It's time to break out the tape measure to get your pet "fitted" for their travel kennel!
We need to make sure you select the appropriate size travel kennel for your pet's big move. The good news is that there are clear guidelines for how to obtain the correct measurements.
The International Air Transportation Association (IATA) has developed a formula that must be followed when measuring your pet for their travel kennel.
When measuring your dog, please make sure they are standing up on all fours on a flat surface in order to get the accurate dimensions below.
Please note that the airlines will not accept a travel kennel for cats and dogs any smaller than the standard 28-inch kennel.
To start, please measure & write down the four points below:
A = Length of animal from tip of nose to base/root of tail (not including the tail)
B = Height from ground to elbow joint
C = Width across shoulders or widest point (whichever is the greater)
D = Height of the animal in natural standing position from top of the head or the ear tip to the floor (whichever is higher)
Cats almost always need to travel in the standard 28-inch kennel and do not need anything larger unless they are a brachycephalic breed or are extremely large.
How do I calculate the correct kennel size?
Using the measurements you wrote down from above, the minimum INTERNAL kennel dimensions are calculated as follows:
- Length = A + 1/2B
- Width = C x 2
- Height = D + 2 or 3 inches
Accurately measuring your pet will ensure they have sufficient space to stand up, sit down, lie down and turn around comfortably inside the travel kennel.
Failure to have the correct size kennel could result in your pet being refused for travel on the day of departure.