Like many unknowing dog owners, I used to allow my dogs to ride in the back seat or hitch of the car without worrying about their safety. They lay down and were calm, so I never saw a need to use a dog crate for car travel.
For more information, please visit our website.
When I got Sitka, however, there was no sitting calmly in the car while I drove.
Sitka is anxious in the car, and after the first ride involved him lunging at trucks and motorcycles, pacing back and forth, and whining the entire time, I knew I needed a solution to keep us safe and sane.
Initially, I secured him using a harness system from Kurgo that is crash-tested and kept him from pacing, but he&#;d spin and tangle himself in the straps resulting in needing to pull over to untangle his legs periodically.
From there, I decided to look into a kennel and began intense research to find the best dog crates for car travel. I asked friends, polled my Instagram audience, read reviews, and emailed brands to create a list of potential candidates.
In this post, I feature the dog crates that I considered purchasing, which means they met the criteria I will explain below. I explain why I chose the one that I did and provide suggestions for why other brands might work best for your car situation and dog.
Don&#;t feel like reading all the research and just want to know my top pick?
My dogs ride in GUNNER Kennels.
They&#;re one of the more expensive dog crates on the market, but it is worth every penny because I fully believe they will survive in an accident.
Click here to buy a GUNNER Kennel now >>
Even if your dog was like my first dogs and settled calmly in the car, it&#;s a good idea to secure them in a dog kennel in the event of a car accident.
Here are the three main reasons:
Think about it, we buckle up every time we get into the car, but many dog owners don&#;t often consider securing their dog. In a crash, unsecured dogs will become projectiles and can result in serious injuries and death.
If you are injured in a car accident, your dog will be in a safe and secure spot where they cannot run away or bite anyone.
When I drove with Sitka the first time, I was certain we would get into an accident. His movement and whining was so distracting that I couldn&#;t concentrate on driving.
In , Volvo conducted a safety study that determined that unrestrained dogs led to significantly more unsafe driving behaviors, distracted driving, and increased stress for both the human and the dog.
Image from Volvo Study: Unrestrained Pets Increase Stress and Distraction on the RoadGUNNER Kennel
&#; Safest dog travel crate on the market
&#; Dual locking system for additional safety
BUY NOWDakota 283
&#; military-strength grade materials
&#; Locking system for additional safety
BUY NOWDakota 283
&#; very affordable price
&#; Available in a variety of sizes to accommodate most vehicles
BUY NOWIn the unfortunate case that you are in a car accident, there are a few preparation steps to take to ensure the utmost safety for your pet.
This is especially important if you are injured and unable to tend to your dog after a crash.
Secure a laminated form on top of or inside of the kennel with the following information:
Keep a spare leash and a muzzle in the car and include instructions about how to remove your dog from the kennel and where to take them until you are able to pick them up (i.e. with a friend or e nearest veterinarian).
When working with emergency personnel, if you are able to, communicate to them that you will be the one to remove your dog from the kennel.
I once saw a video posted on Instagram where a dog jumped out and started to run away when the firefighters removed him from his crate. Thankfully, he had his e-collar on and was able to be recalled back.
In stressful situations, dogs can bite or run away. Do as much as possible to prevent that from happening by communicating as best you can with emergency crews and in writing.
When deciding on the right dog crate for your needs, there are several factors to take into consideration that will ensure the best fit for your dog and car, and still meet safety requirements.
When you measure your dog for the crate, you want a snug fit. Too much excess space means that they can become injured due to increased impact from a crash.
You also don&#;t want it too snug because then your dog won&#;t be able to move around to get comfortable.
Since most of the kennels in this article are not available to purchase in stores, testing fit is not an option. The best plan is to provide your dog and car&#;s measurements and dog&#;s weight to the manufacturer and work with them to determine best fit.
To best protect your dog in the car, look for a dog crate that is made from a single piece of molded polyethylene. A single piece means that there are no weak points in the kennel that can fail in an impact.
Materials to avoid include:
The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) conducted a series of crash tests for dog crates in partnership with Subaru of America in . CPS evaluated crates that cost between $150 and $ and put them to a series of tests, including:
You can see the test results from the report here.
There are many dog crates out there that claim to be crash-tested, but because there is not the same requirement for testing the safety of dog crates as there is for cars or child seats, purchasers need to do their homework.
Since the most recent CPS test was performed in , there are likely suitable kennels that didn&#;t make the list or new additions to the market that weren&#;t tested.
the manufacturer to ask about their crash testing protocols and read reviews from people whose dogs were in car crashes to validate the claims.
