IATA Crate Rules for Pet Travel 2026: Airline-by-Airline Comparison
By Ananya Singh (Ananya Singh writes step-by-step first-international-trip guides for Indians — passport rules, visa cascade timing, immigration walkthroughs, and the unglamorous logistics that separate a smooth trip from a stranded one.) · Published · 14 min read
The crate is where most pet shipments fail before they even reach the aircraft. Here is the full IATA Live Animals Regulations specification with an airline-by-airline comparison covering temperature embargoes, brachycephalic policies and cargo costs.
Why the crate matters more than any other single item
Across hundreds of pet shipments out of India each year, the single most common reason for refusal at the cargo terminal is the crate. Not the vet certificate, not the import permit, not the rabies titer — the crate. Pet owners purchase attractive collapsible carriers from e-commerce sites, present them at airport cargo, and are turned away. The cargo terminal cannot waive the requirement because the airline operates under IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) and the LAR is enforced.
This article walks through the full IATA crate specification — Container Requirements 1, 2, 21 and 82 — explains which applies to which animal, and then provides an airline-by-airline comparison for the carriers Indian shippers actually use. The airlines covered are IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Singapore Airlines, British Airways and Air Canada. Each is rated on cabin pet allowance, cargo pet acceptance, brachycephalic breed policy, temperature embargo thresholds, and typical cargo cost per kg for India-origin shipments.
The voice throughout is procedural. If you take only one thing from this article, it should be: buy or rent the right crate, in the right size, with all the right stickers, and confirm with the specific airline you are using before you turn up at the cargo terminal. The right crate alone solves about 70 percent of avoidable pet shipment problems.
IATA Live Animals Regulations — Container Requirements 1, 2, 21 and 82
The IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) is the global rulebook for transporting live animals by air. The LAR specifies different Container Requirements (CR) for different animal types. The four that matter for typical Indian pet shippers are:
- CR 1: The general requirement covering small pets in soft-sided or rigid cabin carriers. Used for in-cabin pet movement on airlines that permit it (Air India, some foreign carriers). Maximum size constrained by the airline's under-seat dimensions, typically 45 cm length, 30 cm width, 23 cm height.
- CR 2: Wire-mesh-cage-style container, used for some animal categories. Not typical for cats and dogs in commercial transport.
- CR 21: Used for specific species categories.
- CR 82: The rigid plastic or wood pet shipping crate for dogs and cats in cargo. This is the workhorse specification for almost every dog and cat shipped from India internationally or domestically as cargo. CR82 is what people mean colloquially when they say "IATA-approved pet crate".
CR82 requirements in full: rigid construction in plastic or wood, never collapsible, never wire-only, never soft-sided. The roof must be solid (not mesh). The door must be metal mesh with a positive-locking, non-slip latch that withstands cargo handling. Ventilation must be on all four walls with at least 16 percent of the wall area as ventilation openings. Mesh openings must allow airflow without permitting paw escape. The bottom must be leak-proof with absorbent bedding (puppy training pad or shredded newspaper). Food and water bowls must be attached to the inside of the door, accessible without opening the door. Wheels are explicitly disallowed.
Sizing follows the IATA formula. Crate length (L) equals A plus half of B, where A is the pet's nose-to-tail-base length and B is the front-leg length. Crate width (W) equals 2x C, where C is the pet's shoulder width. Crate height (H) is the pet's standing-shoulder height plus the ear-tip height (so the pet can stand fully without head touching roof). The pet must be able to stand fully, turn around 360 degrees, and lie down in natural position. An undersized crate is the most common reason for cargo refusal at the airport.
Required labels, stickers and assembly checks
The crate is not just the structure. The labels are part of the IATA specification. Required labels include:
- Live Animal labels: Large green and white "LIVE ANIMAL" stickers on top and at least two adjacent sides. Standard IATA dimensions, available from any IATA-approved pet shipper or from your origin airport cargo office.
- This Way Up arrows: Orientation arrows on all four sides of the crate, pointing upward, so cargo handlers know not to invert the crate during loading.
- Identification label: Pet's name, owner name, owner mobile, destination airport code, and the AWB number once issued by the airline.
- Emergency feeding and watering instructions: A printed label listing food type, feeding frequency, and water access for emergency handling in case of flight delay or diversion.
- Microchip number: Printed on the identification label so it can be cross-referenced without scanning.
Assembly checks the airline cargo team performs at acceptance: door latch tug-test, ventilation grille check, leak-proof bottom check, label verification, sizing eyeball (the cargo agent will visually confirm the pet has room to stand and turn), and integrity check of any bolts or screws. A loose screw or a poorly-fitted door panel is grounds for refusal.
