Does the thought of a long car ride with your furry friend fill you with a mix of excitement and a little bit of worry? You want your dog to be safe and comfortable, but the open road can present some challenges. Finding the perfect dog crate for car travel can feel like a maze. Should it be hard-sided or soft-sided? What size is right? How do you keep your pup relaxed while you drive?
These questions are common for many dog owners. A good car crate means a safer trip for everyone and a happier journey for your dog. It can be tough to sort through all the different styles and features out there, leaving you unsure if you are picking the best option. Don’t let crate confusion slow down your next adventure!
This guide is here to clear up the confusion. We will break down what makes a great travel crate, discuss the pros and cons of different types, and help you choose one that fits your dog and your car perfectly. Get ready to learn exactly what you need to make car rides stress-free and secure.
Top Dog Crates For Car Travel Recommendations
- 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 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 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
- SECURE AND SAFE: Protect your pet with this USA made plastic dog crate featuring a an easy-open, sturdy wire door and tamper-proof holes for zip ties, so the kennel stays secure—a requirement for air travel
- AIRLINE-FRIENDLY: This pet carrier for dogs meets most airline cargo specifications, offering four-sided ventilation for your pet's comfort and visibility during air travel
- FOR SMALL DOGS: Designed for dogs weighing up to 10 lbs, this dog travel crate should have enough room for your pet to walk around and lie down with interior dimentions of 16.2" L x 12" W x 9" H
- EASY CLEANING: The portable dog crate's sturdy plastic shell is easy to wipe down quickly, while the stay-dry moat directs fluids away from your pet, making it great for housebreaking puppies or keeping pets dry during travel
- COMMITTED TO PET WELL-BEING: For over 60 years, Petmate has created high-quality products like pet crates for dogs that improve the lives of pets and their owners
- Small 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: 26 x 18 x 18 inches (LxWxH); Water-resistant base
- 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.
- 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
- Collapsible Dog Crate: This collapsible dog crate is a versatile solution for pet owners, offering portability and convenience. Available in various sizes for small, medium, large, and extra-large dogs, this portable dog crate provides a safe and comfortable dwelling for your pet. It can be set up in just a few minutes without tools and easily folded down when not in use, making it the perfect foldable dog crate for travel or saving space at home.
- Soft and Breathable: This soft-sided dog crate is designed with four zippered mesh walls that ensure optimal ventilation, providing a comfortable environment for your furry friend. Inside, the soft crate features a plush mat, offering a cozy and relaxing space for them to unwind.
- Easy Assembly : Designed for convenience, this collapsible dog crate can be assembled in just 2 minutes. As a portable dog crate, it features a water-resistant design with waterproof fabric, making it easy to clean with just a damp cloth. The removable, machine-washable mat simplifies care and maintenance.
- Designed for Travel: This portable travel dog crate features a soft-sided, foldable construction that easily collapses into a compact package. It includes a convenient storage bag, making it effortless to carry on outings and adventures. Whether you're using it as an outdoor dog kennel or for travel, this crate ensures ease and convenience.
- Versatile: This dog crate serves multiple purposes, from crate training your puppy to providing a safe and cozy resting space for your pet. As a car crate for dogs, it's ideal for travel, with a collapsible design that makes it easy to take with you wherever you go. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this crate offers flexibility and convenience.
Choosing the Best Dog Crate for Safe Car Travel
Taking your dog on a road trip is fun! But safety is important. A good car crate keeps your dog secure and happy. This guide helps you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a travel crate, check these important things first.
- Secure Latching System: The door must lock tight. You do not want your dog opening it accidentally while driving. Look for double locks or strong metal latches.
- Proper Ventilation: Dogs need fresh air. Make sure the crate has plenty of holes or mesh panels on several sides. This stops the crate from getting too hot.
- Size Matters: Your dog must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside. A crate that is too small stresses your pet. A crate that is too big might let your dog slide around too much during stops.
- Tie-Down Points: The best crates have loops or holes to secure them to your car seats or cargo area. This stops the crate from sliding if you stop suddenly.
- Emergency Exit: Some high-end crates have back doors or escape hatches. This helps if the main door gets jammed in an accident.
