Your Pet's Travel Crate

Before shipping your pet it is extremely important to have your pet crate trained. You want your pet to associate the crate as providing safety and security when you are not around. It is critical to make the correct choice of dog or cat crate for pet flights.

Avoid incorrect sizing. According to the rules, the interior travel crate measurement must be greater than the length of the pet by at least 2 to 3 inches, thus allowing plenty of space for your dog or cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably with legs stretched out.

Airlines will not allow your pet to be shipped if any part of the animal touches, or is close to touching, the travel crate when standing or stretched out. In addition it is important to select the correct pet crate sizing to ensure the ultimate in travel comfort for your pet and make it a safe pet transport experience.

The pet travel crate is the single most important animal shipping purchase you will make during the pet relocation process. It is essential that the travel crate is the correct size and meets certain standards of construction, ventilation, and comfort according to the rules and regulations of the airline.

A good rule-of-thumb is to select a kennel that is 1 - 2" taller than your pet's standing height.

Helpful measurement tips for selecting your pet's ideal travel crate:

1. Measure the length of your pet when standing: from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose.

2. Measure the height of your pet when standing: from the floor to the top of the head or ear, whichever is highest off the ground.

The web site dogkennels.com is also a good resource. Your crate may not be the collapsible type. We also highly recommend Pet Mate Sky Kennel when flying. Remember to make sure that your crate is airline approved!

See if your current travel crate makes the grade. Take Our Travel Crate Safety Quiz and see if you pass or fail.

NOTE: Airline air freight rates are based upon the actual weight of the animal and the weight and dimensions of the travel crate. Our estimate of your air freight weight is based upon the information you provide us with. We do not ship any top entry or fold away types of travel crates.