Does the thought of traveling with your furry best friend fill you with both excitement and a little bit of dread? Imagine this: you’re packed, you’re ready to hit the road, but your dog seems anxious about their travel space. Finding the perfect dog crate for your adventures shouldn’t be another stressful part of your trip. Many pet parents worry about their dog’s comfort and safety when they’re on the move, and sifting through all the different types of crates can feel overwhelming.
We get it! There are so many choices out there – soft-sided carriers, hard plastic kennels, collapsible crates – it’s tough to know which one is best for your pup and your travel plans. What if your dog doesn’t like it? What if it’s too bulky? What if it’s not safe enough? These are common questions that can make choosing a travel crate feel like a big puzzle.
But don’t worry! By reading on, you’ll discover how to pick a dog crate that makes travel a breeze for both you and your dog. We’ll break down what to look for, share tips for making it a cozy den, and help you feel confident about your choice. Get ready to make your next journey with your dog comfortable, secure, and worry-free!
Our Top 5 Dog Crate For Travel Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dog Crate For Travel Detailed Reviews
1. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs
Rating: 8.9/10
The Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is a reliable and safe choice for your large furry friend. It’s built for comfort and security, whether you’re heading to the vet, going on a road trip, or even flying. This kennel offers peace of mind for both you and your dog.
What We Like:
- The wire door is strong and easy to open. It also has special holes for zip ties, which makes it super secure, especially for flights.
- This crate meets most airline rules for pet carriers. It has vents on all sides so your dog can see out and get fresh air.
- It’s made for big dogs, about 50-70 pounds. There’s enough space inside for them to stand up and turn around. The inside measurements are 32.5″ L x 22.2″ W x 26″ H.
- Cleaning is a breeze! The plastic shell wipes clean easily. Plus, a special moat helps keep liquids away from your pet, which is great for potty training or wet trips.
- Petmate has been making good pet products for over 60 years, focusing on making pets and their owners happy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for large dogs, some owners of the very largest breeds might wish for a bit more wiggle room.
- The taupe and black color combination is classic, but a wider range of color options could appeal to more pet parents.
This Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is a solid investment for any owner of a large dog who travels. It prioritizes safety and comfort, making journeys less stressful for everyone.
2. Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel
Rating: 8.6/10
Traveling with your dog just got a whole lot easier with the Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel. This medium-sized crate, in a nice tan color, is designed to keep your furry friend safe and comfy on the go. It’s made from tough polyester fabric and has a frame that’s strong but still light. Setting it up takes just a few seconds, and it folds flat for easy carrying and storing.
What We Like:
- It sets up super fast with no tools needed.
- The two doors, one on top and one in front, make getting your dog in and out simple.
- Secure zippers keep the doors shut tight.
- Straps hold the rolled-up doors neatly out of the way.
- Mesh windows and the front door let fresh air flow all around, keeping your dog cool.
- It’s lightweight and folds flat, making it great for travel and storage.
- It’s a good size for medium breeds like Blue Heelers and Golden Retrievers up to 50 lbs.
- The price is very affordable, which is a big plus!
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s soft-sided, it might not be the best choice for dogs who tend to chew or try to escape.
- The tan color, while nice, can show dirt more easily.
This crate is a fantastic option for pet parents who want a convenient and comfortable way to travel with their dogs. It offers good value and makes trips much less stressful for both you and your pet.
3. Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel
Rating: 9.3/10
The Love’s Cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed is a versatile pop-up kennel designed for both indoor and outdoor use, making it ideal for pets up to 40 lbs. It functions as a cozy bed, a secure crate, and even a portable car seat kennel, offering your furry friend a comfortable and familiar space wherever you go. Crafted with a combination of high-grade thick mesh and durable 600D polyester oxford fabric, this kennel ensures good ventilation and a safe haven for your cat or small dog.
What We Like:
- Excellent ventilation with mesh panels on the front and sides keeps your pet cool and comfortable.
- The easy open/close zipper door allows for simple access and secure containment.