Some dog crates come with strap loops that allow you to secure the kennel into your car. This is especially important for those whose dogs will ride in open bed trucks.
Different manufacturers may recommend different types of straps to tie down the kennel. Check in with them before purchasing if you plan to secure the kennel in your car.
It can get hot and stuffy inside of a plastic box, so when you&#;re looking for a crate for your dog for the car, make sure that it has good ventilation.
This means there are plenty of air holes on the sides that provide cross breezes.
Depending on the kind of car you have and your dog&#;s size, different crates will fit differently. Further, placement depends on where your car&#;s crumple zones are located.
For example, the front and rear of many cars feature a crumple zone, designed to protect passengers, but that&#;s not where you want the kennel to sit.
You&#;ll want to check with your car&#;s manufacturer to determine where the crumple zones in your specific car are located. Next, measure to ensure the kennel will fit in the designated safe location.
I conducted deep research on several dog crates for car travel before making a decision. I visited several different websites and combed through reviews and talked to my community on Instagram to get their take on different kennels.
Some key features to look for include:
A quality dog kennel that will protect your dog in the event of an accent is not cheap and you get what you pay for in most cases.
The typical wire cages or clamshell airline kennels are not suitable for safety in the event of a car crash. They will not protect your dog.
After all of my research, these are the brands that I considered, including the one I ultimately chose.
Gunner is an industry leader when it comes to dog crates the car. They are the only crate that passed in the CPS study and have a 5-Star Crash Test Rated designation from the organization.
Practically indestructible, Gunner tested the kennels by tossing the crate off a 200-foot cliff, dropping a 630-lb sled on it, shot it with a shotgun, and applying 4,000 lbs of pressure to it. All tests resulted in very little damage.
This is the kennel I use for both of my dogs. Two Mediums fit perfectly in the back of my Forester. Read my Gunner Dog Crate review here.
When I was fiRst looking into purchasing a dog crate for the car, I initially went with the Dakota G3 Medium. Although it&#;s not crash test rated, by CPS, the company has don extensive testing on the kennel.
Here&#;s what they said when I reached out to ask:
&#;We have done internal testing of our kennels through a variety of impact tests including 25 ft drop testing for impact and durability. Our testing drives us to test to failure on most tests so that we know limitations and strengths.
Additionally, and most important (sic) is that our kennels have been involved in several rollover accidents with the dog surviving uninjured. This is the ultimate test and testimonial to our design and performance.&#;
It&#;s important to consider that Dakota Kennels came out after CPS conducted the safety studies.
I chose the the Dakota G3 medium because it seemed like a good mix of the Ruffland and the Gunner Kennel, with a mid-range price tag. The military strength crate is made from a single piece of rotomolded Polyethylene that resists extreme impact.
I did like this kennel and felt very confident that it would protect my dog in the event of an accident. It was roomier than the Gunner, which isn&#;t ideal for car travel. It&#;s also taller, so blocked my rear vision more than the Gunner.
Dakota 283 generously provided a discount code for Long Haul Trekkers followers. Get 10% off your order with code SITKA10 at checkout.
RuffLand Kennels (formerly known as Ruff Tuff Kennels) are the one of the most popular kennels for car travel. They&#;re very affordable and made from a durable one-piece roto-molded construction that can withstand heavy impact.
They were tested in the CPS crash test and performed well when placed in the rear cargo area against the rear seatback, however in the test without the seatback for reinforcement, the door completely separated from the crate and the dummy dog was not retained.
You can read more about the testing here.
RuffLand kennels are tapered to ensure full breathability, even with gear stacked right up against the crate. The brand also makes tie downs specifically for their kennels to ensure further security in the car.
And there you have it! It&#;s a small list of kennels, but they are all crates that I would trust my dog&#;s life with.
There are many benefits to crate training, whether you&#;re welcoming a new puppy or an older dog. The best dog crates offer pups a safe, personal space to unwind and sleep; they also potentially help keep them out of trouble when unsupervised or during grooming or vet visits. Our top pick overall is the Diggs Revol Dog Crate, a model that is stylish, collapsible and easy to clean. For puppies, we recommend Midwest Homes&#; Single-Door Crate, a folding wire option with a durable divider panel that allows it to grow with your pet.
The best dog crates (such as the Diggs Revolv) offer a secure and relaxing space for your pup to ... [+] unwind.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: DIGGSWhile there are some differences among canine behavioral experts about whether crate training is essential for all pups, &#;it&#;s better to crate-train a dog than not for many reasons,&#; says Alexandra Bassett, lead dog trainer and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy. In addition to easing your pet&#;s nerves at appointments or while you&#;re away, they&#;re quite helpful if you&#;re welcoming a puppy who isn&#;t potty or house trained yet, Bassett adds.
