Pet Size Calculator
Measure your pet in four places: nose to the base of the tail, floor to elbow, width across the shoulders, and floor to the top of the head or ears. The calculator gives the inside size of carrier your pet needs.
- Four measurements
- IATA airline method
- Cabin or hold
Measure your pet standing, and include ears that stand up in the height.
A travel carrier must let your pet stand, turn round and lie down. Airlines use the IATA method: length is the pet's body plus half its leg, width is twice the shoulders and height is the pet standing. Most cabin limits are about 18 × 11 × 11 inches.
Pet carrier size chart
Typical pets. Search for a pet.
| Pet | Nose to tail (in) | Carrier length (in) | Width (in) | Height (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small cat | 15 | 18 | 8 | 10 |
| Large cat | 18 | 22 | 10 | 12 |
| Chihuahua | 11 | 14 | 6 | 9 |
| Dachshund | 18 | 21 | 8 | 11 |
| Beagle | 24 | 30 | 12 | 16 |
| Labrador | 36 | 45 | 18 | 26 |
Inside sizes. Always measure your own pet.
Pet length and carrier
Typical build. Slide the length.
The pet is drawn standing inside the carrier. The door is on the right.
How to measure a pet for a carrier
Four measurements. Step through it.
A: length
Nose to tail base.
Get your pet used to the carrier at home for a few weeks before you travel.
Soft bag, hard carrier or crate
Carrier types. Compare them.
Fits under the seat.
Plastic shell.
IATA rigid crate.
Cargo travel needs a rigid crate with a metal door, bolts and a water bowl that can be filled from outside.
Before you travel
Travel checks. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Rules differ between airlines and countries. Book your pet's place early, as cabin spaces are limited.
What you get
Carrier sizing. Each tile explains one result.
L × W × H.
Body plus leg.
Twice shoulders.
Standing pet.
Likely or not.
Many airlines allow pets in the cabin only up to about 8 kg including the carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
What size carrier does my cat need?
Most cats need a carrier about 18 to 22 inches long inside.
How do airlines size pet carriers?
Using the IATA method: length is body plus half the leg, width twice the shoulders, height the standing pet.
Can my pet fly in the cabin?
Usually only if the carrier fits under the seat, about 18 × 11 × 11 inches, and the total weight is about 8 kg or less.
Should a pet carrier be bigger than my pet?
Yes. Your pet must be able to stand, turn round and lie down naturally.
Is a bigger carrier better?
Not too big. In a very large carrier a pet can be thrown about in a bump.
How do I measure my dog's height for a crate?
Stand the dog and measure from the floor to the top of the head or the tips of upright ears.
Do soft carriers count for cabin travel?
Yes, and they can squash a little to fit under the seat.
Travel in comfort
Measure your pet in four places and get the carrier size airlines expect. Then check your airline's own cabin and weight limits.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.