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Crate Measurements

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How to measure your pet

When measuring your pet, do not add any extra inches as this could be dangerous if the aircraft meet turbulence as your pet could slide around and be injured in a larger kennel than it should be, in addition of ending up paying way more for the air freight for these extra inches that you actually don’t need.

  • A= length of animal from nose to beginning of tail
  • B = height from ground to elbow joint
  • C = width across shoulders
  • D = height of animal in standing position (top of head for pets with non-erect ears – from tip of ears for pets with erect ears)
  • The length of the kennel must be equal to A + 1/2 B.
  • The width of the kennel must be equal to Cx2
  • The height of the kennel (top flat or arched) must be equal to D.

The rules regarding approved types of containers for cats, dogs, ferrets and birds flying in cabin and as cargo were created by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and, for the most part, have been accepted by the world’s airlines to view the requirements for individual airlines.

 

Pets traveling as cargo

Whether your pet is flying as checked baggage or cargo, it will travel in a temperature controlled and pressurized compartment right under the cabin. Most airlines flying larger aircraft (not commuter planes) accept live animals as cargo and have made special provisions for their handling.

 

Minimum Cargo Crate Requirements:

  • The pet crate must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Brachycephalic breeds (snub nosed) will require one size larger than normal for most airlines that permit them to fly in cargo. See sizing instructions below.
  • The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood (note that not all airlines will accept crates made of wood, e.g. Air France and KLM)
  • The floor must be solid and leakproof.
  • The container door must have a secure, spring loaded, all around locking system with the pins extending at least 1.6 cm (5/8 in) beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. Many airlines will also require that the door be further secured with cable ties at each corner.
  • Both water and food bowls must be attached to the inside of the front door and be refillable from the outside of the crate without opening the door. Small funnels attached to the door by cable ties make it easier for airport handlers to refill water bowls. Food can be attached to the top of the crate in a plastic bag.
  • The container must have ventilation on 4 sides. The openings must be a minimum of 1 in(2.5 cm) over the upper two thirds of the opposite end and the remaining two sides, at a distance of 4 in (10 cm) from centre to centre of each opening. The total ventilated area must be at least 16% of the total surface of the four sides. Additional holes on the roof or sides are permitted as long as they do not affect the strength of the crate. The ventillation holes must not be taped over or blocked in any way.
  • The container must have LIVE ANIMAL STICKERS on the top and sides in letters at least one inch tall as well as directional stickers. Also, there must be a sticker adhered to the top of the crate called a Shipper’s Declaration stating when your pet was last watered and fed. These stickers are part of Bahrain Pet Relocation travel kit
  • NO WHEELS. If the container has wheels, they should be removed or taped securely so that the kennel cannot roll.
  • The container must be identified with you pet’s name and owner’s contact information. The best way to do this is to attach your pet’s information to the outside of the crate with duct tape or other sturdy tape.
  • Forklift spacers must be provided when the pet exceeds 132 lbs. (60kg)

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