Does the thought of your furry friend bouncing around the car during a sudden stop make your stomach clench? You love taking your dog on adventures, but road trips can feel stressful when you worry about their safety and the mess they might make. Finding the perfect car dog crate feels like a puzzle. Should it be plastic, metal, or fabric? How big does it really need to be? These choices can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure if you are picking the best option for your pup and your vehicle.
This post cuts through the confusion. We explore exactly what makes a car crate safe, comfortable, and easy to use. You will learn the key features to look for, avoiding common mistakes that lead to wasted money and unhappy dogs. By the end, you will feel confident choosing a crate that keeps your best friend secure on every journey. Let’s dive into finding the ideal travel solution for your car and canine companion.
Top Car Dog Crate Recommendations
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
Choosing the Right Car Dog Crate: A Buyer’s Guide
Taking your furry friend on car rides should be safe and comfortable for everyone. A good car dog crate keeps your dog secure. It also protects your car’s interior. This guide helps you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important parts:
- Size and Fit: The crate must fit your dog. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside. Measure your car’s space too!
- Security and Locking: Strong latches are a must. They stop your dog from accidentally opening the door. Good crates often have double locks.
- Ventilation: Dogs need fresh air. Look for crates with plenty of mesh windows or airflow holes. Good airflow prevents overheating.
- Portability: If you travel often, a lightweight, foldable crate is easier to handle and store.
- Ease of Cleaning: Accidents happen. Choose crates with removable, waterproof liners or trays that you can easily wipe down.
Important Materials Matter
The material of the crate affects its safety and lifespan.
Metal Crates
Metal crates (usually aluminum or steel) offer excellent durability and security. They are often the safest option in a crash, but they can be heavy.
Plastic Crates (Rotomolded)
High-quality, thick plastic crates are sturdy and offer good insulation. They are lighter than metal but might not offer the same level of impact protection as heavy-duty metal frames.
Soft-Sided Crates
These use heavy-duty fabric like nylon or canvas over a frame. They are very light and great for quick trips or when space is limited. However, they are less secure against determined chewers or in a serious accident.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all crates are made the same. Pay attention to these details:
Quality Boosters:
- Welds and Seams: Strong, tight welds on metal crates mean they won’t break easily.
- Hardware: Rust-resistant zippers and high-grade metal hardware last longer.
- Crash Testing: Some premium crates undergo rigorous crash testing. This significantly improves safety.
Quality Reducers:
- Thin Materials: Flimsy plastic or thin mesh can break or tear quickly.
- Sharp Edges: Poorly finished edges on metal crates can injure your dog.
- Weak Latches: Cheap latches are a major safety risk. They can fail under pressure.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the crate.
Daily Commutes:
For short trips to the vet or daily errands, a medium-weight plastic crate or a sturdy soft-sided carrier works well. They are easy to secure using car seatbelts.
Long Road Trips:
On long journeys, comfort is key. You need maximum ventilation and space for your dog to shift positions. A larger, well-ventilated metal crate secured firmly to the cargo area is often best.
Car Type Matters:
If you have an SUV or hatchback, a crate designed specifically for the cargo area might be necessary. For sedans, you might use a smaller crate secured onto the back seat. Always ensure the crate does not block the driver’s rear view.
A well-chosen car crate provides peace of mind. It ensures your travel buddy stays safe while you focus on the road.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Car Dog Crates
Q: What is the safest type of car crate?
A: Generally, heavy-duty metal crates with secure, multi-point locking systems offer the highest level of crash safety.
Q: How do I measure my dog for the right crate size?
A: Measure your dog from nose to tail base and from the top of the head to the floor. Add a few inches to these measurements to ensure adequate room for movement inside the crate.
Q: Can I use a regular wire crate in the car?
A: You can, but standard wire crates often shift too much. You must secure them tightly using straps or bungee cords so they cannot slide or tip over during braking.
Q: Are soft-sided crates safe enough for long drives?
A: Soft-sided crates are better for short trips. They offer limited protection during high-speed impacts compared to rigid plastic or metal carriers.
Q: How should I secure the crate in my car?
A: Always use the built-in tie-down points, LATCH systems, or heavy-duty seatbelts to anchor the crate firmly to the vehicle seat or cargo floor. It should not move at all.
Q: What if my dog tries to chew the crate?
A: If your dog chews, choose a metal crate made from thick, powder-coated steel. Avoid plastic or soft-sided crates, as your dog might ingest pieces.
Q: Should the crate cover the entire back seat?
A: No. The crate should only take up the space needed for your dog plus a small buffer. You do not want a large crate taking up space meant for passengers or blocking necessary visibility.
Q: Do I need ventilation on all sides?
A: Yes, good airflow is crucial. Look for crates with mesh on at least three sides to prevent your dog from getting too hot, especially in summer.
Q: How often should I clean the car crate?
A: You should clean the liner and wipe down the interior after every few trips, or immediately after any accidents, to maintain hygiene.
Q: Can I leave the crate in the car permanently?
A: If the crate is metal, extreme heat or cold can make the metal very hot or cold. It is generally better to remove soft-sided or plastic crates when not in use to prevent sun damage or theft.