Does the thought of a road trip with your furry friend fill you with a mix of excitement and anxiety? You love adventures with your dog, but the thought of them unrestrained in the car can be stressful. Many dog owners worry about safety, keeping their car clean, and preventing their energetic pup from becoming a distraction while driving. Finding the perfect travel crate that balances security, comfort, and ease of use feels like a puzzle with too many pieces.
Choosing the right dog crate for car travel is crucial. A poor fit can mean an uncomfortable ride for your dog or, worse, a potential hazard during sudden stops. We understand the struggle to find a crate that is sturdy enough for the highway yet cozy enough for a long journey. This guide cuts through the confusion. You will learn exactly what features matter most, how to measure your dog correctly, and which types of crates best suit different car sizes and travel styles.
Keep reading to discover our top recommendations and expert tips. By the end of this post, you will feel confident choosing a secure and comfortable travel solution, making your next car ride a happy adventure for both you and your best friend.
Top Dog Crates For Car Travel 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
- 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.
- 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
- SECURE AND SAFE: Protect your pet with this USA made plastic dog crate featuring a an easy-open, sturdy wire door and tamper-proof holes for zip ties, so the kennel stays secure—a requirement for air travel
- AIRLINE-FRIENDLY: This pet carrier for dogs meets most airline cargo specifications, offering four-sided ventilation for your pet's comfort and visibility during air travel
- FOR SMALL DOGS: Designed for dogs weighing up to 10 lbs, this dog travel crate should have enough room for your pet to walk around and lie down with interior dimentions of 16.2" L x 12" W x 9" H
- EASY CLEANING: The portable dog crate's sturdy plastic shell is easy to wipe down quickly, while the stay-dry moat directs fluids away from your pet, making it great for housebreaking puppies or keeping pets dry during travel
- COMMITTED TO PET WELL-BEING: For over 60 years, Petmate has created high-quality products like pet crates for dogs that improve the lives of pets and their owners
- 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)
- Patent Pending: Our portable dog crate frame features our new patent-pending folding mechanism for effortlessly fold. This method saves time, effort, and storage space.
- Premium Craftsmanship: The extra large dog crate consists of a stainless-steel frame and a 900D heavy-duty oxford cover. Piping reinforcements keep the cover strong, withstanding harsh travel environments.
- Ultimate Security: The foldable dog crate includes 10mm locking zippers to securely keep your pet inside. It also has a water drinking hole and 4 mesh roll-up doors to maximize airflow.
- Travel Equipment: This travel dog crate is equipped with durable handles, a dog bed for crate, 2 travel pockets, storage bag for easy folding and storage.
- Size & Color: Our pet crate is 42x31x31 inch for extra-large, large, medium and small pets. 4 size/3 color to suit your pet and your taste. Removable & Washable: The car crate for dogs is easy to clean. Fold the pet crate, remove the cover, mattress, and wash them in a gentle cycle.
- Collapsible Dog Crate: This collapsible dog crate is a versatile solution for pet owners, offering portability and convenience. Available in various sizes for small, medium, large, and extra-large dogs, this portable dog crate provides a safe and comfortable dwelling for your pet. It can be set up in just a few minutes without tools and easily folded down when not in use, making it the perfect foldable dog crate for travel or saving space at home.
- Soft and Breathable: This soft-sided dog crate is designed with four zippered mesh walls that ensure optimal ventilation, providing a comfortable environment for your furry friend. Inside, the soft crate features a plush mat, offering a cozy and relaxing space for them to unwind.
- Easy Assembly : Designed for convenience, this collapsible dog crate can be assembled in just 2 minutes. As a portable dog crate, it features a water-resistant design with waterproof fabric, making it easy to clean with just a damp cloth. The removable, machine-washable mat simplifies care and maintenance.
- Designed for Travel: This portable travel dog crate features a soft-sided, foldable construction that easily collapses into a compact package. It includes a convenient storage bag, making it effortless to carry on outings and adventures. Whether you're using it as an outdoor dog kennel or for travel, this crate ensures ease and convenience.
- Versatile: This dog crate serves multiple purposes, from crate training your puppy to providing a safe and cozy resting space for your pet. As a car crate for dogs, it's ideal for travel, with a collapsible design that makes it easy to take with you wherever you go. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this crate offers flexibility and convenience.
Choosing the Right Dog Crate for Safe Car Travel
Taking your dog on a road trip is fun. But safety comes first. A good dog crate keeps your furry friend secure inside the car. It also protects everyone else. This guide helps you pick the best travel crate.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a car crate, look for several important things. These features make travel safer and easier.