When choosing a dog crate, &#;every dog and situation deserves to be looked at on an individual basis,&#; advises Renee Rhoades, an applied animal behaviorist and founder of R+Dogs. Consider your pet&#;s temperament, preferences and, of course, size: The crate should be large enough for them to turn and stand comfortably, but not too large that they end up using one corner as a bathroom. Based on these expert tips and additional feedback from our on-staff dog parents, we selected the seven best dog crates, which you can read about below.
Goto Tian Yilong to know more.
Amazon
Dimensions: 44 x 28 x 30 inches (large) | Weight: 25 to 53 pounds | Sizes: S to L | Material: Plastic and aluminum frame, steel mesh
Pros:
Cons:
Collapsible for travel? Check. Easy to clean? Check. Comfortable and safe for your favorite four-legged friend? Check. The stylish Revolv crate comes in small and medium sizes, as well as color options that include Ash, Gray and Charcoal. It&#;s also one of the best collapsible dog crates out there, breaking down for storage and easy transport. The included wheels and handle add to its portability, too.
But where the Revolv truly stands out is in the details that prioritize puppy training and safety, like its double-door design (which includes a standard front door and a garage-style side door), as well as the ceiling hatch and puppy divider. (There's a reason it's a top pick in our ultimate puppy checklist.) Plus, the crate features rounded corners, pup-inaccessible latching mechanisms and mesh that doesn't pitch.
What the experts say: Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer and an expert at Rover, says that unlike typical metal crates, which tend to have square-shaped mesh that dog tags can get stuck in, this crate &#;has a metal diamond shape to prevent tags from getting caught."
chewy
Dimensions: 48 x 30 x 32 inches (XL) | Weight: 43.7 pounds | Sizes: XS to XL | Material: Coated steel, metal
Pros:
Cons:
Behavior specialists advise you not to put a new puppy in a full-sized crate, as this may hinder your training efforts (pups shouldn't have enough room to feel comfortable going to the bathroom in one corner of the crate and spending the rest of the time in another). But you'll also need to anticipate growth, says Dr. Missy Matusicky, an assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. That's why she recommends adult-sized crates that include crate divider panels, which will let you adjust the crate as your pup grows.
One excellent example of such a model is Frisco by Chewy's Fold & Carry Wire Dog Crate. Its heavy-duty wire design comes in a wide range of sizes, from 22 inches to 48 inches in length; its corners are rounded for your puppy's safety. The divider panel keeps your pooch secure in a space sized to their needs, and the easy-to-clean plastic base pan is helpful in case of accidents. (Note: Frisco Heavy-Duty Crates also come in a double-door style.)
What our editors say: Forbes Vetted deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala vouches for this crate's quality and value, sharing, &#;It&#;s very inexpensive and yet sturdy for our small dog. We&#;ve had it nearly a year without issue. She comfortably sleeps in it every night. I appreciate the pull-out bottom drawer, which made it easier to hose down for unexpected messes.&#; Though her dog, Bubbles, is only 21 pounds, Sala says they chose the Frisco to accommodate her long legs.
Amazon
Dimensions: 54 x 37 x 45 inches (XXL) | Weight: 80.2 pounds (XXL) | Sizes: XXS to XXL | Material: Coated metal, plastic, metal
Pros:
Cons:
For large dog breeds&#;Great Danes and St. Bernards, for example&#;you&#;re going to need a sizable crate to match. Go for the collapsible Midwest Homes Wire Crate, which is available in sizes that go up to a whopping 54 inches long and 45 inches high. Reviewers say it's impressively sturdy, thanks to its coated metal, drop-pin construction and stabilizing rubber feet. It's also puppy friendly, featuring rounded edges, a divider panel and a low-maintenance plastic tray. The door is secured by three reinforced latches for extra peace of mind.
While this model conveniently folds up for easier storage and transport, it's worth noting that&#;especially with the larger sizes&#;this crate can get quite heavy due to its tough construction. (Note: Midwest Homes' Wire Crate comes in a double-door style that also goes up to size XXL.)
What our testers say: Forbes sales research and insights analyst Melis Ocal says she has happily used the Midwest Single-Door Crate for her pit bull mix. "It's so easy to fold and transport, which was especially important to me ... when my dog had to spend a few nights at my parents' [house]. It has traveled so well and is easy to clean and find beds for due to the standard size."
