A Proper Travel Kennel For A Pet?

Ensuring Safe Skies For Pets: The Importance Of LAR-Approved Travel Kennels
Traveling With Pets Can Be A Delightful Experience, But It Also Comes With A Set Of Responsibilities, Especially When It Involves Air Travel. One Of The Most Critical Aspects Of Flying With Pets Is Ensuring They Are Housed In A LAR-Approved Travel Kennel. But What Exactly Does This Mean, And Why Is It Important?
LAR-Approved Kennels: The Gold Standard For Pet Air Travel The Term “LAR” Refers To The Live Animals Regulations Set Forth By The International Air Transport Association (IATA). These Regulations Are Recognized Globally And Are Designed To Ensure That All Animals Are Transported Safely And Humanely By Air1.
A LAR-Approved Travel Kennel Is A Crate That Meets The Specific Requirements Outlined By IATA. These Kennels Are Designed To Provide A Secure And Comfortable Environment For Pets During Their Journey, Whether They’re Traveling In The Cargo Hold Or In The Cabin With Their Owners.
Key Features Of A LAR-Approved Kennel:

- Size: The Kennel Must Be Spacious Enough For The Pet To Stand Up, Turn Around, Sit Upright, And Lie In A Natural Position Without Touching The Sides Of The Crate. The Specifics An Airline Requires Is:
- A = Length Of Animal From Tip Of Nose To Base/Root Of Tail.
- B = Height From Ground To Elbow Joint.
- C = Width Across Shoulders Or Widest Point (Whichever Is The Greater).
- D = Height Of Animal In Natural Standing Position From Top Of The Head Or The Ear Tip To The Floor (Whichever Is Higher).
- Materials: It Should Be Constructed From Sturdy Materials Like Wood, Metal, Or Plastic, With A Solid, Leak-Proof Bottom And Adequate Ventilation.
- Door: The Door Must Be Made Of Metal With A Secure Locking Mechanism That Cannot Be Accidentally Opened.
- Labels And Markings: The Kennel Should Have ‘Live Animal’ Stickers, Arrows Indicating The Upright Position, And The Owner’s Contact Information Clearly Displayed.
In Order To Fly Cargo With A Pet A LAR Kennel Is REQUIRED.
- Safety: These Kennels Are Designed To Withstand The Rigors Of Air Travel, Protecting Pets From Potential Injuries.
- Compliance: Airlines Require Pets To Be Housed In LAR-Approved Kennels To Board The Flight.
- Peace Of Mind: Knowing Your Pet Is In A Crate That Meets International Safety Standards Can Ease The Stress Of Travel For Both The Pet And The Owner.
- Choosing The Right Kennel When Selecting A LAR-Approved Kennel, It’s Essential To Consider The Size And Breed Of Your Pet, As Well As The Specific Airline’s Requirements. Some Popular Options That Meet These Standards Include The Petmate Sky Kennel And Impact Kennels, Which Offer Durability And Comfort For Pets On The Go.
What Is A I82 Kennel And What Breed Need This?
An I82 Kennel, Also Known As A CR82 Crate, Is A Specialized Type Of Travel Kennel Designed To Meet The International Air Transport Association’s Container Requirement No. 82. This Requirement Is In Place To Ensure The Safe And Secure Transport Of Potentially Aggressive Or Strong Dog Breeds During Flights. The CR82 Kennel Is Constructed From Durable Materials Such As Solid Wood, Metal, Or Reinforced Synthetic Materials, With No Portion Made Of Plastic. It Features A Heavy-Duty Metal Door With A Secure Locking Mechanism That Cannot Be Opened Accidentally. The Kennel Must Also Have Appropriate Handles, Food And Water Dishes, And Correct Labels. The Stringent Design Of The CR82 Kennel Is A Response To Incidents Where Dogs Have Escaped From Less Sturdy Crates, Causing Damage And Posing Risks To Passengers And Crew. Airlines May Require This Type Of Kennel For Specific Breeds Or Mixed Breeds That Are Considered Strong Or Have Aggressive Tendencies, Ensuring Their Containment And The Safety Of All Involved During Air Travel.
Such As – Impact Kennels
The List Of Dog Breeds That Typically Require A CR82 (I82) Kennel For Air Travel Includes, But Is Not Limited To: Note That Each Airline Has Their Own List.
- American Bully
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff)
- Anatolian Shepherd (Karabash)
- Argentine Mastiff (Dogo Argentino)
- Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasileiro)
- British Staffordshire Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Bull Mastiff (Silverback Mastiff/Mallorquin Mastiff/Ca De Bou)
- Canary Mastiff (Perro De Presa Canario)
- Caucasian Mastiff (Caucasian Ovcharka)
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog
- Italian Mastiff (Cane Corso)
- Japanese Mastiff (Tosa Ken)
- Karabash (Kangal Dog, Anatolin Shepard)
- Mastiff – All Breeds
- Pit Bull – All Breeds
- Rottweiler
Conclusion A LAR-Approved Travel Kennel Is More Than Just A Box For Your Pet; It’s A Safe Haven That Ensures Their Well-Being While In Transit. By Adhering To These Standards, Pet Owners Can Rest Assured That Their Furry Companions Are Traveling In The Best Possible Conditions. Remember To Always Check With Your Airline For Any Additional Requirements And To Prepare Your Pet For Their Journey In A LAR-Approved Kennel.

