You’ve laid the groundwork for your pet travel adventure, and now it’s time to secure their travel kennel. But where to start? Understanding the essential requirements for airlines to accept your pet’s kennel is a pivotal step in ensuring a smooth and safe travel experience. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through all the ins and outs of pet travel kennels, so you and your furry friend can embark on your journey with confidence.

Measuring Your Pet

Before you rush to get a travel kennel, it’s crucial to accurately measure your pet to determine the right kennel size for your furry companion. A kennel that’s the perfect fit ensures your pet’s comfort and security during the journey. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to measure your pet accurately and choose the ideal kennel size, making the entire travel experience stress-free for both you and your fur baby.

Choosing The Right Kennel

Choosing the right kennel for your pet’s travel can be tricky, especially when many crates or kennels are labeled “airline approved” without meeting the specific requirements of different airlines.

Based on your pet’s measurements, select a kennel size that provides ample room for movement. Kennels are often classified by size (e.g., small, medium, large, xlarge, giant), and it’s important to pick one that matches your pet’s dimensions.

Ensure the kennel has proper ventilation on all sides to allow for adequate airflow. Ventilation holes should be large enough to provide sufficient air circulation but small enough to prevent your pet’s paws from getting stuck.

The kennel should also have secure locking mechanisms to prevent any accidental opening during the flight. It should be escape-proof and have sturdy latches.

For more information about choosing the right kennel read more here.

Building Custom Kennels

When your pet doesn’t fit in commercial kennels, and you need a custom kennel to meet specific requirements, it’s important to follow certain steps to ensure their comfort and safety during travel:

1. Understand LAR Specifications: Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and guidelines set forth by the Live Animal Regulations (LAR) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These regulations provide standards for pet travel containers.
2. Hire a Professional Kennel Builder: Contracting a professional kennel builder, like World Pet Travel, who specializes in custom pet travel containers is often the best option. Look for a builder with experience in constructing kennels that adhere to IATA’s LAR specifications. Ensure that the builder understands the importance of attention to detail in meeting these guidelines.
3. Provide Precise Measurements: Give the kennel builder accurate measurements of your pet to ensure the custom kennel is the right size. It should allow your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The kennel should also be well-ventilated and secure.
4. Quality Materials: Ensure the kennel builder uses quality materials that meet LAR specifications. This includes the appropriate type of plastic, fiberglass, or other approved materials. The kennel should also be well-ventilated and have a secure locking mechanism.
5. Compliance with LAR: Ensure that the custom kennel fully complies with the Live Animal Regulations (LAR) of IATA. This is crucial for the safety and well-being of your pet during air travel.

Traveling with animals other than cats and dogs, such as birds, rabbits, or other exotic pets, may require custom kennels or custom modifications to meet IATA requirements or specific airline regulations.

Some Things Stay The Same

No matter where you acquire your pet’s kennel, whether it’s from World Pet Travel, purchased online, or custom-built, certain things remain the same. One such thing is the necessity of providing your pet with absorbent material for the kennel’s floor.

Certain items, such as excessive bedding, toys, bowls, harnesses, and treats, are not permitted inside the travel crate.

Additionally, we recommend refraining from including GPS tracking devices like Apple AirTags or Samsung Smart Tags, as they pose a choking hazard and lithium battery risk.