How to Measure Your Pet for a Kennel

For airline travel, see travel crates and softsided carriers in our index, as metal and wire carriers are forbidden on airlines.

The measurements of your crate are very important for your pet's safe, comfortable confinement and travel.:

[Measuring your dog]

  1. This diagram will give you a little help
  2. Length: is from the from the front breast bone to the base of tail plus 2" for medium breeds and 6" for large breeds.
  3. Height: is from the floor to the shoulder plus 3"-6". (For airline travel, it is necessary that the crate be as tall as your pet's head, and he should be able to stand in a natural manner as well as turn around and lie down.)

    For housetraining you might choose one that will fit your pet as an adult so that it provides life-long service. To estimate his adult size check the breed standard. (Most breed standards, however, measure your pet at the shoulder.)
  4. Width: is a couple of inches less than height at the shoulder.
If you are traveling with your pet in the airplane cabin, see softsided carriers in our index.