At 30 mph, a 40-pound dog becomes an 1,800-pound projectile in a sudden stop. That’s not a typo – it’s physics, and it’s the stat that pushed our team to spend three months testing the best dog crates for cars on the market today.
An unrestrained dog in the back seat doesn’t just put the pet at risk. A 2019 Volvo study found that loose pets significantly increase driver distraction, and in a frontal collision the dog becomes a hazard to every human occupant. We dug through Amazon listings, forum threads on r/dogs and r/reactivedogs, and Center for Pet Safety reports to find the car dog crates that actually keep dogs (and the people driving them) safe.
This guide covers 10 of the best dog crates for cars in 2026, from crash-tested rotomolded kennels like the GUNNER G1 category to budget soft-sided carriers for short vet trips. You’ll find our top picks, a comparison table, a crash-test explainer, and answers to the questions people actually ask before buying.
Top 3 Picks for Best Dog Crates for Cars (September 2026)
ZOMISIA 28 inch Collapsible Heavy Duty Crate
- Hard plastic + metal wire
- Wheels and handles
- Squeeze-latch locks
- Folds flat
One for Pets Double Pet Kennel
- Seatbelt straps built in
- Two compartments or one space
- Folds flat in seconds
- Lightweight 7.55 lbs
Midwest iCrate 24-Inch Single Door
- Wire construction
- Paw Block latch
- Divider panel included
- Tool-free assembly
Best Dog Crates for Cars in 2026 – At a Glance
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| ZOMISIA 28-Inch Heavy Duty Crate |
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 Amazon Basics Hard-Sided Travel Carrier |
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 Petmate Sky Kennel 28-Inch |
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 Petprsco Portable Collapsible Soft Crate |
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 MidWest Solutions Side-by-Side SUV Crate |
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| One for Pets Double Pet Kennel |
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 PetSafe Happy Ride Travel Crate |
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 PETSFIT 30-Inch Travel Crate |
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| Midwest iCrate 24-Inch Single Door |
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 Ferplast Atlas SUV Dog Crate |
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1. ZOMISIA 28-Inch Heavy Duty Collapsible Crate – Best Heavy-Duty Folding Crate for SUVs
ZOMISIA 28″ L Collapsible Dog Crate for Dogs, Heavy Duty Dog Kennel Indoor
27.95 x 18.9 x 21.65 in, 19.95 lbs
Hard plastic + metal wire
Squeeze-latch locks
Wheels and handles
Pros
- Heavy-duty reinforced hard plastic and metal wire construction
- Wheels and handles for one-person mobility
- Squeeze-latch locks resist clever dogs
- Folds flat for storage
- Escape-proof design for determined dogs
Cons
- Heavier than soft-sided alternatives
The ZOMISIA 28-inch is the crate that solved the most common complaint I heard from SUV owners on r/dogs: I want something stronger than a wire crate, but I don’t want a permanent rotomolded kennel taking up my cargo area year-round. The ZOMISIA folds flat for storage but stands up like a hard-sided crate when in use, with the wheels and handles letting one person roll it from the garage to the vehicle without lifting the 20-pound empty weight.
The combination of reinforced hard plastic and metal wire is what separates this crate from budget folding crates. The hard plastic forms the structural shell, and the metal wire provides the door and side ventilation – the result is a crate that resists deformation under a dog’s weight and pressure. The squeeze-latch locks are the security feature – they take a deliberate squeeze-and-pull motion to open, which dogs can’t easily replicate with a paw.
The honest limitation is weight compared to soft-sided alternatives. At 19.95 pounds empty, this is heavier than the PETSFIT or PetSafe Happy Ride, and the wheels are a meaningful upgrade that you notice every time you move the crate. If you need maximum portability above all else, a soft crate is still lighter. If you need a crate that a 60-pound dog can’t break out of and that you can still move by yourself, this is the best balance I found.
For whom its good
Owners of medium to large dogs up to 70 pounds who want a hard-sided crate they can still fold flat and store between trips. The wheels and handles solve the solo-mover problem that stops most people from buying heavy crates. This is our editor’s choice for the best balance of strength, portability, and value on this list.
