Imagine your furry best friend, safe and sound, snoozing through their first airplane ride. Sounds like a dream, right? But for many pet parents, the reality of choosing a dog crate for flying can feel more like a stressful puzzle than a peaceful journey. You want your dog to be comfortable and secure, but the sheer number of choices out there can be overwhelming. What’s the safest option? Which one will fit airline rules? And how do you even know where to start?
Picking the wrong crate can lead to a lot of worry, not just for you but for your beloved pup too. You might wonder if it’s sturdy enough, if your dog will have enough room to move, or if it will even be allowed on the plane. It’s a big decision, and we get it! That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the world of dog crates for flying.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel much more confident about choosing a crate that meets both airline requirements and your dog’s needs. We’ll break down the key features to look for, share tips for making the crate a happy place for your dog, and help you avoid common mistakes. Let’s dive in and get your travel plans sorted!
Our Top 5 Dog Crate For Flying Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dog Crate For Flying Detailed Reviews
1. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs
Rating: 8.8/10
The Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is a sturdy and reliable option for pet owners who need a safe and comfortable way to transport their large dogs. Whether you’re heading to the vet, going on a road trip, or flying across the country, this kennel offers peace of mind. Its durable plastic construction and secure door ensure your furry friend stays safe and sound.
What We Like:
- Secure and Safe: The kennel features a strong wire door that latches securely. It also has holes for zip ties, which are required for airline travel, keeping your pet extra safe.
- Airline-Friendly: This carrier meets most airline cargo rules. It has vents on all four sides, giving your dog good airflow and a view of their surroundings during flights.
- Roomy for Large Dogs: Made for dogs weighing 50-70 lbs, this crate gives your dog enough space to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The inside dimensions are 32.5″ L x 22.2″ W x 26″ H.
- Easy to Clean: The smooth plastic shell wipes clean easily. A special moat design helps keep liquids away from your pet, making it great for potty training or keeping your dog dry.
- Trusted Brand: Petmate has been making quality pet products for over 60 years, focusing on improving the lives of pets and their owners.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the interior dimensions are good, some very active large dogs might prefer a bit more space to move freely.
- The taupe and black color combination is classic, but a wider range of color options might appeal to more buyers.
This Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is a solid choice for owners of large dogs who prioritize safety and comfort during travel. It provides a secure and easy-to-clean environment for your pet, making journeys less stressful for everyone.
2. SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Wire Door Travel Dog Crate- Large Kennel
Rating: 8.8/10
Traveling with your furry friend just got a whole lot easier with the SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Wire Door Travel Dog Crate. This large, gray kennel is built tough for both everyday use and those exciting trips. Its spacious design ensures your dog stays comfortable, whether you’re heading to the vet or embarking on an adventure across the country.
What We Like:
- This crate is super sturdy and perfect for travel. It’s even approved by the airline, which is a big plus!
- You get lots of helpful travel extras like water dishes and special stickers.
- The wheels make moving it around a breeze, especially at the airport. You can even take them off if you don’t need them.
- Your dog will be safe and secure inside thanks to the strong door and good airflow.
- It’s really easy to put together, and there’s plenty of room for your dog to stretch out.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the plastic shell is durable, it could potentially scratch over time with heavy use.
- The metal hardware, while secure, adds a bit of weight to the overall crate.
This SportPet Designs crate offers a fantastic balance of safety, convenience, and airline compliance. It’s a smart choice for pet owners who want peace of mind on the go.
3. Henkelion Cat Carriers Dog Carrier Pet Carrier for Small / Medium Cats Dogs Puppies (Up To 15lbs)
Rating: 9.1/10
Planning a trip with your furry friend just got a whole lot easier! The Henkelion Cat Carrier Dog Carrier Pet Carrier is designed for small to medium pets, weighing up to 15 pounds, making it a great choice for many cats and small dogs. Its soft-sided, collapsible, and waterproof design means it’s ready for any adventure, from quick vet visits to cross-country flights.
