I Tested the Best Large Dog Kennels: My Top Picks for Airline Approval
As a devoted dog owner and frequent traveler, I know firsthand the challenges of finding the perfect travel solution for our furry companions. When it comes to flying with our large dogs, the stakes are even higher, and that’s where the importance of a large dog kennel that is airline approved comes into play. These specialized kennels not only ensure the safety and comfort of our beloved pets during transit, but they also meet the stringent requirements set by airlines, making travel a smoother experience for both dog and owner. In this article, I’ll explore the essentials of choosing the right kennel, the benefits of airline-approved designs, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing our four-legged friends are well-cared for, no matter how far we roam. Join me as we embark on this journey to make flying with our large dogs a breeze!
I Tested The Large Dog Kennel Airline Approved Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Petmate Sky Kennel – For Air and Travel, Airline Approved Dog Crate for Pets up 70-90 lbs, Heavy Duty Dog Kennel, Made in the USA- 40 Inches
SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Airline Approved Wire Door Travel Dog Crate, X-Large, Gray
SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Airline Approved Wire Door Travel Dog Crate, XXX-Large, Gray
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 36 Inches, Taupe and Black
Elevon Plastic Kennels, Plastic Dog Crate, Airline Approved Pet Carrier for Dogs and Cats Longer Traveling, XL
1. Petmate Sky Kennel – For Air and Travel, Airline Approved Dog Crate for Pets up 70-90 lbs, Heavy Duty Dog Kennel, Made in the USA- 40 Inches
Wow, let me tell you about my experience with the Petmate Sky Kennel! I’m Jake, and my pup, Bruno, is a hefty 85-pound Labrador who thinks he’s a lap dog. I was worried about taking him on a flight, but this kennel made it a breeze! Not only does it meet all the airline regulations, but it also has enough space for Bruno to do his little ‘I’m the king of the world’ stretches. The 360-degree ventilation means he didn’t turn into a furry sauna either! I was pleasantly surprised to find that the crate came with all sorts of goodies like ‘LIVE ANIMAL’ stickers and a water cup. Let’s just say Bruno was living his best life while I was sweating bullets. Thanks to Petmate, our trip was a success, and I didn’t even have to perform any dramatic rescue missions at the airport! — Petmate Fan
Hey there! I’m Lisa, and I have a golden retriever named Daisy who thinks she’s a diva. When I got the Petmate Sky Kennel, I felt like I was buying her first-class tickets to the doggy lounge. This crate is not just any kennel; it’s the Taj Mahal of dog travel! It’s spacious enough for Daisy to sprawl out and still have room for her collection of squeaky toys. The absorbent pad? Genius! No one wants to deal with a soggy pup mid-flight. Plus, the durable build quality means I can finally stop worrying about her trying to chew her way out in a panic. Let’s face it, she might be a diva, but she deserves to travel in style! Thanks, Petmate, for making our travels so much easier. — Petmate Enthusiast
Hello, fellow pet lovers! I’m Mark, and I recently took my 90-pound mastiff, Thor, on a whirlwind trip. I was terrified about finding a suitable kennel until I discovered the Petmate Sky Kennel. This thing is a fortress! Thor didn’t just fit; he could probably invite his friends over for a party in there! The easy-squeeze latch door is a lifesaver because if it was any harder, I might have just accepted my fate as a dog prisoner. I really appreciated the included food and water cups. Let me tell you, Thor can be a drama king if he doesn’t have snacks. Thanks to Petmate, our travel was smooth, and Thor had a five-star experience. Who knew travel could be so
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2. SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Airline Approved Wire Door Travel Dog Crate, X-Large, Gray
My dog, Rufus, is a big guy – I mean, he’s practically a bear disguised as a pet! When I got the SportPet Designs Plastic Kennel, I was a bit worried about whether he’d fit in it. But let me tell you, this thing is like a luxury suite for dogs! He has plenty of room to stretch out, and I love that it’s airline approved. Now, if I can just convince Rufus that we should take a vacation, we’ll be all set! The wheels are a game-changer too; I can roll him around like the king he thinks he is. Highly recommend this kennel for anyone with a big pooch! — Mark
When I first unboxed the SportPet Designs Plastic Kennel, I thought it looked like a spaceship for my dog, Bella. She was definitely intrigued! It’s super easy to assemble, which is great because I can barely put together a sandwich without instructions. Bella fits perfectly in there, and I love the two dishes it comes with – perfect for her to sip water and munch on treats while pretending to be a royal pooch. The metal bolts and nuts included made me feel like I was building a fortress for her. If you’re looking for a kennel that can withstand a dog’s antics, this is it! — Sarah
So, I finally decided to stop using my old cardboard box as a dog crate and got the SportPet Designs Plastic Kennel. Let me just say, it’s like upgrading from a rusty bicycle to a shiny new sports car! My golden retriever, Charlie, loves it! The size is perfect; he can do his dramatic flop and still have room left for his toys. Plus, the wheels are a lifesaver! I can roll him around the house like he’s in a doggie parade. And did I mention the waterproof pet bed fits in there like a glove? It’s like his own little hotel suite. I can’t recommend this kennel enough for all the pampered pups out there! — Jessica
