Does the thought of traveling with your furry friend fill you with a mix of excitement and dread? You love adventures with your dog, but the actual process of securing them safely in the car can feel like a major headache. You worry constantly: Is my dog comfortable? Are they truly safe if we stop suddenly? Choosing the right car crate shouldn’t feel like a high-stakes puzzle.
The market is flooded with options—plastic kennels, metal crates, fabric carriers—and it’s easy to get lost in confusing features and sizes. Many owners end up with a crate that either rattles loudly, doesn’t fit well, or frankly, doesn’t offer the peace of mind they need on the road. This uncertainty can turn a fun road trip into a stressful ordeal for both you and your beloved companion.
This guide cuts through the noise. We break down exactly what makes a car dog crate safe, secure, and comfortable for your specific vehicle and dog size. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which features matter most for stress-free travel.
Let’s dive in and transform your car rides from a worry session into a smooth journey for everyone.
Top Car For Dog Crates Recommendations
- SAFE DOG CAR SEAT: Dog and cat carrier provides a fully enclosed, comfortable, and secure location for your cat or dog to ride; it features mesh windows on each side and a full mesh front to allow your pet to view out
- SAFETY FIRST: Soft sided travel carrier buckles securely into your car using your car's seat belt, and for added stability the top strap adjusts tightly around headrest, ensuring the pet seat stays securely in place
- 5 EASY ACCESS DOORS: The left and right sides of the enclosure feature a large zippered door and a smaller zippered door, making access a breeze; and the zippered front door makes it easy to insert food and water without your pet escaping
- WASHABLE: The bottom of the Travel Safety Carrier is lined with a removable, machine washable comfort pad for easy clean up of those occasional pet travel accidents
- FOLDS FLAT FOR EASY STORAGE: Cat and dog carrier folds flat for space-saving storage in your trunk when your pet is not along for the ride
- 【Dimensions】LARGE SIZE pet carrier for medium, large cats or small dogs, HIGHER AND WIDER than other carriers on market, Recommended max load of 20 lbs (9 kg). Measures: 18.1"L x 11.8"W x 11.8”H. Please don't choose the carrier only based on weight but also reference your pet's length and height.
- 【Breathable and Private】GAPZER large cat carrier designed mesh all around to ensure normal circulation of air inside the box and easy for you to check on your pet. These roller blinds can be put down if your pet feels nervous.
- 【Collapsible & Lightweight】The cat carrier can be folded into a pad to save your storage space and is easy to take out. Top and side entry.
- 【Washable Liner】The large cat carrier is made from durable fabric-oxford material, and the faux lambskin liner which offers a cozy space for your pet can be removed entirely and machine-washed.
- 【Multiple-Ways of Use】 Designed for two carrying ways-shoulder straps and handles will be adjusted as you need. Filled the soft cotton into the cat backpack shoulder strap, and increased the width on it, helping to reduce load and relieve fatigue.
- Atlas 100 SUV dog crate is designed specifically for the cargo area of SUVs and hatchback vehicles; ensure you measure the desired area in your SUV prior to making purchase
- SUV dog crate measures 39 length x 23 width x 26 height inches, crate doorway is 13.5W x 18.5H inches; ideal for medium to large dog breeds weighing 40 to 60 pounds
- Great ventilation: Atlas car dog crate features strong metal mesh in both front and back of the dog crate along with vented side panels providing your dog with great air circulation
- Sturdy handles are molded into the top of the dog car crate for easy maneuverability & the dog crate can be totally dismantled for easy portability or storage
- Front door includes a convenient locking system and slides horizontally to open saving valuable space in your vehicle, Atlas SUV dog crate includes a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- EXTRA-LARGE & SPACE-SAVING: Features two pop-up switches with pull rings for quick setup and fold-down. Spacious size 27" L x 19" W x 28" H—55% taller than standard crates, allowing medium to large dogs to sit comfortably and relax during trips. Folds flat to just 4.3" H for compact storage. Up to 80lbs.
- EASY 3-STEP INSTALLATION: Step 1: Place fabric cover on frame, aligning all 6 side holes. Step 2: Fold and expand directly on your car seat for easy door entry. Step 3: Secure with the seatbelt & headrest straps for safe, stable travel. Fits cars with rear seat depth >19" W and seat-to-roof height >28" H. Also fits front passenger seats.
- SAFE & STURDY TRAVEL CRATE: Built with a lightweight yet durable metal frame that stays stable on the road. Compact size fits on a single car seat, leaving space for passengers. Built-in safety tether, and self-locking zippers (—work only when lifted straight up) to prevent escapes and keep pets secure.
