Traveling with your dog can be a great experience. You can explore new places and spend quality time together. However, most people don’t think about how they are going to transport their dog safely to their destination. If you will be taking your dog with you by car, you may want to invest in a dog crate. Dog crates for car travel will help you get your dog to your desired destination, whether it’s a new place, a vacation destination, or the veterinarian safely.
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What Is A Dog Crate For Dog Travel?
A dog crate for dog travel is designed to keep your dog restrained in the back of your car, either in the back seat or the cargo area of your car.
It has features that allow you to restrain the dog kennel in some way. This could be by the use of seat belts, or with anchor straps.
What Is The Safest Dog Crate For A Car?
The safest dog crate for a car is one that keeps your dog comfortable, yet is strong enough to keep your dog contained.
In the case of a car crash, the dog crate you choose can mean the difference between your dog having only minor injuries to more serious or even fatal consequences.
In terms of the safest dog crates for car travel, only a handful of dog kennels have gotten the seal of approval from the Center For Pet Safety. The Center For Pet Safety independently crash tests products to see how safe they keep your beloved dog in the case of a car accident.
Is It Safe For A Dog To Travel In A Crate In A Car?
As long as the crate is restrained, it is safe for a dog to travel in a crate in a car.
If a dog crate is not secured in your car, then it would move around during your car ride, potentially causing harm to your dog.
If you were in a car accident and the dog crate was not secured, it could fly around the car causing severe injury to your dog.
Where Is The Safest Place For A Dog Crate In A Car?
The safest place for a dog in a car is on the floor in the back of the car.
Never have your dog in the front passenger seat, as the airbags could cause harm to your dog should there be an accident.
It is also not safe to let your dog roam free in the car. They could not only cause a distraction for you while you are driving, but if you are in an accident, they would then become a flying projectile and could potentially be thrown from the car, being seriously injured or worse.
If you are using a dog crate to hold your dog, it may not fit on the floor of the backseat. If it is designed to go onto the backseat, that is fine as long as you are able to use the seat belts to secure it.
The cargo area would be the next best place to secure your dog kennel. Anchor straps would be needed to secure the dog crate to be sure it doesn’t move around on your journey.
How Big Should A Dog Crate Be For A Car?
If you are using a dog crate for car travel, the size of the crate depends on the size of your dog.
The dog crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down without any difficulty.
To get an idea of what size dog crate to get for your car travels, measure your dog.
First, measure the length of your dog. Do this by starting at the snout of your dog to their rear (not including the tail). Add 3-4 inches.
Next, measure your dog’s height. While your dog is standing, measure from the floor to the top of your dog’s head. Add 3-4 inches.
These measurements should give you an idea of what size dog crate to get for your car.
Some dog crates also have a weight limit, so keep that in mind when purchasing your crate.
Do Crates Help Dogs With Car Anxiety?
Dog crates can definitely help dogs that have car anxiety. They can provide your dog with a sense of safety and security.
What Should I Look For When Purchasing A Dog Crate For Car Travel?
Things to keep in mind when choosing the best dog crate for traveling in your car:
Size
Make sure you choose the right size crate for the size of your dog. See above on how to measure.
Location
Some crates are meant to go on your backseat and some are meant to be in your cargo area. Choose the one that is designed for the area you wish to keep your dog.
Material
A hard sided dog crate will offer your dog more protection than a soft sided one. Plastic will protect better than nylon, and aluminum will protect better than plastic.
Door
The door to your dog crate should be strong and not able to break easily. An aluminum door is best. In the event of an accident, your crate will not protect your dog if the door breaks off, allowing your dog to come out of the crate.
Locks
Look for a door that locks to provide extra security that your dog will not be able to open it while in transit.
Ventilation
There should be adequate ventilation for your dog. Choose a dog crate with ventilation on opposing sides to allow for sufficient air flow.
Anchor Points
There should be anchor points allowing you to attach straps or seat belts to secure the kennel.
Drainage
A drainage plug should allow for any water or urine to be drained from the crate. This area should also be recessed so your dog is not laying in it.
Handles
A dog crate with handles needs to be strong enough that you can lift the crate into your car easily.
Non-Slip Bottom
If the area you are keeping the dog crate is not lined, a non-slip bottom can help prevent the crate from sliding around while the car is moving.
Center For Pet Safety Seal
A dog crate for car travel that has passed crash tests can get this seal. There are only a handful of products that have passed their tests. Note: crash tests are for 30mph.
Tips When Traveling With Your Dog In The Car
- Make your dog comfortable while in their crate by having a soft crate mat for them to lay on and their favorite toy to keep them company.
- Make frequent stops for potty breaks and to stretch their legs.
- Never leave your dog unattended in your car.
- If using a seat belt tether, make sure it is a short tether and not a long or bungee tether.
- NEVER leave your dog in a hot car in the summer.
*Note: While dog crates can prevent serious injury in the event of a car crash, your dog is not restrained while inside the crate. Therefore, there is still risk of injury from your dog hitting the inside of the crate.
Pros Of A Dog Crate For Car Travel
- Keeps your dog from roaming around the car.
- Helps reduce anxiety.
- Can prevent serious injury in the case of a car accident.
Cons Of Using A Dog Crate For Car Travel
- Can take up a lot of space, especially if you have a large dog.
- Anchor straps are sold separately.
- Dogs are not tethered inside the crate.
Best Dog Crates For Car Travel
The following dog crates have been approved by the Center For Pet Safety and have been awarded a 5 star rating. Product information is according to the manufacturer. According to the Center For Pet Safety, each product was rated using that brand’s anchor straps.
