How To Measure Your Dog & Cat for Travel Crate

Measuring your pets before travelling

Airlines are highly particular when it comes to transporting pets, so it’s crucial to find the right size crate for your dog or cat to avoid any last-minute refusals. The crate must meet three key size criteria:

It should be tall enough—when your pet is standing, there should be at least 3 inches of space above their head.
It should be wide enough—your pet must be able to turn around freely without any difficulty.
It should be long enough—your pet should be able to lie down with their front legs fully extended.

Choosing the right crate isn’t just about meeting airline regulations; it’s also about ensuring the comfort of your beloved pet. After all, you’ll be travelling in a comfortable airplane seat, so why not provide your pet with some comfort too?

This is why it’s essential to measure your dog or cat for airline crates correctly for both their comfort and safety.

How to measure your dog or cat for travel crate

Measurement A – Length of your pet from the tip of the nose to the root of the tail (excluding the length of the tail).
Measurement B – Height from ground to elbow.
Measurement C – Width across shoulders.
Measurement D – Height from the ground to the top of head or tip of ears.

Important tips for measuring your dog or cat

Please measure your pet while they are standing in a natural position.
All measurements should be taken in a straight line.
Measure in either centimetres or inches.

Crate dimensions

The crate size is typically chosen based on your pet’s measurements. The length of the crate is calculated as A + ½B, width is C x 2, and height is D + 3 inches.

It’s also important to mention that if your pet is a brachycephalic breed (flat-faced or short-nosed), you should opt for a crate one size larger than the calculated dimensions to ensure adequate airflow. This is particularly important for breeds like Pugs or Bulldogs.

IATA-approved crates

TailWings is your trusted partner for pet transportation and a supplier of IATA-approved crates. By using our services, you can be confident that your journey will be smooth and stress-free. Follow our measuring guidelines, and the TailWings team will gladly select a crate that perfectly suits your pet and meets all airline requirements.

If you would like to find out more information and guidance on how to measure your pets, get in contact with a friendly advisor today.

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