Train your Puppy to Sleep Comfortably in their Crate at Night

Everything You Need to Know About Air Crates

An “air crate” is a type of specialized cargo container designed for the safe transport of animals or delicate freight via aircraft. As someone searching for information on air crates, you likely have questions about what they are, how they work, and whether using one makes sense for your particular transport needs. This article aims to answer all of those questions and more to help you determine if an air crate is the right solution.

What is an Air Crate?

Simply put, an air crate is a reinforced crate specially designed for air travel. While a regular pet carrier or standard wooden crate could potentially be checked as luggage on a passenger plane, air crates are built to rigorous specifications that make them airworthy and able to withstand the unique stresses of flying in an aircraft hold. They provide optimal protection, ventilation, and secure containment for their living cargo during takeoff, landing, and the duration of the flight.

Air Crate Features

All certified air crates share some key attributes:

• Reinforced wood, metal, or plastic construction able to withstand over 200 pounds of force per square inch without deforming
• Secure latches and locks to prevent accidental opening during transport
• Comfortable interior with adequate ventilation and room for the pet or specimen to stand/turn around
• Labels clearly identifying the contents as live cargo to airport staff
• Size limit dependent on transport airline but usually under 110 pounds and 28x22x18 inches or similar dimensions

Beyond these basics, features may include wheels/handles for easy portability, dividing barriers for multiple animals, food/water bowls attached inside, and others.

Using Air Crates Safely and Legally

It’s critical to use air crates correctly and comply with all airline regulations to ensure a smooth trip. Be sure to:

1. Check with your specific airline well in advance on size/weight limits and required paperwork
2. Provide current health records confirming the animal is fit to fly
3. Securely affix exterior ID tags with your contact information
4. Never put an animal in a crate without practicing first so they learn it’s not a scary space
5. Don’t put perishable food/water inside during travel; refresh it upon arrival

You’re also responsible for any delays or costs incurred if regulations aren’t followed precisely. A reputable transport company can advise first-time users or handle arrangements instead of leaving details to chance.

When is an Air Crate Needed?

While not always required, an air crate provides peace of mind and eliminates risks for certain travel situations, including:

• Moving cross-country/internationally with pets
• Transporting show/competition/support dogs and other working animals
• Sending livestock or exotic specimens to research/breeding facilities
• Relocating zoo animals or wildlife subject to import/export rules
• Preventing pets from escaping if crated with stopovers/layovers mid-flight

From my experience working in animal transport, stressful situations like these wherecontainment is critical are exactly when the extra security of an air-certified crate pays off.

Choosing the Right Air Crate

With so many crate styles and companies, deciding what fits your needs takes research. Consider:

• Breed/size/age of your animal, room they’ll have to stand/turn
• Routes/airlines you’ll use and their particular policies
• Material – wood withstands impacts best but plastic cleans easier
• Added features like openings, compartments, wheels, and so on
• Cost – pricier brands tend to use thicker, aircraft-grade materials

You can buy directly from manufacturers or inspect rental options depending on frequency of flights. Local pet stores may stock basic crates, but an online search casts the widest net.

Making Air Travel as Comfortable as Possible

While air transport is generally quite safe for pets and livestock, it can be taxing and disorienting. Kindly preparing your companion eases their stressful mindset:

• Desensitize them to the crate through practice runs at home
• Use calming treats, toys and essential oils before and during travel
• Select carriers only slightly larger than necessary for the animal
• Limit food/water as turbulence/warm temps could trigger illness
• Ask their vet for anxiety medications if flying often

With all these tips you can choose, prepare and use air crates successfully. Does this help answer your burning questions about transporting pets or animals by air? Let me know if you have any others!

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Crate for Your Pet

Factor	Details
Pet Size	Measure your pet to ensure the crate is not too big or small. Provide enough space for them to stand up and turn around.
Crate Material	Plastic tends to be lighter and easier to clean but metal is more durable. Mesh panels provide ventilation.
Door Type	Side-loading doors make it easier to access your pet. Top-loading doors provide better security during transport.
Extras	Look for extras like removable partitions, cozy blankets, and anti-tip locks for safety.
Collapse Feature	Crates that collapse make them compact for storage and travel.

FAQ

1. What is an air crate?

   An air crate is basically a hard-shelled container used for transporting live animals by airplane. It protects the animal during travel and has holes for air circulation.

2. How big do air crates need to be?

   Air crates come in various dimensions but they need to be large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The crate shouldn’t be too roomy either though or the animal may get tossed around during turbulence.

3. What features should a quality air crate have?

   A good air crate is nicely ventilated with lots of holes but has a secure locking mechanism to keep fido from busting out mid-flight. Perhaps it even has a water bottle holder so your pet stays hydrated. Comfort items inside like toys or treats are nice too.

   

4. How do you train an animal for air travel?

   Getting your pet accustomed to their crate on the ground first is key. Give treats and praise when they’re inside. Also get them used to loud noises which can be distressing at 35,000 feet! Practice short training sessions and work your way up. On the big day, keep them fasted as usual.

5. Are there airlines that won’t accept crates?

   Not usually, but some budget carriers have stricter policies on pet transport. You might check if they’ll even take fluffy depending on breed too. It’s always best to review the airline’s rules in advance. Better safe than sorry when precious cargo is involved!

6. How do you pick up an animal after a flight?

   Once you collect the crate, get pup out promptly and let them stretch their legs. Give praise and pets to reassure them. Maybe bring their leash and collar so they feel secure. Your happy, welcoming energy will do wonders after the journey. At the same time, don’t overwhelm them either.

7. Is traveling by air stressful for animals?

   It can be very stressful indeed. The noises, jostling, and unfamiliar surroundings in the cargo hold are no fun for a sensitive pup. But with proper training and accommodation, shorter flights are doable. Maybe consult your vet for meds if super anxious. Yet really, is it worth putting fido through that?

Perhaps we should check on our furry friend more often when home to make up for trips. Anyone else ever fly with pets and have funny stories to tell? What’s the strangest thing yours did post-flight? It’s amazing how resilient most animals are despite the hassles of travel. Shoot, my goldfish wouldn’t last 10 minutes at 30k feet. Though maybe I’m biased since I’ve never tried! Let me know if you need any other pet travel tips.