Does your furry friend get excited when they hear the car keys jingle, but then get anxious about where they’ll ride? You’re not alone! Many dog owners face the challenge of finding the perfect car setup for their canine companions. It can be tough to figure out the best way to keep your dog safe and comfortable on the go, especially when there are so many different options out there.
Choosing the right car solution for your dog isn’t just about convenience; it’s about their safety and your peace of mind. You want to avoid the stress of a wiggly dog distracting you while you drive, or the worry that they aren’t properly secured. This can make car rides feel more like a chore than an adventure. But what if there was an easier way to make every trip a happy one for both of you?
In this post, we’ll explore fantastic car solutions designed specifically for dog crates. We’ll break down what makes a great option, so you can stop guessing and start choosing with confidence. Get ready to discover how to transform your car into a safe and cozy haven for your dog, making your next road trip a breeze!
Our Top 5 Cars For Dog Crates Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Ferplast Atlas Vehicle SUV Dog Crate | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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K&H Pet Products Enclosed Dog Car Seat | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Ferplast Atlas Vehicle SUV Dog Crate | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Tyalez Small Portable Pet Crate for Car Travel | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Cars For Dog Crates Detailed Reviews
1. Ferplast Atlas Vehicle SUV Dog Crate
Rating: 8.7/10
The Ferplast Atlas Vehicle SUV Dog Crate is designed to make travel with your furry friend easier and safer. It fits perfectly in the back of SUVs and hatchback cars, giving your dog a secure space during car rides. This crate is a great option for medium to larger dogs, ensuring they have enough room to be comfortable.
What We Like:
- Specifically made for SUV cargo areas, so it fits well.
- Good size for medium to larger dogs, measuring 39L x 23W x 26H inches.
- Excellent ventilation with metal mesh and vented sides keeps your dog cool.
- Sturdy handles make it easy to move the crate around.
- The crate can be taken apart for easy storage or transport.
- The sliding front door saves space in your car.
- Comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s important to measure your SUV’s cargo space before buying to ensure a perfect fit.
- The doorway dimensions (13.5W x 18.5H inches) might be a bit snug for some dogs, even within the recommended weight range.
Overall, the Ferplast Atlas SUV Dog Crate offers a practical and well-ventilated solution for transporting your dog safely. It’s a sturdy choice that prioritizes your dog’s comfort and your convenience.
2. Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel
Rating: 8.6/10
The Love’s Cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed is a versatile pop-up kennel designed for your furry friends. It serves as a cozy indoor or outdoor crate, a safe car seat kennel, and even a comfortable cat bed. Its grey color and collection name “Cat Bed Collection” add a touch of style. This kennel is perfect for pets up to 40 lbs, offering them a secure and comfortable space whether you’re at home, traveling, or just enjoying an outdoor adventure.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to set up and take down, folding flat for quick storage and travel.
- The mesh panels on the front and sides let in plenty of fresh air, keeping your pet cool and comfortable.
- You can secure it in your car with the built-in seatbelt straps, making travel much safer.
- It’s lightweight, so you can easily carry it anywhere your pet needs a familiar spot.
- The company offers a lifetime guarantee, so you can buy it without worry.
- It provides a safe and snug place for your pet to relax, whether indoors or outdoors.
What Could Be Improved:
- Since it’s lightweight, it might not be the best choice for very energetic or destructive pets without supervision.
- The fabric care instructions require hand washing and avoiding harsh cleaning methods, which can be a bit more work.
This portable kennel offers a great balance of convenience and comfort for your pet. It’s an excellent option for pet owners who travel often or want to provide a secure space for their furry companion.
3. K&H Pet Products Enclosed Dog Car Seat
Rating: 8.9/10
Traveling with your furry friend just got a whole lot easier and safer with the K&H Pet Products Enclosed Dog Car Seat. This versatile carrier is designed to keep your dog or cat secure and comfortable on all your adventures, whether it’s a quick trip to the vet or a cross-country road trip. It offers a cozy haven for your pet while giving you peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Your pet stays safe and secure inside the fully enclosed carrier.
