A dog car crate is essential for comfortable and safe travel with your furry friend. Pets also need protection in case of an accident, just like people. Additionally, an unrestrained dog can distract the driver and potentially cause an accident. This makes choosing the right crate a serious matter.
To make it easier for you, Iâve put together a list of the best dog crates for cars.
Contents
What dog crate is best for the car?
When selecting a crate, your choice should depend on your needs and budget:
- Crash-tested crates. These are the safest option, especially for frequent travelers or owners of large dogs. However, theyâre quite expensive, ranging from $300 to $600 or more, and can be bulky and heavy.
- Soft crates or carriers. If youâre not ready to spend $500, these are a budget-friendly alternative. While theyâre not impact-resistant, they can still keep your dog secure and prevent distractions. Make sure the crate has reliable fasteners.
âïžAvoid cheap plastic or wire crates that havenât passed crash tests. In an accident, they could cause more harm than protection.
Quick Recommendations for Dog Car Crates
- Best for Safety: North America MIM Safe VarioCage Single (Crash-tested, impact-resistant, and ideal for large dogs).
- Best for Small Dogs: Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier (5-star crash-tested, compact, and airline-approved).
- Best Value: Ruff Land (Durable and affordable, though not crash-tested).
Safest, crash-tested dog crates
I have included in this list only crates that are certified by an independent organization, the Center for Pet Safety (CPS). If a manufacturer can provide certificates from CPS, it guarantees the safety of its products.
Of course, such tests cost a lot of money.
Best choice – 4×4 North America Crate
Ideal for: Large dogs and frequent travelers.
Placement: Trunk, secured with straps to anchor points.
Size: from Small to XXL+
Reliability: This impact-resistant dog crate has passed the front, rear, and rollover test. Itâs what can really save your pet in the event of an accident. Sure, itâs expensive, but no more expensive than a dogâs life.
It’s worth spending money on such a crate if you traveling much with your dog. It’s doubly important if you have a large dog, as large dogs become dangerous projectiles in an accident.
Here’s a review of one from a Facebook user:
Gunner Kennels
Ideal for: Suitable for dogs of all sizes, especially restless ones prone to chewing or sticking their heads through bars.
Placement: Secures in the truck bed, cargo area, or backseat.
Size: from Small to Large
Reliability: Gunnerâs products have been tested to withstand over 4,000 lb. of force, a 12-gauge shotgun at 7 steps, a 200+ foot cliff drop, and a 630 lb. sled dropped from 8â4âł. And theyâre so confident in their product that they offer a lifetime warranty.
Gunner kennel crash test:
These crates are more affordable than North American ones, but their functionality is a bit limited. For instance, they donât come with an emergency exit and arenât retractable.
That said, I really like their enclosed designâit offers better protection and creates a cozy, secure space for your dog. Plus, the double walls help keep your pup cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
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Best impact resistant crate for small and medium dogs
Best for: This is an option for you if you own a small or medium-sized dog and need a sturdy but lightweight crate that can be used as a carrier.
Placement: on the rear or front seat (the crate fastened with a seat belt to the built-in attachment points).
Safety: It is crash-tested. The CareÂČ crate is made of splinter-resistant nylon plastic as well as an aluminum frame. Itâs equipped with a reinforced armored door for extra protection.
Best for the small dogs
Best for: This carrier is suitable for transporting the smallest dogs up to 15 lbs. It can also be taken into the airplane cabin.
Placement: backseat or the front seat (can be secured with a seat belt).
Dimensions: 22.83″L x 11.42″W x 3.94″H
Sleepypod has been crash-tested and is certified at CPS with five stars. Thatâs why it costs more than other dog carriers. But the safety is worth it.
The carrier is approved for airplane and car travel. It is made of durable, water-resistant ballistic nylon, so it is easy to clean. Sleepypod carrier folds up for easy storage.
Other safe crates for car
These crates do not have a crash-test certificate, but are still reliable and can be used in the car.
