than half of the normal amount.
All medications must be in their original prescription bottles. Do not place rubber or metal toys, bones, rawhides, electronics, or other items in or on the crate.
Sedation of any kind is not permitted. If you feel your pet needs calming during the flight, we recommend natural non-sedative products such as Adaptil Calming Spray, which we can apply inside the crate.
2021 Crate Guidelines from USA
Crate / Kennel Guidelines for Shipping from USA Airports
- Side and rear ventilation required
- No plastic wing nuts – must use metal wing nuts
- Nuts required on top
- Photo of pet standing in front of crate required
- Measurements of pet – see measuring guide
- Ensure clearance above, behind, and in front of pet
| Crate Model | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PetMate Sky #100 | 21" x 16" x 15" | Not allowed for international travel |
| PetMate Sky #200 | 28" x 20.5" x 21.5" | |
| PetMate Sky #300 | 32" x 22.5" x 24" | |
| PetMate Sky #400 | 36" x 25" x 27" | |
| PetMate Sky #500 | 40" x 27" x 30" | Dryfur Contact |
| PP90 AKA #600 | 52" x 32" x 32.5" | Approved, but no metal sides – pet-express.com |
| PetMate Sky #700 | 48" x 32" x 35" | |
| #700 Extender | Adds 3" height | Dryfur Contact |
Additional Notes
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Two bowls must be attached to the inside of the crate door—one for water and one for food. Rabbits and other small mammals may have an outside water bottle. |
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British Air / Emirates / Aer Lingus / KLM Mesh Requirements: Cats: mesh attached to outside of crate over all openings Dogs: mesh required if any opening exceeds 1" Rabbits & Ferrets: mesh required over all openings for all airlines |
Dog Measuring Guide for Shipping from USA Airports
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Note: All measurements must be taken while the dog is standing tall. Do not include hair in measurements. A. Length: Nose to rump B. Height: Floor to elbow C. Width: Widest point of the body (flesh, not hair) D. Height: Floor to top of head E. Tip of ears for erect-eared breeds |
At least 10cm clearance above head/ears Brachycephalic breeds must use a crate one size larger Always double-check measurements |
We understand these regulations may feel overwhelming. Please reach out with any questions.
For your pet's safety and well-being, both your agent and the airline will strictly enforce these requirements.
Any pet in a crate not meeting these guidelines will be denied boarding.
Custom 3" Height Extension Kit
PP90 with 5" Height Extension Kit
All container requirements are set forth in the Live Animal Regulations (LAR), which are frequently updated and modified. Each airline may also have additional rules beyond the LAR.
For more details, please visit: IATA Live Animal Regulations
Read more about crate guidelines here: Pet Travel Crate Guidelines