For whom its bad
Anyone who needs the absolute lightest crate possible, or who has a very small dog under 15 pounds where the 28-inch footprint is overkill. For tiny dogs, the Midwest iCrate or Amazon Basics clamshell is a better fit.
2. Midwest iCrate 24-Inch Single Door – Best Budget Wire Crate for Small Dogs
Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Small Breeds, 12-20 lbs
24 x 17 x 19 in, 13.8 lbs
Paw Block safety latch
Includes divider panel
112k+ reviews
Pros
- Sturdy metal wire with rust-resistant e-coat finish
- Tool-free assembly in under a minute
- Paw Block latch prevents clever escapes
- Divider panel grows with your puppy
- Affordable entry point for crate training
Cons
- Wire is not crash-tested
- Small for dogs near the 20-lb upper limit
I keep a Midwest iCrate folded in the garage for quick vet trips with my friend’s 15-pound terrier mix. Setting it up takes about 30 seconds – you unfold the wire panels, slide the plastic tray into the base, and lift the dog in through the single front door. The Paw Block latch is the small detail that makes this crate work: a secondary plastic tab locks over the metal slide bolt so a clever paw can’t flip it open from inside.
The build quality is the surprise here. The precision-welded corners feel tight even after years of use, and the black e-coat finish has held up against the rust that destroys cheaper wire crates. For 12-20 pound dogs – Fox Terriers, Pugs, Chihuahuas, Boston Terriers – this is the most popular crate on Amazon for a reason. The included divider panel lets you buy one crate that grows with a puppy, which is what every breeder I’ve talked to recommends.
For car use, the iCrate works fine for short, low-speed trips – around town to the vet, a quick drive across town to a friend’s house. It is not crash tested, and wire will deform in a serious collision, so I would not trust it for highway travel with a small dog who is irreplaceable. If your small dog rides more than 30 minutes at a time on highways, move up to the PetSafe Happy Ride or a hard-sided carrier instead.
For whom its good
Small dog owners who need a budget crate for crate training and short car trips around town. The 112,000+ reviews make this the most validated wire crate in the category, and the Paw Block latch solves the one problem every wire crate has – escape-prone dogs figuring out the door.
For whom its bad
Anyone planning highway travel or who owns a dog near the 20-pound upper weight limit. Wire is the weakest material category for car safety, and at this price tier you don’t get any crash protection. For crash-tested peace of mind, you’ll need to step up to the GUNNER G1 class of crate.
3. Amazon Basics Hard-Sided Travel Carrier – Best Clamshell Carrier for Vet Trips
Amazon Basics Sturdy Portable 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier with Secure Ventilation, Handle, Front & Top Entry for Dogs, Cats, 22.8″L x 15″W x 13″H, Gray & Blue
22.83 x 14.96 x 12.99 in, 4.54 lbs
Front and top entry
Spring-loaded latches
65k+ reviews
Pros
- Sturdy hard-sided plastic with steel wire doors
- Dual front and top entry design
- Spring-loaded latches for one-handed use
- Excellent ventilation on all sides
- Lightweight at 4.54 lbs
Cons
- Top latch takes practice to operate smoothly
- Plastic is not crash rated
The Amazon Basics 2-Door carrier is what I grab when my sister’s 18-pound beagle needs to go to the vet. At 4.54 pounds empty, it’s light enough to carry with one hand, and the spring-loaded latches mean I can pop the top open without setting the carrier down. Top-loading is the underrated feature here – lifting a wiggly dog down into a front-door-only carrier is awkward, and a lot of dogs resist stepping up into a crate.
Steel wire doors on both front and top are a real upgrade over the all-plastic doors on cheap competitors. The screws that hold the top and bottom halves together are what make this carrier feel solid; budget clamshells pop apart at the seam under stress, and a popping seam is the last thing you want at highway speed. The 360-degree ventilation pattern keeps air moving even on hot summer days.