Pet shippers and crate suppliers in India who provide CR82-compliant crates with all stickers pre-applied include Petify, PetSetGo, Krunchies Pet Relocation, PetRelocation India and Pet Travel Services India. Cost ranges 4,000 to 18,000 rupees depending on size, or 1,500 to 3,500 rupees per leg for rental. For first-time international shippers, rental from the same agent handling the shipment is usually the simplest path.
IndiGo and Air India — Indian carrier pet acceptance
IndiGo: Cabin pets not permitted except trained service dogs for disabled passengers with 48-hour advance notice. Cargo pet acceptance through IndiGo CarGo on domestic and limited international routes. CR82 crate required. Temperature embargo applies on summer flights where origin or destination ambient temperature is forecast above 35 degrees Celsius — affected flights typically include daytime departures from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Hyderabad and Nagpur in May and June. Brachycephalic restriction: year-round caution, formal embargo May to September on cargo movement of brachycephalic breeds. Cost per leg: 3,000 to 7,500 rupees domestic, scaling significantly for international (where available). Booking through IndiGo CarGo desk at origin airport, 7 to 10 days advance.
Air India: Cabin pets permitted on domestic flights at maximum 5 kg combined weight, one pet per flight aircraft-wide, 72-hour advance booking through reservations call centre, 4,000 to 6,000 rupees per leg. Cargo pet acceptance on domestic and international routes through Air India SATS Cargo. CR82 crate required. Temperature embargo similar to IndiGo on summer days above thresholds. Brachycephalic restriction: year-round caution, formal embargo May to September on cargo. International cargo cost: 18,000 to 35,000 rupees for small to medium pet on Gulf routes, 80,000 to 1,80,000 rupees on UK routes. Direct international routes for pets include BOM-DXB, DEL-DXB, BLR-DXB, BOM-LHR, DEL-LHR, BOM-JFK, DEL-JFK and BOM-MEL among others.
Air India Express: Cabin pets not accepted. Cargo pet acceptance technically permitted on select narrow-body domestic and international routes but operationally inconsistent — cargo team often declines bookings citing aircraft hold configuration. For practical purposes, if your route is operated by AI Express metal, plan to use the equivalent Air India mainline flight instead or work with a relocation agent who can navigate the operational variability.
Emirates and Qatar Airways — Gulf carrier pet acceptance
Emirates SkyCargo: Emirates accepts pet shipments through its SkyCargo division, but Indian-origin pets are typically routed via Brussels (BRU) on the dedicated pet movement service. The Brussels routing adds 18 to 24 hours of transit including cargo terminal layover but provides controlled-environment freighter service. Cabin pets not permitted on Emirates flights. CR82 crate required. Brachycephalic acceptance only with special veterinary attestation and elevated insurance premium, and only on direct freighter service during cooler months. Cost: 50,000 to 90,000 rupees for small to medium pet on Indian-origin Brussels-routed shipments, significantly higher for large pets or brachycephalic specialist routes. Booking through Emirates SkyCargo Mumbai or Delhi offices, 10 to 15 working days advance for international.
Qatar Airways Cargo: Qatar accepts pet shipments through Qatar Cargo with routings via Doha (DOH). Pet movement is generally handled as manifest cargo with cargo team coordination at both ends. CR82 crate required. Brachycephalic restriction year-round, with full embargo in summer months. Cost: 35,000 to 80,000 rupees for small to medium pet on India-Europe routings via DOH. Qatar is a competitive option for European destinations (Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, Amsterdam) where Air India direct service is not available or full. Booking through Qatar Cargo office at the origin airport, 10 to 15 working days advance.
Both Emirates and Qatar require comprehensive paperwork including import permit, vet certificate within 7 days, rabies vaccine record, ISO microchip, and AVS NOC. Neither carrier accepts last-minute bookings — the lead time is genuinely 2+ weeks for international pet cargo.
Lufthansa, KLM and other European carriers
Lufthansa Cargo: Lufthansa operates one of the most established pet shipment programmes in commercial aviation, with the dedicated Frankfurt Animal Lounge as a hub. Indian-origin pets typically route through FRA on Lufthansa direct service from BOM, DEL or BLR. Cabin pets not accepted on Lufthansa long-haul flights for general bookings. Cargo pets accepted as manifest cargo with CR82 crate. Brachycephalic restriction: Lufthansa has a strict year-round embargo on cargo movement of brachycephalic breeds — among the strictest in commercial aviation. Cost: 60,000 to 1,40,000 rupees for small to medium pet on India-Europe routings. Booking through Lufthansa Cargo office, 15 to 20 working days advance recommended.