- Secure Locking Mechanisms: The door must lock tightly. You do not want your dog opening it accidentally. Strong, easy-to-use latches are essential.
- Ventilation: Good airflow keeps your dog cool and comfortable. Look for crates with multiple mesh windows or ventilation holes on several sides.
- Size Matters: The crate must fit your dog. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure your dog before you buy.
- Crash-Tested Safety: The best crates have been tested for safety during a crash. Look for certifications or strong construction that shows they hold up well in accidents.
- Easy Cleaning: Spills and accidents happen. Choose crates with removable, waterproof bottoms that you can wipe down easily.
Important Materials for Durability and Safety
The material of the crate affects how long it lasts and how safe it is.
Metal Crates (Wire)
Metal crates are very strong. They offer excellent visibility for your dog. Quality stainless steel or powder-coated steel resists rust. However, hard plastic parts might break if the metal frame is weak.
Plastic Crates (Kennels)
Hard plastic crates are great for protecting your dog from side impacts. They are often easier to clean than wire ones. Look for thick, durable plastic. Thin plastic can crack easily under pressure.
Soft-Sided Carriers
These are lightweight and great for small dogs or short trips. They usually fold up easily for storage. Make sure the fabric is tough, like heavy-duty nylon. Mesh panels must be strong so your dog cannot chew through them.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
High-quality crates last longer and offer better protection. Low-quality crates might fail when you need them most.
Quality Enhancers:
- Heavy-Duty Hardware: Strong bolts and thick metal tubing mean the crate will not fall apart.
- Non-Slip Bottoms: A rubberized base prevents the crate from sliding around on car seats or cargo floors during sudden stops.
- Airline Approved Design (Even for Cars): Crates built to airline standards often have superior locking systems and structure.
Quality Reducers:
- Sharp Edges: Poorly finished metal or plastic can have sharp spots that injure your dog. Always check the edges.
- Flimsy Doors: If the door wobbles or the latch feels weak, the quality is low.
- Poor Fit: Crates that do not fit snugly in your car space can shift too much, which is dangerous.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use the crate.
For Long Road Trips:
You need maximum comfort and ventilation. A large, sturdy plastic or metal crate secured in the cargo area works best. Make sure you can stop easily to give your dog water.
For Daily Errands:
If you just drive to the vet often, a smaller, lighter carrier might be better. Soft-sided carriers or smaller plastic bins are easy to put in and take out of the back seat.
Safety Installation:
Always secure the crate. Many crates have slots or loops so you can attach seat belts or tie-downs directly to the frame. A loose crate becomes a dangerous projectile in an accident.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Car Crates
Q: What size crate do I need for my car?
A: Measure the space in your car—usually the back seat or cargo area. Then, make sure the crate allows your dog to stand up fully and turn around without hitting the sides.
Q: Should I put the crate on the back seat or in the cargo area?
A: The cargo area (SUV/Wagon) is often safest if the crate is bolted down. If using the back seat, ensure the crate is firmly secured with a seatbelt so it does not move.
Q: Can I use a soft-sided carrier on the floor of the back seat?
A: Only if the carrier is specifically designed to be secured there. Most soft carriers need to be strapped across the seat. Never leave a soft carrier unsecured on the floor.
Q: How do I stop my dog from panicking in the crate in the car?
A: Start slow. Practice short drives. Put familiar bedding inside. Never use the crate as punishment. Keep the car cool and play soft music.
Q: Are metal crates safe in a rollover accident?
A: Strong metal crates are generally very safe. However, no crate can guarantee 100% safety in all crash types. Look for crates with reinforced corners.
Q: Do I need to cover the crate during travel?
A: Covering it can help anxious dogs feel safer, like a den. Use a light cloth that still lets air flow freely through the ventilation spots.
Q: How do I clean a plastic travel crate?
A: Most plastic crates have removable trays. Take the tray out and wash it with mild soap and water. Wipe down the plastic shell with a pet-safe disinfectant.
Q: What is the difference between a travel crate and a regular kennel?
A: Travel crates are often lighter or built specifically to fit car shapes. They usually have better tie-down points for securing them inside a moving vehicle.
Q: Is it okay for my dog to have water inside the crate while driving?
A: For very short trips, yes. For long trips, use a non-spill water bowl attached to the crate door, but always stop to offer water frequently.
Q: Should I buy a crate that is slightly too big?
A: No. A crate that is too big allows your dog to be thrown around during sudden braking or turns. The right size allows just enough room to stand and turn comfortably.