Pet Crate Requirements for Air and Ground Transport: What You Need to Know Before You Travel

Pet Crate Requirements for Air and Ground Transport

When planning pet travel, one question comes up again and again: Do I really need to use a crate? Whether your pet is flying in the cabin, traveling in cargo, or making a ground journey, having the right setup is essential.

At PetCommute, we prioritize safety, comfort, and compliance at every step of the journey. That starts with understanding the pet crate requirements for air and ground transport—and making sure you know exactly what to expect depending on how your pet is traveling.

PetCommute Provides the Carrier for In-Cabin Air Travel

If your pet is flying in the cabin with one of our professional flight nannies, you don’t need to bring a carrier. PetCommute provides an airline-approved, soft-sided pet carrier that fits comfortably under the seat.

Here’s what that means for you:

• No need to shop, measure, or worry about airline sizing

• Carriers are clean, breathable, and travel-tested

• Our handlers ensure your pet is safely secured and calmly monitored from departure to arrival

This service is designed to make in-cabin air travel seamless, both for your pet and for you.

You Provide the Crate for Ground or Checked Pet Transport

For pets traveling via ground transport or as checked baggage (in the plane’s climate-controlled cargo area), you’ll need to provide a hard-sided crate.

This ensures:

• The crate is properly fitted to your pet’s size and needs

• Your pet is familiar with their space ahead of travel

• All pet crate requirements for air and ground transport are fully met

Not sure which crate to use? We’re happy to help guide you on appropriate sizing and design before the trip begins.

Why Crates Are Essential—Even by Car

Even if your pet is just traveling across a few states, crates play an important role. Riding loose in a vehicle may seem fine for quick errands, but for long-distance travel, a secured crate:

• Prevents injury in case of sudden stops

• Helps reduce motion anxiety

• Allows our handlers to check on your pet without disruption

For professional ground transport, a crate is required and makes the journey smoother for everyone involved.

What Needs to Be in the Crate?

We don’t require specific items inside the crate, but we do recommend that your pet travels in a clean, empty crate that meets the following standards:

• Hard-sided and well-ventilated

• Securely latched with no sharp edges

• Properly labeled with any necessary care instructions

A crate that your pet is already familiar with can help reduce stress on travel day, especially if it’s been part of their home routine leading up to the trip.

Final Thoughts

At PetCommute, we follow the highest standards for pet crate requirements for air and ground transport—not just to meet airline or logistics policies, but because your pet’s safety and comfort come first.

• For in-cabin air travel, we provide the approved soft-sided carrier.

• For ground or checked pet travel, we’ll help you choose and prepare the right crate.

Have questions about crate sizing, prep, or getting your pet ready to travel? We’re here to guide you every step of the way.