Is Your Pet Crate IATA Compliant for Flying as Cargo?

Is Your Pet Crate IATA Compliant for Flying as Cargo?

Posted by Susan Smith on on 1st Jun 2017

All airline crates flying dogs and cats in the cargo hold must be compliant with the International Air Transport Association (IATA). 

If your dog or cat will be flying in the cargo hold of an airplane, then its pet crate will be subject to International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations for the transport of live animals. Commercial airlines do not approve pet crates. They require that your pet's crate conform to IATA specifications to keep your pet safe when traveling.

Although some animals other than cats and dogs require custom crates as do large dogs like Great Danes which are too big for standard, heavy-duty plastic pet crates, many animals can travel in molded plastic crates like the one shown here. However, some manufacturers produce crates similar to this one that are not IATA-compliant. How do you know if your pet's crate is compliant and will be accepted by the airlines?

Despite the fact that your crate must have water and food bowls, a pet pad or some other type of absorbent material, a strong door and adequate ventilation, there are specific requirements that your pet's crate must conform to in its construction in order to be safe for your pet. 

More details on IATA requirements for pet crates.

If you need a pet crate, the Petmate Sky Kennel is IATA compliant and sets the standards for crates made for flying your pet. You can find all sizes of Sky Kennel  pet crates in our store. If you already own a pet crate and need accessories to update it, try our Update Your Pet Crate Kit. Choose only the accessories that you need.