Airline pet crates: what airlines require

IATA requirements for the hold and cargo

Airlines apply IATA's Live Animals Regulations to crates; the 52nd edition has been in effect since 1 January 2026. For dogs and cats, "Container Requirement 1" sets these rules:

• A rigid structure. Fibreglass, metal, rigid plastic, welded mesh or wood. A crate made entirely of wire mesh must not be used, and some rigid plastic crates are not suitable for large or aggressive dogs.
• Bolted halves. The two halves of a plastic crate are securely joined; plastic clips must not be the only fasteners, and IATA recommends a metal nut and bolt in every hole.
• A secure door. It takes up one whole end; its locking pins engage by at least 1.6 cm, and a plastic door is only acceptable with metal hinges and pins.
• No gap a nose or paw can get through. Openings are no larger than 25 × 25 mm for a dog and 19 × 19 mm for a cat.
• Proper ventilation. At least 16% of the total surface of the four sides, with openings on all four sides.
• Water within reach. A bowl fixed inside that can be filled from outside without opening the door, and a food container for delays. A drinking bottle cannot replace an open bowl.
• A leak-proof floor with absorbent bedding, wheels removed or made inoperable, handles and spacer bars on the sides; forklift spacers if the total weight exceeds 60 kg.
• Labels. The green "Live Animals" label is mandatory, together with "This Way Up" arrows on at least two opposite sides; marking the animal's name is recommended.

As a rule, one crate holds one animal. IATA allows two adults of similar size, each up to 14 kg and used to living together; above 14 kg, each animal has its own crate. IATA also recommends removing collars, harnesses and clothing before the animal is crated.

What airlines add

Each airline can tighten these rules. A few examples from their official pages as of 19 October 2026 (cabin, hold and cargo rules for thirteen airlines are side by side in our airline pet policies comparison):

• Air France: in the hold, only hard-shell crates in rigid plastic or fibreglass, closed with bolts and IATA-compliant, are accepted, for a pet of up to 75 kg including the crate.
• Air Canada: in the hold, up to 45 kg for pet and crate together, and up to 292 cm in total dimensions; anything larger goes as cargo.
• Air Transat: in the hold, up to 45 kg including the cage, a cage no larger than 122 × 81.3 × 89 cm and one animal per cage; a cage one size up for snub-nosed breeds.

What does "IATA-approved" mean? IATA states that it does not certify, approve, endorse or sell any crate brand or model. A crate is accepted because it meets the requirements above and the airline's own, not because it carries a logo. Be wary of offers that claim otherwise.

In the cabin: a soft bag, not a crate

In the cabin, different rules apply. On Air France, as of 19 October 2026, only soft bags are accepted, up to 46 × 28 × 24 cm, with a total weight of 8 kg including the bag, and one animal per bag. Air Canada also accepts only soft-sided bags, up to 40 × 43 × 20 cm.

Under IATA's guidance, a cabin bag need not be rigid, but it must fit under the seat, keep the animal from escaping, hold in liquids, be ventilated and carry a "Live Animal" label that does not cover the vents. A soft bag can sag under the seat and cut the airflow: choose one that holds its shape.

The right size

IATA's rule fits in one sentence: the animal must be able to stand, sit upright, lie down in a natural position and turn around normally. Snub-nosed breeds need a crate 10% larger. The measuring method and the step-by-step calculation are in our guide on measuring your pet for an IATA crate.

Too small, and the crate will be refused. Too big, and it costs more as cargo, where the price also depends on volume: see chargeable weight on our pet air cargo page.

Getting your pet used to its crate

IATA advises buying the crate in advance and getting the animal used to it weeks, or even months, before the trip. A familiar item inside helps, and a slightly darkened crate in a quiet spot calms most animals. Our approach, to adapt to your pet's temperament:

1. Discovery as soon as you buy it

   Crate open in the living room, door removed or held open, a blanket and a few treats inside. Never force the animal in.

2. Meals in the crate the following weeks

   Serve meals next to the crate, then inside it, at the back.

3. Door closed gradually

   Close the door during the meal, then for a few minutes after, staying nearby. Lengthen the time bit by bit, then leave the room.

4. Short trips before departure

   A few car journeys with the crate closed and well secured. The crate must never be used as a punishment.

IATA discourages sedation in transit: tranquillisers lower blood pressure, and altitude combined with drugs can be dangerous for an old, sick or stressed animal. Give nothing without your vet's advice, and tell the airline if any medication was given.

On the day

• A light meal at least two hours before handing the animal over, then a short walk and a little water just before crating (IATA recommendations).
• Water bowl fixed and reachable from outside; food container attached to the crate in case of delay.
• Labels on, owner's and consignee's details on the crate.
• Bolts tight, door shut and fasteners checked before handover.

Frequently asked questions

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