Before you load up the car and hit the road with your favorite sidekick, there’s one thing that can make every trip safer (and calmer): a quality dog travel crate.
Whether you’re heading out on a weekend road trip, running errands, or catching a flight, the right travel crate keeps your pup secure, comfortable, and out of harm’s way. With so many styles available, choosing the best one can feel overwhelming — but we’ve got you covered.
Here’s everything you need to know about dog travel crates, plus the best-rated options for every kind of traveler.
What Is a Dog Travel Crate?
A dog travel crate is designed specifically for transportation — not everyday home use.
Unlike traditional wire crates, travel crates are:
- Lighter and more portable
- Often collapsible or fold-flat
- Easier to carry with handles or straps
- Designed to fit in cars, planes, or tight spaces
Some models even double as car seats or pet carriers, making them perfect for life on the go.
Why Use a Dog Travel Crate?
For Your Dog’s Comfort
Travel can be unsettling for dogs. The movement, noise, and unfamiliar surroundings can cause anxiety.
A travel crate gives your dog a familiar “safe space” — a cozy retreat that helps them relax and feel secure, even in new environments.
For Your Dog’s Safety
Loose dogs in moving vehicles are at risk of injury during sudden stops or accidents.
A properly secured crate:
- Prevents dogs from roaming the car
- Reduces the risk of injury
- Keeps your pup protected during travel
This applies to both car and air travel.
To Keep Your Car Cleaner
If your dog sheds, drools, or tracks in dirt, a travel crate helps contain the mess — keeping fur and mud off your seats and floors.
How to Choose the Best Dog Travel Crate
Get the Right Size
Your dog should be able to:
- Stand up
- Turn around
- Lie down comfortably
Avoid crates that are too large — oversized crates are bulky, harder to secure, and less safe in vehicles.
Consider Your Dog’s Personality
Your dog’s temperament matters just as much as size. Calm pups can do well in softer crates, while strong or anxious dogs need sturdier options.
Types of Dog Travel Crates
Nylon (Soft-Sided) Travel Crates
Best for small dogs or calm travelers.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to carry on trains, cabs, or short trips
Cons:
- Not weatherproof
- Harder to clean
- Not ideal for escape artists
Metal Travel Crates
Best for large, strong, or determined dogs.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Easy to clean
- Great security
Cons:
- Heavy
- Not very portable
- Not ideal for dogs who chew (risk of tooth damage)
Plastic Travel Crates
A popular middle ground for many pet parents.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Easy to clean
- Airline-friendly
Plastic crates offer a great balance of safety, durability, and portability.
Best Dog Travel Crates & Car Travel Solutions
Here are some of the top-rated dog travel crates and travel-friendly car solutions loved by pet parents:
Best Plastic Travel Crate: Sport Pet Pop Open Kennel
A spacious pop-open kennel with mesh sides, sturdy end gates, and safety loops that attach to headrests. Stores flat in its own bag when not in use.
Best Nylon Travel Crate: Pet Gear Carrier & Car Seat
Designed for small dogs, this soft-sided crate fits perfectly in the front seat and features a zippered top opening and sturdy carry handles.
Best Travel Crate for Big Dogs: Amazon Basics Premium Folding Soft Crate
Roomy, den-like, and foldable for easy storage. Includes a washable fleece bed and works well for camping and road trips.
Best Foldable Travel Crate: Petprsco Foldable Dog Crate
A soft-sided, mesh-paneled crate that fits nicely in the back seat and secures easily with a seat belt — ideal for smaller dogs and vet trips.
Best Multi-Pet Travel Crate: One for Pets Portable 2-in-1 Double Kennel
Features two compartments that can be separated or combined. Includes safety straps and plush floor pads — perfect for traveling with more than one dog.
Best Travel Booster Seat: SWIHELP Dog Car Seat
Part crate, part booster, part cozy nest. Easy to install in the front or back seat and designed to keep small dogs secure and elevated.
Best 2-in-1 Booster Seat & Dog Bed: Petsfit Dog Car Seat
Securely straps into the back seat and lifts dogs high enough to see out the window — a game changer for pups prone to car sickness.
Best Elevated Booster Seat: PetSafe Happy Ride Deluxe Booster
Highly secure with multiple straps and seat belt attachments. One pet parent even credited it with protecting their dog during a serious collision.
Best Travel Seat Cover: Doggie World Dog Seat Cover
Turns your back seat or trunk into a waterproof, fur-proof dog zone. Can also be configured into a hammock-style soft crate.
Best Travel Car Barrier: Rabbitgoo Dog Car Barrier
Perfect for large dogs, this adjustable barrier transforms your trunk into a safe travel area — keeping excited pups out of the front seat.
The Bottom Line
The right dog travel crate makes every journey safer, cleaner, and less stressful — for both you and your pup.
Whether you need a lightweight carrier, a crash-conscious car crate, or a full back-seat setup for a big dog, investing in the right travel solution means more adventures and peace of mind wherever the road takes you. 🐾🚗
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