Chewy
Dimensions: 39.3 x 26.8 x 29.5 inches (XL) | Weight: 31 pounds (XL) | Sizes: M to XL | Material: Plastic, wire mesh door
Pros:
Cons:
While plastic dog crates aren't as durable, ventilated or easy to store as wire crates, they have their advantages. "Plastic crates have solid sides, so they may be more comfortable for a dog to lean against than a wire crate," shares Bassett. She adds that while wire crates offer 360-degree visibility, a shy or fearful dog might better appreciate the cozier, more solid-feeling confines of a plastic crate.
One good plastic dog crate we're partial to is the Frisco Plastic Dog Kennel. Its sides are sturdy enough for pups to lean on, and they make the interior adequately darker to help nervous ones feel less exposed. Since plastic crates tend to offer less airflow than wire ones, we appreciate that Frisco's version comes equipped with several ventilation holes on its sides for better circulation. And should you want to store it, the crate comes apart in the middle to form two stackable halves.
What our experts say: Unsure if your pup prefers a plastic or wire crate? While you should factor in how your dog reacts to each type, "what is more likely to sway their feelings about the crate is how it is used and where it is located," Rhoades explains. If you're in doubt, consult your vet or behavior professional.
USA-Made
Gunner
Dimensions: 40.3 x 28 x 33.3 inches (large) | Weight: 72 pounds (large) | Sizes: S to L | Material: Double-wall rotomolded plastic, aluminum and stainless steel components
Pros:
Cons:
Even the most masterful canine escape artists will have a tough time breaking out of the G1 Kennel, a rugged crate built for maximum safety and security for your pet on the road. It&#;s made of double-walled rotomolded plastic that the brand says offers twice as much impact protection as traditional plastic. And there are stats to prove it: This construction, reinforced with an aluminum frame, has been 5-star crash-tested and proven to withstand up to 4,000 pounds of force. (Not to mention, the brand feels confident enough in the G1's durability that it's covered by a lifetime warranty.)
It also features backup safety locks, rip-proof tie-down pins and straps, and rubber feet to give pet owners extra peace of mind. Durability isn't the only thing the G1 excels in: The crate's double-walled design helps shield your pooch from both extreme cold and heat, and it's equipped with strong carrying handles and a drainage system for easy clean-up.
What the reviews say: An owner of two labs writes, "We feel so safe now we have these Gunner kennels in our truck. I always feared traveling with our labs in the bed of the truck without proper protection. ... Our dogs love the coolness and coziness of the inside... [They're] easy to clean, manage, lock and strap down, great looking kennels."
Impact Dog Crates
Dimensions: 48.5 x 32.5 x 36 inches (2XL) | Weight: 79 pounds | Sizes: M to XXL | Material: Aluminum alloy, zinc-plated steel latch
Pros:
Cons:
If your dog is prone to anxiety, the openness of wire crates might give them too much stimulation for comfort. However, while plastic dog crates do offer a more enclosed feel, "anxious dogs have been known to chew out of these crates (unless you are going for a really high-end crate)," explains Rover's Ellis. You&#;ll want to work with a certified behavior professional to help your dog become more comfortable being crated, but you&#;ll also need a durable crate. This model from Impact Dog Crates addresses the gaps that regular wire and plastic crates have with its design.
This high-anxiety crate has durable metal walls that are welded in place, and the door is secured by four individual latches. There are holes all around the crate to increase airflow, but they&#;re small enough that your dog won&#;t be able to chew through them. (Because these ventilation holes are smaller than the ones in its other models, Impact says it increased their overall amount to offer more airflow.) The brand also backs the crate with both a lifetime warranty and a "lifetime dog warranty:" If your dog damages any part of the crate, you&#;ll get a replacement part for free.
What the experts say: Plenty of happy reviewers say this crate has helped calm and secure their nervous pups (for reference, it's garnered almost 2,000 5-star ratings). However, Rhoades advises taking claims of "indestructibility" or "solving" behavioral problems with a grain of salt and suggests always consulting with your vet or a behavior professional first.
Etsy
Dimensions: 45 x 28 x 32 inches (extra-large) | Weight: 83.8 pounds | Sizes: S to XL | Material: Plywood, acrylic panel, stainless steel latch
Pros:
Cons:
One thing many well-made wire and plastic dog crates have in common is that they're not necessarily the most visually appealing. While they have their advantages (as our experts shared earlier), wood crates excel in the attractiveness department. Moreover, in addition to blending in better with the rest of your furniture, wooden dog crates tend to offer a more enclosed feel.