KLM Cargo: KLM accepts pet shipments through KLM Cargo with routings via Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). The pet movement programme is well-established with onward European connections. CR82 crate required. Brachycephalic restriction year-round on cargo. Cost: 55,000 to 1,30,000 rupees for small to medium pet. Booking through KLM Cargo Mumbai or Delhi office, 15 working days advance.
Air France Cargo: Similar profile to KLM with Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) routing. Brachycephalic restriction year-round on cargo.
British Airways IAG Cargo: Accepts India-origin pet shipments on direct BOM-LHR and DEL-LHR services. CR82 crate required. Temperature embargo: BA cancels pet bookings if forecast temperature at the Indian origin airport on the day of travel exceeds 29 degrees Celsius — catches many May, June and September shipments. Brachycephalic restriction year-round on cargo. Cost: 80,000 to 1,80,000 rupees for small to medium pet. BA's compensation for the strict temperature embargo is generally smoother HARC clearance at LHR through their direct handling relationship. Booking through IAG Cargo, 15 to 20 working days advance.
Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Asian carriers
Singapore Airlines Cargo: Singapore Airlines has a long-established pet shipment programme with the dedicated Singapore Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) facility at Changi. Indian-origin pets route through SIN on direct service from BOM, DEL, BLR, MAA, HYD. Cabin pets not accepted on long-haul flights. Cargo pets accepted as manifest cargo with CR82 crate. Brachycephalic restriction year-round on cargo. Cost: 50,000 to 1,20,000 rupees for small to medium pet on India-Singapore or India-Australia (via SIN) routings. Booking through Singapore Airlines Cargo office, 10 to 15 working days advance.
Cathay Pacific Cargo: Accepts pet shipments through Hong Kong (HKG) hub. CR82 crate required. Brachycephalic restriction year-round. Cost: 55,000 to 1,25,000 rupees for small to medium pet on India-Hong Kong routings.
Thai Airways and Asian carriers: Variable pet acceptance, generally narrower than Singapore Airlines or Cathay. Confirm route-by-route with the cargo office.
Air Canada Cargo: Accepts India-origin pets on direct DEL-YYZ service when running, and through US-side connections. CR82 crate required. Brachycephalic restriction year-round on cargo. Cost: 70,000 to 1,60,000 rupees for small to medium pet on India-Canada routings. AC has well-established YYZ Animal Reception handling.
Temperature embargoes — the seasonal pattern across airlines
Most international airlines apply temperature embargoes on pet cargo movement based on forecast conditions at origin and destination. The thresholds vary by carrier but the pattern is consistent — pets are not loaded if the hold or tarmac temperature at any point in the journey is expected to expose them to dangerous heat or cold.
- British Airways (IAG Cargo): Cancels pet booking if origin or destination forecast temperature exceeds 29 degrees Celsius. Strictest threshold among the carriers Indian shippers commonly use. Catches Delhi and Mumbai shipments through much of May, June and September.
- Lufthansa, KLM, Air France: Embargo if origin or destination forecast exceeds 30 degrees Celsius for brachycephalic breeds and 32 degrees Celsius for other breeds. Catches Indian metro shipments through summer.
- Singapore Airlines: Embargo at 30 degrees Celsius for brachycephalic and 33 degrees for other breeds.
- Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express: Embargo at 35 degrees Celsius for non-brachycephalic, and effectively year-round for brachycephalic in summer months.
- Emirates SkyCargo (Brussels-routed): The Brussels routing on dedicated freighter is less affected by Indian-side temperature because of the controlled-environment hold, but ground handling at the Indian origin is still embargo-affected on extreme days.
If you are shipping in summer (May, June, September), book through an airline with a higher threshold (Air India, Singapore Airlines) or schedule the flight for an early-morning or late-night departure when ground temperatures are lower. The cargo team confirms or cancels based on the 48-hour forecast, so you typically know 2 days before whether your booking will proceed. Most airlines rebook to the next eligible flight at no extra charge if the booking is cancelled for temperature reasons.
Cost-per-kg comparison and brachycephalic final warning
Rough 2026 cost-per-kg benchmarks for international pet cargo from India, based on combined pet-plus-crate weight:
- Air India (Gulf routes): approximately 1,200 to 1,800 rupees per kg.
- Air India (UK, EU, USA routes): approximately 4,500 to 7,500 rupees per kg.
- British Airways (UK direct): approximately 5,000 to 8,000 rupees per kg.
- Lufthansa, KLM, Air France (Europe): approximately 3,500 to 6,500 rupees per kg.
- Emirates SkyCargo (Brussels-routed to UAE): approximately 3,000 to 5,000 rupees per kg.
- Singapore Airlines (Asia, Australia): approximately 3,000 to 5,500 rupees per kg.
