Does the thought of a road trip with your furry friend fill you with excitement but also a little worry? You want your dog to be safe and comfortable in the car, but finding the perfect travel solution can feel like a puzzle. So many dog crates exist, each promising the best in safety and convenience. How do you sort through the hard plastic, the soft-sided carriers, and the metal wire options to find the one that truly fits your dog and your vehicle?
Choosing the wrong crate can lead to uncomfortable rides for your pup, potential safety hazards, and frustration for you. It’s a big decision that affects every car journey. But don’t stress! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes a car crate truly effective and safe.
Keep reading to discover the essential features you need to look for, understand the different types available, and learn how to choose the ideal travel home for your beloved companion. Get ready to make your next car ride a breeze!
Top Car Crates For Dogs 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Space-saving Design: Garnpet collapsible dog crate is designed to save space when not in use, making it an ideal choice for pet owners who are looking for a pet crate that can be easily stored away.
- Portable and lightweight: Our soft dog crate is made with lightweight materials and comes with convenient handles, making it easy to carry with you on the go. Whether you’re traveling with your pet or simply need to move the crate from one room to another, Garnpet collapsible soft dog cage is the perfect solution.
- Stable Structure: The foldable crate is made with a sturdy steel frame and high-quality waterproof Oxford fabric, ensuring that your pet is safe and secure while inside. The mesh windows allow for ventilation, while the zippered door makes it easy to access your pet.
- Easy to clean: The fabric on this soft side dog kennel is waterproof and easy to clean, which is ideal for pet owners who want a low-maintenance solution. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge, and it will be as good as new.
- Versatile: This dog crate can be used for a variety of purposes, from crate training your puppy to providing a safe and cozy space for your pet to rest. It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and the collapsible design means you can take it with you wherever you go.
- 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 Best Car Crate for Your Canine Companion
Traveling with your dog should be safe and stress-free. A good car crate keeps your pet secure in the vehicle. It also offers them a familiar den-like space on trips. This guide helps you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important traits:
Safety and Security
- Secure Locking Mechanisms: Doors must latch tightly. You do not want your dog opening the crate accidentally.
- Sturdy Construction: The crate must handle sudden stops or bumps without breaking apart.
- Crash-Tested Ratings: Some high-end crates have safety ratings. These show they protect your dog in an accident.
Comfort and Ventilation
- Proper Sizing: Your dog needs space to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A crate too small causes stress.
- Good Airflow: Look for crates with plenty of ventilation holes or mesh sides. This prevents overheating.
Ease of Use
- Easy Cleaning: Accidents happen. Removable, washable trays make cleanup simple.
- Portability: If you take the crate out of the car often, choose one that folds down easily or has strong handles.
Important Materials Matter
The material affects durability, weight, and safety.
Metal Crates (Wire)
These are very strong. They offer excellent ventilation. Quality metal crates use rust-resistant finishes. Thicker gauge wire usually means better quality.
Plastic Crates (Travel Carriers)
These are lightweight and often easier to clean. They offer more protection from the elements. Ensure the plastic is thick and doesn’t crack easily when squeezed. Heavy-duty plastic is superior.
Soft-Sided Crates
These are the lightest option. They are great for short trips or indoor use. However, they offer less protection in a crash. Always check the fabric; durable, water-resistant nylon is best.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all crates are made equal. Pay attention to these details:
Quality Boosters:
- Welds and Joints: Strong, clean welds on metal crates show quality manufacturing.
- Thick Walls/Bars: Thicker materials resist bending and damage over time.
- Non-Toxic Finishes: Ensure paints or coatings are safe if your dog chews on the crate.
Quality Reducers:
- Flimsy Latches: Cheap plastic latches break easily or can be pawed open.
- Sharp Edges: Rough edges on metal crates can injure your pet.
- Weak Hinges: Poorly constructed hinges wear out quickly, making the crate unstable.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the crate most often.
Daily Commuting vs. Long Road Trips
For daily short trips, a moderately sized plastic or sturdy soft-sided crate works well. For long road trips, prioritize comfort and ventilation. A larger, crash-tested metal crate might be necessary for maximum peace of mind.
Placement in the Vehicle
Crates placed in the cargo area of an SUV or hatchback often fit better than those in the back seat. Measure your space! Some crates come with straps to secure them to the car seats, which improves stability greatly.
Remember, a crate is an investment in your dog’s safety. Choose wisely based on your dog’s size and your travel habits.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Car Crates for Dogs
Q: How do I measure my dog for the right crate size?
A: Measure your dog from nose to tail base and from paw to the top of their head. The crate should allow a few extra inches for standing up fully and turning around easily.
Q: Can I use a soft-sided crate in the back of a truck bed?
A: No. Soft-sided crates are not safe for open truck beds. They offer no protection from weather or impact. Use a heavy-duty, secured metal crate instead.
Q: Is it okay for my dog to be loose in the car if they are well-behaved?
A: No. Loose pets become dangerous projectiles in an accident. A secured crate or a safety harness is required for safe travel according to many safety experts.
Q: How often should I clean the car crate?
A: Clean up any messes immediately. Give the crate a thorough wash with pet-safe cleaner monthly, or whenever it smells musty.
Q: What is the difference between a travel crate and a regular kennel?
A: Travel crates are often lighter or designed to specifically secure into a vehicle. Regular kennels might be larger or built primarily for home use, lacking secure tie-downs for cars.
Q: Should I use bedding inside the car crate?
A: Yes, use non-slip, washable bedding. This adds comfort. Make sure the bedding does not interfere with the door latching mechanism.
Q: Are metal crates too hot in the summer?
A: Metal itself doesn’t trap heat, but if the crate is in direct sun, the bars can get hot. Ensure the crate has great ventilation and cover it with a light, breathable cloth if needed.
Q: What if my dog panics in a crate?
A: Start crate training slowly outside the car first. Introduce short car rides with positive reinforcement (treats). Never force your dog inside.
Q: Can I secure a plastic crate using seat belts?
A: Some plastic crates are designed with slots or holes that allow you to thread a seat belt through them. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for proper securing methods.
Q: How much should I spend on a quality car crate?
A: Safety features cost more. Expect to spend more for crash-tested or very heavy-duty metal crates designed for frequent highway travel. Budget safety over just saving money.