Free tool
Pet Crate Size Calculator
Measure your pet in four places, add its weight, and see the minimum airline crate size for flying in the hold. Works for dogs and cats, in inches and pounds or cm and kg.
Find your crate size
Two puppies or kittens can share only if they are 8 weeks to 6 months old, 20 lb or less each, and used to each other. Enter the measurements of the larger one, and the weight of both together.
Measurements and weight
Measure with your pet standing. If you are between numbers, round up. The weight helps us pick the right size.
Enter all four measurements to see the minimum crate for your pet.
Minimum inside size needed:
The crate size is an estimate based on the details you enter. Your pet may need a bigger crate once we see them in person, and the airline makes the final call at check-in. We will confirm the crate before we order it.
Your pet needs a custom crate
These measurements need more room than the 500 series, the largest standard size. We price custom crate moves by hand.
Your pet is heavier than the 500 series is meant for (up to 90 lb). We price custom crate moves by hand.
This breed cannot fly in the cargo hold
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air do not accept snub-nosed breeds in the hold, mixes included, with no exceptions. So we do not size a cargo crate for them. A small pet can still fly in the cabin with you if its soft carrier fits under the seat. Tell us in the quote form and we will talk through the options. See snub-nosed breeds and flying.
We check this breed with the airline before we price the move. The crate size above is still a good guide.
We confirm the crate size before anything is ordered.
Alaska Airlines crate size chart
Alaska Air Cargo takes five standard crate sizes. The outside size is what the airline measures; the room inside is what counts for your pet. The airline weighs your pet and the crate together, and pet plus crate can weigh up to 150 lb.
| Series | Outside, inches | Room inside, about, inches | Empty crate | Pet weight guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 series | 21 x 16 x 15 | 18.75 x 13.5 x 14.5 | 9 lb | up to 15 lb |
| 200 series | 27 x 20 x 19 | 23.25 x 17.75 x 17 | 14 lb | up to 30 lb |
| 300 series | 32 x 22 x 24 | 29.5 x 19.25 x 23.5 | 20 lb | up to 50 lb |
| 400 series | 36 x 24 x 26 | 32.5 x 21 x 25 | 24 lb | up to 70 lb |
| 500 series | 40 x 27 x 30 | 36.25 x 24.75 x 28.8 | 28 lb | up to 90 lb |
Sizes are length x width x height. We choose the size from the measurements, then go up a size if your pet is heavier than the weight guide. A pet too big for the 500 series gets a custom quote.
We sell crates in every size, ready to fly with bedding, food and water dishes and labels. The crate is added to your quote if you need one. See airline pet crates.
How to measure your pet
Measure with your pet standing on a flat floor. A soft sewing tape works best. A second person to hold a treat helps a lot.
- A: from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, not the tip of the tail.
- B: from the floor to the elbow (the joint at the top of the front leg).
- C: the width across the shoulders or the widest point of the body, whichever is greater.
- D: from the floor to the top of the head or the tips of the ears, whichever is higher, with your pet standing.
- Weight: weigh yourself holding your pet, then without, and take the difference.
How the calculator works
It uses the standard airline formula for live animal crates:
- Inside length at least A plus half of B
- Inside width at least C times 2 (times 3 for two young pets sharing)
- Inside height at least D, plus about 1.6 inches for bedding
We add about 0.8 inches to each size because measuring at home is never exact. Then we pick the smallest size that is big enough in all three directions, and go up a size if your pet is heavier than that size's weight guide.
Cabin carrier or cargo crate?
"Airline pet carrier" can mean two different things.
A cabin carrier is a soft bag for a small dog or cat flying with you. It goes under the seat in front of you. On Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines it must be soft-sided and up to 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches. See the Alaska Airlines pet policy.
A cargo crate is a rigid kennel for a pet flying in the hold, with or without you. Top and bottom held with nuts and bolts, a solid roof, a securely fastened metal door, no wheels, and food and water dishes clipped inside the door. Wire, folding and soft crates are not accepted. The size comes from the formula above.
Moving your pet a long way? Read our guide to moving a pet across the country, or see what affects the cost.
Last checked against the official pages on October 6, 2026.
Airlines and states change their rules. Always check the official page before you book.
Crate sizes: questions
What size crate does my dog need to fly?
How do I measure my pet for an airline crate?
What are the Alaska Airlines crate sizes?
What are the airline pet carrier dimensions for the cabin?
Can two pets share one crate?
Why does the calculator not size my bulldog or Persian?
Do you sell airline crates?
Want us to handle the crate and the flight?
We confirm the crate size, supply the crate, book the flight and arrange pickup and delivery at both ends.