How to Measure Your Pet for a Travel Crate

Measure the pet before choosing the crate. The useful dimensions are the animal’s natural standing height, body length, elbow height and width, followed by the crate’s usable internal space and its external size for transport.

Take four measurements

With your pet standing naturally, measure nose to the base of the tail (A), floor to elbow (B), the widest part of the shoulders or body (C), and floor to the highest point of the head or ears (D). Use the higher point when ears stand above the head. Ask someone to help keep the pet relaxed rather than forcing an unnatural pose.

Use the measurements as a starting point

IATA’s published single-animal guide estimates minimum internal length as A plus half B, width as twice C, and height as D plus bedding. For example, A 60 cm, B 25 cm, C 22 cm and D 50 cm suggest at least 72.5 cm internal length, 44 cm width and 50 cm height plus bedding. This is a worked sizing example, not approval of a particular crate. Flat-faced breeds and individual operators may need additional space.

Compare internal and external dimensions

Retail listings often emphasise external dimensions. Those determine whether the crate fits the car and aircraft allocation, but they do not tell you the exact standing space inside. Obtain both sets of measurements and allow for the door, sloping sides, bedding and bowls. Your pet should be able to stand, turn and lie naturally within the approved arrangement.

Send the proposed model before purchasing

Share the animal’s measurements, crate model, internal dimensions and external dimensions with the flight team. Confirm construction, ventilation, door security, fasteners and bowl requirements. A retail “airline approved” label does not mean every airline or charter will accept it. Also confirm whether the flight uses a crate, carrier or approved harness at each stage.

Introduce it before moving week

Make the crate familiar at home and practise loading it into the transfer vehicle. Recheck the fit for a growing pet and plan how the crate will be moved with luggage at both ends. Send us your pet and crate measurements before booking space or ordering equipment.