A travel crate is not just a box; it's your pet's safety zone and shelter during air travel. Choosing the right travel crate is critical to protecting your pet's health, welfare, and ensures compliance with airline and transportation regulations.

Many pet owners assume all travel crates are the same simply because they look alike. Most crates are marketed as "airline-approved" or "compliant," leading pet owners to believe they're suitable for cargo or checked baggage transport.

However, this common misconception can have serious consequences.

Most airlines do not accept crates based solely on commercial labeling. Instead, they follow the International Air Transport Association Live Animals Regulations (IATA-LAR) the global standard for the safe transport of animals by air.

Specifically
"Airline-approved or compliant" does not always mean IATA-compliant.
Dogs and cats must be transported in a crate that complies with IATA-LAR Container Requirement #1 (CR#1).

This ensures that the crate:

Meets structural and safety requirements

Protects the pet from injury and stress

Is accepted by airlines for cargo and checked baggage transport

Why It Matters

Improper crates lead to:

• Denied check-in-your pet not being able to fly
• Flight delays
• Animal welfare risks (injuries, escapes, or deaths)

Choose a Crate That Is:

1. Rigid and durable – not foldable, collapsible, soft-sided, or made entirely of wire
2. Secured with metal nuts and bolts – plastic clips and zip ties are not acceptable
3. Leak-proof and well-ventilated – with paw-/nose-proof ventilation on 3+ sides
4. Properly sized – based on your pet's height, length, and width, not their weight
5. Verified to meet IATA LAR CR#1 standards

Bottom Line

The crate determines whether your pet can fly—and how safely they do.
Don't gamble with your pet's safety and well-being. Choose the right travel crate, one that complies with IATA LAR CR#1.