Introduction
The dream of every dog owner is to take their furry friend with them whenever they travel and show them the world. And this is a dream that is very much possible! It’s just locked behind some complicated challenges that make it a bit harder to do. This is especially true if you use air transport for your pet to your destination.
One of these challenges is ensuring safe dog travel in the right type of carrier. All airlines have their own measurements and requirements for what type of crate is to be used, and it varies depending on the size and breed of your dog. So, let’s first take a look at the International Air Transport Association’s guidelines and rules for this, and then we will outline what we recommend!
What are the IATA crate requirements?
This is an overview of the key requirements set by the IATA regarding crates for dog transport:
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Size and Dimension
The crate must be large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The dimensions of the crate should be appropriate for the dog being transported.
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Material and Construction
The crate must be made of sturdy and durable materials, such as plastic, fibreglass, or metal. It should be well-ventilated to ensure proper airflow for the comfort of the dog.
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Door and Locking Mechanism
The crate must have a secure door with strong locking mechanisms to prevent accidental openings during transit. The locks should be reliable and able to withstand the rigours of air travel.
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Absorbent Bedding
The crate should contain absorbent bedding material to soak up any accidents or spills during the journey. The bedding should also be comfortable for the dog and be easily replaceable in case it becomes soiled.
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Water and Food Containers
If the journey is long or involves layovers, the crate should have attached water and food containers. These containers should be securely attached to the crate to prevent spillage and allow the dog access to food and water as needed.
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Identification and Labelling
The crate must be clearly labelled with the dog’s name, the owner’s contact information, and any necessary travel documents. The labels should be securely attached to the crate and easily visible to any airline staff handling the shipment.
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Compliance with the IATA Live Animal Regulations
The crate must comply with the specific requirements outlined in the IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR). These regulations cover various aspects of animal transportation, including crate specifications, handling procedures, and documentation requirements.
Familiarising yourself with the IATA requirements is an absolutely crucial part of travelling with your pet. Ensuring that your pet is travelling in a crate that obeys the requirements of the IATA will make your journey go a lot smoother.
What do we Recommend?
Here are some general rules of thumb that we recommend keeping in mind for all dogs, regardless of size.
- All crates should have a minimum of a 5cm clearance from the head of the dog, two times the shoulder width, and an extra 15cm more than the dog’s length.
- All airlines have their own rules in addition to the requirements set by the IATA. go through them before buying the crate.
- A lot of pet transport companies, like Airport Pets, keep IATA-approved pet courier transport crates that are available.
- Ensure that you visit the vet beforehand and have all the documentation ready. It is easily forgotten in the hassle of getting everything else ready, so we recommend finishing it as soon as possible.
- Make sure that there are handles on the crate, making it easy to pick up and move around.
Conclusion
Having your crate ready and in compliance with the regulations of your airline might seem quite insignificant in the long list of things you need to do for your dog to travel with you. However, this will not only make travelling a lot easier for you, but it will also make it a lot more comfortable for your dog. If you want to learn more about the regulations of airport pet travel, you can contact us!