IATA Pet Carrier Size Calculator
IATA-approved minimum carrier dimensions for flying with your pet.
Airline pet carriers must comply with IATA Live Animals Regulations — and being even 1 cm too small can mean refusal at the gate. The carrier must be long enough to lie down with legs extended, tall enough to stand without ears touching the top, and wide enough to turn around. This calculator gives the exact minimum dimensions from three pet measurements.
How this calculator works
The IATA formula is:
- Length = A (length nose-to-tail) + ½ × D (front leg length)
- Height = B (height standing) + a few cm so ears don't touch
- Width = C × 2 (so two pets could turn around side-by-side, or one pet has full turn space)
Always check the specific airline's in-cabin / hold rules — they often have stricter weight and dimension limits than IATA. For brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians) many airlines refuse cargo flights altogether due to heat and breathing risks.
Frequently asked questions
My carrier is exactly the size — will it pass?
Aim for 2–3 cm bigger on each dimension. Inspectors round up and your pet's posture varies. Tight is risky.
Soft-sided or hard?
In-cabin: soft-sided is usually accepted (under-seat space). Cargo / hold: must be hard plastic, IATA CR82 spec, with ventilation on three sides and metal-bolted fasteners.
How early do I book the pet space?
As early as possible — most airlines limit pets per flight. Confirm at booking and again 48h before departure.