Picture this: You’re ready for a road trip with your furry best friend, but the thought of them roaming free in the car gives you anxiety. How do you keep them safe and secure while also making sure they are comfortable? Choosing the right car crate is more than just finding something that fits; it’s about safety, security, and peace of mind for both of you.
The market is flooded with options—plastic, wire, soft-sided—and figuring out which one works best for your dog and your vehicle can feel like a puzzle. Many owners worry about flimsy construction, poor ventilation, or crates that just don’t stay put during a sudden stop. You want something reliable that won’t stress out your pup during travel.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down the key features you need to look for, from material strength to proper sizing. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to choose a car crate that offers maximum protection and comfort for your companion. Ready to secure your dog’s travel safety? Let’s dive into finding the perfect mobile den for your adventure buddy.
Top Car For Dog Crates 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
- 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
- 【Dimensions】LARGE SIZE pet carrier for medium, large cats or small dogs, HIGHER AND WIDER than other carriers on market, Recommended max load of 20 lbs (9 kg). Measures: 18.1"L x 11.8"W x 11.8”H. Please don't choose the carrier only based on weight but also reference your pet's length and height.
- 【Breathable and Private】GAPZER large cat carrier designed mesh all around to ensure normal circulation of air inside the box and easy for you to check on your pet. These roller blinds can be put down if your pet feels nervous.
- 【Collapsible & Lightweight】The cat carrier can be folded into a pad to save your storage space and is easy to take out. Top and side entry.
- 【Washable Liner】The large cat carrier is made from durable fabric-oxford material, and the faux lambskin liner which offers a cozy space for your pet can be removed entirely and machine-washed.
- 【Multiple-Ways of Use】 Designed for two carrying ways-shoulder straps and handles will be adjusted as you need. Filled the soft cotton into the cat backpack shoulder strap, and increased the width on it, helping to reduce load and relieve fatigue.
- 【Ensure Proper Fit with Spacious Dimensions】 Before purchasing, measure your pet to ensure compatibility with our dog crate's dimensions of 61×45×52 cm (24×17.7×20.5 inches). Designed for dogs under 15kg, this crate offers generous space for comfort and movement, making it essential to verify size suitability for your pet.
- 【Lightweight Yet Robust Construction】 Weighing only 5.7lbs, this dog crate combines a steel wire frame with PP + honeycomb top board and bottom pad, providing a sturdy yet portable structure. Its lightweight design ensures easy handling without compromising stability, ideal for pet owners seeking a reliable transport solution.
- 【Versatile Use for Home and Travel】 Adaptable to various settings, this pet crate serves as a dog house, car safety seat, or outdoor tent. Its foldable design allows for convenient storage, making it a practical choice for pet owners who need a dependable travel crate that fits seamlessly into different environments.
- 【Privacy and Comfort with Breathable Design】 Featuring three-sided roller blinds and four-sided nylon mesh, this crate offers privacy, sunshade, and rain protection while maintaining excellent ventilation. The breathable design ensures your pet remains cool and comfortable, perfect for travel and home use.
- 【Secure and Easy Maintenance】 Equipped with lockable zippers and safety belts, this crate ensures your pet's security during travel. The removable and washable bottom cushion and foot pads, along with the wipeable bottom film fabric, make cleaning straightforward, keeping your pet's space hygienic and fresh.
