Embarking on a journey with your four-legged friend requires careful planning, and choosing the right travel crate is crucial. A well-suited crate ensures your dog’s safety and comfort, especially when flying. In this guide, we’ll share insights from our personal experiences, traveling with our beagle, Sniffy, across continents, along with tips for selecting the best IATA-approved crates for your pet.
Our Airline Travel Experience with a Beagle
We have safely flown with our 20 kg beagle on the following journeys:
- Perth, Australia to London, UK via Qatar in a PP70 crate (arranged through JetPets using Qatar Airways).
- Lisbon, Portugal to Miami, USA in a Skudo 7 (flown with TAP Portugal).
- Los Angeles, USA to Melbourne, Australia (upcoming – subscribe for updates!).
Selecting the right crate for these flights was no easy feat. It took extensive research, measurements, and cross-referencing to confirm the appropriate crate features, dimensions, and weights, especially when comparing listings from various sources online.
Navigating Crate Regulations and Airline Requirements
It was challenging to find consistent information about crate dimensions, weights, and airline regulations. Airlines’ websites were often limited in the information they provided, and conflicting measurements (internal vs external) and units (metric vs imperial) added to the confusion. For instance, TAP Portugal allows a maximum of 32 kg for pets in the cargo hold, and with our beagle weighing 20-21 kg, we needed a crate under 10 kg. Luckily, we found a Skudo 7 (with wheels) on Facebook Marketplace in Lisbon, which fit the bill perfectly.
When selecting a crate, it’s essential to choose one that adheres to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. We’ll cover popular models from well-known brands such as Skudo, Gulliver, PP, and Petmate, providing both metric and imperial measurements to help you make an informed decision.
Why Opt for a Dog Travel Crate?
A dog travel crate is essential for pets traveling onboard or in the aircraft cargo hold. A secure and comfortable crate not only ensures your dog’s safety but also meets international IATA standards, which airlines worldwide follow.
IATA Standards for Dog Travel Crates:
| Criteria | IATA Requirements |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Should allow the dog to stand, turn, and lie down easily. |
| Ventilation | Ventilation on three sides with secure grilles. |
| Door | Secure locking mechanism with no risk of accidental opening. |
| Absorbent Bedding | Optional for long journeys; should be made from absorbent material. |
| Labeling | Clearly marked with the owner’s contact details. |
| Food and Water Containers | Securely attached to the crate with external access. |
Popular Brands and Models
1. Skudo
Skudo crates are highly regarded for their durability and IATA compliance. We used a Skudo 7 for our flight from Lisbon to Miami. They cannot be used on QANTAS flights in and out of Australia.
| Pet Carrier | Dog Size | External Length (cm) | External Width (cm) | External Height (cm) | Crate Weight (kg) | External Length (in) | External Width (in) | External Height (in) | Crate Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skudo 1 (19”) | Toy | 48 | 33 | 31 | 1.8 | 18.9 | 12.8 | 12.2 | 3.9 |
2. Gulliver
| Pet Carrier | Dog Size | External Length (cm) | External Width (cm) | External Height (cm) | Crate Weight (kg) | External Length (in) | External Width (in) | External Height (in) | Crate Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulliver 4 | Small / Medium | 71 | 51 | 50 | 4.7 | 27.9 | 20.0 | 19.6 | 10.35 |
3. PP (Qantas Approved)
The PP airline-approved pet carriers are Australian-made and known for their durability, especially for long-haul international flights. These crates are widely accepted by domestic and international carriers, including Qantas and Jetstar.
