The 12 Best Travel Crates For Dogs

Reviews

Frisco-Soft-Sided-Dog-Crate

The Frisco Indoor & Outdoor Soft-Sided Dog Crate is a soft-style popup crate that distinguishes itself as the best travel dog crate overall.

The primary component of the crate is made of a lightweight, water-resistant canvas material. It folds up quickly and can be stored virtually anywhere, whether in a trunk or a closet.

In the exterior pocket of the Frisco Soft-Sided Crate, you can keep your dog’s food, snacks, and other canine necessities.

There are three mesh doors that zip up and roll up with clips to keep them open, providing your dog with increased ventilation and access opportunities.

The finest feature of the Frisco Soft-Sided crate is its ability to fit both little and large dogs, as it is available in different sizes.

While we really enjoy the quality and appearance of this cage, the bottom isn’t padded, so you’ll need to pack a crate cushion if you want to travel with it.

It is also not the ideal option if you have a highly destructive dog, as extreme chewers and diggers may quickly destroy the crate.

Pros

• Ultralight canvas material
• Folds compactly for travel
• Outer pocket for extra storage
• Three distinct roll-up doors with clips
• Available in many sizes

Cons

• Having no cushioning at the bottom
• Not durable enough for certain dogs

 

SP Travel Kennel Dog Carrier

The SP Travel Kennel Dog Carrier is a typical hard-sided travel carrier for people on a budget and in search of the greatest value carrier. You should not worry about the crate’s structural stability, since the plastic and metal are of high quality relative to the cost.

The durable plastic exterior is easy to clean and features a carry handle, making it simple to transport your dog on the move.

The SP Travel Carrier has a metal bar door with a latch-style lock to secure your pet while traveling. It is also IATA-Airline-approved, thus it should meet most airline requirements for flight.

The SP Travel Kennel Dog Carrier is only available in three sizes, which may not be suitable for your pet. Additionally, the sizes are on the tiny side, which might be bothersome if you have a huge dog.

The SP Travel Dog Carrier is a wonderful solution for owners of medium-sized dogs seeking a high-quality hard-shell carrier without the premium price tag.

Pros

• Excellent value for the price
• Hard plastic case with a grip
• Steel door with lock
• IATA-approved air carrier

Cons

• Only offered in three sizes
• Sizing is on the small side.

 

MidWest Canine Camper Collapsible Single-Door Soft-Sided Dog Crate

The MidWest Canine Camper Single Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate is a luxury soft crate made of canvas for camping and travel. It has a lightweight metal frame that is simple to install and remove after usage.

The water-repellent soft nylon canvas is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. The MidWest Soft-Sided Crate is collapsible and foldable, making it simple to transport and store after travel.

It also has a plush faux-sheepskin pad for the bottom, providing your dog with additional comfort and padding while you travel. As a premium-quality travel crate, the MidWest Soft-Sided crate tends to be on the pricier side.

Additionally, it is unsuitable for disruptive dogs, particularly those who prefer to claw, scratch, and chew their cages. Other than that, the MidWest Soft-Sided Crate is our top option and a terrific addition to your travel necessities.

Pros

• With a lightweight metal frame
• Hydrophobic nylon canvas
• Folds down for portability
• Featuring a fake sheepskin cushion

Cons

• On the costly side
• Not suited for destructive dogs

 

Precision Pet Products Soft-Sided 4-Door Collapsible Dog Crate

The Precision Pet Products 4-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate is a collapsible popup crate for travel that is both lightweight and easy. The exterior material is a water-resistant canvas with mesh, so it protects your dog and prevents him from overheating.

This type features four distinct zippered doors that roll up and snap into place when not in use. It collapses quickly for transport, so it will not take up much room in your car or baggage.

It also includes a large outside pocket where you can store food and goodies for your dog while camping.

Although the Precision Pet Collapsible cage has several nice qualities, it is not sturdy enough for dogs that prefer to gnaw and dig.

This model’s zippers are a bit difficult and may jam quickly, therefore there is a learning curve. Aside from that, this soft-sided collapsible cage is an excellent solution for you and your dog.