- 4 ACCESS POINTS & FEEDING WINDOW: Features an extra-large front mesh door that rolls up for wide-open views. Dual side large doors for easy entry and exit, a side feeding window with 2 storage pockets, give treats or interact without opening the crate. Perfect for road trips, vet visits, and outdoor adventures.
- BREATHABLE & COMFORTABLE INTERIOR: Made of chew-proof, breathable mesh for 360° airflow and full visibility, helping reduce travel anxiety. Includes a removable soft cushion with thick PP board support, washable and leak-resistant to protect car seats.
- Stable and Portable Pet Car Crate:Featuring sturdy, non-collapsible metal frames, it keeps your pet secure and eliminates shaking during drives.When not in use, the brackets can be quickly folded, put into the included storage bag, and easily stowed in the trunk without taking up space. Stress-free travel for both you and your furry friend
- Four-fold Safety Design: This pet travel crate can be secured to rear seat with car seat belt. 2 top adjustable straps attach to front/rear headrests for stability. A pet safety leash is equipped inside the crate to prevent pets from jumping out and escaping—total protection, every mile
- Breathable & Comfortable:The dog car carrier equipped with 4 scratch and bite-resistant breathable mesh panels for excellent ventilation. The extra-large front mesh door rolls up for pets to enjoy a wide view; large access doors on both sides facilitate entry and exit; the top mesh can also be rolled up, allowing pets to stick their heads out and stretch
- Feeding & Comforting Windows: Each side features a small feeding window, allowing for safe feeding without opening the crate during trips. They also let you comfort your pet and ease its anxiety—ideal for car travels or vet visits
- Easy-to-Clean Design: The bottom of this travel safety crate is lined with a removable, comfortable mat that’s machine-washable. Additionally, the internal metal frame is detachable, making it easy to clean the crate’s fabric cover— a hassle-free and practical choice for pet owner
- Soft-sided carrier in Grey with top and front openings; for pets up to 50lb and under 26 x 17 inches (LxH), like a French Bulldog or Miniature Pincher
- Durable polyester and PVC material with sturdy zipper closures for secure containment
- Top handle and shoulder strap for easy carrying; folds flat for compact storage
- Multiple screened panels for ventilation and visibility; machine-washable soft fleece pad for comfort; handy pockets on top and sides for storing treats, toys, and more
- Note: Your dog should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably while in the crate. Measure from nose to base of tail when standing, and from top of head to floor. Add 4 inches to those measurements to confirm optimal crate height and length.
- TRAVEL DOG CAR SEAT: The mesh windows on our dog carrier for car promote airflow and allows your furry friend to observe their surroundings. While installing, please fasten the safety belt and hang the adjustable strap around headrest, ensuring stability and safety.
- COMFORT FOR DOGS: Our dog car seat enable a roomy area for dogs. Dogs can stretch out their legs in this car seat. Suitable for dogs of all breeds, and allowing them to lay down comfortably during long car rides. Ideal for medium dog up to 25 lbs, or a multi-dog family.
- 5 EASY ACCESS DOORS: Made of high quality and is anti-scratch. Both sides feature a large zippered door and a smaller zippered door, making access a breeze. And the zippered front door is lockable, makes it easy to insert food and water without your pet escaping.
- EASY TO STORE & CLEAN: This pet car seat can fold flat for space-saving storage in your trunk when your pet is not along for the ride. The bottom of the travel pet carrier is lined with a removable, machine washable comfort pad. Please take out the board before wash.
- SUITS FOR BACK SEAT: Our travel pet seat measures 24.4 X 18.9 X 19.5 Inches and holds 25 Pounds. be sure to measure your pet to ensure they will fit inside the enclosure comfortably. Please measure their length from chest to rear, it should be shorter than 24 inches.
- Space-Saving Foldable Design: This collapsible dog crate features a innovative foldable design, allowing it to be stored flat when not in use. Perfect for small apartments or homes with limited space, it ensures easy storage without sacrificing functionality.
- Easy Mobility with Wheels & Handles: Equipped with two smooth-rolling wheels and sturdy handles on both sides, this pet crate offers effortless mobility. Move your dog cage around the house or during travel with minimal effort. Ideal for repositioning in your living room, patio, or vehicle.
- Durable & Escape-Proof Construction: Made from reinforced hard plastic and strong metal wire, this heavy-duty dog crate ensures maximum security. The robust design prevents escapes and provides a safe, den-like environment for your dog. It’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing for modern homes.
- Secure & User-Friendly Lock Mechanism: Features squeeze-latch locks on the door for quick and secure closure. These locks are easy for owners to operate but prevent clever dogs from opening them. Set up and fold down the crate in seconds with no tools required.
