Choosing the Right Crate Size for Your Pet: A Complete Guide to PP, IATA & Airline Crates

Getting the crate right is one of the most important, and most underestimated, parts of preparing for an international pet flight. Too small and your pet will be uncomfortable and stressed. Too large and they may not feel secure, and in some cases the crate may not meet airline or IATA regulations for the route.

What Do the PP Numbers Mean?

The "PP" sizing system is used by Petmate and similar brands to categorise hard-sided travel crates. Each number corresponds to a set of internal dimensions. The PP system is not universal. Dimensions can vary slightly between manufacturers, so always measure your pet and cross-reference with the actual internal dimensions of the specific crate you are purchasing.

How to Measure Your Pet for a Crate

The golden rule is that your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down in a natural position without touching the sides or roof. To find the right size:

• Length: Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Add 10cm (4 inches) as this is the minimum internal crate length.
• Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the head (or ears, whichever is taller). Add 10cm (4 inches) as this is the minimum internal crate height.
• Width: Your pet should be able to lie on their side comfortably. The crate should be at least as wide as your pet's shoulder width, with room to stretch.
• Always measure with your pet standing, not sitting or lying.

PP Crate Size Reference Guide

PP20 / PP30: Extra Small

Internal dimensions approximately 43cm (L) × 29cm (W) × 32cm (H). Suitable for very small cats and toy breed dogs such as Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and small Dachshunds under approximately 3–4kg. Often the minimum viable size for a cat carrier; many cats require a PP30 or larger.

PP40: Small

Internal dimensions approximately 53cm (L) × 37cm (W) × 40cm (H). Suitable for small dogs and medium cats — think Miniature Schnauzers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bichon Frises, and most adult cats up to around 5–6kg. This is one of the most commonly used sizes for cat travel.

PP50: Medium

Internal dimensions approximately 63cm (L) × 44cm (W) × 46cm (H). One of the most popular sizes for medium breed dogs — including Cocker Spaniels, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Beagles, and Shih Tzus. Also suitable for larger cats or multi-cat households (where two small cats may share, subject to airline approval). French Bulldogs in particular often fit in a PP50, but owners should always verify by measuring — the flat face means head height, not body length, is typically the limiting factor.

PP60: Medium-Large

Internal dimensions approximately 73cm (L) × 51cm (W) × 53cm (H). Ideal for medium-to-large breeds including Labrador Retrievers (smaller females), Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Border Collies, Golden Retriever puppies, and most Spaniels. If your dog is between a PP50 and PP60, always go up. A slightly too-large crate is safer than one that restricts natural movement.

PP70: Large

Internal dimensions approximately 84cm (L) × 56cm (W) × 59cm (H). Suitable for large breeds including standard Labrador Retrievers, adult Golden Retrievers, Dalmatians, Boxers (non-brachycephalic), Weimaraners, and similar dogs in the 25 to 35kg range. This size starts to become a consideration for aircraft hold weight limits and cabin placement logistics on our flights, so please confirm with our team when booking.

PP90 / PP100: Extra Large and Giant

Internal dimensions approximately 106cm (L) × 74cm (W) × 81cm (H) for PP100. These are the largest standard hard-sided crates available. Suitable for giant breeds: German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Standard Poodles, and similar. At this size, crate weight becomes significant, as an empty PP100 can weigh 10 to 15kg. For Skye Pets routes, always contact us before purchasing a crate at this size, as aircraft cabin configurations affect what dimensions we can accommodate.

IATA Compliance: What You Need to Know

All crates used on Skye Pets flights must comply with IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR). IATA compliance is not a brand — it is a set of structural and functional requirements. Key requirements include:

• Rigid, hard-sided construction (no soft-sided carriers)
• Secure, tamper-resistant door fastenings, typically metal bolt latches, not plastic clips
• Ventilation on at least two sides (four sides preferred)
• No interior protrusions that could injure your pet
• A leak-proof base (tray must be included)
• Absorption material in the base, typically a puppy pad or bedding layer
• Water and food dishes accessible from outside (required for longer journeys)
• Live animal stickers and directional arrows (Skye Pets provides these)

Choosing a Compliant Crate

Look for hard-sided travel crates specifically marketed as IATA-compliant or "airline approved for live animals". These are widely available from pet retailers in Australia and internationally. For giant breeds, custom-built timber or fibreglass crates are sometimes used. Contact our team if your pet requires a custom solution.

Brachycephalic Breeds: Special Crate Considerations

Flat-faced breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs, Persians, etc.) require careful crate sizing. Their head proportions differ from their body size, with a compact body but a relatively wide, flat head, which means standard size guides can be misleading. Measure your brachycephalic pet's head width carefully and ensure the crate door opening is wide enough for comfortable entry and exit. For most French Bulldogs, a PP50 works well, but wider-faced individuals may need a PP60 despite a smaller body.

Crate Training Before Your Flight

Buying the right crate is only step one. The second, and equally important, step is ensuring your pet is comfortable inside it before travel day. Start with the crate door open, let your pet explore freely, and use treats and meals to build positive associations. Over 6 to 8 weeks, gradually increase the time your pet spends inside with the door closed, until they can rest calmly for several hours.

• Never use the crate as a punishment, only positive associations
• Place familiar-smelling bedding inside (an unwashed item of your clothing works well)
• Practice "mock travel" by doing short car trips in the crate before the actual flight
• The goal is a pet that enters the crate willingly and settles quickly

Still unsure which crate size is right for your pet? Our team is happy to advise based on your specific breed, weight, and route. Get in touch before purchasing, as it is much easier to get this right before your flight than to discover a sizing problem on departure day.