- Its collapsible and portable design folds down quickly for convenient travel and storage.
- Built-in seatbelt straps make it easy to secure the kennel in your car for safe travels.
- The included lifetime, no-questions-asked refund or replacement offer provides great peace of mind.
- It’s lightweight and offers a cozy spot for pets to rest and relax, whether at home or on the go.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product’s lightweight nature means it may not be sturdy enough for extremely energetic or destructive pets without owner supervision.
- Care instructions require hand washing in cold water, which might be less convenient for some users.
This portable kennel offers a fantastic solution for pet owners who want to provide a safe and comfortable space for their companions on the move. Its ease of use and portability make it a top choice for travel and everyday adventures.
4. Nottia Dog Crate
Rating: 9.2/10
Hit the road with your furry friend in comfort and security with the Nottia Dog Crate. This soft, collapsible travel crate is designed for large dogs, offering a cozy den for adventures both near and far. Its smart design makes it super easy to pack up and take with you, ensuring your dog always has a safe space.
What We Like:
- Super portable: It folds flat in about a minute and is light enough to carry easily. It fits right into your car trunk, making it perfect for road trips, camping, or hotel stays.
- Built tough: The crate has strong corners and chew-resistant fabric. The mesh windows let in lots of fresh air, and the comfy pad helps your dog feel calm.
- Secure and easy to use: With three doors, getting your dog in and out is a breeze. The anti-tip base keeps it steady, even on bumpy ground.
- Quick setup and cleaning: You can set it up in no time without any tools. Cleaning is simple with a damp cloth, and it stores away nicely.
- Great support: You get a 3-year warranty and a 30-day refund policy, so you can try it out risk-free. Plus, you can easily reach a live pet expert if you need help.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for dogs up to 70 lbs, very large breeds might find the dimensions a bit snug for extended periods.
- The chew-proof claims are strong, but extremely determined chewers might still pose a challenge over time.
This Nottia Dog Crate offers a fantastic blend of portability and durability for dog owners on the go. It’s a smart choice for keeping your canine companion happy and safe during all your travels.
5. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs
Rating: 9.0/10
The Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is a sturdy and reliable option for transporting your furry friend, whether you’re heading to the vet or hopping on a plane. Its durable plastic construction and secure wire door offer peace of mind, ensuring your pet stays safe and comfortable.
What We Like:
- This kennel is made in the USA and built with safety in mind.
- The wire door opens easily but stays shut securely.
- It has special holes for zip ties, which are needed for airline travel.
- The kennel is designed to meet most airline requirements for cargo.
- It provides good airflow on all sides, so your pet can see out and breathe easily.
- The plastic shell is simple to wipe clean.
- A special moat helps keep liquids away from your pet, which is great for training or messy travelers.
- Petmate has been making good pet products for over 60 years.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description states it’s for “medium dogs” but then specifies it’s for dogs up to 10 lbs. This is confusing and likely meant for small dogs.
- The interior dimensions (16.2″ L x 12″ W x 9″ H) are very small and might not be comfortable for some dogs even under 10 lbs, especially if they need to stand or turn around easily.
This Petmate Vari Dog Kennel offers a secure and convenient way to travel with smaller pets. While it has some limitations regarding size, its focus on safety and ease of cleaning makes it a solid choice for its intended use.
Your Dog’s Travel Buddy: A Guide to Choosing the Best Dog Crate
Taking your furry friend on adventures? A travel dog crate is a must-have. It keeps your dog safe and comfortable on road trips, flights, or even quick visits to the vet. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a travel crate, think about what makes it good for your dog.
- Size Matters: The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Too small is unsafe, and too big might make them feel less secure. Measure your dog from nose to tail base and from the ground to the top of their head. Add a few inches to each measurement for a good fit.
- Ventilation: Good airflow is super important. Look for crates with plenty of openings or mesh sides. This keeps your dog cool and prevents them from feeling trapped.