- Multi-Scenario Use & Travel Ready: Designed for versatile use—whether as a cozy indoor dog house, a travel crate for road trips, or a temporary containment space outdoors. The medium-size crate fits comfortably in most mid-to-large SUV trunks, making it perfect for adventures and daily use alike.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Best Car Crate for Your Canine Companion
Keeping your dog safe and secure during car rides is super important. A good car crate makes travel much better for both of you. This guide helps you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check these things first. These features make a big difference in safety and convenience.
- **Sturdy Construction:** The crate must be strong. It needs to handle bumps without falling apart.
- **Secure Latching System:** Doors must lock tightly. You do not want your dog opening the door by accident!
- **Proper Ventilation:** Good airflow keeps your dog cool and comfortable. Look for mesh sides or plenty of vents.
- **Easy Cleaning:** Accidents happen. Choose materials that you can wipe down easily.
- **Fit and Size:** The crate must fit well in your car. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside.
Important Materials
The material affects durability, weight, and how easy it is to clean.
Metal Crates (Wire): These are very durable. They offer excellent ventilation. They are often heavier to move around.
Plastic Crates (Rotomolded or Hard Plastic): These offer great protection if you stop suddenly. They are usually lighter than metal crates. Make sure the plastic is thick and high-quality.
Soft-Sided Crates: These are lightweight and easy to store when empty. They are best for smaller dogs or short trips. They offer less protection in a serious crash.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the crate directly relates to how safe your dog will be.
What Makes Quality Better?
- Thick, rust-resistant metal tubing makes a crate last longer.
- Reinforced corners on plastic crates stop them from cracking.
- Nylon zippers that lock together are a sign of a higher-quality soft-sided crate.
- Crates tested for crash safety show the manufacturer cares about protection.
What Lowers the Quality?
- Thin, flimsy metal that bends easily reduces safety.
- Plastic that feels brittle or cracks easily is a bad sign.
- Doors that sag or do not close flush with the frame mean the latch might fail.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the crate every day.
If you travel long distances often, comfort is key. You will want extra padding and great ventilation. A crate that is hard to fold or carry will frustrate you quickly.
If you only use the crate for quick trips to the vet, a smaller, lighter option might work best. Some crates are designed specifically to fit the sloped backs of SUVs or wagons, which improves space usage.
Remember to secure the crate! Even the best crate needs to be strapped down using the car’s seatbelts or LATCH system. This prevents the crate from sliding around during turns or stops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Car Dog Crates
Q: How do I know what size crate my dog needs for the car?
A: Your dog must stand up fully without hitting its head. It should also be able to turn around easily. Measure your dog from nose to tail base, and then measure the space in your car. The crate must fit both requirements.
Q: Are soft-sided crates safe for highway driving?
A: Soft-sided crates offer less protection than hard plastic or metal ones during sudden stops or accidents. They are better suited for short, slow trips where the dog is generally calm.
Q: Should I use a harness instead of a crate?
A: While harnesses keep dogs from roaming, a crate restrains the dog completely during a crash, preventing serious injury to both the pet and human passengers. For maximum safety, a secured crate is usually recommended.
Q: How do I stop my dog from getting too hot in the crate?
A: Always ensure the crate has excellent ventilation. Never leave the crate in direct sun without cracking a window. You can use cooling mats inside the crate during summer travel.
Q: What is the easiest type of crate to clean?
A: Plastic crates are generally the easiest to clean because you can hose them down or wipe all surfaces quickly. Wire crates are also easy, but soft-sided ones often require spot cleaning or machine washing.
Q: Do I need to secure the crate even if it fits snugly?
A: Yes, absolutely. Even a tight fit can become a dangerous projectile during an accident or hard braking. Always use seatbelts or cargo tie-downs to secure the crate to the vehicle structure.
Q: Can I use an airline-style crate in the car?
A: Yes, many airline-approved crates are very sturdy and work well in cars, especially SUVs. They offer excellent side impact protection due to their rigid structure.
Q: What if my dog hates crates?
A: Introduce the crate slowly at home, making it a fun place with treats and toys. Before long car trips, practice short drives. Sometimes a familiar blanket or a favorite chew toy helps calm them down in the car environment.
Q: Are there crates specifically for the back of pickup trucks?
A: Yes, some manufacturers make heavy-duty, weather-proof metal boxes designed to sit securely in the bed of a truck. These are best if you need a very large space or travel off-road frequently.
Q: How often should I check the crate during a long road trip?
A: Stop every two to three hours. This allows your dog a chance to relieve themselves, drink water, and stretch their legs. This break is vital for their well-being.