Airlines both domestic and international, require you to obtain an IATA (International Air Transport Association) specified cage for your pet dog or cat for travel by air. These cages are suitably designed with your pet’s flight safety and comfort in mind. Made of fibre they are available in various sizes to accommodate the smallest puppy to the largest dog. There are airline crate sizes up to 48” length to accommodate big dog breeds.

Airline or flight crates / cages have the following features: rugged construction, steel gates, ventilation grids, and ABS twist-locks provide ultimate security. They are supplied with wheel package to make transportation easier. The wheels have to be removed before the crate is boarded on to the flight, to avoid the crate from moving or jostling around in the cargo hold of the aircraft.

The IATA specified pet crates are approved for international airline travel. The rules regarding approved types of containers for cats, dogs, ferrets and birds flying in cabin and as cargo were created by IATA and have been accepted by the world's airlines.

PETS IN CABIN

When traveling with your pet dog or pet cat by flight and in cabin, the airline will only allow one pet per passenger and a maximum of two pets per cabin. The IATA pet crate must fit under the seat in front of you and must have a waterproof bottom.

PETS IN CARGO HOLD

Airlines flying large aircrafts accept live animals as cargo and have made special provisions for their handling. Whether you pet dog or cat is traveling as checked baggage or as cargo, they will wind up in the same special area of the cargo hold of the aircraft, which is pressurized and temperature controlled. The animals must be in an IATA approved container and meet certain other requirements. It is considered best to have only one animal per container but the IATA rules state that two animals can share the same container if the animals are below 14kg (30lbs). Kindly check with airline rules regarding carrying two pets in one pet cage.

AIRLINE TRAVEL PET CRATE SPECIFICATIONS

• The container must be large enough for the animal(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down.
• The kennel must be made of a sturdy plastic.
• The container must have a secure all around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door.
• Both water and food bowls must be attached to the inside of the front door and be refillable from the outside of the container without opening the door.
• The container must have ventilation on all four sides.
• The Container must have LIVE ANIMAL STICKERS on the top and sides in letters at least one inch tall.
• If the container has wheels they should be removed or taped securely so that the kennel cannot roll.
• The container must be identified with the pets name and owners contact information.