Pros

• Waterproof canvas with a mesh weave
• Four different doors with zippers
• Folds effortlessly for travel convenience
• Outside pocket for storage

Cons

• Not appropriate for dogs who dig and chew
• Zippers may easily jam

 

Petmate Compass Dog Kennel

The Petmate Compass Dog Kennel is a hard-shell dog travel carrier designed for dogs who require a cage with hard sides. This type has a strong plastic exterior that is easy to clean and maintain in the event of an accident.

The large opening allows your dog to enter and exit the crate with ease. It also incorporates a double-lock system that allows the door to open in either the left or right direction in the event that space is restricted and only one direction is possible.

However, the Petmate Compass Dog Kennel lacks a carrying handle or grips, so you will need to find a secure way to transport your pet. It is more costly than other carriers, particularly for larger capacities.

Additionally, it may not accommodate extra-large or giant-sized canines, making this alternative unsuitable for you. Aside from that, this is a solid durable carrier that may be suitable for you and your dog.

Pros

• Simple to clean plastic
• Widespread entrance
• Double-lock can be opened to the left or right

Cons

• There are no handles or grips for carrying.
• Especially costly for larger sizes
• Not suitable for XL or Giant dogs

 

MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Collapsible Wire Dog Crate with Double Doors

The MidWest iCrate Fold and Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate is an excellent replacement for soft and rigid plastic carriers. The box has a coated metal construction and a sturdy, leak-proof plastic tray.

This is the heaviest of the boxes and will likely require two people to move, although assembly and disassembly are reasonably straightforward and quick. This cage is an excellent solution for dogs that dig and chew.

It provides excellent ventilation and 360-degree vision of your pet. Wire cages are particularly beneficial for establishing a safe place for pups and older dogs, as well as those requiring restraint after surgery and while traveling to pet-friendly lodging.

This model features two access points, the front and side panels, a carrying handle, four wheels to protect wooden floors, and a divider panel. The MidWest iCrate is available in six sizes ranging from xs to XL, providing many possibilities.

If necessary, a replacement liner may be obtained. Negatively, if your pet desires additional privacy, you would need to purchase a separate cover and supply comfortable bedding as well. Some reviews mentioned quality control flaws, such as misaligned locks.

Pros

• Durable wire framework
• Roller feet
• Included partition
• Excellent for surgical rehabilitation, crate training, and travel

Cons

• Costlier than some alternatives
• Heavy
• Several reviewers noted misaligned latches.

 

PetAmi Premium Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Travel Carrier

The PetAmi Premium Airline Approved Soft-Sided Dog and Cat Travel Carrier is a carry-on bag designed for air travel and other forms of travel. It has a duffel bag design for simple transport and positioning beneath your flight seat.

This pet duffel bag carrier by PetAmi is a lightweight, budget-friendly alternative to other sorts of pet carriers. Additionally, it conforms with the majority of airline laws, allowing you to go virtually anywhere with your dog.

While the PetAmi is an excellent alternative to conventional carriers, it is only ideal for tiny and toy dogs. The plastic clamps on the carry strap are also of inferior quality and may not be robust enough for larger, heavier small breeds.

Additionally, it is not a robust material when it comes to excessive chewing and scratching, thus we recommend alternate carriers for active or destructive dogs.

Pros

• Duffel-style pet carrier
• Budget-friendly alternative
• Complies with the majority of airlines

Cons

• Only for toy and small dogs
• Unsatisfactory strap clips
• Not durable for digging/scratching dogs

 

Hard-Sided MidWest Spree Dog & Cat Kennel

The MidWest Spree Hard-Sided Dog & Cat Kennel is a hard-sided dog carrier designed for travel and mobility. It features a hard-plastic exterior that is simple to clean and light enough to carry.

It is an inexpensive hard-sided carrier, thus it might save you money. However, you get what you pay for with the MidWest Spree Kennel, which is made of hard, low-quality plastic.

The locks are likewise made of plastic of mediocre quality, thus they may fail or snap after some time.

Additionally, this carrier is only ideal for tiny dogs, therefore canines weighing more than 18 pounds cannot utilize it. The carrying handle is fixed into the crate, making it extremely difficult to transport larger dogs.

