Pet Travel Guides & Resources
Everything you need to know about flying with your pet. From IATA crate requirements to airline-specific policies, our comprehensive guides help you avoid rejection and travel stress-free.
Essential Reading
IATA Pet Crate Requirements: The Full Checklist
IATA publishes the container requirements that airlines following IATA rules use for dogs and cats travelling in the hold. Here is every rule in plain English, with the official source.
Why Airlines Reject Pet Crates: The Top 10 Reasons
Every day, pet owners arrive at airport check-in counters only to face the devastating news: their pet's crate has been rejected. The flight leaves in hours, and there's no quick fix. Understanding why airlines reject crates - and how to prevent it - can save you from this nightmare scenario.
IATA crate size calculator for dogs and cats
Airlines that follow IATA rules require a crate big enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down naturally. IATA sets this out as a simple formula based on four measurements of your pet. Enter them below to see the minimum inner dimensions your crate needs. It's free, and nothing is sent to us unless you choose to continue to a full check. PetFlyCheck is independent and not affiliated with IATA.
Metal Bolts vs Plastic Clips: Why Your Crate Will Be Rejected
You bought an expensive 'airline approved' crate. You measured your pet correctly. You have all the documents. But for cargo, IATA requires the two halves of a plastic crate to be bolted together: plastic clips alone are not sufficient.
Quick Tips
DO's - Best Practices
- Replace plastic clips with metal bolts
- Measure your pet using IATA formula, not manufacturer sizing
- Get health certificate within 10 days of travel
- Attach food/water bowls accessible from outside
- Add "Live Animal" stickers and "This Way Up" arrows
- Freeze water bowl so it melts slowly during flight
DON'Ts - Common Mistakes
- Don't use soft-sided carriers for cargo - instant rejection
- Don't leave wheels attached to rolling crates
- Don't sedate your pet without vet approval - most airlines prohibit
- Don't fly snub-nosed breeds in cargo - death risk
- Don't feed pet 4-6 hours before flight
- Don't assume "airline approved" crates meet cargo requirements
More Guides
Ultimate Pet Air Travel Checklist: 30 Days to Flight Day
Flying with your pet requires careful preparation. Start too late, and you risk missing vaccinations deadlines, document requirements, or crate modifications. This checklist breaks down exactly what to do, and when.
How to Prepare Your Pet for Their First Flight: Complete Guide
Flying is stressful for pets who've never experienced it. From crate training to vet visits, proper preparation can make the difference between a smooth journey and a traumatic experience. Start at least 30 days before your flight.
Seasonal Pet Travel: Best and Worst Times to Fly with Your Pet
When you fly matters as much as how you fly. Temperature extremes can be deadly for pets in cargo holds, and seasonal embargoes can cancel your pet's reservation. Understanding seasonal risks is essential for safe pet travel.
Pet Travel Insurance: Do You Need It? What Does It Cover?
Airlines limit their liability for pet injuries and deaths. Pet travel insurance fills this gap, but not all policies are created equal. Here's what you need to know before you fly.
International Pet Travel Documents: Complete Checklist by Region
Missing documents = denied boarding or quarantine on arrival. International pet travel requires meticulous paperwork, and requirements vary dramatically by destination. This guide covers documentation for major travel routes.
Emergency Pet Travel: What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Even with perfect preparation, emergencies happen. Lost pets, medical emergencies mid-flight, rejected crates at check-in - knowing how to respond quickly can save your pet's life and your trip.
IATA Crate Size Quick Reference
- •Length = A + ½ B (A = nose tip to root of tail; B = floor to elbow joint)
- •Width = C × 2 (C = width across shoulders or widest point); 2 animals: C × 3; 3 animals: C × 4
- •Height = D + bedding (D = standing height, top of head or ear tip to floor)
- •Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds: container 10% larger
- •Ventilation: at least 16% of the total surface of the four sides, with openings on all four sides
- •Plastic containers: top and bottom halves bolted together; plastic clips alone are not sufficient; metal bolts recommended in every hole
Source: IATA Pet Container Requirements