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Choose a Dog Kennel or Crate!Before purchasing a dog kennel, which is a significant investment in many cases, decide what you are going to use it for. If you plan on potty train puppies or an adult dog by using a dog kennel (also known as a crate), the kennel should be fairly small, so the dog can't comfortably relieve himself in one end and then sleep in the other. Just make sure it is large enough for him to be able to stand, sit turn around and lie down in. Some crates are sold with wire dividers so you can expand the space available to your pet as he grows.
If you plan to travel with your pet, take that into account, too. You may want a collapsible dog kennel for trips to the beach or camping. If you're going via car, make sure that the dog kennel can fit the back seat or trunk, or wherever you plan to store it. Also, when traveling by airplane, check with the airline regulations about dog kennel requirements. Some airlines will allow one dog or cat in the cabin as carry-on luggage. It is good to check beforehand, though, and have a kennel available in case the airlines make a last-minute decision to disallow your dog from travelling in the cabin for whatever reason. (Sometimes this happens if another passenger is allergic to dogs) It also makes sense to have a dog kennel your pet is comfortable in available for your dog to sleep in once you reach your final destination.
Airline Crate Requirements
Here's an example of Continental Airlines rules about pets that will be checked in the luggage hold:
You may use your own kennel or purchase an approved dog kennel of various sizes from Continental at all airport locations. Airline approved kennels of various sizes are also available for sale at pet supply shops.
All kennels must follow these guidelines: Type/size of Kennel The kennel must be sturdy, properly ventilated, and, most importantly, must be large enough for the animal to freely sit and stand with its head erect, turn around, and lie down in a normal posture. To prevent accidental injury, no part of the animal's body can protrude through any openings in the kennel. For this reason, kennels made exclusively from wire are not accepted. Super Size Kennels Continental will not transport dogs in any crate/kennel larger than a 500 series kennel whose dimensions are 40 in x 27 in x 30 in (102 cm X 69 cm X 76 cm). Closing Mechanism Check the closing mechanism to make sure it works properly. Do not put a lock on the kennel door. In accordance with federal regulations, your pet must be accessible in the event of an emergency. Wheels Continental discourages kennels with wheels on the bottom unless the wheels have a locking device. If your kennel has wheels, it is recommended that they either be removed or taped in order to prevent them from rolling in transit. Animals per Kennel Each kennel should contain no more than 1 adult dog or cat, or no more than 2 puppies or kittens younger than 6 months, of comparable size, and under 20 lbs. (9.1 kg) each. Dogs and cats cannot travel together in the same container. Include two empty food dishes Include two empty dishes (one for food and one for water), accessible from the outside. Absorbent Material The kennel must contain absorbent material or litter. (Black and white printed newspaper is a good choice. However, newspaper with colored ink or advertisements can be toxic to animals.) Please note that the use of straw, hay or wood shavings is prohibited for international shipments.
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