Does the thought of a road trip with your furry friend fill you with excitement, or a little bit of dread? Imagine this: you’re cruising down the highway, windows down, and your dog is happily secure. Now picture this: a sudden stop, and your dog is sliding around in the back seat. That second scenario is exactly what we want to avoid!
Choosing the perfect dog crate for your car is a big deal. You want safety, right? But you also want comfort for your dog and something that fits your vehicle. It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out which size, material, and style is best. You worry about whether it will be easy to install or if your pup will actually like being in it.
Don’t stress! This post breaks everything down. We will explore the best options available. You will learn exactly what features matter most for safe and happy travels with your dog. Get ready to find the ideal car crate that makes every journey a breeze.
Top Dog Crate For Car Recommendations
- Soft-sided dog crate for keeping a furry 4-legged friend safe and comfortable when traveling, includes a Small dog crate made of tan polyester fabric and a lightweight yet sturdy frame
- Sets up in seconds with no tools needed; folds flat for easy portability and compact storage;2 doors (top and front) for easy loading and unloading
- Secure zipper closures, plus fastening straps to keep unzipped rolled-up doors in place and out of the way; mesh windows and front door provide ventilation on all 4 sides
- Recommended for medium sized breeds such as Blue Heelers and Golden Retrievers (50 lbs)
- Product dimensions: 29.92"L x 21.3"W x 21.3''H (LxWxH)
- 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
- Safe Travel Containment: The PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Travel Crate installs securely into the backseat with seatbelt straps and a headrest loop to keep your pet safely contained during car rides
- Foldable & Travel Friendly: This lightweight carrier with leather handles folds flat for space-saving easy storage, perfect for road trips and compact cars
- Comfort & Convenience: Soft-sided dog crate with mesh windows, a waterproof fleece pad, dual side doors, and convenient storage pockets offers cozy seating and easy access
- Global Mission, Local Care: With U.S. roots and worldwide reach, PetSafe delivers vet- and trainer-recommended solutions and exceptional customer support to create fields of joy for pets
- 25 Years of Trust: Since 1998, PetSafe has created safe, innovative, and trusted products that bring joy, enhance pet lives, and support the lifelong bond between pets and their families
- Enhanced Security & Stability Upgrades: Our collapsible dog crate is made with welded heavy-duty steel bars and dual-locking doors to keep even the strongest escape artists safely contained. The durable mesh material is not only scratch-resistant but also provides a wide view and great breathability.
- Travel-Friendly Pet Crate: Need to store or travel? This portable dog kennel collapses for easy storage in car trunks, closets, or RVs. Perfect for camping, road trips, or moving houses—sets up in seconds with no tools! Perfect for dog owners with outdoor & indoor lifestyles.
- Easy-Clean & Safety Design: Enjoy the comfort of premium memory foam with the convenience of machine-washable care - no special cleaning required. An interior leash attachment clips to your pup' s collar to keep them secure inside this travel dog crate.
- Portable & Durable Pet Kennel: The EHEYCIGA soft dog crate Lightweight steel frame with rugged durability. Features auto-lock water bottle holder, storage pouch and safety reflectors. Perfect for home use and travel adventures.
- Multi-Functional Foldable Dog Crate: Our dog kennel offers a portable pet housing solution with 4 adjustable sizes to accommodate various breeds. Features tool-free assembly for instant setup and flattened storage capability. This space-saving pet cage delivers both comfort and travel convenience.
- 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.
- Medium 4-door folding pet travel kennel with soft sides for cats, dogs, rabbits, and other small animals
- Top door for sunlight and breathability, front and side doors with zipper lock clips for added security; Included straps to roll up and secure fabric doors when leaving the portable dog crate open
- Carrying handle and padded shoulder strap for easily transporting when pet kennel is folded; includes removable fleece pet bed pad
- Convenient pop-up pet crate design can be set up and folded down in seconds with no tools required
- Product Dimensions: 30 x 21 x 21 inches (LxWxH). Water-resistant base
- Hard sided pet carrier with 2 doors for front and top entry; suitable for cat or medium size dog weighing 12 - 20 pounds
- Durable plastic construction with steel wire doors; screws keep the top and bottom sections securely connected
- Spring load latches ensure easy one-handed door opening and closing; top door swings open to the left or right and includes a top carry handle
- Plenty of air ventilation on the sides, top, and back of the carrier
- Note: Be sure to measure the size of the pet when choosing carrier size
- 【SAFE & SECURE CONSTRUCTION】This portable dog kennel is with protected seams and reinforced corners ensure your pet's safety. Made from durable quality & water-resistant materials makes it a great crate for small and medium dogs/cat/rabbit.
- 【THREE DOORS DESIGN】The dog cage features 3 high-density mesh windows for convenient access and be more ventilate.Double Zipper avoids pet’s escaping. Removable pad is comfortable and washable.
- 【DIMENSION】28"Lx18"Wx22"H,would fit 1-2 cats.ATTENTION:JUST fit small dog like Standard Poodle,Schnauzer OR SMALLER PET. 32"Lx21"Wx26"H,would fit Medium Pet like Boxer/Bulldog/Chihuahua/ French Bulldog. Please compare it's size with the kennel you have and choose the right size.
