Does the thought of a long car ride with your furry friend fill you with a mix of excitement and worry? You want your dog to be safe and comfortable, but you also need peace of mind knowing they are secure. Finding the perfect dog crate for your car can feel like a puzzle. Will it fit? Is it strong enough? Will my dog hate it?
These are common struggles for many pet owners. We know you want the best for your companion. A good car crate means less stress for both of you on adventures, big or small. It keeps your dog safe in case of sudden stops and prevents them from becoming a distraction while you drive.
This post will break down everything you need to know. We will look at the best types, what features matter most, and how to choose one that fits your car and your dog perfectly. Get ready to discover the ideal travel solution so your next road trip is smooth and happy for everyone!
Top Dog Crate For Car Recommendations
- 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 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
- Easy Installation:The buckle design enables easy assembly and disassembly without tools. This collapsible cat crate with a built-in urine-proof net has dimensions of 19.7×11.8×11.8 inches, providing moderate space suitable for cats and small dogs, meeting the needs of daily home use and travel placement
- Sturdy Material:This foldable cat crate is made of hard plastic and wire mesh, which is sturdy, durable and not easy to damage with excellent load-bearing performance. Its overall structure is stable, creating a comfortable living space for pets, and it is not easy to deform after long-term use with strong durability
- Breathable and Visible:The plastic pet crate is equipped with air vents on the side to ensure air circulation and avoid pet stuffiness and discomfort. The transparent box design allows owners to observe the pet's status at any time, grasp the pet's situation in a timely manner
- Easy Cleaning:It has a built-in urine-proof net that can effectively isolate stains, keep the inside of the crate clean and tidy, and reduce the cleaning burden. This collapsible dog kennel is equipped with double push-button locks, which are firm and reliable, preventing pets from opening the door and escaping by themselves
- Foldable, Portable Storage:It has a foldable storage design. After folding, it is small in size and does not take up home storage space. This travel kennel for small dogs is light and easy to carry, and can be easily taken for both short-distance and long-distance trips
- 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
- 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
- ANGLED DESIGN, CUSTOM-FIT FOR YOUR TRUNK：Expertly crafted with a unique slanted profile to perfectly match the interior shape of your vehicle's trunk. This tailored design ensures your dog car crate fits snugly and securely, providing superior stability and space efficiency compared to standard travel crates
- DOORS & FEEDING WINDOW：Featuring three mesh doors for flexible placement,whether placed sideways or forward,this car dog carrier allows your pet easy entry and exit.The top door allows for feeding, comforting, or letting your pet peek out during travel
- SAFE AND STURDY：Built with a heavy-duty metal frame that stays rigid on the road, these travel crates for large dogs includes an interior safety tether to attach to your pet's harness, prevents escape during sudden stops or turns
- SPACIOUS AND COMFORTABLE：Generous dimensions (29.1"L x 21.6"W x 24.2"H),dog crate offers ample room for medium to large dogs to stand and turn comfortably.Includes a removable plush pad, a side-attached water bottle, and storage pockets to keep pet essentials organized.Doubles as a secure outdoor pet space for camping or picnics
- EASY TO INSTALL：This portable dog crate assembles in two simple steps, and its sturdy frame collapses instantly for compact storage. It stores flat, taking up minimal space in your car dog kennel storage area when not in use
- Soft-sided carrier in Grey with top and front openings; for pets up to 50lb and under 26 x 17 inches (LxH), like a French Bulldog or Miniature Pincher
- Durable polyester and PVC material with sturdy zipper closures for secure containment
- Top handle and shoulder strap for easy carrying; folds flat for compact storage
- Multiple screened panels for ventilation and visibility; machine-washable soft fleece pad for comfort; handy pockets on top and sides for storing treats, toys, and more
- Note: Your dog should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably while in the crate. Measure from nose to base of tail when standing, and from top of head to floor. Add 4 inches to those measurements to confirm optimal crate height and length.
Choosing the Best Dog Crate for Your Car: A Complete Buying Guide
Taking your dog on a car ride should be safe and fun for everyone. A good car crate keeps your furry friend secure. It also protects your car’s interior. This guide helps you pick the perfect travel home for your dog.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important parts. They make a big difference in safety and comfort.
Safety and Security
- Sturdy Locking Mechanisms: The door must lock tightly. You do not want your dog opening it accidentally during the drive. Look for double-bolt locks.
- Crash-Tested Ratings: The best crates have been tested for safety in accidents. This gives you peace of mind.
- Secure Tie-Down Points: The crate must strap down to your car seats or cargo area. This stops the crate from sliding or tipping over.
