The Best Dog Crates for Car Travel

The Best Dog Crates for Car Travel: For many dog owners, taking your pup along for road trips, family vacations, or weekend getaways is part of the joy of pet parenting. But keeping your dog safe and secure in the car is more than just putting them in the back seat it’s about protecting them (and you) in case of sudden stops, swerves, or collisions.

A properly designed travel crate keeps your dog comfortable and contained, minimizes driver distraction, and most importantly protects them in an accident. In this guide, we’ll explore the best types of dog crates for car travel, how to choose the right one, what to look for in terms of safety and convenience.

Why Use a Crate for Car Travel?

A travel crate serves several purposes:

• Safety: Protects your dog in a crash or emergency braking.
• Security: Prevents them from jumping into the front seat or interfering with the driver.
• Comfort: Creates a cozy, den-like space that reduces anxiety.
• Legal compliance: Some areas have leash or restraint laws for pets in vehicles.

Not all crates are made equal, however. Let’s look at the features that make a car crate great.

Key Features to Consider

Before buying, assess your needs based on the following:

• Crash-Test Certification: Some brands test for vehicle safety—seek those with third-party crash test ratings.
• Durability: Steel and aluminum are stronger than plastic or fabric.
• Ventilation: Your dog must have proper airflow from all sides.
• Portability: Consider how easily the crate fits in your vehicle and how heavy it is.
• Ease of cleaning: Removable mats, trays, or waterproof liners are helpful.
• Comfort: Padded bedding or room to lie down is essential for long trips.
• Size compatibility: It must fit your dog comfortably and also fit your vehicle’s space.

Now, here are some of the best dog crates for car travel, tested for safety and user-approved for convenience.

1. Gunner G1 Kennel

Best for: Crash-tested durability and protection

• Material: Double-walled, rotomolded plastic with stainless steel hardware
• Crash Tested: Yes (Center for Pet Safety certified)
• Sizes: Small to XL
• Price Range: $$$$

Why it stands out:
The Gunner G1 is the gold standard in crash safety. With double-wall construction, aluminum-reinforced doors, and escape-proof latches, it has been proven in high-impact tests to protect dogs in serious accidents. It’s also weather-resistant and extremely durable.

Pros:

• Elite crash protection
• Lifetime warranty
• Escape-proof door

Cons:

• Expensive
• Heavy to move

2. Impact Dog Crate (High Anxiety or Collapsible)

Best for: Airline-grade strength and anxious dogs

• Material: Aluminum
• Crash Tested: Yes (Internal and third-party tests)
• Sizes: Small to Giant
• Price Range: $$$$

Why it stands out:
Impact crates are used by military K9 units, dog sport competitors, and serious travelers. The High Anxiety model is built for escape artists and nervous dogs. Collapsible versions are great for storage in small spaces or trunks.

Pros:

• Airline and crash rated
• Ventilated and chew-proof
• Collapsible version available

Cons:

• Premium price
• May be overkill for small or calm dogs

3. Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed and Atom Carrier

Best for: Small dogs and car seat compatibility

• Material: Durable nylon with mesh panels
• Crash Tested: Yes (Center for Pet Safety certified)
• Sizes: Small only (under 15 lbs)
• Price Range: $$

Why it stands out:
Sleepypod carriers are some of the only soft-sided travel crates crash-tested and certified. The Mobile Pet Bed doubles as a cozy travel bed and car seat carrier. The Atom is more compact and TSA-approved for air travel.

Pros:

• Crash-tested and airline-ready
• Comfortable and cozy
• Ideal for nervous small breeds

Cons:

• Only for small dogs
• Not chew-proof

4. MIM Variocage

Best for: SUVs and station wagons, adaptable safety

• Material: Powder-coated steel
• Crash Tested: Yes (European crash standards)
• Sizes: Adjustable – over 20 size options
• Price Range: $$$$

Why it stands out:
The MIM Variocage is one of the few crates engineered with crumple zone technology, absorbing impact during collisions. It’s adjustable to fit different vehicles and can house one or two dogs with a divider.

Pros:

• Crash-tested for rear and frontal impacts
• Adjustable sizing
• Excellent ventilation

Cons:

• Very heavy
• Expensive and requires careful installation

5. MidWest Life Stages Double Door Crate (With Tie-Down Kit)

Best for: Budget-conscious pet parents who travel occasionally

• Material: Metal wire with optional plastic tray
• Crash Tested: No, but can be secured with straps
• Sizes: XS to XXL
• Price Range: $

Why it stands out:
Though not crash-tested, the MidWest crate is great for short trips or temporary transport, especially if secured with cargo straps. Its double doors make loading easier in trunks or back seats.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Easy to fold and store
• Customizable with beds and bowls

Cons:

• Not ideal for crash safety
• Not escape-proof

6. Diggs Revol Dog Crate

Best for: Stylish travel and urban use

• Material: Aluminum, steel, and reinforced plastic
• Crash Tested: Not fully crash-rated but well-reinforced
• Sizes: Small to medium
• Price Range: $$

Why it stands out:
The Diggs Revol is a beautifully designed crate that folds down for travel and is ideal for car use with a seatbelt or tie-down. It offers great visibility and airflow.

Pros:

• Sleek and collapsible
• Easy to clean
• Safer than standard wire crates

Cons:

• Not crash-rated
• Only for medium-sized dogs and below

READ ALSO: 7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe at the Beach

Safety Tips for Using a Crate in the Car

• Secure the crate using tie-down straps, seatbelt tethers, or vehicle anchor points.
• Never place crates in the front seat—the airbag can injure your dog.
• Position crates lengthwise in the back of SUVs or cargo areas.
• Use a crate pad to prevent sliding and add comfort.
• Practice with short rides before long road trips.

FAQs

Do I really need a crash-tested crate?

While it’s not legally required in most places, crash-tested crates provide an extra level of protection, especially during long trips or highway driving. It’s an investment in your dog’s safety.

Can I use a regular wire crate in the car?

Only if it’s tightly secured. Regular wire crates may collapse or injure your dog during a crash. Always strap it down and consider safety-rated options for frequent travel.

What size crate does my dog need?

Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. However, avoid crates that are too large—this can be unsafe during travel due to shifting.

Is it OK to crate a dog for long car rides?

Yes, as long as you take regular breaks (every 2–3 hours) for potty and water. Make the crate comfortable with bedding, and never leave your dog in the car unattended.

Can I use a soft-sided crate for car travel?

Only if it’s crash-tested and your dog is under 15–20 lbs. Soft crates aren’t suitable for large dogs or for cars without proper seatbelt anchors.

Where should I place the crate in the car?

The safest place is the back seat or rear cargo area of an SUV—secured with straps or built-in anchors. Avoid placing it where airbags could deploy.

What if my dog is afraid of the crate?

Use crate training techniques:

• Leave the crate open at home
• Feed meals inside
• Place toys and blankets inside
• Reward calm behavior Gradually build positive associations before using it for travel.