Selecting the correct size crate will help ensure that your pet will be accepted by the airlines and assure your pet will have a comfortable trip. Please see the measuring your pet tab for additional information on determining proper crate size.

Standard Airline Crate Sizes (manufacturers sizes may vary)

Small (100 series) – 24″x16″x15″
Medium (200 series) – 28″x20.5″x21.5″
Intermediate (300 series) – 32″x22″x23″
Large (400 series) 36″x25″x27″
Extra large (500 series) – 40″x27″x30″
Giant (700 series) – 48″x32″x35″

Crate types accepted by the airlines

  • Hard Plastic Crates
  • Ventilation holes on all sides of crate
  • Must have metal nuts and bolts to hold the top and bottom together
  • Custom crates must meet IATA requirements that vary by species

Unacceptable crates

  • Crates with wheels
  • Fabric or soft-sided crate (unless traveling in cabin – pictured on right)  
  • Crates with dial latches to hold the top and bottom together (picture 1 below)
  • Wire crates (picture 2 below)
  • Top opening crates (picture 3 below)
  • Crates with side snaps to hold the top and bottom together (picture 4 below) 
  • Collapsible crates (similar to picture 2 below but may be made of plastic)

Helping your pet feel secure in the crate

It is best to purchase your shipping kennel several weeks ahead of your pet’s trip so that you have time to acclimate the pet to it’s crate. Our staff can give you many tips on crate training which will significantly reduce the stress of travel for your beloved pet. During travel it is best to include a personal item of a family member that has been handled and not washed so the pet travels with a familiar scent.

Items prohibited in the crate

  • High sided beds
  • Toys & kongs (nylabones or other SOLID chew items are permissible)
  • Cat litter
  • Any type of shavings for rodent type shipments
  • Medicines (all meds must be in a prescription bottle and placed in a ziploc bag and taped to the top of the crate with dosage instructions if meds are to be administered in transit)