Comfort and Ventilation
- Proper Sizing: Your dog needs space to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A crate that is too small is unsafe and stressful.
- Good Airflow: Look for crates with lots of mesh windows or ventilation holes. Your dog needs fresh air, especially on long trips.
Important Materials Matter
The material affects how long the crate lasts and how safe it is.
Metal (Aluminum or Steel)
Metal crates offer the highest level of protection. Aluminum is lighter, making it easier to lift in and out of the car. Steel is very strong. These crates often have solid walls, which can make some dogs feel more secure.
Heavy-Duty Plastic
Hard-sided plastic crates are durable and easy to clean. They protect against weather well. Make sure the plastic is thick and resists cracking if the temperature changes suddenly.
Fabric Carriers (Soft-Sided)
These are best for small dogs or short trips. They are lightweight and fold up easily for storage. However, they offer less protection in a sudden stop or crash compared to hard materials.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all crates are made equal. Pay attention to these details.
Quality Boosters
- Powder-Coated Finishes: On metal crates, this finish prevents rust. It also makes cleaning easier.
- Leak-Proof Trays: A removable plastic tray at the bottom catches water or accidents. You can slide it out quickly for cleaning.
- Noise Reduction: Some high-quality crates use sound-dampening materials. This keeps nervous dogs calmer during the ride.
Quality Reducers (Things to Avoid)
- Flimsy Latches: If the door latch feels weak or wobbly, do not buy it. This is a major safety risk.
- Sharp Edges: Run your hand over the inside edges. You should not feel any sharp metal or plastic pieces that could hurt your dog.
- Poor Fit Gaps: If the crate panels don’t fit together tightly, the structure is weak. This lowers the crate’s protective quality significantly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the crate most often.
Daily Commutes vs. Road Trips
For short trips to the vet, a simple, medium-sized crate works well. For long road trips, prioritize comfort. You need a crate large enough for your dog to stretch out fully and maybe even have a small water bowl secured inside.
SUV vs. Sedan
Measure your trunk or back seat area before you buy. Tall crates fit better in SUVs or hatchbacks. Sedans often require lower-profile crates that sit on the back seat.
Cleaning
If your dog tends to drool or have accidents, look for crates with removable, washable bottom pads or trays. A crate you can hose down outside is a huge time saver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Car Dog Crates
Q: How do I choose the right size crate for my car?
A: Measure the space where the crate will sit—length, width, and height. Then, measure your dog. The crate should be slightly smaller than the space but large enough for your dog to be comfortable. Always check the crate’s external dimensions before buying.
Q: Are soft-sided crates safe for car travel?
A: Soft-sided crates are generally safe for very calm dogs on short trips where sudden stops are unlikely. For highway driving or for large, energetic dogs, hard-sided metal or sturdy plastic crates offer much better crash protection.
Q: Do I need to secure the crate in the car?
A: Yes, absolutely! You must secure the crate. Unsecured crates become dangerous projectiles in an accident. Use strong seatbelts or the crate’s built-in tie-down straps to anchor it firmly to the car seat or cargo floor.
Q: What is the best material for hot weather travel?
A: Metal crates with good mesh sides work well because they allow maximum airflow. However, never leave a dog alone in a crate in a hot car. Ensure the crate placement avoids direct, intense sunlight shining right onto the metal or plastic.
Q: How often should I clean the car crate?
A: You should wipe down the tray and refresh any bedding weekly. If your dog has an accident, clean and sanitize the area immediately to keep your car smelling fresh and hygienic.
Q: Can I use a dog crate meant for the house in the car?
A: You can, but check the security features. Household crates might not have the necessary anchor points to strap them down in a vehicle. Also, many house crates are not crash-rated for automotive use.
Q: What if my dog hates crates?
A: Introduce the crate slowly at home with treats and toys before you try car travel. For the car, start with very short drives (just around the block) to build positive association before attempting longer journeys.
Q: Should the crate face forward or backward in the car?
A: Crates are usually placed facing forward in the cargo area. If placing a crate on a seat, ensure the seatbelt goes through the correct loops. Placing it facing the rear window in an SUV can sometimes offer a bit more protection in a rear-end collision, but safety depends mostly on secure strapping.
Q: Are there special crates for large dogs in SUVs?
A: Yes. For large dogs, look for “extra-large” or “airline-style” crates designed for cargo areas. These are often taller and wider. Check the height clearance of your SUV hatch carefully.
Q: How do I stop my dog from chewing the crate?
A: If your dog chews metal, you might need a very heavy-duty aluminum crate, as this is harder to destroy. For plastic, ensure the quality is high. For soft crates, only use them if your dog is not a habitual chewer, as ingestion of fabric is dangerous.