What are IATA crate sizes and why do they matter?

IATA — the International Air Transport Association — sets the global standards for how animals travel by air. This includes the minimum dimensions a travel kennel must have based on your pet's measurements. Airlines won't accept a crate that doesn't meet IATA requirements, and if you arrive at the cargo terminal with the wrong size, your pet won't fly.

The IATA size system uses numeric codes — 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700 — each corresponding to a set of kennel dimensions. Bigger number, bigger crate. Simple in theory, but choosing the right one requires accurate measurements of your specific animal — not a breed average you found online.

The most common mistake: Owners size their crate based on their dog's breed rather than their individual dog's actual measurements. A "medium Labrador" can vary by 15–20cm in height depending on the individual dog. Always measure your pet, not your expectation of your pet.

How to measure your pet correctly

IATA specifies three measurements that determine crate size. You need all three:

Length (A)

Tip of nose to base of tail (not tip of tail). This is often longer than owners expect — measure while your pet is standing naturally.

Height (B)

Top of head (or tips of ears if they stand erect) to the ground. Measure with the dog standing, not sitting. Use the highest point.

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Width / elbow width (C)

Width across the shoulders at the widest point. The crate must be wide enough for the animal to turn around comfortably.

Once you have these measurements, the IATA formula for minimum crate size is:

  • Minimum crate length: Length (A) + ½ the length of front leg (typically 10–15cm for most breeds)
  • Minimum crate height: Height (B) × 1.1 (add 10% for headroom)
  • Minimum crate width: Shoulder width (C) × 2

The crate must be large enough for your pet to stand without their head touching the ceiling, turn around fully, and lie down in a natural position. When in doubt, go one size up — a pet is never penalised for having a slightly larger crate.

Don't guess. We've seen owners arrive at the airport with a crate that's 5cm too short in height. The airline rejected the booking on the spot. The pet missed the flight. This is entirely preventable — measure twice, book once.

IATA crate sizes — full reference table

The table below shows standard IATA crate codes, their dimensions, and typical breeds that fit each size. Note that dimensions refer to the internal usable space, not the outer crate dimensions.

IATA Size Internal dimensions (L × W × H) Weight capacity (approx.) Typical breeds / animals
100 48 × 32 × 32 cm up to 6 kg Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, small cats, kittens, Dachshund (miniature)
200 61 × 40 × 38 cm up to 10 kg Cavalier King Charles, Shih Tzu, Pug, average-sized domestic cat, Bichon Frise
300 76 × 53 × 58 cm up to 22 kg Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Border Collie, Whippet, large cats
400 91 × 61 × 67 cm up to 32 kg Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Boxer, Siberian Husky, Dalmatian, Pointer
500 106 × 74 × 79 cm up to 45 kg German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Dobermann, Standard Poodle, large Labrador, Irish Setter
700 122 × 81 × 89 cm 45 kg+ Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound, Giant Schnauzer

Dimensions shown are approximate and vary slightly between manufacturers. Always verify with your specific crate's internal measurements before travel. When in doubt between two sizes, choose the larger.

Use our crate calculator: Rather than guessing from the table, enter your pet's exact height, length, and weight into our free crate size calculator — it gives you the correct IATA size code and tells you whether you're between sizes.

The two most common sizing mistakes

Mistake 1: Using breed averages instead of measuring your pet

A Labrador Retriever can range from 55cm to 70cm in height depending on sex, genetics, and whether they're a working or show line. The "average" Labrador height you find online may be 5–10cm off for your specific dog. Always measure your own animal.

Mistake 2: Measuring height while the dog is sitting

The measurement that matters for crate height is taken with the dog standing, from the ground to the top of their head (or tallest ear tip). Many owners measure while the dog is sitting, which gives a shorter reading and results in a crate where the dog can't stand up straight. Airlines catch this on inspection.

Do cats and dogs use the same crate sizes?

Yes — the IATA size codes are the same system for both cats and dogs. The measurement process is identical. The difference is that cats are generally smaller and most travel in Size 100 or Size 200 crates, while dogs span the full range from 100 to 700.

For cats, also confirm your crate has proper ventilation on all sides, a leak-proof base tray, and secure latching mechanisms. Some airlines require additional security clips on the door latches for cats specifically.

What comes with the crate?

IATA-compliant crates used in airline cargo must include:

  • Live animal stickers on at least two sides
  • "This way up" directional arrows on all four sides
  • Food and water last given documentation attached to the crate
  • Contact details of shipper and consignee on the outside
  • Absorbent bedding in the base (blanket or pad)
  • Secure, airline-approved fastening on the door
  • A small, attached bag of food for longer journeys (some airlines require this)

When you hire a crate from Rosardi, it comes pre-equipped with all of these — labelled, compliant, and ready to go. If you're supplying your own crate, we'll check it and help you label it correctly before the flight.

Not sure which crate your pet needs?

Use our free crate calculator — enter your pet's measurements and get an instant IATA size recommendation. Or call Holly directly and we'll work it out with you.