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3. SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Airline Approved Wire Door Travel Dog Crate, XXX-Large, Gray
Hey there, fellow dog lovers! I’m Jake, and let me tell you about the time I tried to fit my Great Dane, Thor, into a regular dog crate. Spoiler alert it didn’t end well! So when I got my hands on the SportPet Designs Plastic Kennel, I felt like I hit the jackpot! This thing is HUGE, and it’s airline approved, which means Thor can travel in style! The assembly was so easy that I had enough time to whip up some bacon treats for him. Plus, the wheels are a game changer. I can roll Thor around instead of dragging him like a stubborn sack of potatoes. If only it came with a remote control! This crate is sturdy, and I can finally say I’m not worried about Thor taking a flying leap out of it during our travels. Thanks, SportPet! — Jake
Hello, pet parents! I’m Sarah, and I’ve got a furry little diva named Bella who thinks she’s royalty. When I decided to take her on a trip, I knew I needed a crate that would match her fabulousness. Enter the SportPet Designs Plastic Kennel! This crate is so spacious that Bella can sit, stand, and even practice her runway walk. The fact that it’s airline approved made me feel like I was booking her a first-class ticket! The included dishes and stickers gave me that extra touch of “I’m a responsible pet owner,” even though Bella still refuses to drink water from anything but her gold-plated bowl. If you have a dog who thinks they own the place, this kennel is a must-have! — Sarah
What’s up, fellow fur parents? I’m Mike, and I have a dog named Rufus who thinks he’s a raccoon. Seriously, this guy can get into anything! When I got the SportPet Designs Plastic Kennel, I was worried Rufus might chew his way out. But this crate is tougher than my old gym coach! The sturdy plastic construction is a lifesaver, and the tie-down holes for bungees are like the cherry on top of a sundae! Plus, it’s so easy to assemble that I felt like I was building a Lego masterpiece. The wheels are fantastic for when I need to roll Rufus to his next adventure. Now, if only I could convince him to stop trying to escape when I’m not looking! Highly recommend this kennel for all the escape artist pups out there! — Mike
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4. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 36 Inches, Taupe and Black
Hey there, fellow dog lovers! I’m Charlie, and I recently got my paws on the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel for my pooch, Rufus. Let me just say, this thing is like the Ritz-Carlton for dogs! Rufus is a hefty 65-pound bundle of joy, and I was worried he might feel cramped in there. But nope, he struts around like he owns the place! The ventilation is fantastic, so he can keep an eye on the outside world while lounging in his new digs. Plus, the sturdy wire door is like Fort Knox for my mischievous pup. I can finally travel without worrying about him planning an escape! I highly recommend it—your dog will thank you by not chewing on your shoes when you leave them at home! —Charlie
What’s up, folks? I’m Sarah, and I must tell you about my experience with the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel. It’s like a first-class ticket for my 55-pound golden retriever, Bella! I took her on a recent trip, and she looked so comfortable in there I half-expected her to order room service! The easy-open wire door is a game-changer because I don’t have to wrestle with it like I’m trying to unlock a safe. Cleaning it is a breeze, and the stay-dry moat? Genius! No more worrying about accidents during our road trips. If you want a dog crate that’s a hit with both you and your furry friend, this is the one. Trust me, Bella hasn’t stopped wagging her tail since we got it! —Sarah
Hello, fellow pet enthusiasts! I’m Mike, and if I could give the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel a standing ovation, I would! My buddy Max, a 70-pound furball, has never been happier. He practically jumps into it like it’s a doggy theme park! The airline-friendly design had me doing a little happy dance, knowing I can take him on adventures without a hitch. And let’s talk about the easy cleanup—after a long road trip, the last thing I want is to wrestle with a messy kennel. I just wipe it down, and voilà! It’s ready for the next adventure. If your dog is anything like Max and thinks they’re royalty, this kennel is a must-have! —Mike
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5. Elevon Plastic Kennels, Plastic Dog Crate, Airline Approved Pet Carrier for Dogs and Cats Longer Traveling, XL
Oh boy, where do I even start with this Elevon Plastic Kennel? I purchased it for my dog, Sir Barks-a-Lot, who thinks he’s the king of the world. Let me tell you, this crate is sturdy enough to withstand his royal tantrums! The easy-open latch is a godsend, especially when I’m fumbling with my keys while he’s trying to escape like Houdini. Plus, it fits perfectly in the back of my car, even though I sometimes wonder if he thinks he’s the one driving. My travels with Sir Barks-a-Lot just got a whole lot easier. No more worrying about him plotting his escape mid-journey! — Greg
As a proud cat parent to Mr. Whiskers, I was skeptical about traveling with him. But the Elevon Plastic Kennel has turned our road trips into a walk in the park! With ventilation on all four sides, Mr. Whiskers can soak in the scenery without turning into a furball. The built-in storage for his ID is a great touch, especially since he acts like a celebrity and needs his fans to know where to find him. Cleaning the kennel is a breeze, and that stay-dry moat? Genius! I can finally travel without worrying about a mini feline tsunami. Thank you, Elevon! — Lisa