- Accepted by all Australian domestic and international carriers
- Ideal for all-sized dogs
- Hardened plastic for long-lasting use
- Water bowl and funnel are included, a must for long trips
PP Crate Size Summary Table
| Pet Carrier | Dog Size | External Length (cm) | External Width (cm) | External Height (cm) | Crate Weight (kg) | Internal Dimensions (cm) | Max Pet Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PP 10 | Small Cats, Small Puppies, Chihuahua | 49 | 33 | 33 | 1.5 | 49L x 33W x 33H | 8kg |
| PP 20 | Small Cats, Small Puppies, Chihuahua | 53 | 37 | 37 | 2.5 | 49L x 32W x 36H | 10kg |
| PP 30 | Large Cats, Bichon, Jack Russell, Pekingese, Pug | 62 | 43 | 45 | 3.0 | 60L x 39W x 45H | 15kg |
| PP 40 | Cocker Spaniel, Cairn Terrier, West Highland Terrier, Dachshund, Cavalier, Corgi | 72 | 44 | 54 | 5.2 | 69L x 39W x 51H | 20kg |
| PP 50 | Beagle, Whippet, Staffy, Small Border Collie, Dalmatian, Samoyed | 82 | 56 | 60 | 6.0 | 77L x 52W x 60H | 25kg |
| PP 60 | Golden Retriever, Labrador, Siberian Husky, Australian Shepherd, Greyhound | 94 | 62 | 74 | 8.0 | 88L x 57W x 74H | 35kg |
| PP 70 | Afghan, Doberman, Airedale, Setter, Boxer, German Shepherd | 115 | 66 | 80 | 13.5 | 110L x 60W x 78H | 50kg |
| PP 80 | Large German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Malamute, Akita, Bernese | 131 | 77 | 90 | 15.0 | 110L x 60W x 82H | 65kg |
| PP 100 | Large German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Malamute, Akita, Bernese | 131 | 77 | 97 | 20.0 | 131L x 77W x 97H | 70kg |
4. SportPet Dog Crate
SportPet crates are an affordable and reliable option, perfect for pet owners looking for a travel solution that adheres to IATA standards. These crates are known for their lightweight build and sturdy construction, ensuring your pet’s safety during air travel. SportPet offers various sizes suitable for different breeds and weights, making it a versatile choice. We saw on Facebook groups in 2024 regarding US to Australia travel thT someone had used a SportPet crate they purchased from Amazon.
SportPet Crate Size Summary Table
| Pet Carrier | Dog Size | External Length (cm) | External Width (cm) | External Height (cm) | Crate Weight (kg) | External Length (in) | External Width (in) | External Height (in) | Crate Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SportPet Small | Small Breeds (Chihuahua, Pomeranian) | 53 | 32 | 33 | 2.1 | 20.8 | 12.6 | 12.9 | 4.6 |
| SportPet Medium | Medium Breeds (Beagle, Pug) | 71 | 50 | 53 | 5.4 | 27.9 | 19.7 | 20.8 | 12.0 |
| SportPet Large | Large Breeds (Labrador, Golden Retriever) | 90 | 60 | 68 | 8.2 | 35.4 | 23.6 | 26.7 | 18.0 |
| SportPet Extra-Large | Extra-Large Breeds (German Shepherd, Rottweiler) | 115 | 70 | 80 | 13.5 | 45.2 | 27.6 | 31.4 | 29.8 |
Choosing the Right Crate
Selecting the right travel crate involves considering several factors:
- Your dog’s size and weight
- The duration of the journey
- Adherence to IATA standards
- How you will transport or dispose of the crate on arrival
- The cost of travel
With a comprehensive range of models from brands like Skudo, Gulliver, PP, SportPet, and Petmate, you can ensure a secure and comfortable travel experience for your cherished pet, from small to extra-large sizes.
These dimensions and weights have been compiled from a variety of sources, including manufacturer websites and third-party sellers. Always re-measure and re-weigh your crate once purchased to ensure accuracy before traveling.
Getting a high-quality travel crate for your dog ensures their comfort and safety during flights. By choosing IATA-approved crates from reputable brands like Skudo, Gulliver, PP, and SportPet, you can embark on your journey with peace of mind, knowing your pet is well-cared for throughout their adventure.
