THE BLOG

When relocating your pets, their comfort and safety are your number one priority. 

There are guidelines established by IATA (International Animal Transport Association), and listed in the LAR (Live Animal Regulations) as to what is the appropriate carrier/crate size for all species. 

Measuring your pets accurately will insure the proper crate size is used for maximum safety.

For dogs and cats, for length we measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail and the front leg.  For height we measure from the flat of head to the floor, for erect-eared dogs, from the tip of the ear to the floor.  For proper crate length, we calculate the length plus ½ of the leg length.  For proper crate height, there should be space above the head (standing normally the pet’s head should not touch the top of the crate).  The pets should be able to stand and turn around in the crate easily.

Tips:  Measuring a moving animal can be difficult.  Using tape and a wall, place your pet against the wall.  Place a piece of tape at the nose, the base of the tail, the shoulder (where arm meets body), and top of head.  Let your pet free and measure the distance between pieces of tape!

Proper measurement will determine crate size.  For snub nosed breeds, the travel crate must be a full size larger than what measurements dictate.  This allows for extra circulation for “at risk” breeds. 

Having the correct crate size will eliminate disappointment at the time of check-in, as airline agents will measure your pet and crate, and if they determine the crate is not appropriate for the size for your pet, your pet will not fly!