- 【EASY TO FOLD AND UNFOLD】The sturdy and flexible steel wire makes sets up in seconds and requires no assembly, folds flat when not in use for easy carrying and storing. Warping occurs sometimes. Easy to get back to normal.
- 【OCCASIONS】This pop up dog kennel is ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Great as a car crate or travel kennel for camping and day trips.
Choosing the Right Dog Crate for Car Travel
Taking your dog on car trips is fun. A good car crate keeps your dog safe and comfortable. It also protects your car. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Several important things make a car crate great. Look closely at these features before you buy.
Safety and Security
- Sturdy Locking Mechanisms: The door must lock tightly. You do not want your dog opening it by accident.
- Secure Tie-Down Points: Good crates have strong loops or hooks. You use these to strap the crate to the car seats or cargo area. This stops the crate from sliding around during sudden stops.
- Crash-Tested Ratings: Some high-end crates have safety testing. This offers extra peace of mind on long drives.
Ventilation and Comfort
- Plenty of Airflow: Look for crates with mesh sides or many holes. Dogs get hot easily, so good airflow is a must.
- Appropriate Sizing: The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It should not be too big, though. A crate that is too large can cause your dog to bounce around in a crash.
Ease of Use
- Easy Cleaning: Spills happen. Choose crates with removable, washable pads or smooth surfaces that wipe down fast.
- Portability: If you take the crate out often, look for lightweight designs or ones that fold flat for easy storage.
Important Materials Matter
The material of the crate greatly affects its strength and weight.
Metal Crates (Wire)
These are very strong. They offer excellent ventilation. They are often heavier. Quality wire should be thick and rust-resistant.
Plastic Crates (Hard Shell)
These are popular. They provide solid walls, which some dogs feel safer in. Make sure the plastic is thick and durable. Thin plastic cracks easily.
Fabric Crates (Soft-Sided)
These are the lightest. They fold up small. They are best for smaller dogs or very short trips. They are less safe in a serious accident compared to hard materials.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all crates are made the same. Pay attention to the build.
Quality Boosters
- Heavy-Duty Hardware: Strong metal hinges and thick zippers (on fabric crates) last longer.
- Non-Slip Bottoms: A rubberized bottom stops the crate from sliding on leather or vinyl car seats.
- Sound Construction: Wiggle the crate. If it feels shaky or rattles a lot, the quality is probably low.
Quality Reducers
- Sharp Edges: Poorly finished metal or plastic edges can hurt your dog.
- Flimsy Zippers: Cheap zippers break quickly, leaving your dog unsecured.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use the crate.
Daily Commutes
For short trips to the vet or park, a lighter, easily assembled crate works well. Comfort is key here.
Long Road Trips
Safety becomes the top priority. You need a very sturdy crate, perhaps one crash-tested. Make sure it fits securely in the cargo area or back seat, and plan frequent water and potty breaks.
SUV vs. Sedan
SUVs and hatchbacks often have more room for large, boxy crates in the back cargo area. Sedans usually require crates that fit on the back seat, often needing a specific shape to fit between the seat belt anchors.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Car Crates
Q: How do I measure my dog for the right crate size?
A: Measure your dog from nose to tail base when standing. Then measure from the floor to the top of the head. Add a few inches to both measurements to ensure they can stand and turn comfortably inside the crate.
Q: Should the crate go on the back seat or the cargo area?
A: The cargo area (for SUVs/Wagons) is often safest because it allows for a larger, sturdier crate shape. If it goes on the back seat, you must secure it tightly with seatbelts.
Q: Are soft-sided crates safe enough for the highway?
A: Soft-sided crates offer minimal protection in a serious collision. They are best for well-behaved dogs on short, slow trips where security from movement is the main goal.
Q: How often should I stop on a long trip?
A: Stop every two to three hours. This lets your dog stretch, drink water, and relieve themselves. Never let your dog out of the car while it is still moving.
Q: Can I use a regular house crate in the car?
A: Yes, but check its stability. House crates often shift easily. You must use strong straps to anchor them down so they do not become dangerous projectiles in an accident.
Q: What is the best way to secure a crate to the car seat?
A: Use the built-in LATCH system anchors or thread the car’s seatbelt through the designated slots or loops on the crate frame. Pull it very tight.
Q: Will my dog get too hot in a plastic crate?
A: Plastic crates need good ventilation holes. Never leave a dog in a crate in a parked car, even for a minute. Temperatures rise very fast inside a closed vehicle.
Q: What if my dog hates crates?
A: Introduce the crate slowly at home first. Make it a positive place with treats and favorite toys. Never use the crate as punishment. Practice short car rides before long ones.
Q: Do I need a special crate for flying versus driving?
A: Yes. Flying requires IATA-approved crates, which must have metal bolts holding the top and bottom sections together, not just plastic clips.
Q: How do I clean a crate after a car sickness incident?
A: Immediately remove any bedding. Use a pet-safe disinfectant spray on all hard surfaces. If the crate is fabric, machine wash the cover if possible, or use enzymatic cleaners on the spot.