- 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
- 【Designed For Travel】: This car dog crate is designed for car travel with sizes 26x18x18 inches, perfect for most SUVs, sedans, trucks' back seats and trunks. It allows your dog to stay safely in the car. This small dog travel crate features a foldable structural frame that can be easily folded into an ultra-compact package. It makes it easy for you to carry it when you go out and travel
- 【Soft Dog Crate Size】: There are 4 sizes can be choosed: size XS(20''×13''×13'') is recommended for puppies such as toy poodle, dachshund, pomeranian, chihuahua (13 lbs); size S(26''×18''×18'') is recommended for medium dog such as french bulldog, beagle, corgi (33 lbs); size M(32''×23''×23'') is recommended for large dog such as poodle, husky, border collie, schnauzer (51 lbs); size L(38''×26''×26'') is recommended for large dog such as labrador retriever, golden retriever, german shepherd, boxer (70 lbs). Please measure your pet's height and weight, and read the size chart before placing an order
- 【Keep Safety】: This collapsible pet crate uses a fully structural fixed steel frame that can bear a load of 44 lbs (Fit for pets up to 33 lbs), which can maintain its shape and ensure durability. The crate has a built-in traction rope to enhance your pet's safety. The included straps can be tied to the back of the car's rear seat to secure the crate. An anti-skid pad on the corner prevents the crate from sliding in the car. The zipper pull has built-in anti-slip teeth, so the zipper stays in place and won't be opened by your pet's claws. Let you and your dog travel worry-free
- 【Comfortable & Sturdy】: The soft cat carrier cover combines 600D Oxford and high-quality mesh cloth. Compared with other full-mesh crates, the JOYTUTUS dog crate can resist scratching and biting while ensuring optimal ventilation, providing a safe and comfortable environment for your furry friends. Includes a removable soft cushion to provide them with a cozy space to relax
- 【Easy Use & Maintenance】: The 26'' portable dog crate for cars is fully assembled and can be set up and folded in seconds without any tools. It features a waterproof fabric, which can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. The removable mat and machine-washable cloth simplify care. This indoor and outdoor dog crate has side pockets for conveniently storing snacks, leashes, waste bags and other necessities. It is very suitable for travel
- Car-Ready Portable Small Dog Crate — Easily converts to an enclosed dog car seat and secures safely with a seatbelt! Spacious interior 22.8″L × 14.5″W × 21.6″H —40% taller than standard crates, providing extra headroom so pets can sit upright comfortably during car rides or vet visits. Comfort fits one medium dog or two small pets (cats, puppies, or rabbits) —up to 33 lbs.
- Easy-Locking & No-Zip Top-Load Canopy — Dual-lock handle allows quick one-handed top-load access —no more struggling with zippers! The reversible canopy shields pets from harsh sunlight or flips open for a full view, and making it easy to keep an eye on your pets and feeding.
- Compact Design for Easy Car Travel — Fits on a single seat, leaving room for passengers, and also works perfectly on the front passenger seat. Securely fasten the crate by threading the seatbelt through its rear-straps for safe, stable travel. A large front mesh door and top-load canopy allow easy feeding and hassle-free pet entry. Includes a side storage pocket (8″L × 6″H) for pet essentials.
- Safety First! Escape-Proof Design — Features dual-lock canopy latches, anti-gap canopy panels, a built-in safety tether, and self-locking zippers (work only when lifted straight up) to prevent escapes. Durable, breathable, chew-proof mesh offers 360° airflow and superior visibility, keeping pets calm, cool, and secure. Reflective strips add extra safety for nighttime travel.
- Collapsible & Easy to Clean – Dual pull-ring metal frame sets up the crate in seconds, while 2 × 9 mm steel canopy rods provide strong support without collapsing—even when lifted with weight. The solid PVC-board base ensures stable structure, and the removable, double-sided soft cushion is machine-washable and leak-proof to protect your car seats. Folds flat to just 3.5" H for compact, space-saving storage.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Right Car Crate for Your Canine Companion
Taking your dog on a car ride should be safe and stress-free. A good car crate keeps your dog secure and protects your vehicle. This guide helps you choose the best one. We look at what makes a crate great for travel.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a car crate, several features matter most. These details ensure safety and convenience.
Safety and Security
- Secure Latching System: The door must lock tightly. A weak lock lets your dog escape. Look for double latches or strong slide bolts.
- Sturdy Frame: The crate should handle bumps. A strong metal frame offers the best protection in a sudden stop.
- Crash-Tested Rating (If Applicable): Some premium crates undergo crash testing. This provides extra peace of mind about safety.
Size and Fit
- Correct Sizing: Your dog needs room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure your dog before buying.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Check if the crate fits well in your trunk or back seat. Some crates have sloped sides to fit SUV cargo areas better.
