For Correct Size Travel Crate 

It is very important to measure your Dachshund carefully to ensure you are purchasing the correct size. This can be a little confusing – here are step-by step instructions on how to measure your Dachshund for a crate that will comply with airline rules.

When choosing a crate for airline travel with your Dachshund please be aware that an airline can refuse to take your dog on the flight for not having the correct airline approved crate and if it is the wrong size for your Dachshund.

We were surprised after measuring our Dachshund (Luke) that due to his long back he needed a larger cage than we would have purchased.

This is the correct way to measure your Dachshund before purchasing a crate for airline travel.

So get out the tape and determine:                                 

A = Length of your dog from nose to base of tail                

B = Height from ground to elbow joint                                            

C = Width across shoulders                                                             

D = Height, ground to top of head or tip of ear (highest point)  

Luke’s measurements:

A= 19 inches   B=  3 inches  C=  6 inches  D= 12 inches 

Kennel sizing:                                                               

Length of kennel = A + B                                                                                     

Width= C + l inch (3cm) x 2                                             

Height = D + 3 inches                                                         

Luke’s kennel size:

Length = 22 inches  Width = 14 inches  Height = 15 inches

Petmate Kennel sizes:

Small: 21″ x 16″ x15″
Medium: 28″ x 20 1/2″ x 21 1/2″

As you can see because of a Dachshund’s long back, they are often too long for a small cage.

Dachshund Luke only has 3-inch legs yet he needed a medium cage (by 1 inch!). Had I just gone into a pets store to buy a cage I would defiantly have purchased a smaller version.

Again, please check with your chosen airline and then measure away.

 How To Prepare A Dachshunds Crate For A Flight

Flying With A Dachshund Make Sure They Get On The Flight

When you fill out the forms and hand over your dog to the Pet Cargo department, he begins a journey without you to monitor him, similar to your luggage.

Luggage not arriving is an inconvenience; you file a complaint and let off a bit of steam at the lost luggage office, buy a new set of underwear and a toothbrush and hope that it magically appears at your hotel before the end of your vacation.

Your dog not arriving is unforgivable and stressful to say the least. 

When he transferred between the warehouse, cargo, and plane, you want everyone to remember his crate. The more it stands out from the other crates the better. 

Tips on how to get  your Dachshunds crate ready for a flight. 

Sticky tape in various colors is perfect. Buy fluorescent and bright colors and have fun. Important: Make sure you do not block any air holes or the airlines will ask you to remove it. 

Reflectors: Put these on each side so the cage reflects light making it easier to see. 

Ribbon in bright colors’ or twine tied to the handle of the cage – just as you would do to your luggage. 

Label your crate with a picture of your dog. We have a Dachshund; he is small and wanted the handlers to know that. 

Include on the label: flight information, your name, dogs name, and contact phone numbers. Print 4 and tape them to each corner of the crate. 

Label your dog. Write contact numbers, your dogs name and flight details on a piece of tape and stick it onto his collar. 

Tape a ziplock bag of dry food to the top of the crate. 

Food bowls: These have to be airline approved (order with cage) and attached inside on the door of the crate. 

Secure crate: When checking your Dachshund into the cargo PETS department double check that the cage is secure. As well as the bolts that come with the cage, also use zip ties as a double precaution. Zip tie the cage door closed so that it is less likely to be opened by a staff member unless in an emergency. 

Include a pillow and blanket for your dog. Dachshund especially are often more comfortable if they can burrow under a blanket.

Please be sure to check the following links:

 How To Measure A Dachshund For A Travel Crate

Flying With A Dachshund – Make Sure They Get On The Plane