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Airline Approved Pet Carriers
There are so many different pet carriers out there claiming to be “airline approved pet carriers” or “IATA approved” – that a pet owner can easily start to think that you need some specific carrier brand – to get on an airplane with a pet at all.
In many cases, these carriers are trumping up simple guidelines that are pretty hard not to meet if you simply buy a well designed modern pet carrier.
The truth is, finding airline approved pet carriers for your trip, all you really need to do is follow a few basic common sense suggestions. Make sure to check any rules and regulations that your specific airline may have. They are all a little bit different, but airline websites generally list this information in an easy to find location.
Make sure the carrier you buy IS actually airline approved. If you are just wanting a carrier for using around your home or locally, then make sure to isit this page: Small Dog Carriers
Expandable Pet Carrier for Dogs and Cats – Airline Approved
Airline Approved Carry On Pet Carriers
Passengers can carry on smaller pets on most flights that are less than six hours long. An airline approved pet carrier for carry on use needs to be a soft sided carrier that is small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you with a waterproof bottom.
There are many small carriers out there that bill themselves as airline approved soft pet carriers, but make sure you check the sizing for your particular airline before you take these companies at their word, since the size under seats may vary from airline to airline.
Approved Airline Pet Carriers For Cargo
Always check with your veterinarian before you take a pet on a long air flight to make sure they can get the food and water they’ll need to stay safe.
Your vet also needs to make sure your dog is healthy enough to handle the trip, especially when weather conditions may make it unusually hot or unusually cold in the cargo area.
- About “IATA Approved” – Many carriers claim to be approved by the IATA, (International Air Transport Association), but the IATA doesn’t actually issue approvals to pet carriers. They warn about this issue and list common things each airline will almost certainly want on their website.
- Design – Airline approved pet carriers need to be made out of hard plastic with sturdy metal doors. All four sides need to have adequate ventilation for your pet. Avoid carriers with wheels, since most airlines won’t approve them.
- Locking Mechanisms – Make sure the carrier you use has locking mechanisms that has four bolts around the door with pins that go up over the tops of the plastic coming up from the door area.
- Attached Food And Water Dishes – You’ll need to be able to attach a food and water dish to the wire door in a way that will allow it to be filled without swinging the door open. Airline approved cargo pet carriers should be designed for this.
- Info For The Crate – Add big stickers that say “Live Animal” in lettering one inch or more tall to the sides and front of the carrier. Make sure your name and contact info is taped to an easily visible location.
International Flights
I can’t possibly stress enough how important it is to check with your airline before you take your pet on an international flight. Every country has their own rules about animals from overseas. And you certainly don’t want to end up stuck at an airport with a pet you can’t take with you.
Talk to your vet to get health paperwork and certifications handled, and check with your airline to make sure you are allowed to bring a pet through customs in the country you’re going to arrive in.
Airline Approved Pet Carriers
For Dogs and Cats
Petego Jet Set Pet Carrier with Forma Frame – Beige
Airline Approved Folding Zippered Sporty Mesh Pet Carrier
PET FLYS Uncle Monkey Pet Carrier
Airline Approved Pet Carriers For Small Dogs
Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier Olive and Brown
Gen7Pets Carry-Me™ Fashion Pet Carrier – Raspberry Sorbet
Marchioro Clipper Cayman 4 Blue and Beige
Airline Approved Pet Carriers For Large Dogs
Sherpa Ultimate On-Wheels Pet Carrier in Black Airline Approved
Pet Ego Jet Set-Black Label – Large
Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier Red and Black Large