The MidWest Spree may be a possibility if you have a toy-sized dog, however we recommend attempting other models first.

Pros

• Budget-friendly hard carrier
• Lightweight rigid plastic shell

Cons

• Substandard plastic
• Plastic locks may readily shatter
• Suitable just for tiny dogs
• Fixed carry-handle construction

 

Petmate Top-Loading Two-Door

The Petmate Two Door Top Load Plastic Dog Carrier is a travel carrier with a durable exterior. If your dog has an accident, the outside shell is made of durable plastic, which is easy to clean and maintain.

Doors made of coated steel wire provide excellent security for escape artists. It also features an ergonomic top handle that makes transporting your dog to and from locations easy and pleasant.

Having the option to load pets from the top or front entrance can make it easier to load uncooperative creatures. This airline is one of the most affordable on our list.

This type is permitted for use on the majority of airlines, making it suitable for longer journeys. It requires assembling, and some reviewers had difficulty with this.

Pros

• Simple to clean plastic
• Optional colours
• Use on airlines

Cons

• Assembly
• Only for tiny and toy dogs

Conclusion

When purchasing travel necessities for your dog, it is necessary to choose the best travel crates for dogs that meet your requirements. It is essential to get the correct sort of crate, whether it’s a soft-sided collapsible box, a hard plastic crate, or a wire cage.

The Frisco Indoor & Outdoor 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog & Small Pet Crate surpasses expectations with its superior construction and features. The SP Travel Kennel Dog Carrier is BestForPets‘ (bestforpets.org) top selection for the greatest value since it is both inexpensive and sturdy. 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Dog Crate

When selecting the ideal dog cage for your purposes, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind to guarantee the optimum fit for your dog and automobile, as well as compliance with safety regulations.

Size and Fit

When measuring your dog for a crate, you should aim for a snug fit. They risk injury in the event of a collision if there is an excessive amount of available space.

You also don’t want it to be too tight, since your dog won’t be able to comfortably move about.

Due to the fact that the majority of the kennels in this article are not commercially accessible, fit testing is not possible.

The optimal strategy is to supply the manufacturer with your dog’s measurements, the dimensions of your vehicle, and the dog’s weight in order to establish the optimum fit.

Material

For optimal protection of your dog in the automobile, search for a dog cage manufactured from a single piece of polyethylene that has been molded. A kennel constructed from a single piece has no weak areas that may fail upon impact.

Among the materials to avoid are:

• Wire
• Fabric
• Foldable boxes
• Traditional “clamshell” plastic dog cages.

Crash-testing

In 2015, the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) and Subaru of America conducted a series of crash tests on dog crates. CPS conducted a number of tests on boxes that cost between $150 and $1,000, including:

• Using fake dogs weighing 75 pounds
• Conducted two distinct crash tests, one with the back seat folded and the other with it up.
• Simulated collisions at 30 mph in velocity

There are several dog crates on the market that claim to have been crash-tested, but because there is no mandate for crash-testing dog crates as there is for vehicles or kid safety seats, buyers must do their research.

Since the most recent CPS test was conducted in 2015, there are possibly kennels that did not make the list or new kennels that were not examined.

Email the company to inquire about their crash testing processes and read testimonials from individuals whose pets were involved in automobile collisions to verify the claims.

Strap Eyelets

Some dog cages include strap loops for securing the kennel in your vehicle. This is especially critical for dog owners who may transport their pets in open bed vehicles.

Different manufacturers may propose various types of kennel tie-down straps. Check with them beforehand if you want to transport the kennel in your vehicle.

Ventilation

It can get hot and stuffy inside a plastic box, so when shopping for a cage for your dog to use in the car, make sure it has adequate ventilation.

This indicates that there are several air openings on the sides to facilitate cross winds.

Size of Your Dog’s Crate for Transport

Depending on the type of vehicle you own and the size of your dog, different crates will fit differently. In addition, placement relies on the location of your vehicle’s crumple zones.

For instance, the front and rear crumple zones of many automobiles are meant to protect passengers, but it is not where you want to place the kennel.

Check with your vehicle’s manufacturer to see where the crumple zones are situated in your vehicle. Next, check that the kennel will fit in the specified safe place by taking measurements.