- Qatar Airways (via DOH): approximately 2,500 to 5,000 rupees per kg.
- Air Canada (India-Canada direct): approximately 4,500 to 7,500 rupees per kg.
These are benchmarks only — actual quotes depend on origin city, destination city, exact routing, fuel surcharge, brachycephalic premium (if accepted at all), and any agent handling included. Always get a written quote with itemisation before committing.
Final brachycephalic warning: Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Persian cats, Himalayan cats and Exotic Shorthair cats are banned by most major airlines on long-haul international cargo. Lufthansa, BA, Air Canada and most Asian carriers refuse year-round. Air India, Singapore Airlines and others refuse during summer months and accept with restrictions in cooler months. Emirates SkyCargo via Brussels accepts with veterinary attestation and elevated cost. For most owners of brachycephalic breeds, the better outcome is leaving the pet in trusted care in India rather than attempting an international shipment that carries documented elevated mortality risk. For broader context across the planning process, see the international pet relocation guide, the UAE process, the UK process, and the IndiGo and Air India domestic guide. Writer background at the author page.
Frequently asked questions
What is IATA Container Requirement 82 (CR82) and why does it matter?
CR82 is the IATA Live Animals Regulations specification for rigid pet shipping crates used to transport dogs and cats in aircraft cargo holds. It mandates rigid plastic or wood construction (no collapsible, no wire-only, no soft-sided), ventilation on all four sides, solid roof, metal-mesh door with positive-locking latch, leak-proof bottom with absorbent bedding, attached food and water bowls, no wheels, and proper sizing so the pet can stand fully, turn around 360 degrees and lie down naturally. Every major airline that accepts pet cargo requires CR82-compliant crates. Non-compliant crates are refused at acceptance.
Which airlines have the strictest temperature embargoes for pet cargo from India?
British Airways IAG Cargo is the strictest, cancelling pet bookings if origin or destination forecast temperature exceeds 29 degrees Celsius — this catches many May, June and September shipments out of Delhi and Mumbai. Lufthansa and KLM apply 30 to 32 degrees thresholds. Singapore Airlines applies 30 to 33 degrees. Air India and IndiGo apply 35 degrees for non-brachycephalic. Schedule summer shipments for early-morning or late-night departures when ground temperatures are lower, and consider Air India or Singapore Airlines for higher thresholds.
Can I fly a brachycephalic breed (Pug, French Bulldog, Boxer) internationally from India?
Practically no. Lufthansa, British Airways, Air Canada and most Asian carriers refuse brachycephalic breeds on cargo year-round. Air India and Singapore Airlines refuse during Indian summer months (May to September) and accept with restrictions in cooler months. Emirates SkyCargo via Brussels accepts with special veterinary attestation and elevated insurance, at 4 to 8 lakh rupees cost. The compromised airway anatomy of these breeds creates documented in-flight mortality risk in belly hold conditions. For most owners, leaving the pet in trusted care in India is the safer outcome.
How much does international pet cargo cost per kg in 2026?
Rough benchmarks for combined pet-plus-crate weight: Air India Gulf routes 1,200 to 1,800 rupees per kg; Air India UK or USA routes 4,500 to 7,500 per kg; British Airways UK 5,000 to 8,000 per kg; Lufthansa, KLM or Air France Europe routes 3,500 to 6,500 per kg; Singapore Airlines Asia routes 3,000 to 5,500 per kg; Qatar Airways via Doha 2,500 to 5,000 per kg; Air Canada India-Canada direct 4,500 to 7,500 per kg. Always get a written itemised quote — actual costs depend on exact routing, fuel surcharge and any agent handling included.
Where can I buy or rent an IATA CR82 crate in India?
Suppliers in India include Petify, PetSetGo, Krunchies Pet Relocation, PetRelocation India and Pet Travel Services India. Purchase cost ranges 4,000 to 18,000 rupees depending on size — smaller for cats and small dogs, larger for medium and large dogs. Rental from a pet relocation agent typically costs 1,500 to 3,500 rupees per leg. For first-time international shippers, rental from the same agent handling the shipment is the simplest path because the crate arrives with all stickers pre-applied and pre-sized to your pet.
Are wheels on a pet crate acceptable for cargo shipment?
No. IATA Live Animals Regulations explicitly disallow wheels on pet shipping crates used in cargo. The reason is cargo handling stability — wheeled crates can roll unexpectedly during loading, unloading and turbulence, causing injury to the animal. If your crate has wheels, they must be removed before acceptance. Some pet crates sold on Indian e-commerce platforms have detachable wheels for ground transport — these are acceptable provided the wheels are removed before airport acceptance. Many cargo terminals will reject a wheeled crate outright regardless of wheel detachability.