Find the Perfect Travel Crate for Your Pet
Ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Our step-by-step guide helps you measure your pet correctly and choose the right IATA-approved Skudo crate — no guesswork, just the right fit.
How to Measure Your Pet
Take these four measurements while your pet stands naturally on a flat surface. Use a flexible tape measure and keep it snug but not tight. Have someone help hold your pet still.
Side View — Length, Elbow & Height
- A Length — Measure from the tip of the nose to the base (root) of the tail. Do not include the tail itself.
- B Elbow Height — Measure from the ground to the elbow joint. This is used to calculate the extra turning space your pet needs.
- D Standing Height — Measure from the ground to the top of the head or the tip of the ears — whichever is higher. Your pet should be looking straight ahead in a natural stance.
Front View — Shoulder Width
- C Shoulder Width — Measure the widest point across your pet’s body, typically at the shoulders. If the hips are wider than the shoulders, use the hip width instead.
• Measure on a flat, non-slip surface
• Keep your pet standing naturally — don’t stretch them
• Measure twice to be sure
• Round up to the nearest centimetre
IATA Clearance Requirements
The crate must allow your pet to stand up, turn around, sit erect, and lie down in a natural position. These are the minimum internal dimensions required by IATA Container Requirement 1 (CR1).
Minimum Container Length
Body length + half the elbow height for turning space
Minimum Container Width
Twice the shoulder width to allow turning around
Minimum Container Height
Standing height + absorbent bedding + minimum head clearance
Breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Boxers require a crate that is 10% larger than the calculated minimum in all dimensions to ensure adequate ventilation.
Crate Size Calculator
Enter your pet’s measurements below and we’ll calculate the minimum required crate dimensions and recommend the best Skudo size.
Your Pet Needs (Minimum Internal Dimensions)
Skudo IATA Crate Range
Before You Fly
IATA regulations set the minimum standard, but individual airlines may have additional requirements. Always check with your specific carrier.
Verify With Your Airline
Each airline may impose additional restrictions on crate dimensions, materials, or breed-specific rules. Contact your airline’s cargo/pet department before purchasing.
Additional Modifications
Some airlines require additional securing measures such as zip-ties on crate seams, extra bolts, or “Live Animal” stickers. Check carrier-specific requirements.
When in Doubt, Size Up
If your pet’s calculated dimensions fall close to the border between two crate sizes, always choose the larger option. A slightly roomy crate is safer than one that’s too tight.
Internal vs. External
IATA rules apply to internal dimensions. The internal estimates shown here are approximate (external minus ~5 cm per side). Measure the actual interior of your crate before travel.
Water & Food Containers
Attach water and food bowls inside the crate door that can be refilled without opening it. Include absorbent bedding on the floor and ensure nothing blocks ventilation.
Official References
For the full IATA Live Animals Regulations, visit iata.org. For Skudo crate specifications, visit mpsitalia.it.
