4pets Pro. The TÜV-tested dog crate from Switzerland. (2024)

FAQs

How do I know if my dog crate is airline approved? ›

Your pet's travel kennel must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastic, solid wood or plywood and must have ventilation on all 4 sides. Welded metal mesh can be used for ventilation “windows” and doors, but the holes must be small enough that your pet cannot stick their nose or toes through the openings.

Best crash-tested dog crate: Gunner G1 Kennel.

Animal measurements: A = length of animal from tip of nose to base/root of tail. B = height from ground to elbow joint. C = width across shoulders or widest point (whichever is the greater). D = height of animal in natural standing position from top of the head or the ear tip to the floor (whichever is higher).

There are no laws dictating the type of carrier to use, but remember that it must be small enough to fit under a standard airplane seat and should generally not exceed 45 linear inches (length + width + height), or roughly 21.5 by 15.5 by 9 inches. Depending on the airline, carrier size limits may be even smaller.

Air crates need to be strong enough to withstand the rigours of air travel without compromising the safety of your pet in any way. IATA guidelines suggest that the pet crates should be made of fibreglass, metal, rigid plastic, or wood.

Initially, it may be a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom or nearby in a hallway, especially if you have a puppy. Puppies often need to go outside to eliminate during the night and you'll want to be able to hear your puppy when they whine to be let outside.

Size: Large breeds may need a sturdier crate with strong metal bars or heavy-duty plastic, but smaller breeds may do well with a fabric or collapsible crate. Personality: Dogs that tend to chew or scratch may need a crate made of a tougher material like metal that won't be easily damaged.

Breeders and Vets Recommend Crate Training Your Dog

Enclosed spaces create a shelter for your dog to rest and relax. Actually, dogs instinctively seek small spaces to create protective shelters for themselves.

A divider can be used to make the larger crate fit the size of your growing puppy and help to accommodate them while they are potty-training.

Multiple locks or latches for additional security

Crate latches should be out of reach from your dog. Bonus points if your future escape-proof dog crate includes additional latches, such as butterfly latches across the door.

How do you break a dog from peeing in their crate? ›

The best way to get your dog to stop peeing in their crate is to give them a routine they can count on. For example, if you always take your dog out at certain times of the day to go to the bathroom, they will gladly hold their bladder and wait for the right opportunity to pee.

These rules are enforced: Pets must be small enough to fit comfortably inside the closed / zipped carrier. Non-collapsible kennels can't exceed the under-seat dimensions of any aircraft included in your journey. Please contact Reservations to verify maximum dimensions.

Since a full stomach (and its … aftereffects …) might be uncomfortable for your dog during travel, we recommend feeding them about four hours before the flight if possible.

The pet's crate should have ventilation on all 4 sides, have only one door and have metal bolts (not plastic) securing the top and bottom halves of the crates together. Clips are not acceptable for pet airline travel. In general, there must be 2-3 inches of clearance over top of the head or ears.

Tape or print your pet's name on the outside of the crate as well as the owner's name, address and cell phone number. Include a pet pad or shredded newspaper. This is a requirement of many airlines.

It must completely fit under the seat in front of you. SWA allows pet carriers that have maximum dimensions of 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 9.5" (H).

These rules are enforced: Pets must be small enough to fit comfortably inside the closed / zipped carrier. Non-collapsible kennels can't exceed the under-seat dimensions of any aircraft included in your journey. Please contact Reservations to verify maximum dimensions.