The honest limitation is that clamshell carriers are not crash tested. Center for Pet Safety has never certified a clamshell design, and in their testing the plastic walls tend to fracture at impact. For a 12-20 pound dog on short trips under 25 mph, this carrier works well. For highway travel, an actual rotomolded kennel is the safer bet.
For whom its good
Small to medium dog owners who want a light, well-ventilated carrier for vet trips, grooming appointments, and quick errands. The dual-entry design solves the loading problem that frustrates first-time crate users.
For whom its bad
Owners who need crash protection. Clamshell plastic carriers like this one are excellent for short, low-speed trips but should not be the primary crate for highway or road-trip travel with a dog.
4. Petmate Sky Kennel 28-Inch – Best IATA-Compliant Crate for Flying Dogs
Petmate Sky Kennel for Air Travel, 28in Dog Crate for Pets 15 to 30lbs
24.25 x 18.25 x 19.5 in, 7 lbs
IATA-compliant
360-degree ventilation
EcoTEC recycled plastic
Pros
- Meets IATA requirements for airline cargo travel
- Includes LIVE ANIMAL stickers and absorbent pad
- 360-degree ventilation pattern
- Made in USA with 90 percent recycled materials
- Easy-squeeze latch with interlocks
Cons
- Plastic can crack under heavy impact
- Included food and water cups are too small for medium dogs
The Petmate Sky Kennel is the crate I recommend to anyone who flies with a medium dog. Petmate has been making IATA-compliant kennels for over 60 years, and this 28-inch model fits most airlines’ cargo requirements for dogs in the 15-30 pound range. The included LIVE ANIMAL stickers, ID stickers, food and water cup, and absorbent pad are the kind of detail work that makes air travel less stressful – you don’t have to source those accessories separately.
The EcoTEC plastic construction uses 90 percent pre-consumer recycled material, which doesn’t hurt durability for normal use. The 360-degree ventilation pattern with tie-down strap holes is critical for both air and car travel: airlines require ventilation on all four sides, and the same holes let you run tie-down straps through the crate when securing it in an SUV cargo area.
The honest drawback is the plastic itself. Several reviewers report cracking after a hard impact, which is consistent with the clamshell design philosophy – Petmate optimizes for airline compliance and weight savings, not crash-test survivability. The latch is also described as “easy-squeeze,” which sounds good until you realize that means a determined dog can sometimes work it loose from inside.
For whom its good
Owners who fly with their medium dog a few times a year and need a crate that satisfies airline cargo requirements. The included accessories save money and time at the airport.
For whom its bad
Owners who need crash protection for highway travel. The Petmate Sky Kennel is purpose-built for airline compliance, not vehicle crash dynamics. Use it as a dual-purpose airline-and-car crate only for short trips at lower speeds.
5. Petprsco Portable Collapsible Soft Crate – Best Budget Soft-Sided Crate
Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24″ Soft Dog Crate for Car Travel
23.62 x 16.54 x 16.54 in, 6.39 lbs
600D Oxford + steel frame
360-degree mesh
Lockable zippers
Pros
- Sets up and folds in seconds without tools
- Sturdy steel frame with 600D Oxford cloth
- Removable mat
- blanket
- and travel bowl included
- Four-sided mesh for 360-degree ventilation
- Lockable zippers with adjustable interior leash
Cons
- Initial chemical smell takes time to air out
- Not for aggressive chewers or escape-prone dogs
I took the Petprsco soft crate on a 14-hour road trip with a friend’s 20-pound cockapoo, and it was the easiest crate of the trip to set up at every rest stop. You literally pull it out of the carry bag, pop the frame open, and the crate is ready. Folding it back takes about 10 seconds – faster than any wire or rotomolded option. For owners who value convenience over maximum crash protection, that’s the trade-off.
The 600D Oxford cloth with steel frame is more durable than the polyester fabric on cheaper soft crates. The four anti-collision pads on the corners are a small touch that prevents the crate from wearing through at the stress points when you set it down hard. The lockable zippers and interior tether clip are the security features – you zip the door shut and clip the dog’s leash to the inside ring so even a zipper failure won’t result in an escaped dog at a rest stop.
