Crates & Travel Equipment

IATA-approved travel crates for dogs and cats

Your pet's crate is their seat for the journey. We supply, size, and prepare the right crate for every pet - from a kitten on a domestic flight to a giant breed travelling internationally.

Get a Quote ->
Unique to Star Pet Travel

Custom-Built Wooden Crates - sized exactly for your dog

Not all dogs fit comfortably into standard plastic crates. Some breeds are tall, long-bodied, deep-chested, or simply between sizes. Star Pet Travel works with an specialist crate builder - whose crates are accepted by all major airlines - who crafts wooden crates built precisely to your dog's measurements. The result is safer travel, a calmer pet, and often a lower freight bill.

  • Correct height and length built precisely to your dog's measurements
  • Secure timber construction meeting international aviation standards
  • Better use of cargo space - can reduce overall freight costs
  • A calmer, safer travel experience for your pet
Request a Custom Crate Quote ->

Or call 027 273 1049

IATA-Compliant

Specialist Builder

Crates built to IATA live-animal container standards for safe air transport.

All Airlines

Accepted Worldwide

Custom wooden crates are accepted on Air New Zealand, Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and more.

Exact Fit

Built to Specification

Precise measurements ensure the safest, most cost-efficient crate for your dog's body.

Crate Options

The right crate for every pet

Airlines charge freight by the space a crate occupies - not your pet's weight. We always choose the smallest safe, IATA-compliant crate to keep your pet comfortable and your costs down.

Standard Option

IATA Plastic Crates

Our most common crate option. Full range of IATA-compliant plastic travel crates suitable for cats, kittens, small through to giant breeds. Available for purchase new.

  • Compliant with all airline and IATA requirements
  • Suitable for domestic and international travel
  • Available for kittens, cats, and all dog sizes
  • Easy to label and prepare for travel
Available for purchase
Unique to Star Pet Travel

Custom Wooden Crates

Built precisely to your dog's measurements by our specialist crate builder. The best option for large breeds, unusual body shapes, or pets that fall between standard crate sizes.

  • Exact fit for comfort and safety
  • IATA-compliant, accepted by all major airlines
  • Can reduce freight costs through optimal sizing
  • Ideal for tall, deep-chested, or long-bodied breeds
Made to order - contact us to enquire
Eco-Friendly

Recycled Crates

Quality second-hand crates - typically used on a single inbound journey - that have been fully sanitised, inspected, and prepared for their next traveller. Subject to availability.

  • Significant cost saving vs. purchasing new
  • Same sturdy, airline-approved design
  • Fully sanitised and inspected before reuse
  • Not suitable for all destinations - we advise on eligibility
Subject to availability
Domestic NZ Only

Hire Crates

A cost-effective hire option for large crates on New Zealand domestic flights only. Not suitable for international travel. Email us before booking to confirm availability and sizing.

  • Domestic NZ flights only
  • Confirm availability and sizing before booking
  • Must be verified to fit on your specific aircraft route
  • Not available or appropriate for international flights
Domestic NZ only - enquire first

Sizing Guide

How to measure your pet for a travel crate

  1. 1

    Measurement A - Body Length

    Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the end of the tail). This determines the minimum internal length of the crate. IATA formula: Crate Length = A + ½C.

  2. 2

    Measurement B - Standing Height

    Measure from the floor to the highest point of the head when your pet is standing naturally. For dogs with erect ears, measure to the tip of the ears. For cats, measure to the top of the head. This sets the crate height.

  3. 3

    Measurement C - Front Leg Length

    Measure from the elbow joint to the ground. This is used alongside measurement A in the IATA formula to calculate the correct internal crate height.

  4. 4

    Measurement D - Body Width

    Measure the widest part of the body, usually across the shoulders or chest. IATA formula: Crate Width = D × 2. This ensures your pet can turn comfortably inside the crate.

