The Right Travel Kennel Starts With the Right Measurements

A travel kennel must suit your pet’s size, proportions, breed, airline and route. Fly Your Tail helps you assess the correct kennel requirements before travel so you can avoid sizing mistakes, airport rejection and unnecessary cargo costs.

Measure first. Choose second. Confirm before travel.

A Travel Kennel Is Not Just a Box

The kennel affects more than your pet’s comfort. It can determine whether the airline accepts the booking, whether the kennel fits the aircraft, and how much a manifested-cargo shipment costs.

Buying a kennel first and measuring the pet afterwards is one of the most common mistakes I see.

Pet Comfort

The pet must have enough space to stand naturally, turn around and lie comfortably.

Airline Acceptance

The airline makes the final decision on whether a kennel is acceptable for the journey.

Aircraft Compatibility

Large kennels may not fit every aircraft or route.

Cargo Pricing

For manifested cargo, larger kennel dimensions can significantly increase volumetric weight and freight cost.

How we measure

A - Length

From the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.

B — Leg Height

From the ground to the elbow joint.

C — Width

Across the widest part of the body.

D — Height

From the ground to the highest point of the head or ears when standing naturally.

These measurements are used to determine the minimum internal space required. Breed, body proportions and airline rules may require additional clearance.

Please Don’t Buy a Kennel Just Because the Website Says “IATA Approved”

This is honestly one of my pet peeves in pet relocation.

Many kennels are advertised online as “IATA approved,” but IATA does not simply certify every plastic kennel sold on the internet. What matters is whether the container is suitable for the animal and complies with the applicable Live Animals Regulations and the airline’s own requirements.

I prefer clients to send me the pet’s measurements and the kennel specifications before buying anything. It is much easier to check first than to discover at the airport that the kennel is too small, too weak or unsuitable for the airline.

Julia

Founder & Pet Relocation Specialist

What Does an Airline Travel Kennel Need?

Correct Size

Enough room for the pet to stand, turn and lie naturally.

Secure Construction

Strong, rigid construction appropriate to the pet and journey.

Proper Ventilation

Adequate ventilation openings according to the applicable requirements.

Secure Door

A strong, properly closing door that prevents accidental opening or escape.

Food & Water Bowls

Accessible bowls that can be used without opening the kennel where required.

Appropriate Hardware

Suitable fasteners and fittings; airline-specific requirements may apply.

Safe Interior

No dangerous protrusions, loose items or anything that could injure the pet.

Final acceptance always remains with the airline or handling agent.

One Kennel Type Does Not Suit Every Pet

Small Dogs & Cats

Standard rigid airline kennels may be suitable depending on airline and route.

Large & Giant Dogs

Large dogs may require oversized commercial or custom-built kennels.

Strong or Restricted Breeds

Additional reinforcement or specialised construction may be required.

Brachycephalic Pets

Flat-faced breeds may require additional space and more conservative sizing.

Unusual Species

Container requirements vary significantly according to species and airline regulations.

Extra Space for Flat-Faced Breeds

Brachycephalic pets such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs, Persian cats and Exotic Shorthairs need particularly careful kennel and airline planning.

Their anatomy can increase respiratory risk during travel, and airlines may apply additional space, seasonal or breed restrictions.

For these cases, I assess the kennel together with the airline, route, aircraft and expected travel conditions rather than treating the container as a separate decision.

When a Standard Plastic Kennel Is Not Enough

Some pets cannot travel in a standard commercial plastic kennel.

A custom-built kennel may be required for:

Giant dogs
Strong or powerful breeds
Restricted breeds
Unusual body proportions
Routes with specific airline requirements
Pets requiring specialised container construction

Where available, Fly Your Tail can coordinate custom kennel specifications and sourcing as part of the relocation.

Why Kennel Size Can Change the Cost of Cargo Travel

Manifested cargo is often charged using volumetric weight rather than only the pet’s actual weight.

This means a larger kennel can significantly increase the airfreight price, even when the dog itself is relatively light.

Pet weight ≠ chargeable cargo weight

Common Travel Kennel Mistakes

Buying by Pet Weight

Kennel size is primarily based on body measurements and proportions.

Kennel Too Small

The pet cannot stand naturally or turn comfortably.

Kennel Far Too Large

This can increase cargo cost and restrict aircraft options.

Weak or Damaged Kennel

Cracks, loose fittings or unsuitable doors can lead to rejection.

Incorrect Hardware

Some airlines require specific fasteners or construction features.

Wheels Left Attached

Wheels may need to be removed or disabled depending on airline requirements.

Buying at the Last Minute

There is no time for crate training or replacement if the kennel is unsuitable.

