What size kennel does my dog need for air travel?

Measure your dog standing at their tallest point (top of head or ears) for height, and nose to tail base for length. Add 3–4 inches to each measurement. The kennel must allow your dog to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down naturally. Use our size chart: Petmate 200 Series for dogs up to 15 lbs, 300 Series up to 30 lbs, 400 Series up to 50 lbs, 500 Series up to 90 lbs, and 700 Series for giant breeds.

What are the IATA pet crate requirements?

IATA Live Animal Regulations require pet crates to: be strong enough to contain the animal, have adequate ventilation on at least three sides, have a leak-proof floor, include food and water containers accessible from outside, and be labeled with 'Live Animal' arrows. The pet must be able to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably.

What are the Petmate 400 Series kennel dimensions?

The Petmate Sky Kennel 400 Series has external dimensions of approximately 27" L × 20" W × 19" H (68.6 × 50.8 × 48.3 cm). It is suitable for dogs up to approximately 50 lbs and is accepted on most major airlines as IATA-compliant checked baggage.

Are Petmate kennels airline approved?

Yes, Petmate Sky Kennel series (100–700) are IATA-compliant and accepted by most major airlines for pet travel in cargo. Always confirm with your specific airline before travel as carrier policies vary.

What is the difference between the 400 and 500 Series kennels?

The Petmate 400 Series fits dogs up to ~50 lbs with external dimensions of ~27×20×19 inches. The 500 Series is larger, fitting dogs up to ~90 lbs with external dimensions of ~32×22.5×24 inches. Choose based on your dog's measured height and length plus 3–4 inches.

Airline-Approved Pet Carrier Dimensions & IATA Kennel Size Chart

Airline rules require pets to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably in their kennel. Below are the exact external dimensions for every IATA-compliant Petmate Sky Kennel series, followed by a sizing guide to help you choose the right crate.

Petmate Sky Kennel — Airline-Approved External Dimensions
Series	L × W × H (inches)	L × W × H (cm)	Fits Pets Up To	IATA Compliant
100 Series	21 × 16 × 15	53 × 41 × 38	Cats, toy breeds, puppies	✓ Yes
200 Series	28 × 20 × 19	71 × 51 × 48	Cats, small dogs up to 15 lb	✓ Yes
300 Series	33 × 22 × 23	84 × 56 × 58	Medium dogs up to 30 lb	✓ Yes
400 Series	36 × 24 × 26	91 × 61 × 66	Medium-large dogs up to 50 lb	✓ Yes
500 Series	40 × 27 × 30	102 × 69 × 76	Large dogs 50–70 lb	✓ Yes
700 Series	48 × 32 × 35	122 × 81 × 89	XL dogs 70–90 lb	✓ Yes

Dimensions are external measurements. Internal usable space is slightly smaller. Always verify with your specific airline before travel — some carriers have additional size restrictions for cabin vs. cargo transport.

Pet Sizing Guide

Pet Sitting Height	Recommended Series	Kennel Size (L x W x H)
15" or less	200 Series	28 x 20 x 19"
16-19"	300 Series	33 x 22 x 23"
20-22"	400 Series	36 x 24 x 26"
23-25"	500 Series	40 x 27 x 30"
Over 25"	700+ Series	48 x 32 x 35+"

How to Measure Your Pet

Measure your pet's sitting height (from floor to top of head while sitting)
Measure length from nose to base of tail
Add 2-4 inches to each measurement for comfort
Compare to our sizing chart above
Consider your pet's weight and build
Contact us if measurements are between sizes

Important: Airline regulations require pets to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably in their kennel.

Travel Kennel Categories

Cats and Small Dogs

Perfect for cats and small dog breeds. IATA compliant with secure ventilation.

Suitable for pets with sitting height of 15" or less

PetMate Sky Kennel 100 Series

100 Series

Ultra-small kennel for the tiniest pets. Perfect for cats and toy breeds.

Dimensions:

21" × 16" × 15"

Suitable for:

CatsVery small dogsPuppies

Features:

IATA approved
Secure locking
Ventilation windows

✓ IATA ApprovedBuy on Amazon

PetMate Sky Kennel 200 Series

200 Series

Most popular size for cats and small dogs. Provides comfortable space for movement.

Dimensions:

28" × 20" × 19"

Suitable for:

Small catsSmall dogs up to 15lbs

Features:

IATA approved
Chrome door
Tie-down strap holes

✓ IATA ApprovedBuy on Amazon

BB45 Kennel

BB45 Series

Alternative option for small to medium pets with slightly more space.