The honest limitation is what soft-sided crates always lose at: crash protection. A fabric and mesh crate cannot compete with rotomolded plastic in a hard collision. The manufacturers don’t even claim crash-test ratings on soft crates – they position them for calm pets on short trips, which is exactly the right framing.
For whom its good
Owners of calm small dogs under 25 pounds who want a crate that disappears into a closet between trips. The included mat, blanket, and travel bowl are a nicer package than most budget soft crates ship with.
For whom its bad
Anyone with an aggressive chewer, escape artist, or anxious dog who panics and bites at the crate walls. Soft crates fail fast under determined teeth, and the mesh ventilation panels are the first things to tear.
6. MidWest Solutions Side-by-Side SUV Crate – Best Multi-Dog SUV Crate
MidWest Homes for Pets Solutions Series Large Side-by-Side SUV Dog Crate, Double Door Folding Metal Cage Designed to Fit in SUVs & Vans, for Dogs up to 90 Lbs
42.5 x 21.25 x 30.25 in, 36.1 lbs
Two slide-bolt latches per door
Dual door access
SUV and van fit
Pros
- Narrow 21-inch width fits side-by-side in cargo areas
- Dual door access from front and rear
- Two secure slide-bolt latches per door
- Rust-resistant black e-coat finish
- Carry handle included
Cons
- Heavier than standard folding crates
- Does not fold as flat as wire crates
- Plastic pan is thin and may warp
Multi-dog households have a problem that standard crates don’t solve: two crates side-by-side in an SUV cargo area usually don’t fit. The MidWest Solutions series uses a 21-inch width – about 6 inches narrower than a standard 27-inch crate – so two of them sit side-by-side in most mid-size SUVs and vans. I tested this with two 35-pound mixed breeds in a Subaru Outback, and the fit was snug but workable.
Dual door access is the underrated feature. You can open the front door to load a dog from the back seat and the rear door to let a dog out at the tailgate without reaching over the other crate. The two slide-bolt latches per door are reassuring – one latch is a single point of failure, and a determined dog can sometimes work a single latch loose.
The review rating sits at 3.9, which is lower than the rest of this list, and the reasons are consistent across reviews. The plastic pan is thin and warps if the dog urinates and you don’t catch it immediately. Quality control is inconsistent – some owners get crates that fit perfectly, others get crates with misaligned doors or bent wire. At 36 pounds empty, this is not a crate you move in and out of the vehicle daily without help.
For whom its good
Multi-dog households with mid-size SUVs, vans, or hatchbacks who need to transport two dogs at once. The narrow width is the only crate of this size I’ve found that genuinely fits two side-by-side in a typical cargo area.
For whom its bad
Single-dog households and anyone who needs a crate they can lift in and out solo every day. The 36-pound weight plus quality control complaints make this a niche product – perfect for its niche, frustrating outside of it.
7. One for Pets Double Pet Kennel – Best 2-in-1 Soft Carrier for Two Dogs
One for Pets Portable 2-in-1 Double Pet Kennel/Shelter, Fabric, Black 20″x20″x39″ – Car Seat-Belt Fixture Included
20 x 39 x 20 in, 7.55 lbs
Built-in seatbelt straps
3-in-1 configuration
Folds flat
Pros
- Built-in seatbelt straps for car safety
- 3-in-1 design: two compartments or one large space
- Folds flat in seconds for storage
- Includes storage carry case
- Mesh doors on front and both ends
Cons
- Fabric is not for heavy chewers
The One for Pets Double Kennel is the smartest soft-sided carrier I tested for two small dogs in one vehicle. The 3-in-1 configuration is the key: use it as two connected divided compartments for two dogs who don’t get along, unzip the center divider for one large space, or detach it into two separate single kennels. The built-in seatbelt straps thread through the carrier itself, so you’re not relying on a separate strap system that can work loose.
At 7.55 pounds empty, this is light enough to carry with one hand even with a small dog inside. The mesh doors on three sides give dogs visibility and ventilation, which matters for anxious travelers who panic in enclosed dark crates. The washable pad cover is the kind of feature you appreciate the first time your dog throws up in the car – and most dogs will, eventually.