Assuming “IATA Approved” Means Automatic Acceptance

The airline still makes the final acceptance decision.

The Kennel Should Be Familiar Before Travel Day

A technically correct kennel is only part of the preparation. Your pet should also have time to become comfortable inside it before travel. I recommend introducing the kennel gradually and allowing the pet to associate it with rest, food and calm experiences rather than using it for the first time at the airport.

How Fly Your Tail Kennel Support Works

01 — Send Pet Details

Breed, weight, age and photographs.

02 — Take Measurements

We guide you through the required body measurements.

03 — Review Airline & Route

We check the travel method, airline and likely aircraft requirements.

04 — Recommend Kennel Size or Specification

We advise on the appropriate container type and dimensions.

05 — Review Before Purchase

Where possible, send us the proposed kennel specifications or photos before buying.

06 — Final Pre-Travel Check

The kennel is reviewed again before the journey.

Airline acceptance remains subject to final inspection at check-in or cargo acceptance.

Need Kennel Help Without a Full Relocation?

You can use Fly Your Tail for travel kennel support even if you are arranging the rest of the journey yourself.

We can help review your pet’s measurements, proposed kennel, airline requirements and likely suitability before travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

What size travel kennel does my dog need?

The correct kennel size is based primarily on your dog’s body measurements and proportions, not just weight. Your dog should be able to stand naturally, turn around and lie comfortably without being cramped. Breed, head shape, airline rules and route can also affect the final size. Fly Your Tail can review your measurements and proposed kennel before travel.

Is an “IATA-approved” kennel automatically accepted by airlines?

No. The phrase “IATA approved” is often used in product marketing, but airline acceptance is not automatic. What matters is whether the kennel is suitable for the animal and meets the applicable IATA Live Animals Regulations together with the airline’s own requirements. The airline or handling agent always makes the final acceptance decision.

How do I measure my dog for a travel kennel?

We normally use four key measurements: body length, leg height, body width and standing height. These measurements help determine the minimum internal space required. Because body proportions vary significantly between breeds, it is important to measure the actual pet rather than choosing a kennel based only on weight or breed.

Can a travel kennel be too large?

Yes. Bigger is not always better. A kennel should provide enough space for the pet to move naturally, but an unnecessarily oversized kennel can increase cargo costs, reduce aircraft options and make handling more difficult. The goal is the correct size, not the largest possible size.

Do brachycephalic dogs need a larger kennel?

Often, yes. Flat-faced breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and English Bulldogs may require additional space because of their anatomy and increased respiratory risk. Airlines can also apply specific kennel, seasonal or breed restrictions. These cases should be assessed together with the route and airline rather than using a standard size recommendation.

Can two pets travel in the same kennel?

Sometimes, but only when the airline and applicable regulations allow it. Eligibility can depend on species, age, size, relationship between the animals and route. Two adult dogs cannot simply be placed together because they normally live together. We confirm the applicable rules before recommending shared travel.

Can I use a wooden travel kennel?

Yes, in some cases. Custom wooden kennels are commonly used for very large dogs, strong breeds or pets that cannot travel in a standard commercial plastic kennel. The kennel must be designed and constructed appropriately for the animal, airline and journey, and final acceptance remains with the carrier.

Do kennel wheels need to be removed?

Often they must be removed, retracted or otherwise disabled before airline acceptance so that the kennel cannot move during handling or flight. Requirements vary by airline and kennel design, so we confirm this as part of the kennel review.

Can Fly Your Tail review a kennel I already own?

Yes. You can send us the kennel model, external dimensions and clear photographs together with your pet’s measurements. We can assess whether it appears suitable for the proposed journey and identify any potential issues before travel. Final acceptance still belongs to the airline.

Can you arrange a custom kennel?

Where available, yes. Custom kennels may be appropriate for giant dogs, powerful breeds, unusual body proportions or routes with specific airline requirements. We can help coordinate the required specifications and sourcing as part of the relocation or kennel-support service.

How early should I buy the kennel?

As early as reasonably possible once the correct size has been established. Buying early gives your pet time to become comfortable with the kennel and also leaves time to replace or modify it if there is a problem. I do not recommend buying a kennel for the first time a few days before departure.

Why does kennel size affect cargo price?

Manifested cargo is often priced using chargeable or volumetric weight, which takes the size of the kennel into account as well as actual weight. A larger kennel therefore occupies more aircraft space and can significantly increase the freight cost. This is another reason why accurate sizing matters.

Not Sure Which Kennel Your Pet Needs?

Send us your pet’s breed, weight, measurements, route and proposed airline. Julia will review the case and help identify the appropriate travel kennel requirements.

Documentation-only support or complete pet relocation coordination available.