Airline Approved Pet Carriers

If you plan on flying with your large dog, you are very limited in the type of carrier that can be used. Again - check with the airline, see if they make any recommendations. Some carriers say that they are airline approved when they really aren't - the carrier must be IPATA compliant. I was a veterinary tech for several years and worked alongside several breeders - none of them would use any carriers to ship dogs other than Vari-Kennel. In my experience, it is the most recommended carrier to use for air travel, and I have one myself that we used to bring my Sheltie to Peru from the United States.

For dogs up to about 70 pounds, you will check them in with checked luggage and they'll fly in a pressurized portion of the airplane. Like in cabin carriers, the crate must be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around and have adequate ventilation - on international flights, it needs ventilation on all four sides. It should have "Live Animal" stickers on the sides and top of the crate. Bowls for food and water must be attached to the door, and the door has to have a spring lock mechanism.

Dogs over 70 pounds will go in the cargo section of the plane on most airlines. You'll need to make a reservation with the cargo department to handle your dog. Your dog will still travel on the same flight as you and in the same compartment as dogs in checked baggage. The requirements for their carrier are the same as those above; however, if your dog is too big for the giant sized carrier, you'll need to find out about alternative crates for large pets.

Whether your pet will be flying as checked baggage or as cargo, take time before the flight to get your dog used to the carrier. Put toys in there and a bed so the dog can sleep inside. You may want to put treats in there also. Leave the door open so your dog is free to go in and out. You want to remove as much stress as possible for your dog, and if he's already used to sleeping in the carrier he'll be much calmer on the flight.