Crate and airline requirements checklist

Getting your pet’s crate and airline booking right is one of the most time-sensitive parts of international pet travel. Airlines have fixed crate-size cut-offs and embargoes that can ground your pet’s travel plans at short notice. Use this checklist as a universal pre-booking reference, regardless of destination.

Choose the right crate size

• Measure your pet standing (floor to top of head/ears), sitting (floor to top of head), and lying stretched out (nose to tail base).
• The crate must be large enough for your pet to stand without stooping, turn around without difficulty, and lie in a natural position.
• Add 10 cm to each measurement to get the minimum internal crate dimensions.
• IATA minimum standard: height = standing height + 10 cm; length = body length + half of front leg length; width = shoulder width × 2.

Crate construction requirements

• Hard-sided plastic or fibreglass — no collapsible or soft-sided crates for cargo travel.
• Ventilation holes on at least three sides (four sides preferred).
• Metal door with secure bolt-action fasteners — no zip or velcro closures.
• Solid floor with absorbent liner or bedding.
• No wheels (or wheels that can be removed or fixed in place).
• Water and food containers accessible from outside the crate without opening the door.

Crate labelling

• “LIVE ANIMALS” stickers in red on at least two sides and the top.
• Directional arrows on all four sides showing which way is up.
• Pet’s name, breed, age, sex, and colour on an attached label.
• Owner contact details: name, phone, email, and destination address.
• Destination contact details: name, phone, address.
• Feeding and watering instructions for handlers.

Airline booking checklist

• Confirm the airline accepts pets on your specific route and aircraft type — not all aircraft types accept pets in the hold.
• Book the pet space at the same time as your own ticket, or as soon as possible — many airlines cap the number of animals per flight.
• Check crate dimension and weight limits for the aircraft type on your booking (narrow-body vs wide-body limits differ significantly).
• Confirm temperature embargo dates — many airlines suspend live animal cargo during summer (particularly transatlantic routes, May–September).
• Check breed restrictions: snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds face additional restrictions or outright bans on several carriers.
• Obtain a booking reference number for your pet — this is separate from your passenger booking.

72 hours before travel

• Reconfirm pet booking with the airline or freight handler — embargoes can be applied at short notice.
• Withhold food for 4–6 hours before travel (water should always be available).
• Place a worn T-shirt or familiar bedding item inside the crate for comfort.
• Do not sedate your pet without veterinary advice — sedation at altitude carries significant risks.