Gunner G1 Kennel
This dog crate protects in all weather conditions , has a reversible door, and backup safety latches. The small size can also be secured on the back seat of a car.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Small measures 24.5 x 18.625 x 19 inches.
- Medium measures 29.5 x 20.5 x 23.5 inches.
- Intermediate measures 34 x 23 x 28.5 inches.
- Large measures 40.25 x 28 x 33.25 inches.
- Comes in various colors.
- 5 star crash test rating from the Center For Pet Safety (small, medium, and intermediate only).
- Protects in all weather.
- Double walled rotomolded.
- Reversible door.
- Key lock.
- Door reinforced with an aluminum frame.
- Top and bottom backup and safety latches.
- Recessed floor with removable drain plug.
- 2 kayak grade handles.
- Built in stainless steel tie down pins.
- Wide base.
- Non-slip feet.
- Stainless steel hardware.
- Made in the USA.
Check Price At: Gunner
Lucky Duck Lucky Kennel
This crate can be used for a dog up to 110 lbs., has a reversible door and heavy duty lift handles.
- Intermediate size measures 32.5 x 22.5 x 24.5 inches.
- Large measures 38 x 24 x 29 inches and can be used for a dog up to 110 lbs.
- 5 star crash test rated by the Center For Pet Safety.
- One piece rotomolded kennel.
- Lightweight.
- Space for a customizable name plate.
- Reversible door.
- Corner locking pins.
- Locking paddle latch.
- Easy clean drain holes.
- Powder coated tie downs.
- Non-slip rubber feet.
- Heavy duty lift handles.
- Stainless steel hardware.
- Made in the USA.
Check Price At: Lucky Duck
Rock Creek Crates Aluminum Crate
This crate ships fully assembled, door locks with secondary butterfly latches, and has recessed handles.
- Medium measures 30.5 x 20 x 22.5 inches.
- 5 star crash test rated by the Center For Pet Safety.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Lightweight.
- Ships fully assembled.
- Recessed handles.
- Stackable corner guards.
- Internal welded aluminum frame.
- Lockable door with secondary butterfly latches.
Check Price At: Rock Creek
Sleepypod Atom
This is a soft sided carrier made to be used on the back seat. It has seat belt straps on 2 sides, includes a safety tether, and has top and side entrances.
- Measures 17 x 8.8 x 10.5 inches.
- Available in a variety of colors.
- Seat belt straps on 2 sides.
- Mesh panels on 3 sides.
- Removable ultra plush bedding that is machine washable.
- Top and side entrances.
- Folds flat when not in use.
- Outside is made of ballistic nylon.
- Includes a safety tether.
- Large front zipper pocket.
- 2 small end pockets.
- Adjustable shoulder straps with padding.
- Can fit beneath airline seats.
Check Price At: Sleepypod
These are some crates that are designed to be used on the back seat of your car. These crates are only designed to keep your dog restrained while in the car and have not been crash tested or do not meet the criteria for the CPS certification.
K&H Pet Products Travel Safety Pet Carrier
This carrier has doors on 3 sides for easy access , has mesh windows and a washable inner pad.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Small measures 15 x 16 x 17 inches and is for dogs up to 10 lbs.
- Medium measures 17 x 19 x 24 inches and is for dogs up to 20 lbs.
- Large measures 29.5 x 22 x 25.5 inches and is for dogs up to 40 lbs.
- Includes washable pad.
- Has mesh windows.
- Attaches by putting around a headrest and seat belt.
- Doors on 3 sides: 1 in the front and 1 on each side.
- Doors open and close via zipper.
- Folds flat when not in use.
- Can be used in the front or back seat.
Check Price At: Chewy, Amazon, Petco
PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Dog Travel Crate
This crate has an aluminum frame and has 2 drawstring openings that allows you to access your dog without opening the crate.
- Measures 19 x 27 x 28 inches and is good for dogs up to 60 lbs.
- Aluminum frame.
- For use in the back seat of your car.
- Folds when not in use.
- Attaches to headrest and seat belts.
- Mesh front and sides.
- Includes a fleece covered pad that is machine washable.
- Leather handle.
- 2 doors secured by a zipper.
- There are 2 storage pockets.
- Has 2 drawstring openings to access your pup when the doors are secured closed.
Mirapet USA Pet Carrier
This is a plastic crate that collapses and folds flat when not in use. It is also TSA approved.
- Available in 2 sizes.
- Small measures 21.5 x 12 x 14 inches.
- Large measures 26.4 x 15.3 x 18.8 inches.
- Collapsible plastic crate.
- Waterproof.
- Built in handle.
- Folds flat when not in use.
- 360 degree vent.
- Airline and TSA approved.
Check Price At: Amazon
Ferplast Atlas Vehicle SUV Dog Crate
This crate is designed to be used in the cargo area of an SUV and has front door locks for security.
- Available in 2 sizes.
- Small measures 32 x 20 x 24 inches for dogs up to 35 lbs.
- Medium measures 39 x 23 x 26 inches.
- Designed to be used in the cargo area of an SUV or Hatchback.
- Front and back have metal mesh.
- Vented side panels.
- Handles on top.
- Can be disassembled to store.
- Front door locks and slides horizontally to open.
Dog crates for car travel help to keep your dog safe and secure while going for rides in your car. They can bring you peace of mind knowing your dog is comfortable while on your journeys, be it a short trip to the park or a road trip for new adventures.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.