Dimensions:

30" × 21" × 21"

Suitable for:

Medium catsSmall to medium dogs

Features:

IATA compliant
Reinforced construction
Multiple ventilation points

✓ IATA ApprovedBuy on Amazon

Recommended Accessories:

Kennel matWater bowlLive animal stickersZip ties

Medium Sized Dogs

Designed for medium breed dogs with proper ventilation and secure fasteners.

For dogs with sitting height of 16-19 inches

PetMate Sky Kennel 300 Series

300 Series

Ideal for medium-sized breeds. Features enhanced ventilation and security.

Dimensions:

33" × 22" × 23"

Suitable for:

Medium dogs 25-30lbsCocker SpanielsBeagles

Features:

IATA approved
Heavy-duty construction
Multiple ventilation

✓ IATA ApprovedBuy on Amazon

Recommended Accessories:

Medium kennel mat2 water bowlsLive animal stickersExtra zip ties

Large Sized Dogs

For larger breeds requiring more space. Sized according to your pet's length and height measurements.

For dogs with sitting height of 20-25 inches

PetMate Sky Kennel 400 Series

400 Series

Spacious kennel for large breed dogs with room to stand and turn around.

Dimensions:

36" × 24" × 26"

Suitable for:

Large dogs 30-50lbsGolden RetrieversBorder Collies

Features:

IATA approved
Reinforced door
Enhanced ventilation

✓ IATA ApprovedBuy on Amazon

PetMate Sky Kennel 500 Series

500 Series

Extra-large kennel for bigger breeds requiring maximum comfort during travel.

Dimensions:

40" × 27" × 30"

Suitable for:

Large dogs 50-70lbsLabrador RetrieversGerman Shepherds

Features:

IATA approved
Premium construction
Maximum ventilation

✓ IATA ApprovedBuy on Amazon

Recommended Accessories:

Large kennel mat2 water bowlsLive animal stickersHeavy-duty zip ties

Larger Size Dogs

For very large breeds and special airline requirements for Alaska and South America routes.

For dogs over 25 inches sitting height

PetMate Sky Kennel 700 Series

700 Series

Maximum size standard kennel for the largest breeds.

Dimensions:

48" × 32" × 35"

Suitable for:

Very large dogs 70-90lbsGreat DanesMastiffs

Features:

IATA approved
Heavy-duty construction
Maximum space

✓ IATA ApprovedBuy on Amazon

Recommended Accessories:

Extra-large mat2 large water bowlsLive animal stickersProfessional zip ties

Alaska and South America Options

Specialized kennels required for specific airline routes and extreme weather conditions.

Required for certain international routes and extreme weather destinations

PP90 Kennel

PP90 Series

Specialized kennel for international routes requiring enhanced durability.

Dimensions:

52" × 31" × 33"

Suitable for:

Extra large dogsAlaska routesInternational travel

Features:

International standard
Weather resistant
Enhanced security

✓ IATA ApprovedBuy on Amazon

PP100 Kennel

PP100 Series

Premium international kennel for the most demanding travel conditions.

Dimensions:

52" × 31" × 39"

Suitable for:

Very large dogsExtreme weather routesLong-distance travel

Features:

Premium construction
Maximum weather protection
International certified

✓ IATA ApprovedBuy on Amazon

Recommended Accessories:

Weather-resistant matInsulated water bowlsInternational stickersPremium fasteners

REALLY BIG Dogs

For the largest breeds that exceed standard kennel sizes. Custom solutions available.

For dogs exceeding 90lbs or standard measurements

Custom Extra Large Solutions

Custom Series

Custom sizing available for the largest dog breeds. Contact for measurements.

Dimensions:

60" × 36" × 42"

Suitable for:

Giant breedsDogs over 100lbsCustom requirements

Features:

Custom built
Professional consultation
Airline coordination

✓ IATA Approved

Recommended Accessories:

Custom matsSpecialized bowlsProfessional documentationHandling equipment

Essential Accessories

Illustration of a blue travel water bowl for pets.

Impact-Compatible Water Bowls

Durable stainless-steel water bowls that lock to kennel doors so pets stay hydrated throughout the flight.

Buy water bowls

Illustration of a blue kennel mat with subtle paw accents.

EMPSIGN Impact Kennel Mat

Extra-cushioned mat sized for Impact XL kennels to keep large breeds comfortable on long routes.

Buy XL kennel mat

Illustration of bright orange zip ties and live animal tag.

Live Animal Sticker & Zip Tie Kit

Complete accessory kit with compliant live-animal decals and heavy-duty zip ties for securing travel kennels.

Buy sticker + zip tie kit

Note: Airlines require two secured water bowls and compliant labeling on every kennel. If you need height extenders or additional hardware, contact our team for a custom quote.