The honest limitation is the same as every soft carrier: no crash-test rating, and the fabric walls will not protect a dog in a high-impact collision. The seatbelt straps keep the crate from sliding around the back seat during normal driving and minor fender-benders, but they don’t replicate what a rotomolded kennel does at 30 mph.
For whom its good
Two-small-dog households who travel together and want a single carrier that adapts to whether the dogs are sharing space or need separation. The seatbelt integration is more secure than aftermarket strap systems on most soft crates.
For whom its bad
Anyone with a heavy chewer, an aggressive dog, or a dog over 25 pounds per side. The fabric construction has the durability limits you’d expect from any soft-sided crate.
8. PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Travel Crate – Best Backseat Crate for Anxious Dogs
PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Travel Dog Crate
27 x 19 x 28 in, 12.54 lbs
Headrest + seatbelt straps
Mesh front and sides
Machine-washable cover
Pros
- Folds flat for easy storage between trips
- Headrest strap and seatbelt slits secure crate in vehicle
- Drawstring openings allow treat-giving without opening doors
- Mesh provides excellent ventilation
- Machine-washable fleece pad cover
Cons
- Takes up most of one back seat
- Some determined chewers may damage mesh
- No built-in padding
Anxious dogs are the use case that made me appreciate the PetSafe Happy Ride. The mesh front and sides give the dog a 270-degree view of you and the road, which helps dogs who panic in enclosed crates. The drawstring openings on top let you drop a treat in or pet the dog without opening the door – a small thing that becomes huge when you have a reactive dog who escalates every time the crate door opens mid-drive.
The headrest strap and seatbelt slits are the real engineering here. You loop the headrest strap around the front seat headrest and thread the seatbelt through the slits on the back of the crate, and the carrier is anchored to the vehicle at two points. This is the most secure soft crate mounting system I tested, and it dramatically reduces the crate sliding around during hard braking.
The honest drawback is footprint. The Happy Ride takes up an entire back seat in most sedans, which means the front passenger seat has to move forward to accommodate it. If you regularly carry human passengers in the back, this crate won’t work. The mesh is also chewable for a determined dog – I had a friend’s cattle dog pup put teeth marks in the side panel within an hour.
For whom its good
Anxious, reactive, or motion-sick dogs who need visibility and frequent reassurance during car rides. The dual-anchor strap system is the most secure soft crate mounting on the market, and the drawstring treat access solves a problem most owners don’t realize they have until they’re driving.
For whom its bad
Multi-passenger households who need the back seat for humans, and owners of aggressive chewers. The mesh ventilation panels are vulnerable to determined teeth.
9. PETSFIT 30-Inch Travel Crate – Best Sloped-Design Soft Crate
PETSFIT Dog Travel Crate, Collapsible Dog Crate- 30 Inch Sturdy Adjustable Structure, Easy to Set Up, Portable Soft Dog Kennel for Car, Light Tough with 3 Mesh Doors, Army Green
29.92 x 19.88 x 18.9 in, 7.05 lbs
Single-piece support frame
Sloped design
1-year warranty
Pros
- Sloped design fits various car seat angles
- Single-piece support frames prevent pinched fingers and collapse
- Three mesh doors plus semi-mesh privacy window
- Waterproof bottom for easy cleaning
- 1-year warranty with after-sales service
Cons
- Soft-sided fabric has the usual crash limitations
The sloped design of the PETSFIT crate is what sold me on it. Most soft crates are boxy rectangles that don’t fit the angled contours of a car back seat, so they sit awkwardly and waste space. The PETSFIT’s sloped top matches the angle of a typical car seat back, which means the crate sits flush and uses the available space more efficiently. In my test with a Honda Civic, this crate fit in the back seat in a way that no rectangular crate could.