Important Materials for Durability and Safety
The material of the crate affects how long it lasts and how safe it is.
Plastic Crates (Rotomolded or Hard Plastic)
These are very popular. Good quality plastic crates offer excellent protection against side impacts. They are usually lightweight and easy to clean. Look for thick, durable plastic. Thin plastic cracks easily, which reduces safety.
Metal Crates (Wire or Aluminum)
Wire crates are lightweight and offer great airflow. However, they might not protect as well in a collision as solid-sided crates. Aluminum crates are very strong and light but often cost more. Ensure any metal edges are smooth so your dog does not get scratched.
Fabric Crates
These are soft-sided and great for very short trips or for dogs who need a den-like feel. They are the lightest option. However, they offer the least protection in a crash. Only use fabric crates if you are sure your dog will not chew through them.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality directly affects safety and ease of use.
What Makes a Crate High Quality?
- Sturdy Hardware: Strong zippers (on fabric crates) and thick metal hinges (on hard crates) mean fewer breakdowns.
- Easy Assembly/Folding: If you travel often, a crate that folds flat quickly is a huge bonus.
- Non-Slip Bottom: A rubberized or textured bottom keeps the crate stable on slick car seats or cargo floors.
What Lowers the Quality?
- Flimsy Plastic: If the plastic bends easily when you press it, it will not protect your dog well.
- Sharp Edges: Watch out for rough spots where metal pieces join together.
- Poor Fit: If the crate rattles or moves excessively when you place it in the car, it is a low-quality fit for travel.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the crate most often.
Long Road Trips vs. Quick Vet Visits
For long road trips, comfort is key. You need a crate large enough for bedding and water bowls. For quick trips to the vet, portability and quick setup might be more important than having extra space.
Placement in the Vehicle
Most safety experts suggest placing crates in the cargo area of an SUV or wagon, secured firmly with straps. If you use the back seat, ensure the crate fits snugly between the seats or that you use the seatbelt system to anchor it. Never put a crate where an airbag might deploy toward it.
A happy dog makes for a pleasant trip. Choosing the right crate is the first step to safe car adventures together.
Top 10 FAQs About Dog Crates for Car Travel
Q: What size crate does my dog really need for the car?
A: Your dog needs enough room to stand tall without bumping its head, turn completely around, and lie down flat. Measure your dog from nose to tail base, and from paw to the top of the shoulder.
Q: Are soft-sided crates safe in a car accident?
A: Soft-sided crates offer limited crash protection compared to hard plastic or metal crates. They are best for very small dogs or for short, slow drives where the dog is well-behaved.
Q: How do I keep the crate from sliding around?
A: Use the built-in tie-down straps if the crate has them. If not, use heavy-duty bungee cords or ratchet straps to secure the crate firmly to the car’s anchor points or around the seatbacks.
Q: Should I use a crate in the front seat?
A: No. Never place a crate in the front seat if your car has active airbags. The force of an airbag deploying can severely injure or kill your dog, even if the crate is secure.
Q: How can I give my dog water during a long drive?
A: Use a spill-proof water bowl that attaches directly to the crate bars. Stop every few hours to offer water, or use a specialized hanging water dispenser.
Q: Do I need special padding for the crate?
A: Yes. Use a non-slip mat or a thin, comfortable dog bed. This prevents your dog from slipping when the car brakes or turns.
Q: What if my dog chews the plastic crate?
A: If your dog chews aggressively, switch to a heavy-duty metal crate, often called a “heavy-gauge” or “escape-proof” model. You can also try spraying bitter apple spray on the plastic edges.
Q: Are crates required by law for car travel?
A: Laws vary by state or country. Many places require dogs to be restrained. A crate is one of the safest ways to meet restraint rules.
Q: How do I introduce my dog to the new car crate?
A: Start slowly at home. Put treats and favorite toys inside. Feed meals inside the crate with the door open first. Then, close the door for short periods while you are nearby.
Q: What is the difference between a travel crate and a regular kennel?
A: Travel crates are often designed to be more compact, lightweight, and easier to secure to vehicle seats. Regular kennels might be bulkier or designed only for indoor or outdoor stationary use.