Pet Travel Carrier Size

Free Pet Travel Carrier Size calculator with clear step-by-step results.

About Pet Travel Carrier Size

Uses the standard IATA sizing rules: internal length is nose to tail base plus half the front leg length, height must clear the top of the head or ear tips with a few centimetres to spare, and width is twice the animal's widest point so it can turn around.

Formulas

Minimum length

Length = nose to tail base + half the front leg length

Minimum width

Width = 2 x width at the widest point

Worked example

With the default values below, Pet Travel Carrier Size returns Minimum internal length of 65.0. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Length from nose to base of tailminimum 5 cm: 55 cm
Height at the shoulderminimum 5 cm: 38 cm
Height to top of head or ear tipminimum 5 cm: 48 cm
Width at the widest pointminimum 3 cm: 22 cm
Front leg lengthminimum 2 cm: 20 cm

Results

Minimum internal length: 65.0 cm
Minimum internal height: 51.0 cm
Minimum internal width: 44.0 cm
Internal volume: 145.9 L

Step by step

1Values used
2Minimum length
3Minimum width
4Minimum internal length= 65.0 cm
5Minimum internal height= 51.0 cm
6Minimum internal width= 44.0 cm
7Internal volume= 145.9 L

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 5 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 1 decimal place, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
Airline and country requirements for pet travel containers, ventilation, labelling and documentation vary and are strictly enforced. Confirm the exact specification with the carrier and destination authority before booking.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Airline and country requirements for pet travel containers, ventilation, labelling and documentation vary and are strictly enforced. Confirm the exact specification with the carrier and destination authority before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the animal have to be able to stand up?

Yes. IATA rules require the animal to stand, turn around and lie down naturally, which is why height is measured to the ear tips rather than the shoulder.

Are cabin carriers sized the same way?

No. Cabin carriers are limited by the airline's under-seat dimensions, which are often smaller than these welfare minima - meaning larger animals must travel as checked baggage or cargo.