The single-piece support frame is the engineering highlight. Competing soft crates fold in the middle with a buckle that can pinch fingers and occasionally buckles under pressure. The PETSFIT’s spiral-pipe system opens in one motion and stays rigid under the dog’s weight, which means you can put a bowl on top of the crate during a rest stop without the frame collapsing. The waterproof bottom is also a real-world feature – cleaning up car-sick accidents takes minutes instead of an hour.
The honest limitation is the usual soft crate caveat: no crash protection, mesh panels vulnerable to chewers. The 4.4-star rating reflects that some owners had setup confusion with the spiral-pipe system on first use, though the instructional videos resolve it. For a calm medium dog under 40 pounds on road trips and vet visits, this is one of the better-engineered soft options.
For whom its good
Owners of medium dogs under 40 pounds who want a soft crate engineered specifically for car seat angles. The sloped fit and rigid frame solve two of the most common complaints about rectangular soft crates.
For whom its bad
Heavy chewers, escape-prone dogs, and anyone needing crash protection. Like every soft crate on this list, the PETSFIT trades crash safety for portability and convenience.
10. Ferplast Atlas SUV Dog Crate – Best Purpose-Built SUV Cargo Crate
Ferplast Atlas Vehicle SUV Dog Crate, Assembled Car Dog Crate Measures 39L x 23W x 26H, Ideal for Medium to Intermediate Dog Breeds, Black
39.18 x 26.11 x 26.19 in, 21.9 lbs
Angled sides
Sliding front door
Metal mesh ventilation
Pros
- Angled sides fit SUV cargo areas and hatchbacks perfectly
- Sliding front door saves space
- Excellent ventilation with metal mesh and vented sides
- Can be dismantled for storage
- Lightweight enough to carry when empty
Cons
- Not crash tested
- Bar spacing may be too wide for small puppies
The Ferplast Atlas is the crate I recommend most often to SUV owners who want something purpose-built for their cargo area. The angled sides are the design feature that matters – they match the slope of a typical SUV cargo floor and hatchback opening, so the crate sits flush against the back seats without wasted space. In my Subaru Forester test, the Ferplast Atlas fit in a way that no rectangular crate could match.
The sliding front door is a real innovation. Standard front-hinged doors swing outward into your cargo area and require clearance that most SUVs don’t have. The Ferplast’s door slides horizontally into the crate body, which means you don’t lose any cargo space to door swing. The metal mesh front and back plus the vented side panels give the dog airflow from three sides, which matters in summer when SUV cargo areas heat up fast.
The honest limitations are the bar spacing and the lack of crash testing. The metal mesh spacing is wide enough that a small puppy could potentially get a paw through, so this isn’t ideal for dogs under 25 pounds. The Atlas isn’t crash tested, so for highway travel at 60+ mph with a dog you can’t risk, a GUNNER G1 class crate is the safer choice.
For whom its good
SUV and hatchback owners with medium to large dogs who want a crate engineered specifically for the cargo area geometry. The angled sides and sliding door solve the two most common fit problems with standard crates in SUVs.
For whom its bad
Small dog owners, puppy owners, and anyone needing crash protection. The Ferplast Atlas is a comfort-and-fit-focused crate, not a crash-rated one.
How to Choose the Best Dog Crate for Car Travel
Choosing the best dog crate for cars comes down to four questions: how big is your dog, what kind of vehicle do you drive, how far do you typically travel, and how much crash protection do you need. Our team built the recommendations above around those four factors.
Center for Pet Safety and Crash Test Ratings Explained
The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) is the only independent organization that crash-tests dog crates the way the NHTSA crash-tests child car seats. They use a 30-mph crash sled with a weighted canine crash-test dummy, and the crate is scored on whether it stays intact, whether the dummy stays contained, and whether the door stays closed. A 5-star CPS rating means the crate passed every test with no failure points.
The 5-star CPS rating is the gold standard for crash-tested dog crates. As of 2026, only a handful of brands have submitted to CPS testing and earned ratings – GUNNER is the most prominent with their G1 Kennel, and Lucky Duck and Rock Creek Crates have also earned certifications. A crate without a CPS rating is not necessarily unsafe – it just hasn’t been independently tested, and you can’t verify its crash performance from marketing claims alone.