- Mesh windows on all sides let your pet see out and enjoy the view.
- The carrier buckles into your car seat with a seat belt and has a headrest strap for extra stability.
- Five different doors make it super easy to get your pet in and out.
- You can even put food and water inside through the front door without your pet escaping.
- The comfy pad inside is removable and machine washable for easy cleanups.
- It folds flat, so it’s easy to store when you’re not using it.
- K&H Pet Products has over 25 years of experience making quality pet gear, so you can trust this carrier.
What Could Be Improved:
- Make sure your pet’s length from chest to rear is less than 24 inches for the medium size.
- The carrier is designed for pets up to 20 pounds, so check your pet’s weight.
This K&H Pet Products carrier is a fantastic option for pet parents who prioritize safety and convenience during travel. It’s a well-built product that makes journeys with your pet much more enjoyable.
4. Ferplast Atlas Vehicle SUV Dog Crate
Rating: 8.9/10
The Ferplast Atlas Vehicle SUV Dog Crate offers a secure and comfortable travel solution for your small to medium-sized dog. Designed to fit perfectly in the cargo area of SUVs and hatchbacks, this black crate provides excellent ventilation and safety features. It’s an ideal choice for pet owners who frequently travel with their furry companions.
What We Like:
- Specifically designed for SUV and hatchback cargo areas, ensuring a snug fit.
- Generous ventilation with strong metal mesh on the front and back, plus vented side panels, keeps your dog cool and comfortable.
- Sturdy handles are molded into the top for easy carrying and moving the crate.
- The crate can be completely taken apart for simple storage or transport.
- The front door slides open horizontally, saving precious space in your vehicle.
- It comes with a convenient locking system for added security.
- Ideal for small to medium dogs weighing up to 35 pounds.
- Includes a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s crucial to measure your SUV’s cargo area before buying to ensure a proper fit.
- While ideal for small to medium breeds, larger dogs will need a different solution.
This crate is a solid option for safe and convenient pet travel. It prioritizes your dog’s comfort and your vehicle’s space.
5. Tyalez Small Portable Pet Crate for Car Travel
Rating: 8.8/10
The Tyalez Small Portable Pet Crate is a great option for pet parents who need a safe and comfortable way to travel with their small dogs or cats. It’s designed to fit easily in most cars and provides a secure space for your furry friend.
What We Like:
- It keeps your pet safe and secure in the car with special straps that attach to your seatbelt and headrest.
- The crate folds flat thanks to its strong alloy frame, making it super easy to store and carry around for trips to the vet or fun family outings.
- Your pet will love the soft, comfy bed inside, which is attached with Velcro to keep it in place.
- You can easily reach your pet through the two zippered windows on the sides to give them a comforting pat without having to open the whole crate.
- It’s made from tough Oxford cloth and has mesh windows, so your pet stays cool and comfortable with good airflow.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for small pets, larger breeds might find it a bit cramped.
- The soft-sided design might not offer the same level of protection as a hard-sided crate in a severe accident.
This Tyalez pet crate offers a good balance of safety, comfort, and convenience for traveling with small pets. It makes car rides much less stressful for both you and your furry companion.
Choosing the Best Car for Your Dog Crate Adventures
Taking your furry friend along for the ride is one of life’s great joys. But to make sure everyone stays safe and comfortable, a good dog crate is essential. This guide will help you pick the perfect car and crate setup for your adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking for a car that works well with dog crates, think about these important things:
- Cargo Space: This is number one. You need enough room for your dog’s crate without cramming them in. Measure your crate and then measure the car’s cargo area.
- Easy Loading and Unloading: A low-lying trunk or a wide-opening hatchback makes it much easier to get your dog and their crate in and out.
