(IATA) Airline Approved Dog Crates

Here are 5 simple tips to help you choose the ideal airline carrier for your dog:

1. The carrier must meet IATA requirements.
2. Select the right size for your pooch, based on airline requirements. An airline-approved dog carrier for the cabin (usually up to 8 kg) will differ significantly in dimensions from one for a dog weighing 20 kilograms, which will not fly with you on board.
3. The dog should be able to freely stand, turn, and lie down comfortably in the crate. But be careful—a crate that is too big is not the optimal choice because it will be less stable and will not provide a sense of security!
4. Carriers made of plastic or aluminium with metal doors are best.
5. Remember that the crate should also fit a bowl with water or food or a dispenser.

Important! Before the flight, verify that the chosen airlines accept the specific carrier! There are no regulations that specify exact dimensions; some airlines also require special door locking with cable ties.

First of all, every airline-approved dog crate must meet IATA (International Air Transport Association) requirements. The guidelines concern, for example, the carrier's size, the locking mechanism, the bottom, and access to food and water. Importantly, in addition to IATA regulations, individual airlines also have their own guidelines for transporting dogs and cats, which should always be checked before a flight. Otherwise, you may face stressful consequences at the airport, which will definitely not be conducive to your comfort and your dog.

According to IATA guidelines, the airline-approved dog crate must be large enough for the animal to stand up completely, turn around, and lie down without any problems. The minimum internal dimensions of the crate result from the following 3 measurements of the individual animal:

• Length of the dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
• Length of the dog's legs from the ground to the base of the leg.
• Height of the dog from the ground to the top of the head or to the tips of the ears (whichever is higher).

Tip: Choose a crate 3-4 inches larger in each dimension for comfort.

Airlines may impose maximum external dimensions for cargo or cabin transport, so always check with your carrier.

IATA stands for the International Air Transport Association. This global association sets safety and operational standards for air travel. When a pet travel crate is labeled as “IATA-compliant,” it means the manufacturer designed it according to these guidelines.

What requirements must IATA airline-approved crates for dogs meet? 

To ensure your dog’s safety and meet airline standards, your travel crate must follow these key specifications:

• Rigid, safe construction: Made from durable materials such as hard plastic, fiberglass, or metal.
• Metal door with a secure lock: The door must have a strong locking mechanism that cannot be opened accidentally.
• Ventilation on at least 3 sides: For international flights, ventilation on all four sides is recommended.
• Leak-proof, solid bottom: The base should be waterproof and lined with absorbent material (never mesh).
• No wheels: Wheels must be removed or locked during transport for safety.
• Sturdy handles: Handles should allow easy and safe lifting of the crate.

If the manufacturer states that their product meets IATA safety and construction standards, you can safely transport your dog. 

IMPORTANT! Using an IATA-compliant crate ensures your dog meets international safety standards and avoids last-minute travel issues. Airlines will refuse transport if the crate does not meet these guidelines.

Some pooches will handle the flight better than others simply due to greater stress resistance, but every canine companion deserves your attention and support before such a big trip! Start by getting them used to the carrier before departure—we suggest doing so at least a few weeks in advance. Do not feed the dog right before the flight; provide fresh water and line the IATA-approved dog crate with hygienic pads. You can also give the pooch a favourite blanket. If you decide to give your pet stress-relieving or calming treatments for dogs, be sure to discuss this with your vet first.

At zooplus, you can easily find the right IATA-approved crate for dogs in many sizes. We offer models compliant with IATA requirements. Exact features and equipment can be found in the detailed product descriptions. You can also buy various accessories for your new dog crate flight box, such as drinking bottles, bowls, cosy pillows, or puppy pads.

Choose a light carrier to make your journey easier. Importantly, this does not mean lowering its safety level. Manufacturers often simply use newer technologies or better materials to reduce the carrier's weight.

Do you travel often? Check also:

• Dog travel accessories
• Collapsible dog bowl
• Soft dog crate (great for the hotel room!)
• Dog car harnesses