Dog Crate Requirements: Complete Guide for Safe Pet Travel

Choosing the right crate for your cat and/or dog is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when preparing for transport. Whether you’re flying with your furry friend or using ground transport services, proper crate sizing and compliance with safety standards ensures your pet’s comfort and security throughout the journey. IATA and Airlines hold Dog Crate Requirements and Cat Crate Requirements with specifics in measurements.

Why Proper Crate Size Matters

  • Reduces stress and anxiety during transport
  • Ensures your pet can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
  • Meets airline and USDA safety requirements
  • Prevents injury during the journey
  • Ensures acceptance by airlines and transport services

The golden rule: Your pet must be able to stand up without their head touching the top, turn around completely, and lie down in a natural position without curling their legs.

How to Measure Your Dog for a Crate

Step 1

Measure from the tip of your dog’s nose to the base of their tail (NOT including the tail length). 

Measure from the floor to the top of your dog’s head when standing in a natural position. If the dog has erect ears measure from the floor to the top of the ears.

Measure the widest part of your dog (usually the shoulders). The crate should be wide enough for your pet to turn around comfortably.

IATA-Compliant Crate Requirements

✓ Crate Material & Construction

  • Hard, non-collapsible material (rigid plastic or fiberglass)
  • Leak-proof bottom with NO holes on the bottom half
  • Solid construction able to endure weight and pressure
  • NO wheels allowed (must be removed before travel)
  • NO plastic screws, clamps, or slide-locking fasteners
  • Metal nuts and bolts REQUIRED for assembly

✓ Ventilation Requirements

  • Ventilation on all four sides, including the back
  • Minimum 16% total ventilation (including door)
  • Hole size limits:
    • Cats: Maximum ¾ inch (19mm)
    • Dogs: Maximum 1 inch (25mm)
  • Holes must meet size requirements in ALL directions (length and height)
  • Spacer bars (lips) required on sides and back to prevent blockage

✓ Door Requirements

  • Forward-facing door ONLY (no top-opening doors)
  • Metal screen on door (NOT plastic)
  • Locking pins must extend at least 1.6 cm (0.6 inches) above and below door opening
  • Secure latching mechanism that cannot be opened by the pet

✓ Water & Food Bowls

  • TWO bowls required (one for water, one for food) Heres what we recommend – BOWL
  • Securely mounted inside crate throughout journey
  • Bowls must withstand pawing and chewing
  • Cannot be easily knocked out or removed by pet
  • Pro Tip: Freeze water in bowls the night before travel to prevent spills

✓ Bedding & Flooring

  • Non-toxic absorbent bedding required
  • Recommended setup: puppy pad
  • Provides comfort and absorbs accidents during transport

Common Crate Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Crate Too Small

Most airlines have a 2-3 or 3-4 inch rule for space.

If your pet has to curl their legs to lie down or their body touches the edges when standing, the crate is too small.

❌ Collapsible or Soft-Sided Crates

These do NOT meet IATA requirements and will be rejected by airlines and professional transport services.

❌ Oversized Ventilation Holes

Holes larger than ¾” (cats) or 1″ (dogs) allow paws to get stuck and will result in shipment rejection.

❌ Inadequate Fastening

Plastic clamps or slide locks alone are NOT acceptable. Metal nuts and bolts are required.

❌ Top-Opening Doors

Only forward-facing doors are permitted for safe transport.

❌ Removable Bowls

Bowls that sit in rings or can be easily knocked out do not meet requirements. Bowls must be secured to the kennel door.

Crate Size Chart by Dog Weight

Please note these are general guidelines. It is not recommended to purcahse a crate without speaking with your pets flight coordinator first.

Extra Small

Small

Medium

Large

2x Large

Extra Large

100 Series – Petmate Sky Kennel

200 Series – Petmate Sky Kennel

300 Series – PetMate Sky Kennel – Pet Express

400 Series – Petmate Sky Kennel – SportPet Design

500 Series – Petmate Sky Kennel – SportPet Design

700 Series – Petmate Sky Kennel – SportPet Design

21″ x 16″ x 15″

27″ x 20″ x 19″

33″ x 22″ x 23″

36″ x 24″ x 26″

40″ x 27″ x 30″

48″ x 32″ x 35″

For custom built kennels, including wooden CR82 shipping crates, please text “CR82” and your pet(s) measurements to 321-999-9794

Where to Buy IATA-Compliant Crates

Quality crates can be purchased from:

  • Pet supply stores: Petco, PetSmart, Pet Supplies Plus
  • Online retailers: Chewy, Amazon, Petmate
  • Specialty pet travel companies: US PET, TailWinds 
Popular IATA-compliant brands:
  • Petmate Sky Kennel
  • Pet Express (sell slightly larger than basic series)
Q: Can I use a wire crate for air transport?

A: No. Wire crates do not meet IATA requirements for air transport. Only hard-sided, non-collapsible crates are approved.

A: Yes, but the wheels MUST be removed before travel day.

A: You must purchase a new IATA-compliant crate. Oversized holes pose a safety risk and will result in shipment rejection.

A: No, avoid anything that could become a choking hazard or block ventilation. A familiar blanket or worn t-shirt is ideal.

A: Check the manufacturer’s specifications or look for “IATA-compliant” or “airline-approved” labeling. When in doubt, contact us for verification.

Need Help Choosing the Right Crate?

At US Pet Transport Service, we’re here to help ensure your pet travels safely and comfortably. Our team can: [Bullet List]
  • Review your current crate for compliance
  • Recommend the right size for your pet
  • Answer questions about travel preparation
  • Provide expert guidance for air and ground transport
Contact us today:
📞 Phone: 321-999-7387
📧 Email: customersvc@uspettransport.com
🕒 Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 AM – 7 PM EST
Ready to book your pet’s transport? [Get a free quote →]