Does the thought of a road trip with your furry friend fill you with a mix of excitement and a little bit of worry? You love taking your dog along, but keeping them safe and comfortable in the car can feel like a puzzle. Choosing the right dog car crate adds another layer to this challenge. You want the best for your pup, but the sheer number of sizes, materials, and features can leave you scratching your head.
It’s tough trying to figure out which crate will actually fit your car, keep your dog secure during sudden stops, and still give them enough room to relax. Nobody wants a cramped, noisy, or unsafe ride for their best friend. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what really matters when picking a dog car crate.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly what features to look for. You will feel confident choosing a crate that suits your dog’s size and your vehicle’s space. Get ready to make your next car adventure a safe and happy one for everyone involved. Let’s dive into finding the perfect travel home for your dog.
Top Dog Car Crate 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 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
- 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
- TRAVEL DOG CAR SEAT: The mesh windows on our dog carrier for car promote airflow and allows your furry friend to observe their surroundings. While installing, please fasten the safety belt and hang the adjustable strap around headrest, ensuring stability and safety.
- COMFORT FOR DOGS: Our dog car seat enable a roomy area for dogs. Dogs can stretch out their legs in this car seat. Suitable for dogs of all breeds, and allowing them to lay down comfortably during long car rides. Ideal for medium dog up to 25 lbs, or a multi-dog family.
- 5 EASY ACCESS DOORS: Made of high quality and is anti-scratch. Both sides feature a large zippered door and a smaller zippered door, making access a breeze. And the zippered front door is lockable, makes it easy to insert food and water without your pet escaping.
- EASY TO STORE & CLEAN: This pet car seat can fold flat for space-saving storage in your trunk when your pet is not along for the ride. The bottom of the travel pet carrier is lined with a removable, machine washable comfort pad. Please take out the board before wash.
- SUITS FOR BACK SEAT: Our travel pet seat measures 24.4 X 18.9 X 19.5 Inches and holds 25 Pounds. be sure to measure your pet to ensure they will fit inside the enclosure comfortably. Please measure their length from chest to rear, it should be shorter than 24 inches.
- 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 Foldable Design: This collapsible dog crate features a innovative foldable design, allowing it to be stored flat when not in use. Perfect for small apartments or homes with limited space, it ensures easy storage without sacrificing functionality.
- Easy Mobility with Wheels & Handles: Equipped with two smooth-rolling wheels and sturdy handles on both sides, this pet crate offers effortless mobility. Ideal for repositioning in your living room, patio, or vehicle.
- Durable & Escape-Proof Construction: Made from reinforced hard plastic and strong metal wire, this heavy-duty dog crate ensures maximum security. The robust design prevents escapes and provides a safe, den-like environment for your dog. It’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing for modern homes.
- Secure & User-Friendly Lock Mechanism: Features squeeze-latch locks on the door for quick and secure closure. These locks are easy for owners to operate but prevent clever dogs from opening them. Set up and fold down the crate in seconds with no tools required.
- Multi-Scenario Use: Designed for versatile use - whether as a cozy indoor dog house, a crate for road trips, or a temporary containment space outdoors. The 27.95"L x 18.9"W x 21.65"H crate fits comfortably in most mid-to-large SUV trunks, making it perfect for adventures and daily use alike.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dog Car Crates
Taking your dog on car rides should be safe and fun for everyone. A good dog car crate keeps your pet secure and helps prevent accidents. This guide will help you pick the best one for your furry friend and your vehicle.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important details. They make a big difference in safety and comfort.
1. Size and Fit
- Room to Move: The crate must be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Too small is cruel; too large can allow sliding during sudden stops.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Measure your trunk or back seat space. Make sure the crate fits snugly without blocking your view or airbags.
2. Security and Locking Mechanisms
- Sturdy Doors: Look for strong metal doors with reliable, easy-to-use latches. Cheap plastic latches often break quickly.
- Escape-Proof Design: A well-designed crate prevents even clever dogs from pushing or chewing their way out.