- Ventilation: Good airflow is crucial for your dog’s comfort and safety. Cars with windows that open or good air conditioning are a big plus.
- Safety Features: Look for cars with good safety ratings. Features like airbags and strong seatbelts help protect everyone.
- Durability: You want a car that can handle muddy paws and occasional spills. Easy-to-clean surfaces are a lifesaver.
Important Materials
The materials in your car can make a difference for dog owners.
- Cargo Liners: These protect your car’s floor from scratches, dirt, and pet hair. Many are made of waterproof rubber or durable plastic.
- Seat Covers: If your dog rides in the back seat, seat covers will keep your upholstery clean and free from damage. They come in fabric, waterproof nylon, or even quilted styles.
- Interior Trim: Hard plastic or vinyl surfaces are generally easier to wipe down than fabric upholstery.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a car great for dog owners, while others can be a headache.
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Improved Quality:
- Tailgate or Hatchback Design: These often create a large, easy-access opening for crates.
- Flat Cargo Floor: A flat floor makes it simple to slide a crate in and secure it.
- Tie-Down Points: These are hooks or loops in the cargo area that help you strap down the crate so it doesn’t slide around.
- Rear Climate Control: If your dog spends a lot of time in the car, rear air vents keep them cool or warm.
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Reduced Quality:
- Steep or Narrow Cargo Openings: These can make loading a large crate difficult.
- Uneven or Sloping Cargo Floors: A crate might not sit level, making it uncomfortable for your dog.
- Limited Rear Seat Space: If you can’t fit the crate comfortably in the back seat, your options shrink.
- Delicate Interior Materials: Fabric seats and carpets can be hard to clean and may get damaged by claws.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll actually use the car with your dog.
- Everyday Errands: If you just need to pop to the vet or the park, a smaller car with a hatchback might be perfect. You can easily fold down the back seats to make room for a medium-sized crate.
- Road Trips and Camping: For longer journeys, you’ll need more space. SUVs and minivans are popular choices because they offer ample cargo room and often have features like sliding rear seats to customize space.
- Active Lifestyles: If you hike, camp, or go to dog shows, you might need a vehicle that can handle rougher terrain and has a large enough cargo area for bigger crates and all your gear. Trucks with caps or larger SUVs are good options here.
- Multiple Dogs: If you have more than one dog, you’ll need a car with significant cargo space or the ability to safely secure multiple crates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cars for Dog Crates
Q: What is the most important thing to consider when choosing a car for a dog crate?
A: Cargo space is the most important. You need to make sure your dog’s crate fits comfortably and safely.
Q: Are SUVs better than sedans for carrying dog crates?
A: SUVs often have more cargo space and easier loading with their hatchback design, making them generally better than sedans for dog crates.
Q: How can I protect my car’s interior from my dog?
A: Use durable cargo liners and seat covers. These protect your car from dirt, scratches, and pet hair.
Q: What makes a car easy to load a dog crate into?
A: A low trunk opening, a wide hatchback, and a flat cargo floor make loading much easier.
Q: Is ventilation important for my dog in the car?
A: Yes, good ventilation is very important. It keeps your dog comfortable and prevents them from overheating.
Q: Should I measure my dog’s crate before buying a car?
A: Absolutely! Measure your crate and the car’s cargo area to ensure a good fit.
Q: What are tie-down points and why are they useful?
A: Tie-down points are hooks or loops in the cargo area. They help you secure the crate so it doesn’t move around while you drive.
Q: Are there specific car types that are better for large dog crates?
A: Yes, larger SUVs, minivans, and trucks with caps usually have the most space for big dog crates.
Q: What if my dog gets car sick? Does the car type matter?
A: A smoother ride and good ventilation can help with car sickness. Some cars handle bumps better than others.
Q: Can I put a dog crate in the passenger seat?
A: It’s generally not recommended. Crates are safest when secured in the cargo area or on the floor behind the front seats.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.