- Security: The crate needs to keep your dog safely inside. Strong latches and a secure door are essential. You don’t want any escape artists getting out!
- Portability: Since it’s a travel crate, it should be easy to carry. Some crates fold flat, while others have wheels. Think about how you’ll be moving it around.
- Durability: A good travel crate should be able to withstand bumps and jostles. It should be made of strong materials that won’t break easily.
Important Materials
The material of the crate affects its weight, durability, and how well it holds up.
- Plastic: Many travel crates are made of hard plastic. This is a popular choice because it’s lightweight, easy to clean, and offers good protection. It also provides a den-like feel for your dog.
- Metal: Wire crates are very common for home use, but some lighter-weight metal options exist for travel. They offer great ventilation and visibility. However, they can be heavier and might not feel as secure as plastic for some dogs.
- Fabric: Soft-sided crates are the lightest option. They are often made of durable nylon or polyester. These are great for smaller dogs or for use inside another vehicle for added comfort. They are not usually recommended for unsupervised travel or for dogs who tend to chew.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a travel crate better or worse.
- Good Quality Latches: Sturdy, easy-to-use latches keep the door securely shut. Cheap latches can fail.
- Reinforced Corners: Crates with reinforced corners are less likely to crack or break if they get bumped.
- Smooth Edges: No sharp edges inside or outside the crate protects your dog from cuts.
- Easy Assembly/Disassembly: A crate that’s simple to put together and take apart makes travel much easier. If it’s a struggle, you’ll dread using it.
- Chew-Proof Design: For dogs who like to chew, a crate designed to resist chewing is a lifesaver. Some plastic crates have reinforced areas.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the crate and your experience with it are important.
- Road Trips: A sturdy plastic crate is ideal for car travel. It can be secured with seatbelts. It provides a safe space for your dog during long drives.
- Air Travel: Airlines have specific requirements for pet carriers. Look for IATA-approved crates if you plan to fly. These are usually made of strong plastic with secure doors.
- Vet Visits: A smaller, easy-to-carry crate makes trips to the vet less stressful for both you and your dog.
- Temporary Housing: If you’re staying in a hotel or visiting friends, a travel crate offers your dog a familiar and safe place to rest.
- Training Tool: Crates are excellent for house training and teaching your dog to be comfortable alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Dog Crates
Q: What is the most important feature of a travel dog crate?
A: The most important feature is that the crate is the right size for your dog. It must be big enough for them to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
Q: Are plastic crates better than fabric ones for travel?
A: Plastic crates are generally more durable and secure for travel, especially for car trips or flights. Fabric crates are lighter but may not be suitable for all travel situations or for dogs who chew.
Q: How do I measure my dog for a travel crate?
A: Measure your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Then, measure from the ground to the top of their head. Add a few inches to both measurements.
Q: Can my dog travel on a plane in any crate?
A: No. Airlines have specific rules. Look for crates that are IATA-approved and meet the airline’s size and material requirements.
Q: How do I make sure my dog is comfortable in their crate during travel?
A: Introduce the crate gradually at home. Make it a positive place with treats and toys. For travel, include familiar bedding and a favorite chew toy.
Q: What if my dog chews through the crate?
A: If your dog is a strong chewer, choose a heavy-duty plastic crate designed to be chew-resistant. You may also need to consult a trainer to address the chewing behavior.
Q: How do I clean a travel dog crate?
A: Most plastic crates can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Fabric crates may require spot cleaning or gentle machine washing, depending on the material.
Q: Should I get a crate with wheels?
A: Wheels can be helpful if you need to move a heavier crate a long distance, like through an airport. However, make sure the wheels are sturdy and lock securely.
Q: What does “IATA-approved” mean for pet crates?
A: IATA-approved means the crate meets the standards set by the International Air Transport Association for safe and secure animal transport by air.
Q: How long should my dog be in a travel crate?
A: Dogs should not be left in a crate for excessively long periods. For travel, aim for breaks every few hours for water, potty breaks, and a chance to stretch.
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.