Convenience
- Easy Cleaning: Dogs can have accidents. Choose crates with removable, waterproof trays. Cleaning should be quick.
- Portability: If you travel often, look for crates that fold down easily. Heavy, non-collapsible crates become difficult to manage.
Important Materials Matter
The material of the crate affects its durability and weight. Different materials suit different needs.
Metal Crates (Wire/Steel)
Metal crates are the most common choice. They offer excellent ventilation and visibility. Good quality steel resists rust. However, they can be heavy. Hard plastic shells often surround the metal frame in high-end models for extra impact absorption.
Heavy-Duty Plastic Crates
These are durable and often lighter than all-metal crates. They offer good protection from the elements. Ensure the plastic is thick and UV-resistant if it sits in direct sun often.
Fabric Crates
Fabric crates are the lightest. They fold up very small. These are best for very short trips or when weight is a huge concern. They offer less protection in a serious accident. They are often easier for nervous dogs to settle in because they feel more den-like.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all crates are made equal. Small design choices greatly impact the overall quality.
Quality Boosters
- Thick Base Padding: A comfortable base reduces travel anxiety.
- Secure Hardware: Screws and bolts should be heavy-duty, not flimsy plastic clips.
- Ventilation Panels: More vents mean better airflow, especially on hot days.
Quality Reducers
- Sharp Edges: Check all seams and corners. Sharp edges can injure your dog.
- Flimsy Flooring: If the bottom flexes easily, it might break under pressure.
- Poor Paint/Coating: Cheap paint chips off easily, exposing metal to rust.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the crate. This helps narrow down your selection.
Daily Commuting
If you take short trips to the park or vet, a mid-weight, easily cleaned plastic or wire crate works well. Ease of loading and unloading is key here.
Long Road Trips
For long journeys, comfort is paramount. You need excellent ventilation and perhaps a water dispenser attachment. Noise reduction features are a bonus, as constant rattling can stress dogs.
Active Dogs/Adventures
If your dog is strong or prone to chewing, you must select heavy-gauge metal. These crates resist bending and chewing attempts. They provide the highest level of containment.
10 FAQs About Car Dog Crates
Q: What size crate does my dog need for the car?
A: Measure your dog from nose to tail base, and from the floor to the top of their head. The crate should allow them to stand straight and turn around without touching the walls.
Q: Should the crate go in the back seat or the cargo area?
A: The safest place is often secured in the cargo area of an SUV or wagon, provided the crate is strong. If using the back seat, ensure the crate is buckled in using the seatbelt system.
Q: How do I stop the crate from sliding around?
A: Use non-slip mats underneath the crate. Some crates also have built-in tie-down straps that connect to the vehicle’s anchor points. Always secure it firmly.
Q: Are plastic crates safe in an accident?
A: High-quality, thick-walled plastic crates offer good protection, especially against side impacts. Always check if the manufacturer offers crash-test results.
Q: Can I leave my dog in the crate in the car temporarily?
A: Only if the weather is mild and you are nearby. Never leave your dog unattended for long periods, especially when temperatures are hot or very cold, as cars heat up fast.
Q: How do I introduce my dog to the new crate?
A: Introduce it slowly. Place favorite toys and treats inside while the door is open. Feed meals inside the crate. Never use the crate as punishment.
Q: What is the difference between a soft-sided carrier and a car crate?
A: A soft-sided carrier is usually for very small dogs or short taxi rides. A car crate is rigid, offering much better protection during longer car travel or potential impacts.
Q: Do I need a crate cover?
A: A cover can help nervous dogs feel secure, making the space darker and den-like. Ensure the cover does not block necessary ventilation.
Q: How often should I clean the car crate?
A: Spot clean spills immediately. Do a deep clean, including washing the bedding and wiping down the walls, at least once a month.
Q: Are expensive crates worth the extra money?
A: Often, yes. More expensive crates usually use stronger materials, better locking mechanisms, and superior crash-test engineering, leading to better long-term safety and durability.