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Airline Approved Pet Cages

Airline-Approved Pet

Travel Crates NZ

At Hamilton Pet Transport, we supply airline‑approved pet travel crates for dogs, cats, and small pets across New Zealand, available for both hire and purchase. All our plastic “PP” series and custom wooden crates are IATA‑style compliant, safe, and designed so your pet can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably for their flight.

Whether you are flying with Air New Zealand, Qantas, or another major airline, we help you choose the right size and style of crate to meet airline and IATA requirements. This ensures smooth check‑in and a safer, more comfortable flight for your pet.

For Sale or Hire

 

We offer a full range of airline‑approved plastic “PP” series travel crates for both sale and hire — each crate includes a water bowl and funnel to meet airline regulations. We also custom‑build wooden airline‑approved travel crates with attached drinking bowls — ideal for special sizing or one‑off requirements.​

Get in touch to discuss which pet crate is right for your pet’s size, breed, and destination.

Pet Cage Options

 

We offer two flexible hire options for airline pet cages across NZ.

With Pet Transport Service

When you book pet transport with us, the hire crate can be included in the service, including the return flight. You collect your pet at the destination airport, and we take care of retrieving the crate from there, making your pet’s journey easy and hassle‑free.​

 

Standalone Hire

A full bond (equal to the cost of the cage) is required upon hirage. If the crate is returned within 2 weeks in the same condition it was given to you, your bond, minus hiring fee, will be refunded. Please note: Hire cages are available only for domestic travel.

Crate prices Hamilton Pet Transport
Pet Transport Crates 4 sizes

Delivery Options

  • Pickup from Hamilton Pet Transport (by appointment only)

  • Airport delivery available NZ-wide:

    • PP20–PP50: $150

    • PP60–PP70: $250

  • Shipping available nationwide – contact us for a quote.

Payment Options

  • Bank transfer

  • Credit card (with processing fee)

 

All items are fully assembled unless otherwise requested.
 

For flat-packed or unassembled crate options, please contact us directly.

Crate Sizing Guide

Choosing the correct crate size is one of the most important parts of safe pet air travel. Your pet must be able to stand without their ears touching the roof, lie down comfortably, and turn around easily, with 2–3 cm (or more for large dogs) of clearance.

Below is a general guide for typical IATA‑style plastic crates (exact measurements vary by brand and airline).

 

Small Crates (PP20–PP30)

  • Typical dimensions (approx.):
    Around 50–60 cm long, 35–40 cm wide, 35–40 cm high.​

  • Best for:
    Cats, toy and miniature dog breeds.

  • Example breeds:
    Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, small adult cats.

Medium Crates (PP40–PP50)

  • Typical dimensions (approx.):
    Around 70–80 cm long, 45–55 cm wide, 50–60 cm high.​

  • Best for:
    Medium‑sized dogs and larger cats.

  • Example breeds:
    Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, French Bulldogs (often need a size up), Cavoodles, larger domestic cats.

Large & Extra‑Large Crates (PP60–PP70)

  • Typical dimensions (approx.):
    Around 90–110 cm long, 60–70 cm wide, 70–80 cm high.​

  • Best for:
    Large and extra‑large dog breeds.

  • Example breeds:
    Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Huskies, larger mixed‑breed dogs.

 

Because snub‑nosed (brachycephalic) breeds often need extra space, they may require one crate size larger than standard recommendations. If your pet is between two crate sizes, we usually recommend choosing the larger size to meet IATA and airline expectations.

Airline Requirements (Air NZ, Qantas & Others)

All airlines cages must meet the IATA live animal regulations.​ They require rigid, secure carriers made from fibreglass, metal, rigid plastic, or solid wood, with a leak‑proof floor and secure door. There are maximum crate dimensions and weight limits on some aircraft types, especially ATR and Q300 services within NZ only.


The must be hard‑sided crates with enough room for your pet to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around, with metal bolts and nose‑ and paw‑proof ventilation openings.

We stay up to date with airline and IATA crate standards so your crate is accepted at check‑in on the day of travel. If you are unsure whether your existing crate is still acceptable, we can assess it for you and recommend the safest option.

 

FAQ - Airline Pet Crates NZ

 

Which crate size do I need?

The right crate size depends on your pet’s length, height, and breed, as well as airline and IATA rules. As a simple guide, your pet should be able to stand without touching the roof, turn around easily, and lie down stretched out, with a few centimetres of space around them.

If you send us your pet’s measurements and breed, we can recommend the correct IATA‑compliant crate size for your flight.

Can I hire instead of buy?

Yes, we offer airline‑approved crate hire for domestic pet travel within New Zealand. You pay a bond equal to the cost of the crate, and when you return it within 2 weeks in good condition, your bond is refunded minus the hire fee.​

 

For international pet travel, most pets require their own crate to use at both departure and destination points, so purchase is usually recommended.​

 

Are used crates cheaper?

Used crates can seem cheaper, but they are sometimes rejected at check‑in if they no longer meet current IATA or airline standards (for example, wrong bolts, damage, or non‑compliant ventilation).

 

We do not accept used crates for international pet transfers. If you wish to use your own airline cage that has been used previously for a domestic pet transfer we will require a photo of all angles of the cage with the pet inside. 

Need help or ready to order?


Please get in touch to confirm availability and pricing.

For uniquely shaped furry or feathered travellers, a custom wooden crate may be required.


We partner with a trusted custom crate maker to ensure your pet has a safe and airline-approved travel solution tailored to their needs.

Please email us to discuss your pet’s specific requirements — we’re happy to help arrange the right crate for their journey.

Pet Transport Crates NZ

Dog Travel Crates for Safe Pet Travel in NZ & International

Finding the right dog travel crates is one of the most important parts of planning safe pet transport. At Hamilton Pet Transport, we supply airline-approved dog crates for travel that are suitable for domestic and international journeys, with options for both hire and purchase across New Zealand.

If you are searching for dog travel crates NZ pet owners can trust, we can help you choose the right size based on your dog’s breed, measurements, and airline requirements. We also assist with dog carriers NZ travellers may need for smaller pets, making sure each crate or carrier meets current airline and IATA-style travel expectations before departure.

Our range of dog travel crates is designed to support comfort, safety, and compliance, whether your pet is flying domestically or heading overseas. If you are unsure which crate is right, our team can recommend the best option and explain how to prepare it properly for travel.

Need help choosing the right crate? Contact Sarah directly via email.

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Airline approved pet transport cage
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