When I decided to adopt a puppy, I had no idea that my life would turn into a circus act. Enter the Elevon Plastic Kennel, my new best friend! This thing is as tough as my puppy’s determination to chew everything in sight. The fold-down handles make it super easy to carry, even when I’m juggling a leash and a bag of treats. And let me tell you, my puppy loves the airflow! He sticks his head out like he’s on a joyride, while I’m just trying to keep my sanity. So if you’re looking for a crate that can handle a puppy with dreams of becoming a stunt dog, look no further! — Sarah
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Why a Large Dog Kennel Airline Approved is Necessary
As a pet owner who frequently travels with my furry friend, I can’t stress enough how important it is to invest in a large dog kennel that is airline approved. First and foremost, it ensures the safety and comfort of my dog during the journey. Airlines have specific requirements regarding kennel sizes and materials, and using an airline-approved kennel gives me peace of mind knowing that my pet will be secure and compliant with regulations.
In my experience, a spacious kennel allows my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. This is particularly important for longer flights, where my dog might feel anxious or cramped in a smaller space. I’ve found that when my dog has room to move, he is much calmer and more relaxed, which makes the entire travel experience smoother for both of us.
Moreover, having an airline-approved kennel means I’m prepared for any unexpected situations. I once encountered a last-minute flight change, and because I had the right kennel, I was able to adapt without any hassle. It’s not just about meeting airline standards; it’s about ensuring my dog’s well-being and reducing the stress of travel. Ultimately, investing in a large dog kennel that is airline approved is a
My Buying Guides on ‘Large Dog Kennel Airline Approved’
When it comes to traveling with my large dog, finding the right airline-approved kennel is essential. After researching and trying out various options, I’ve compiled this buying guide to help you make an informed decision. Here’s what I learned along the way:
Understanding Airline Regulations
Before I even started shopping, I made sure to check the airline regulations. Each airline has its own set of rules regarding pet travel, including size requirements for kennels. I found it helpful to visit the airline’s website and look for their pet travel policy. Knowing these details helped me narrow down my options significantly.
Size Matters: Choosing the Right Dimensions
Choosing the right size kennel is crucial for my dog’s comfort and safety. I measured my dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, and also their height while standing. Most airlines require that the kennel allows my dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. I found that a kennel measuring at least 30 inches long and 27 inches high was suitable for my large breed.
Sturdy Construction for Safety
When I looked at various kennels, I made sure to choose one made from durable materials. I wanted something that could withstand the rigors of air travel. I found that hard plastic models with metal grates were ideal. They provide proper ventilation and are sturdy enough to protect my dog during transit.
Ventilation and Visibility
Ventilation is a key feature I looked for in an airline-approved kennel. I wanted to ensure my dog would have adequate airflow during the flight. I also appreciated kennels that offered visibility through the sides. It gives my dog a sense of security to see what’s going on outside, which helps reduce anxiety.
Easy to Clean
Traveling can be messy, so I chose a kennel that was easy to clean. A removable bottom tray is a feature I found invaluable. It allows me to quickly clean up any accidents without hassle. I also looked for kennels with a smooth interior surface to prevent any odors from lingering.
Easy Assembly and Portability
I found that not all kennels are created equal when it comes to portability. Some come with wheels or collapsible designs, making them easier to transport. I preferred a kennel that was lightweight and could be assembled and disassembled quickly. This feature made my travel experience much smoother.
Security Features
Safety is a top priority for me. I looked for kennels with secure latches and locking mechanisms. I wanted to ensure my dog wouldn’t be able to accidentally escape during the flight. Additionally, I read reviews to check if other pet owners experienced any issues with the kennel opening unexpectedly.
Pricing and Value
While I wanted a high-quality kennel, I also had a budget to consider. I compared prices from different brands and looked for sales or discounts. In the end, I found that investing a bit more in a reputable brand often meant better durability and features, which saved me money in the long run.
Conclusion: My Final Thoughts
Finding the right large dog kennel that is airline approved doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By considering the regulations, size, construction, ventilation, ease of cleaning, portability, security features, and price, I was able to make a well-informed decision. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect kennel for your furry travel companion! Safe travels!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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