Pet Travel Crates

One of the most important procedures when arranging travel for pets is selection of a suitable crate in which the animal will travel.

In the case of air transportation crates must meet IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards and conform to their strict guidelines. Any other crate will be refused by the airline.

We have a large selection of new and second-hand wooden and plastic crates (such as Varikennels) on sale by request.

Each animal must have enough space in the crate to turn about normally while standing, to stand and sit up, and to lie in a natural position.

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NOTE: A maximum of two adult animals of comparable size, up to 14 kg that are used to co-habitation, may be shipped in the same crate. Animals over that weight must travel individually.
Pet Travel Crate

Please ensure that your pet travel crate has the following:

  1. A secure all round locking system i.e. locking pins must extend beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door opening. We recommend drilling holes and securing cable ties to the four corners of the door and the three sides for extra security – but these cannot be tied until the pet’s microchip has been read before check-in to cargo.
  2. A water container must be present within the travelling crate with outside access for filling.
  3. Ventilation on all four sides.
  4. Remove any wheels that may be attached to the crate.

How to ensure the correct size crate for your pet:

This is a guideline for ascertaining the correct size for a container, relating to an animal standing in a natural position.

The calculated dimensions are internal container dimensions.

A = length of animal from tip of nose to base/root of tail.

B = height from ground to elbow joint. A+1⁄2 B = length of container.

C = width across shoulders or widest point (whichever is the greater). Cx2 = width of container.

D = height of animal in natural standing position from top of the head or the ear tip to the floor.

(whichever is higher) / height of the container (top flat or arched)

Minimum internal container dimensions:

A + ½ B = Length  C x 2 + Width  D = Height

Snub-nosed breeds require 10% larger container.

Unless cats are unusually large they do not need to be measured.