What We Like:
- AIRLINE APPROVED: You can travel with your pet on planes! The carrier has a design that airlines accept.
- SAFE AND EASY TO CARRY: It has loop handles for balanced carrying. A shoulder strap lets you carry it hands-free, which is safer and more convenient.
- DURABLE AND COMFORTABLE: Made from strong, light polyester fabric. The mesh sides let your pet see out and you check on them easily, keeping them comfy.
- PORTABLE AND FOLDABLE: It’s easy to take with you and store away when not in use. It comes with a padded shoulder strap and handles.
- GOOD FOR MANY PETS: Designed for pets up to 15 lbs and fitting dimensions of 15″ x 9″ x 9″ (or smaller). It’s important to check your pet’s length and height, not just their weight.
What Could Be Improved:
- SIZE GUIDANCE: While weight is mentioned, the description emphasizes checking pet length and height. More specific visual guides for different breeds or body types could be helpful.
- COLLAPSIBLE EASE: While foldable, the ease of collapsing and setting up could be further detailed.
This carrier offers a practical and safe way to travel with your smaller pets. It’s a solid option for pet parents on the go.
4. Petmate Sky Kennel – For Air and Travel
Rating: 9.5/10
Heading on a trip with your furry friend? The Petmate Sky Kennel – For Air and Travel is designed to make that journey smooth and safe. This 28-inch kennel is built tough and meets airline rules, so your pet can travel comfortably and securely. It’s perfect for dogs weighing between 15-30 pounds, offering them enough space to move around.
What We Like:
- This kennel meets important airline rules for pet travel, giving you peace of mind.
- It has vents all around, so your pet gets fresh air.
- The kennel comes with helpful travel items like stickers and a food cup.
- It offers a roomy inside for medium-sized dogs to walk and rest.
- It’s made in the USA from strong, recycled plastic.
- The secure door latch keeps your pet safe inside.
- Petmate has over 60 years of experience making good pet products.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for many pets, some larger breeds might find the space a bit tight.
- The latch mechanism, while secure, might take a little practice to get used to.
Overall, the Petmate Sky Kennel is a reliable and well-made choice for pet owners who travel by air. It prioritizes your pet’s safety and comfort, making travel less stressful for everyone.
5. Petmate Sky Kennel – For Air and Travel
Rating: 8.9/10
Planning a trip with your furry friend? The Petmate Sky Kennel is designed to make air travel safe and comfortable for small pets up to 15 pounds. It meets important airline rules, so you can relax knowing your pet is secure.
What We Like:
- This kennel is built for air travel and meets most airline cargo requirements, making it compliant for live animal transport.
- It comes with everything you need for easy travel prep, including “LIVE ANIMAL” stickers, a food and water cup, ID stickers, and an absorbent pad.
- The spacious interior gives small dogs and cats like Chihuahuas enough room to walk and rest comfortably.
- It’s made in the USA from strong EcoTEC Plastic, using at least 90% recycled materials, and features a secure easy-squeeze latch door.
- The folding top handle makes it easy to carry, and the 360-degree ventilation keeps your pet cool and comfortable.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for pets up to 15 lbs, larger breeds within that weight limit might find the interior dimensions a bit snug for extended travel.
- The absorbent pad is a nice touch, but some owners might prefer a more substantial bedding option for added comfort.
The Petmate Sky Kennel offers peace of mind for pet owners traveling by air. It’s a reliable and well-equipped choice for ensuring your small pet travels safely and comfortably.
Choosing the Right Dog Crate for Air Travel
Taking your furry friend on a plane can be an exciting adventure! But to make sure your dog travels safely and comfortably, you need the right crate. Not all crates are made the same, especially when it comes to flying. This guide will help you pick the best dog crate for your travel needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a dog crate for flying, keep these important features in mind.
- Airline Approval: This is the most important thing. The crate must meet the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines. Airlines have strict rules, and an unapproved crate means your dog might not be allowed to fly. Look for labels that say “Airline Approved.”
