Are Airline Dog Kennels Too Small? Understanding Dog Kennel Size Regulations

Everything You Need to Know About Airline Dog Kennel Sizes

Whether you’re traveling with your furry friend or shipping them as cargo, understanding airline dog kennel size requirements is crucial. As anyone who has transported a pet can tell you, the rules are there for animal safety. In this article, I’ll answer all your questions about kennel dimensions, temporary carriers, and other policies related to flying with dogs.

Standard Kennel Dimension Requirements

Most airlines have adopted the guidelines set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) which specify the following dimensions for properly-sized pet kennels:

1. Height: Must be tall enough for the dog to fully stand on all four legs.
2. Length: Long enough for the dog to lie down and stretch out.
3. Width: Wide enough for the dog to turn around comfortably without touching the sides of the carrier.

The general rule of thumb is that the kennel should be approximately 2-3 times the size of your dog. From my experience packing for flights, it’s better if the kennel is on the larger side to avoid stressing out Fido. Most trained handlers can tell you that giving dogs adequate space prevents injury and reduces anxiety during travel.

Measuring Your Dog

To determine the proper-sized kennel, you’ll need to measure your dog from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, then add several inches. Here are a few simple steps:
1. Use a flexible tape measure and lay it flat against your dog’s body.

2. Start at the nose and wrap the tape around to include the longest part of the body.
3. Add 3-4 inches to the measurement for extra wiggle room.

Keep in mind that certain breeds like Great Danes require extra-large kennels since they don’t fit well into a standard size. Check airline policies for breed-specific rules or restrictions. It’s always wiser to err on the side of more space for your pooch.

Temporary Kennel Requirements

If you need to use a temp carrier for just hanging out at the airport, airlines may be slightly more lenient on dimensions. However, safety is still top priority. The general guidelines are:

1. Height: At least tall enough for dog to stand fully.
2. Length: Long enough for dog to comfortably sit or lie down and turn around.
3. Strong handle for carrying.
4. Ventilated openings.
5. Leak-proof bottom.

I once made the mistake of using a flimsy cardboard carrier that fell apart at the gate! Stick with sturdy plastic or metal carriers only. Remember – what’s comfortable for petting Fido at home may not cut it for airport conditions. Invest in FAA-approved hard kennels to save hassle.

Additional Tips and Reminders

Here are some other things the airlines require you to know:

1. Clearly label kennel exterior with your contact details.
2. Provide bowl, leash, toys, and medications securely attached inside.
3. Dogs cannot be out of carrier except for quick bathroom breaks.
4. Declare any special needs like mobility/medical requirements.
5. Review baggage fee policies – it can add up!

The bottom line is that no risks can be taken with live animal cargo. Airlines have strict policies basically forcing us to follow their nerdy sizing calculator apps. But from what I’ve seen, their main concern is safety – not trying to cramp man’s best friend’s style, you know?

Hope this covers everything you need to fly Fido worry-free. Let me know if any other questions come up! Traveling with pets definitely takes extra planning but is basically so worth it to include our furry family.

Airline Kennel Size Requirements

Airline	Kennel Size (Length x Width x Height)
American Airlines	18″ x 13″ x 8″
Delta Airlines	18″ x 13″ x 8″
United Airlines	17″ x 12″ x 9″
Alaska Airlines	17″ x 12″ x 7″
Southwest Airlines	17″ x 12″ x 7″
JetBlue	17″ x 12″ x 7″
Frontier Airlines	17″ x 12″ x 7″

FAQ

1. What size kennels do airlines use for dogs?

   Most airlines allow dogs under 20 pounds in a carrier that fits under the airplane seat. For dogs 20-50 pounds they need a soft-sided kennel that fits in the cargo hold. Dogs over 50 pounds usually need a hard plastic kennel specifically for air travel. Different airlines have slightly varying rules so be sure to check with yours.

2. Do the kennel sizes vary much between airlines?

   While the size limits are kinda the same, the exact dimensions for the kennels can differ a bit from one airline to another. Basically, as long as your dog’s kennel meets or is a little smaller than the size listed, it’s fine. Maybe call the airline in advance just to double check and avoid any issues at check-in. Safety first!

   

3. How can I get the right sized kennel for my dog?

   A good place to start is measuring your pup and referring to the airline’s size policies on their website. You can then type in “airline dog kennels” on an online retailer to see the options. Read reviews too since kennel size and quality can vary a lot. I’d say trust the reviews from other dog parents over just going with the cheapest one. Your dog’s comfort matters! Or ask an expert at your local pet shop – they may have insights from lots of airline dog experience.

4. Is it stressful for dogs to travel in the cargo hold?

   Putting dogs in the cargo area underneath the plane is usually OK as long as they are in an approved kennel. However, some dogs may find it unpleasant or stressful down there due to noises. Basically, not all pups tolerate it the same. It depends a lot on the dog’s personality and temperament. Perhaps ask your vet’s opinion on if your dog would do fine or prefer to fly in a cabin. There are indeed dangers if things go wrong.

5. What if my dog is too big for the kennel size limits?

   In that case, you’d need to consider other transportation options instead of air travel for your big dog, such as driving or a train. Or look at shipping them as air cargo, which has larger crate allowances but is more complicated and costly. You could also see if any airlines have exceptions, but I doubt too many will bend the rules due to safety issues. It’s never fun having to leave your furry friend behind!

6. Is it worth it to pay extra to fly my dog in the cabin?

   Flying a dog in the main cabin can be a lot more reassuring than the cargo hold. However, it does cost more money for the extra ticket. You also must ensure the carrier or kennel fits under the seat. I suppose it comes down to how much a large dog means to you. If traveling long distances, perhaps it’s worth spending extra to reduce their stress. Only you can decide if avoiding worries is priceless! Check airline policies and pet transport laws where you’re traveling.

   

7. Do airlines ever lose dogs that are checked as luggage?

   While flying a dog as cargo is common, occasionally mistakes happen and a dog goes missing during transit. Airlines gotta do better keeping track of every animal properly. However, most experts claim the success rate is very high – over 99% of all pets reach their destination safely on commercial flights. Still, even a small chance of that awful one percent is too much risk for some pet parents. Such a shame when it goes wrong!