A well-reviewed wooden model that customers say meets both construction and design requirements is this crate by Ukrainian business Petso. Made predominantly of sturdy and polished (read: waterproof) 12mm plywood, it's also equipped with a transparent acrylic front panel (a solid 10mm of thickness) to give your pooch plenty of light. And while this crate's wood construction is less open than wired counterparts, it's well ventilated with multiple slits on three sides. The door itself hinges open and is secured with a metal latch you can operate with one hand.
What the reviews say: One reviewer shares, "I was a little nervous spending this much money on a crate ... but it was definitely worth it! It looks refined and polished and like a piece of furniture. It comes super secured and didn&#;t have any damages [during] shipping. My only complaint is that the bed that goes with it ... is a little bit cumbersome to wash."
Forbes Vetted&#;s home and kitchen editorial team have researched, reported on and tested scores of pet products. These include expert-supported and data-backed stories on the best dog beds, orthopedic dog beds, cooling dog beds and more.
Our team gathered key insight and guidance from the following dog behavioral experts:
To choose the best dog crates, we consulted with two veterinarians and three dog behavioral experts to get the ins and outs of crate training.
When shopping for a dog crate, there are a few key factors to keep in mind, including materials, size and safety features. Below, we&#;ve broken down exactly what to look for:
There are several types of dog crates you&#;ll encounter as you shop, including wire, plastic and fabric options. Here are a few pro tips from Dr. Aly Cohen, a clinical instructor at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine:
It&#;s important to select the right size crate for your dog. If the crate is too small, they won&#;t be comfortable, but if it&#;s too big, they may have room to go to the bathroom. The general rule of thumb is that your dog should be able to stand up and turn around inside the crate, so you may want to measure your pup to get an idea of how much room they need.
If you&#;re shopping for a puppy, look for a crate that comes with an adjustable divider, such as the Midwest Homes Single-Door Crate and Chewy&#;s Frisco Fold & Carry Double-Door Wire Dog Crate. This will allow you to give them an appropriate amount of space inside the crate, and you can adjust the divider as they grow to give them more room.
The best dog crates are easy for both you and your dog to use. Look for a model with easy-to-open locks and convenient features, such as a handle or locking caster wheels. If you plan to travel with your crate, you&#;ll also want to look for a model that collapses (like Diggs Revol Dog Crate) into a flat form for easy transport.
You may also want a crate that&#;s easy to clean, especially if you&#;re training a puppy. Some products, like Midwest Homes&#; Single-Door Crate, come with a removable plastic tray that sits in the bottom of the crate; this will catch any accidents, making it easy to clean up after your pet.
For dogs that like chewing, digging or scratching in their crates, it&#;s important to select a durable product that can stand up to their antics. In these situations, it&#;s best to look for a metal crate with welded joints. You may also want to look for a reinforced lock and thick mesh bottom, which will help prevent your dog from escaping.
It&#;s important to consider safety features in a dog crate, especially if you have an anxious pup. You may want to avoid wire walls or doors, where your dog&#;s teeth can get stuck, and always be sure to remove their collar before placing them inside the crate&#;it can be extremely dangerous if their collar gets stuck on something.
If you&#;re planning to use your dog&#;s crate in the car, consider whether the design has been crash-tested. Models like the Gunner G1 Kennel are specially designed to protect your dog in the event of an accident and are worth the added investment if you regularly hit the road with your pet.
Experts have varied opinions on the necessity of crate training, but most agree there are indeed benefits to dog crates. Ellis equates a dog crate to a human&#;s favorite chair. &#;Crates teach our dogs to relax, to have down time and gives them a safe place to be,&#; she says, adding that a crate-trained dog might be less stressed during vet visits or hotel stays. She notes that crates can also be a helpful aid for separation anxiety or potty training.
Rhoades has a more conservative point of view: &#;Although dogs may go to shielded, quiet places when they are feeling stressed or anxious, that doesn't necessarily need to be a crate,&#; she explains. Bottom line: Every animal and situation is different, so if you decide that a crate is suitable for you and your pup, take the time to get them comfortable with confinement.
Once again, each dog&#;s preferences will vary. In Rhoades&#; experience, though, &#;most dogs are likely to prefer a door being open. If a door is closed, this cuts off the dogs ability to have choice.&#; That said, there will be times you&#;ll need to leave the crate door closed&#;for instance, if you leave your dog unsupervised and you&#;re unsure how destructive or unsafe they&#;ll be. One thing you should avoid at all costs, according to Rhoades, is using the crate as punishment.
The company is the world’s best dog crate manufacturers supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.