- Sturdy Construction: The crate needs to be strong. It will be handled by many people. It shouldn’t break easily.
- Good Ventilation: Your dog needs fresh air. The crate should have plenty of openings on at least three sides. This helps your dog breathe and see out.
- Secure Door: The door must latch securely. It should have a strong lock so your dog can’t escape.
- Right Size: Your dog needs room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure your dog carefully. The crate should be slightly larger than your dog’s measurements.
- Water and Food Bowls: Some approved crates come with dishes that attach to the inside of the door. This makes it easy for airline staff to give your dog water and food.
Important Materials
The materials used in a dog crate affect its durability and safety.
- Plastic: Most airline-approved crates are made of strong plastic. This material is lightweight, easy to clean, and durable. It also provides good protection from bumps.
- Metal: While some metal crates are strong, they are often too heavy for air travel and may not meet IATA standards for side ventilation. They can also be less secure against rough handling.
- Fabric: Fabric crates are generally not suitable for air travel. They don’t offer enough protection and can be easily damaged.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a crate better or worse for flying.
- Reinforced Corners: Crates with reinforced corners are more likely to withstand rough handling. This adds extra strength.
- Strong Fasteners: The screws and bolts that hold the crate together should be strong. They should not loosen easily.
- Smooth Interior: The inside of the crate should be smooth. There should be no sharp edges or parts that could hurt your dog.
- One-Piece Construction (for plastic): Some plastic crates are made from one piece of plastic. This makes them stronger than crates that are assembled from many parts.
- Poor Fit of Parts: If the parts of the crate don’t fit together well, it can make the crate weaker. This can also create gaps where your dog could get hurt.
- Thin Plastic: Very thin plastic can crack or break easily. This is a safety concern.
User Experience and Use Cases
Dog crates for flying are designed for one main purpose: safe travel by air.
- Travel Companion: The primary use is for your dog to fly with you. It ensures they have a safe space.
- Comfortable Journey: A well-chosen crate makes the journey less stressful for your dog. They can relax in their own familiar space.
- Acclimation: Get your dog used to the crate before the flight. Start with short periods. Let them eat meals inside. This helps them feel secure.
- Post-Flight: The crate can also be useful at your destination. It provides a safe den for your dog.
Choosing the right crate is an important step for a happy and safe trip. Always double-check airline requirements and ensure the crate is a good fit for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most important thing to check before buying a dog crate for flying?
A: The most important thing is to make sure the crate is approved by the airline and meets IATA guidelines. This ensures your dog can fly.
Q: How do I know if a crate is the right size for my dog?
A: Measure your dog. They need to be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The crate should be a few inches larger than their measurements.
Q: Are fabric crates okay for flying?
A: No, fabric crates are generally not suitable for air travel. They don’t offer enough protection and can be easily damaged.
Q: What kind of lock should the crate door have?
A: The door should have a secure latch that your dog cannot easily open. Many approved crates have multi-point locking systems.
Q: Can my dog have toys in the crate?
A: It’s best to check with the airline. Some airlines allow soft toys, while others prefer none. Avoid anything your dog could chew and choke on.
Q: What if my dog is very anxious about crates?
A: Start crate training early. Make the crate a positive place with treats and toys. Gradually increase the time your dog spends inside.
Q: What are IATA guidelines?
A: IATA guidelines are rules set by the International Air Transport Association. They ensure the safety and well-being of animals traveling by air.
Q: Do I need to put food and water in the crate before the flight?
A: Many airlines prefer you to attach water and food bowls to the outside of the door. This allows them to refill them without opening the crate.
Q: How do I clean the dog crate?
A: Most plastic crates can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Make sure to rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before putting your dog inside.
Q: Can I use a soft-sided crate for my dog if it’s small?
A: Even for small dogs, most airlines require hard-sided, IATA-approved crates for flying. Always confirm with your specific airline.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!