Last Updated: 24th September 2026
Written by Shaun, Managing Director and co-founder of Departure Pets – with lifelong experience in animal care and formal qualifications in animal handling and behaviour.
Key Takeaways
- Emirates and Qatar Airways may ask for photos of your pet’s travel crate before approving an international booking.
- Three photos are typically requested: your pet standing beside the crate, standing inside the crate with the door open, and inside the crate with the door closed.
- Photos should be clear, unfiltered, well lit, and taken at your pet’s eye level.
- The most common reasons crate photos aren’t approved include an undersized crate, missing water bowls, and crates that aren’t IATA-compliant.
- Exact requirements can vary by airline and route and may change over time, so your Departure Pets consultant will confirm exactly what’s needed before you submit anything.
Why May Emirates & Qatar Airways Ask for Pet Crate Photos?
When your pet is travelling internationally from Australia, airlines don’t simply accept the crate size you’ve selected. Many carriers, particularly those operating through the Middle East such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, will request photographs of your pet and travel crate before approving the booking.
These photographs allow the airline to confirm that your pet will have enough ventilation, room to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably during their journey.
Requirements can differ by airline and by route, and they can change, so it’s always worth confirming with your Departure Pets consultant exactly what your pet’s specific booking needs before you submit any photos.
Before You Start: Make Sure Your Crate Fits Your Pet
If you’re unsure about sizing, head over to our How to Measure Your Dog for Airline Pet Crates guide for step-by-step instructions and you can use our handy Travel Calculator to see what crate size you need.
How to Take Your Pet’s Travel Crate Photos
The 3 Key Pet Crate Photos
Emirates and Qatar Airways may request a series of clear photographs showing your pet both inside and beside their travel crate. These photos should be taken from the requested angles, without filters, and in good lighting.
Photo 1: Your pet standing beside the pet travel crate
Photo 1: Your pet standing beside the crate
Your pet must be standing naturally on all fours directly next to the side of the crate.
Camera angle: at your pet’s eye level.
This allows the cargo staff to visually compare the height and length of your pet against the crate’s external dimensions.
Photo 2 Your pet standing inside the crate with the door open
Photo 2: Your pet standing inside the crate with the door open
Camera angle: front on.
Place your pet inside the crate facing you and standing. Take a photo straight through the open doorway. The cargo staff uses this image to check that the top of your pet’s head or the tips of their ears do not touch the ceiling.
Photo 3 Your pet inside the crate with the door closed
Photo 3: Your pet inside the crate with the door closed
Camera angle: front on, locked view of the crate.
Once your pet is inside, securely close and lock the door. Take a clear photo looking through the mesh, door bars or grille towards your pet. This confirms the locking mechanism works and that your pet can safely see out.
What Else Should Be Visible in Your Crate Photos?
The airline may also use your photos to assess your pet’s comfort, the condition of the crate, and whether important crate features are clearly visible. Before submitting your photos, check that they show:
- Your pet standing comfortably without their head or ears touching the roof
- Sufficient room for your pet to turn around naturally
- A crate that’s an appropriate length for your pet
- A secure crate door and locking mechanism
- Adequate ventilation
- Water bowls securely attached and accessible from outside the crate
- A sturdy crate in good condition
- Securely fastened crate sections and fittings
- A crate that meets applicable airline and IATA requirements
Before you submit your photos:
☐ Pet standing naturally beside the crate
☐ Pet standing inside the crate with the door open
☐ Pet inside the crate with the door closed
☐ Photos are clear and well lit
☐ Entire crate is visible where required
☐ No filters or image alterations
☐ Important crate fittings can be clearly seen
Common Reasons Crate Photos May Not Be Approved
Understanding the most common reasons for crate rejection can help you avoid delays and last-minute changes.
- Pet travel crate is too small – The pet’s ears touch the roof, or there isn’t enough room to stand comfortably.
- Pet cannot turn around easily – Airlines require pets to be able to turn around naturally inside the crate.
- Missing water bowls – Water bowls must be attached and accessible from outside the crate.
- Insufficient ventilation – Airlines may reject crates that don’t provide adequate airflow on all required sides.
- Non-IATA-compliant crates – Homemade modifications, damaged crates, or non-approved crate types may not be accepted. You can find the current IATA Live Animals Regulations on their official site.
Not Sure Whether Your Pet’s Crate Is Ready for Airline Approval?
Choosing the right travel crate is an important part of preparing your pet for international travel.
If you’re still working out which crate size your pet needs, start with our How to Measure Your Dog for Airline Pet Crates guide.
Already have a crate? Visit our Airline Approved Pet Travel Crates Guide to check the important features your crate needs before taking your approval photos.
At Departure Pets, our international team works with airline-approved travel crates every day and can help ensure your pet’s crate is appropriately sized, comfortable and ready for your pet’s journey. Request an international pet travel quote to get started today.
FAQs
Do all pets flying with Emirates or Qatar Airways need crate photos?
Requirements can vary by route and booking, so it’s best to confirm with your Departure Pets consultant whether your pet’s specific journey will need crate photos submitted.
Can I take the photos myself, or does Departure Pets need to be there?
You can take these photos yourself following the steps above. Your consultant will let you know if anything additional is needed for your pet’s booking.
What happens if my crate photos are rejected?
If an airline isn’t satisfied with a submitted photo, they’ll typically request a retake or ask for a different crate. Your Departure Pets consultant will guide you through what’s needed to get your booking approved.
Where can I find the latest crate standards?
The IATA Live Animals Regulations set the global standard for airline-approved travel crates. Your Departure Pets consultant will confirm exactly what applies to your pet’s airline and route.
Airline policies, government regulations and industry requirements can change over time. This article reflects information current as of the date above. For the latest requirements specific to your pet’s journey, please contact your Departure Pets consultant.