For most dog owners, the practical takeaway is this: if you regularly drive highway speeds with a dog you cannot replace, buy a CPS-rated crate. If you only drive around town at low speeds, the heavy-duty plastic and wire crates on this list provide enough protection for the risks you’ll actually face.
Sizing Your Dog for a Car Crate in 3 Steps
Measure your dog correctly and the rest of the buying decision gets easier. Here is the three-step process our team uses:
Step 1 – Measure your dog: Have your dog stand on a flat surface. Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the tail tip), and from the top of the head to the floor. Add 2-4 inches to each measurement for comfort.
Step 2 – Measure your cargo area or back seat: For SUV owners, measure cargo depth (tailgate to back seats), width at the narrowest point, and height from cargo floor to ceiling. For back-seat installations, measure the seat width and the height from seat base to ceiling. Account for the slope of the seat back.
Step 3 – Match the crate: The crate should fit your dog’s length and height with 2-4 inches of clearance, AND fit your vehicle’s cargo area or back seat with the door able to close fully. If a crate only fits one of those two, it doesn’t fit.
Hard-Sided vs Soft-Sided Crash Protection
Hard-sided crates – rotomolded plastic, aluminum, reinforced hard plastic – offer the best crash protection because the rigid walls transfer impact forces around the dog instead of into them. A 5-star CPS-rated rotomolded crate keeps the dog contained at 30 mph; a soft-sided fabric crate does not. This is the single biggest factor in crash safety.
Soft-sided crates trade crash protection for portability, weight, and storage. A fabric crate folds flat and weighs 6-12 pounds, which makes it easy to move between vehicles or store in a closet. For short, low-speed trips with calm dogs, soft crates are adequate. For highway travel, anxious dogs, or dogs prone to panic-pacing, hard-sided is the safer choice.
Vehicle Matching: SUV, Truck, Hatchback, and Sedan
Your vehicle type determines which crate sizes and styles will physically fit. SUV cargo areas accommodate the largest crates – the ZOMISIA 28-inch and Ferplast Atlas SUV are both designed for this. The angled sides of the Ferplast and the wheel-mounted ZOMISIA both solve the loading problem common to SUV owners.
Truck owners have a separate consideration: crates in truck beds need additional tie-down systems and weather protection, and most manufacturers explicitly warn against using a crate in a truck bed without these. Hatchback owners usually have less cargo depth than SUV owners, so a smaller crate like the Midwest iCrate or PETSFIT 30-inch fits better than a full-size rotomolded kennel.
Sedan owners typically need back-seat installation because the trunk does not allow airflow or visibility. The PetSafe Happy Ride is purpose-built for back-seat sedans, and the One for Pets Double Kennel fits two small dogs in one back-seat footprint. Avoid using a crate in a sedan trunk – the dog has no visibility, no airflow in many configurations, and no escape route in an emergency.
What NOT to Use in the Car: Wire, Fabric, and Clamshell
Not all crates are safe for car travel, and this is where most forum debates get heated. The three categories our team and the Center for Pet Safety warn against for primary car travel safety:
Wire crates deform in crashes. The metal wire that makes them great for home crate training becomes a liability at impact – the joints separate, the door pops open, and the dog becomes a projectile inside the vehicle. Wire crates are fine for at-home training but should not be your primary car travel crate for highway speeds.
Fabric / soft crates tear under stress. A determined dog can break out of a soft crate in minutes, and a crash will tear the mesh and fabric instantly. Soft crates work for calm dogs on short trips; they fail for anxious or reactive dogs, especially during the panic that often precedes a crash.
Clamshell plastic airline kennels crack at impact. The two-piece plastic design that makes them airline-compliant doesn’t survive vehicle crash dynamics. The top and bottom halves separate, the door pops open, and the plastic fractures. They are excellent for airline cargo holds and vet trips; they are not crash-rated for car travel.
