Shipping live animals by air is governed by the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR), which set out the crate, ventilation, and documentation rules for every species. This quick reference summarises the Container Requirement, key construction points, and document checklist for the most common species groups so you can validate a booking before tendering it.
How it works
The LAR maps each species group to a Container Requirement (CR) number that defines the crate, plus a general space and ventilation standard. Acceptance follows the same logic every time:
species group → Container Requirement (CR) number
→ construction + ventilation rules
→ minimum-space rule (stand, turn, lie down naturally)
→ document checklist (certification, AWB, health cert, permits)The animal must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down in a natural position without touching the top or sides, and the crate must meet the ventilation openings specified in its CR.
Common species groups and their Container Requirements
The LAR assigns every species group a numbered Container Requirement (CR). The most frequently shipped groups in commercial air cargo:
| Species group | Typical CR | Key construction note |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs and cats | CR 1 | Solid floor, welded wire door, secure latch; space to stand, turn, lie |
| Horses and large equines | CR 1 (modified) / CR 71 | Specialist horse air stalls; most airlines require ATA certified containers |
| Live birds (most species) | CR 1 / CR 53 | Escape-proof ventilation openings; no material contact with adjacent containers |
| Live fish and aquatics | CR 51 | Sealed, oxygen-supplemented bags in insulated styrofoam; no standard crate |
| Small rodents / laboratory animals | CR 1 (modified) | Bedding requirements; many labs use IATA-certified lab-animal crates |
Always confirm the exact CR for the specific species in the current LAR edition, as sub-species distinctions and regulatory updates can change the applicable requirement.
Documents typically required
Building the document pack early is critical because several items have lead times or restricted validity windows:
- Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods or Shipper’s Certification for Live Animals (SCLA): completed by the shipper, certifying the container meets requirements
- Air Waybill (AWB): must note “Live Animals” on the face
- Veterinary health certificate: issued by an accredited or government-authorised veterinarian; typically valid for 10 days from issue date (varies by destination)
- Import permit: required by many destination countries; lead times can range from days to weeks
- CITES permit or certificate: mandatory for Appendix I or II species; both origin and destination permits may be required and must travel with the shipment
- Fit-to-fly certificate: some airlines and some species (horses, non-human primates) require a separate statement that the animal is fit for the journey
Notes and tips
Treat this as a planning aid, not the binding rule: the LAR is reissued every year and the exact Container Requirement, ventilation openings, and permit list can change. Build your document pack early — health certificates and import permits often have lead times and validity windows that can derail a booking if left late. For CITES-listed species, endangered-species permits are mandatory and must travel with the shipment. Always reconcile against the current LAR edition and the destination authority before the animal arrives at the airport.
Airline acceptance staff also apply the ACAS (Animal Care and Support) pre-acceptance checklist at tender; a well-prepared shipment file covering all of the above prevents last-minute refusals at the cargo terminal.