Does the thought of a road trip with your furry best friend fill you with excitement, but the worry about their safety in the car keep you up at night? You’re not alone! Many dog owners face the challenge of finding a car crate that is both secure for their pup and fits perfectly in their vehicle. It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out which crate offers the best protection without taking up too much space or causing your dog stress.
Choosing the wrong crate can lead to uncomfortable rides, potential hazards, and even anxiety for your dog. We know you want the best for your companion, which is why we’ve dug deep into the world of dog car crates. In this post, we’ll break down what makes a great crate, what to look for in terms of safety and comfort, and how to choose the perfect one for your adventures together.
Keep reading to discover our top picks and essential tips for making car travel a breeze for both you and your dog!
Top Car Crate For Dogs 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
- 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 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)
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 Crate for Your Furry Friend
Traveling with your dog should be safe and comfortable for everyone. A good car crate keeps your dog secure during drives. It also protects your car’s interior. This guide helps you pick the best crate for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a dog crate, several features really matter. Think about safety first. Then consider comfort and ease of use.
Durability and Security
- Sturdy Construction: The crate must hold up to travel bumps. Look for strong metal or heavy-duty plastic.
- Secure Latching System: Doors must lock tightly. A weak latch can let your dog out accidentally.
- Crash Tested (If Possible): Some high-end crates offer crash-testing certifications. This adds a layer of safety assurance.
Ventilation and Visibility
- Ample Airflow: Good ventilation keeps your dog cool. Look for lots of mesh or wide slats.
- Clear Sightlines: You need to see your dog easily. Your dog also benefits from seeing you and the outside world.
Size Matters Most
- Room to Stand, Turn, and Lie Down: Your dog must be able to move comfortably inside. Measure your dog carefully before buying. A crate that is too small is cruel. A crate that is too big can cause sliding during sudden stops.
Important Materials
The material of the crate affects its weight, durability, and price.
Metal Crates (Wire or Solid-Sided)
- Pros: Very strong. Excellent ventilation. Easy to clean.
- Cons: Can be heavy. Offer less insulation from temperature changes.
Plastic Crates (Hard-Sided Carriers)
- Pros: Lightweight. Good protection from wind and rain. Often easier to stack or store.
- Cons: Ventilation can sometimes be limited. Less durable against very strong chewing.
Fabric Crates (Soft-Sided)
- Pros: Very light. Foldable for easy storage. Good for airline travel (check airline rules).
- Cons: Not suitable for strong chewers or aggressive dogs. Offer less impact protection.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is not just about the price tag. It is about smart design choices.
Quality Boosters
- Non-Slip Bottoms: These keep the crate from sliding around on your car seats or cargo area.
- Easy-to-Clean Surfaces: Removable, washable pads make cleanup simple after accidents.
- Rust Resistance: Metal crates with powder coating last much longer, especially if they get wet often.
Quality Reducers
- Sharp Edges: Poorly finished metal edges can scratch or injure your pet.
- Flimsy Hardware: Thin plastic clips or weak zippers wear out quickly.
- Poor Fit: If the crate does not fit your vehicle well, it might move too much, reducing safety.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use the crate day-to-day.
Everyday Commuting
If you only drive short distances, a simple, durable plastic carrier might work well. Focus on easy loading and unloading.
Long Road Trips
For long trips, comfort is key. You need maximum ventilation and space for your dog to shift positions. Consider crates with built-in water dish attachments.
Cargo Area vs. Seat Placement
Crates placed in the cargo area of an SUV usually need very strong, solid-sided crates designed for that space. If you place a crate on a seat, ensure it has strong straps that connect to the seatbelt system for extra security.
Car Crate for Dogs: Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose the right size crate for my dog?
A: Measure your dog from nose to tail base and from the floor to the top of its head when standing. The crate should let your dog stand up fully without touching the roof, turn around easily, and lie down stretched out.
Q: Are fabric crates safe for car travel?
A: Fabric crates offer less protection in a serious crash than hard plastic or metal crates. They work well for well-behaved dogs on short trips or as temporary carriers, but they are not the safest choice for high-speed travel.
Q: Do I need a special crate for an SUV cargo area?
A: Yes. Cargo areas often require crates that are taller and more robust, sometimes angled to fit the sloping rear window. Look for crates specifically marketed for SUV or hatchback use.
Q: How do I stop the crate from sliding in my car?
A: Use non-slip mats underneath the crate. For seat-mounted crates, thread the car’s seatbelt through the designated loops on the crate frame and buckle it tightly.
Q: Can my dog ride in a crate with the window slightly open?
A: Yes, but only slightly. You must ensure your dog cannot stick its head or paws out of the opening, as this creates a serious danger if the window is accidentally rolled up or if the dog tries to lean out while moving.
Q: What is the best way to introduce my dog to the new crate?
A: Start slow. Place comfortable bedding inside and leave the door open. Feed treats near the crate, then inside the crate. Never force your dog in. Make the crate a positive, safe space.
Q: How often should I clean the car crate?
A: You should spot-clean messes immediately. Give the crate a full wash, including bedding, at least once a month to maintain hygiene and reduce odors.
Q: Do I need to secure the crate even if my dog is crate trained?
A: Absolutely. An unrestrained crate becomes a heavy projectile in an accident, hurting your dog or other passengers. Always secure the crate using seatbelts or cargo tie-downs.
Q: What is the difference between a travel crate and a home crate?
A: Home crates are usually larger and built for long-term security. Travel crates are often lighter, sometimes foldable, and designed to withstand the movement and tight spaces of a vehicle or airplane.
Q: What if my dog chews through the crate?
A: If your dog chews through a soft or plastic crate, you must immediately upgrade to a heavy-duty metal crate. Chewing plastic or metal pieces can cause severe internal injuries.