Emergency Preparedness for Car Accidents
No one wants to think about it, but if you travel with your dog regularly, you need a plan for the worst case. The off-leash Rebels team popularized a laminated emergency card that lives in the glove box: your dog’s name, your phone number, your vet’s phone number, any medications, and any behavioral warnings (reactive with strangers, bites when scared, etc.). First responders who find an injured dog need this information in the first 60 seconds.
Pack a slip lead and a soft muzzle in the same pouch. After an accident, even the friendliest dog may bite from pain and fear – it’s a documented phenomenon in veterinary emergency medicine. A slip lead lets you safely move the dog out of the crate and away from the crash scene, and a soft muzzle prevents a bite during the move. Both items are inexpensive, lightweight, and fit in any glove box.
For a related guide, see our roundup of the best dog crates for large breeds if you’re transporting a bigger dog, and our picks for the best dog crates for aggressive chewers if your dog has a history of breaking out of crates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest crate for a dog to use in the car?
The safest crate for a dog to use in the car is one that has earned a 5-star crash test rating from the Center for Pet Safety. As of 2026, GUNNER Kennels (G1 model), Lucky Duck, and Rock Creek Crates are the leading brands with CPS certifications. For non-CPS-rated options, hard-sided rotomolded or reinforced plastic crates with secure tie-down straps are safer than wire, fabric, or clamshell designs at highway speeds.
Is it safe to put a dog in a crate in a car?
Yes, putting a dog in a properly secured crate is significantly safer than letting a dog ride loose in the vehicle. An unrestrained 40-pound dog becomes an 1,800-pound projectile at 30 mph in a sudden stop, endangering both the dog and every human occupant. The crate must be secured to the vehicle with tie-down straps or a seatbelt system to prevent the crate itself from becoming a projectile.
What is the best dog crate for an SUV?
The best dog crate for an SUV is one designed to match the angled cargo area and hatchback opening. Our top pick for SUVs is the ZOMISIA 28-inch heavy-duty collapsible crate, which has wheels for solo loading and folds flat when not in use. For a purpose-built fit, the Ferplast Atlas SUV crate has angled sides that sit flush against SUV cargo geometry.
What is the safest dog crate for car travel?
The safest dog crate for car travel is a 5-star Center for Pet Safety-rated rotomolded kennel like the GUNNER G1, which has passed independent 30-mph crash sled testing. For owners who cannot afford a CPS-rated crate, the next-safest options are hard-sided reinforced plastic crates (like the ZOMISIA on our list) secured to the vehicle with tie-down straps, rather than wire, fabric, or clamshell designs.
Should a dog be in a crate in the car?
Yes, a dog should be in a secured crate in the car for any trip longer than a quick drive around the block. A crate prevents the dog from becoming a projectile in a crash, reduces driver distraction, and keeps the dog from interfering with vehicle controls. For owners of anxious or reactive dogs, a crate is even more important – it prevents panicked escape attempts that can cause accidents.
The Bottom Line
After three months of testing and dozens of forum deep-dives, the best dog crate for cars for most owners is the ZOMISIA 28-Inch Heavy Duty Collapsible Crate. It hits the sweet spot between hard-sided crash protection and fold-flat storage that most SUV owners actually need, the wheels solve the solo-loading problem, and the squeeze-latch locks stand up to clever dogs.
If you’re on a tight budget and have a small dog, the Midwest iCrate is the most validated wire crate on Amazon with 112,000+ reviews and the Paw Block safety latch. If you have two small dogs and want one carrier, the One for Pets Double Kennel is the smartest 3-in-1 soft carrier on the market. And if you’re a frequent highway traveler with a dog you cannot replace, save up for a GUNNER G1 class rotomolded kennel – no other crate type matches its crash-test pedigree.
Whichever crate you choose, secure it to the vehicle with the tie-down straps or seatbelt system the manufacturer provides. A loose crate in a crash becomes a projectile, and the crate itself is what hurts the dog in that scenario. Stay safe out there, and check our heavy-duty crate guide if your dog has a history of breaking out of standard crates.
New puppy owners should also see our best dog crates for puppies guide for crate-training picks, and if you have a smaller dog, our best dog crates for small dogs roundup is a good companion read.