Understanding What an IATA Approved Crate Entails

Recently, we had the need to travel with our beloved pet, and this required us to learn about IATA approved crates. It’s important to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet when flying, so understanding what makes a crate IATA approved is essential.

What Is an IATA Approved Crate?

First and foremost, IATA stands for the International Air Transport Association, which sets global standards for air transport safety, including the transportation of live animals. An IATA approved crate fulfills specific criteria that contribute to the safe and humane transport of animals by air.

Standards and Criteria

When selecting a pet crate for air travel, it’s crucial to adhere to the guidelines outlined by IATA. Here are the main requirements:

1. Durability: The crate must be made of a sturdy material, such as rigid plastic, fiberglass, or metal, to withstand handling during flight.
2. Size: The crate should allow your pet to stand, sit, and lie down in a natural position. This ensures comfort throughout the journey.
3. Ventilation: At least 16% of the crate’s side must be ventilated. This promotes airflow and reduces stress for the animal.
4. Secured Door: The door must latch securely to prevent accidental openings, with all fasteners fully engaged. We had to use cable ties.
5. Labeling: Proper labeling with “Live Animals” and directional arrows is mandatory, along with feeding and watering instructions for travel periods over 24 hours.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Crate

When we chose our crate, we found it helpful to follow these steps:

• Measure your pet to ensure the crate size meets IATA standards.
• Check with the airline for additional requirements specific to their services.
• Search reputable suppliers who list IATA approved crates.
• Confirm the crate meets all labeled specifications before purchase.

Where to Find Reliable Information

For accurate and detailed guidelines, we referred to the official IATA website. It’s a valuable resource that outlines the exact requirements and offers updates on transportation policies. We also used Google Maps to locate nearby pet stores: https://www.google.com/maps/search/Pet+Stores+near+me/. Visiting local stores allowed us to verify features and quality firsthand before making a purchase.

Understanding what makes a crate IATA approved is crucial for the wellbeing of your pet during air travel. By following IATA standards and considering specific airline requirements, we can ensure that traveling with our pets is both safe and comfortable.