3. Ventilation and Visibility
- Air Flow: Crates need plenty of ventilation holes or mesh panels. Good airflow keeps your dog cool.
- Viewing Windows: You should be able to see your dog easily, and they should be able to see out. This reduces anxiety.
Important Materials Matter
The material of the crate determines its strength, weight, and ease of cleaning.
Metal Crates (Wire or Solid)
Metal crates offer the best security. Heavy-gauge steel is very durable and lasts a long time. Wire crates are lighter and offer great visibility. Solid aluminum crates are often lighter than steel but still very strong.
Plastic Crates (Travel Carriers)
These are usually lighter and easier to carry. They are good for smaller dogs or short trips. Ensure the plastic is thick and high-impact so it does not crack easily in a crash.
Fabric Crates
These soft-sided crates fold up easily for storage. They are best for calm dogs who do not chew. They are generally not recommended for primary car safety during high-speed travel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all crates are made equal. A few simple checks reveal a high-quality product.
Quality Indicators (Good Signs)
- Welds and Seams: Check that all metal joints are smoothly welded, not just glued or screwed together weakly. Strong welds hold up better during impact.
- Powder Coating: A good quality metal crate will have a durable powder coat finish. This prevents rust and makes cleanup easier.
- No Sharp Edges: Run your hand over the interior. Quality manufacturing removes all sharp edges that could hurt your dog.
Quality Reducers (Warning Signs)
- Thin Walls/Wire: If the metal bends when you push it, it offers little protection.
- Flimsy Hardware: If the bolts or hinges feel loose, the crate might fail when you need it most.
- Poor Fit and Finish: Large gaps between the door and the frame mean a determined dog can force it open.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the crate every day.
Ease of Use
Can you set it up and take it down quickly? If you travel often, a crate that collapses flat is a huge time saver. Easy-to-clean surfaces are essential, especially after messy road trips.
Securing the Crate
The best crate anchors firmly to your car. Look for crates that have built-in straps or slots to thread seatbelt anchors through. This stops the crate from sliding forward or tipping over.
Travel Comfort
For long drives, consider adding a familiar blanket or a favorite toy. Some crates have features like water bowl attachments, which are very helpful for extended travel.
Dog Car Crate: 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What size crate should I buy?
A: Measure your dog when they are standing fully stretched out. The crate should be about 4-6 inches taller and longer than that measurement. Always size up if you are unsure.
Q: Is a wire crate or a solid plastic crate safer in an accident?
A: Solid, high-impact plastic crates are often considered slightly safer in serious collisions because the plastic absorbs some impact energy. However, a very sturdy, well-anchored metal crate is also highly protective.
Q: Do I need to secure the crate even if my dog is crate trained?
A: Yes. Unsecured crates become dangerous projectiles during sudden stops. Always use seatbelts or built-in anchor points to lock the crate down.
Q: How do I introduce my dog to the new car crate?
A: Start slow. Leave the crate open in the house with treats inside. Once your dog enters willingly, start closing the door for very short periods while you are nearby. Slowly increase the time.
Q: Can I put a soft bed in a hard-sided crate?
A: Yes, a comfortable, washable pad or bed is great for long trips. Make sure the bedding does not interfere with the door closing securely.
Q: What if my dog chews the plastic crate?
A: If your dog chews plastic, switch to a heavy-duty metal crate immediately. Plastic simply cannot withstand determined chewing.
Q: Are travel crates the same as everyday crates?
A: Not always. Travel crates are often lighter and designed to break down. Everyday crates are usually heavier and built for maximum stationary security.
Q: How do I clean a metal crate after a messy trip?
A: Remove the tray or bottom liner if possible. Spray down the entire crate with a pet-safe cleaner and hose it off outside. Let it dry completely before use.
Q: Can I put the crate on the back seat instead of the cargo area?
A: Yes, many people place crates on the back seat. This lets you monitor your dog better. Make sure the crate is secured tightly using the seatbelt system.
Q: How important is ventilation on the back and sides?
A: Very important. Good ventilation on all sides ensures your dog receives fresh air even if the crate is placed against a car wall or if the sun hits one side directly.