Measuring Tips

Tips for accurate measurements

  • Ensure your pet is standing normally - not stretching or crouching
  • Measure twice to confirm accuracy
  • For fluffy or long-haired pets, measure the body, not the coat
  • For cats, measuring while they are calmly exploring or eating works well
  • For puppies, we may size up depending on age, breed, and growth stage
  • Send us your measurements and a side-on photo - we'll confirm the right crate

Don't worry about calculating crate dimensions yourself - simply send us your four measurements and a side-on photo of your pet. We'll confirm the correct crate size and advise on the best option.

Crate Training

Help your pet feel at home in their crate

  • Introduce the crate well before travel day with the door open and no pressure
  • Place the crate where your pet already feels comfortable - living room, bedroom, or quiet corner
  • Use treats, meals, and calm praise to build positive associations
  • Close the door briefly, then open it before your pet becomes unsettled - extend the time gradually
  • Practice short car rides in the crate to mimic travel movement and sound
  • Add a t-shirt or cloth with your scent to provide comfort during the journey
  • Avoid toys with stuffing - these are not permitted for air travel
  • Always end sessions on a positive note

Even a few short, positive sessions over a few weeks can make a significant difference - particularly for cats, puppies, and anxious pets. A well-prepared pet walks into their crate confidently and settles quickly on travel day.

Supplying Your Own Crate

Using your own crate - what we need

  • Clean and in good condition - no cracks, damage, or weakened areas
  • Completely cleared of old labels, barcodes, and airline stickers
  • Fitted with secure metal bolts (not plastic clips) if required by the airline
  • Correct ventilation on at least three sides
  • Water bowl attached inside the door
  • Live Animal labels and directional arrows displayed correctly

Send us a clear photo of the crate (all sides), a photo of your dog standing beside the crate, and a photo of your dog standing inside it. We'll confirm compliance and sizing before travel day to avoid any last-minute issues at check-in.

Got Questions?

Travel Crate FAQs

What size crate does my pet need?
Your pet must be able to stand naturally, turn around, sit upright, and lie down comfortably. IATA guidelines calculate the minimum crate size from four measurements: body length (A), standing height (B), front leg length (C), and body width (D). Send us your measurements and we'll match your pet to the right crate.
Can I supply my own travel crate?
Yes - we're happy to assess your crate for airline and IATA compliance. We'll need a clear photo of the crate (all sides if possible), plus a photo of your dog standing beside the crate and one of them standing inside it. This allows us to confirm correct sizing and compliance before travel day, avoiding last-minute issues at check-in.
What is a custom wooden crate and when do I need one?
A custom wooden crate is built precisely to your dog's measurements by our specialist crate builder - and accepted by all major airlines. It's ideal for large breeds, tall or deep-chested dogs, and pets that fall between standard plastic crate sizes. Custom crates can also reduce freight costs by avoiding an oversized standard crate.
Can I hire a crate instead of buying one?
We offer a hire service for large crates on New Zealand domestic flights only. Hire crates are not appropriate for international travel. Please email us before booking a domestic flight to confirm availability, correct sizing for your pet, and that the crate will fit on your specific Air New Zealand aircraft route.
Are recycled crates safe and airline-approved?
Yes - our recycled crates are fully sanitised, inspected, and IATA-compliant before being made available. They are typically crates that have been used on a single inbound journey into New Zealand. Note that some destination countries require a brand-new crate for entry - we advise on suitability for your specific trip.
Why do airlines charge freight by crate size, not pet weight?
Airlines charge based on the volumetric space (length × width × height) a crate occupies in the cargo hold, not the weight of your pet. This is why choosing the correct crate size matters for cost as well as comfort - a crate that is too large will increase your freight bill unnecessarily.
Can I sedate my pet to reduce travel anxiety?
No - sedation is not permitted for air travel under any circumstances. Sedatives can reduce heart rate, lower body temperature, affect breathing, and prevent your pet from safely bracing during take-off and landing. Safe calming alternatives are available from vets and pet stores - we recommend discussing these with your vet before travel.

Still have questions? Get in touch - we're happy to help.

Not sure which crate is right for your pet?

Send us your pet's measurements and a photo and we'll recommend the best option. Custom, recycled, plastic, or hire - we'll match your pet to the safest, most cost-effective crate.

Get Crate Advice ->

Or call 027 273 1049