Best value – RUFF LAND CRATE FOR SUVS AND CROSSOVER CARS
If youâre not willing to pay $1,000 for a super-strong crash-tested kennel, RuffLand crates may be right for you. Of course, theyâre not crash-tested, but they still offer some protection. Thereâs a crate to fit every dog and every car.
Best for: This is an inexpensive version of a sturdy dog crate thatâs great for SUVs and crossover cars.
Placement: Small crates can be placed in the cabin and larger ones in the trunk.
Size: from Small to X-Large.
The photo of this crate comes from a Reddit user:
Ruffland Kennels and Telluride
by u/muttmunchies in KiaTelluride
ZINGER HEAVY DUTY CRATE
Best for: This sturdy crate is suitable for even very anxious large breed dogs. Although it hasnât been crash-tested, the sturdy construction should be able to withstand impacts and heavy loads.
Placement: in the trunk.
Here’s what Zinger says about their lack of crash-test certifications:
You can choose the option with metal bars or with a more enclosed design.
IMPACT – best heavy duty dog crate for car
Another option for safe car crates is Impact crates. This company makes durable, high-quality dog crates. Although Impact crates have not been crash-tested, they have real testimonials from customers who have survived car accidents.
Best for: This crate will work for you if you travel a lot. Itâs suitable for medium, large, and giant dogs and even for those who get out of all kennels, because Impact high-anxiety crates are designed specifically for anxious dogs.
Placement: in the back seat or cargo area of cars and SUVs.
Size: from 30″ length to 48″ length
The stainless steel latches can withstand 500 pounds of force. That means the door won’t pop open in an accident and your dog won’t become a projectile.
To secure the crate in your car or SUV, you can attach a tie-down strap, ratchet strap, or bungees to the top handles of the crate or to the vents on the vehicle’s D-rings or designated cargo hooks.
IMPACT offers a collapsible crate and variety of crate sizes, including crates for two dogs. You can choose the position and the number of doors (one or two doors on the front or on the side)
Sherpa Forma Frame Crash Tested Pet Carrier
Great for small to medium dogs and approved for occasional air or car travel.
Placement: Secures with a seatbelt in the back or front seat.
Safety: Although not CPS-certified, the manufacturer claims crash-tested safety. The Forma Frame design offers enhanced protection compared to regular carriers.
Cheapest dog carrier for the car
Price: Price not available
Best for: Made of lightweight materials, this carrier is perfect for short trips and keeps your dog contained, minimizing mess in the car.
Placement: Secures to the car seat using seatbelt loops.
I liked that this bag has three exits and lots of pockets. It also comes with a soft fleece cushion.
Collapsible Dog Travel Crate
Ideal for occasional travel. Designed for pets up to 60 lbs, this crate offers a lightweight, foldable option for medium-sized dogs.
Placement: Fits on the rear or front seat and is secured with a seatbelt.
The crate is spacious, collapsible for easy storage, and provides adequate ventilation for your pet. Ideal for occasional travel. Not suitable for crash protection.
Your dog may also need a ramp to climb into the car. See my list of the best dog ramps. đ¶
Should my dog be crated in the car?
The answer to this question is âunequivocally yes!â Why is a dog crate for cars so necessary?
- Prevents injuries: If a dog is unbuckled, it will be severely injured in the event of an accident and can hurt the passengers in the car.
- Reduces distractions: Dogs that walk freely in the car often distract the driver from the road. This can even lead to accidents.
- Keeps the car clean: You will keep your car clean from fur and wet accident marks on the seats.
- Calms your pet: Some dogs get sick on the road; others get anxious. A crate will help calm down your pet.
In this video, we explained and showed you why it’s important to use a dog cage in the car:
Where should I place my dog in the car? It is best to fix the crate on the backseat. Like children, it is not safe for dogs to be in the front seat because of their size concerning the airbagâs path.
By choosing the right crate, youâre protecting your dog and ensuring a safer trip for everyone in the car!
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