When you’re taking your furry friend on a trip, their safety and comfort should be your main concerns. Ever thought about what makes a dog travel crate a good choice? Our team tested 20 dog crates in a New York lab to find the best ones for safe and comfy dog travel. The findings might surprise you – what makes a dog travel crate a top pick?
Key Takeaways
- Proper dog travel crates provide a cozy, den-like space for your pup to feel secure
- Crates with features like collapsibility, removable pans, and water-resistance make them easy to clean and transport
- Brands like MidWest Homes for Pets, Amazon Basics, and Diggs Revol stood out in our testing for their quality and design
- Choosing the right size crate is crucial for your dog’s comfort and safety
- Airline-approved crates have special features to meet travel regulations
Introduction to Dog Travel Crates
Why a Travel Crate is Essential
A dog travel crate is key for safe and comfy trips with your furry friend. It gives your pup a secure, cozy spot for car rides, flights, and more. This helps them feel safe and secure, which can help with potty training. It also keeps your dog safe in accidents and stops them from distracting the driver or getting out of the vehicle.
Benefits of Using a Travel Crate
Using a dog travel crate has many advantages, including:
- Increased Safety – Crates keep your dog safe and stop them from getting hurt or running off during travel.
- Reduced Stress – A crate’s familiar space can calm your dog’s nerves during trips.
- Easier Transport – Crates make moving your dog in and out of vehicles and airports simpler.
- Airline Compliance – Airlines have strict pet travel rules, and a proper crate is often needed.
It’s important to pick the right travel crate for your dog’s size, weight, and needs for a smooth trip. A good dog crate ensures your pet’s safety and happiness on all your adventures.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog Travel Crate
When picking a dog travel crate, think about a few key things. The crate should let your dog stand up, turn around, and lie down easily. It should be made of strong materials like metal or heavy-duty plastic to last a long time.
Good airflow is key for your dog’s comfort and safety. Choose crates with mesh or wire panels for better air flow. The crate should also be easy to set up, clean, and get to your dog.
For traveling, go for a crate that’s light and folds up easily. It should be simple to carry. Safety features like strong latches and skid-proof feet are also crucial for your dog’s safety during trips.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Size | Allows dog to move freely |
| Durability | Withstand wear and tear |
| Ventilation | Ensures dog’s comfort |
| Ease of Use | Simple assembly and access |
| Portability | Easy to transport |
| Safety Features | Secure latches, skid-proof feet |
A study shows that 83% of dog owners think crates are safe and comforting for their pets. By looking at these factors, you can find the perfect dog travel crate for your pet’s comfort and safety on the move.
Top-Rated Dog Travel Crates
Two crates are top picks for traveling with dogs: the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate and the Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Crate. They mix comfort, strength, and affordability. This makes them perfect for pet owners always on the move.
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate – Best Overall
The MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate is our top choice for a dog travel crate. It has a simple, practical design that’s easy to clean. It comes with a divider, two detachable food bowls, and a crate cover. In our tests, the door bent a bit but it’s still a strong, dependable crate for growing puppies. It’s easy to set up and folds away, ideal for car trips and other adventures.
Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Crate – Best Budget Option
Looking for an affordable dog travel crate? The Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Crate is a great choice. It’s light, folds up, and has a strong PVC frame covered in polyester and mesh. Even though it’s cheap, it’s quite tough, surviving a sandbag test. It has three zippered doors for easy access, but cleaning the small spots might be hard. Still, it’s a smart value option for pet owners on a budget.
| Crate | Price Range | Recommended for | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate | $40 – $100 | Puppies and small to medium dogs | Divider, detachable food bowls, crate cover |
| Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Crate | $30 – $60 | Small dogs | Lightweight, foldable, PVC frame, mesh fabric |
Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate – Best Upgrade Pick
For pet owners looking for a top luxury dog travel crate, the Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate is a great choice. It’s made with durability and convenience in mind. This high-end dog crate is a smart buy for those who want the best for their dogs.
The Revol Crate is tough and can handle daily wear and tear. It’s been tested to resist impacts and pressure, keeping your pet safe. You can easily fold it up with a simple twist of the top handle, making it easy to carry and store.
This crate has several ways for your dog to get in and out. It has a secure latch door, a garage-style side door, and a ceiling hatch. These options make it more comfortable and easy for your dog to move around.
Cleaning the crate is easy with the included removable tray. This makes keeping the crate clean simple, ensuring a fresh space for your pet.
Even though it’s a bit pricey, the Diggs Revol Crate is worth it. It has a design that’s easy to use, strong construction, and new features. It’s perfect for pet owners who want the best for their dogs.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Collapsible Design | The crate can be easily collapsed with a simple twist of the top handle, making it convenient for storage and transportation. |
| Multiple Access Points | The Revol Crate features a front door, a garage-style side door, and a ceiling hatch, providing your pet with multiple entry and exit points. |
| Removable Tray | The included removable tray simplifies cleaning and maintaining the crate’s cleanliness. |
| Durable Construction | The Revol Crate is built to withstand the rigors of daily use, with a strong, single-piece frame and diamond-shaped wire mesh. |
For those seeking a top luxury dog travel crate, the Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate is a top pick. It combines excellent construction, smart design, and easy-to-use features. This high-end dog crate is a great investment for caring dog owners.
Fable Pets Crate – Best for Small Dogs
For small dog owners, the Fable Pets Crate is a great choice. It looks good and is very useful. It fits well in small spaces and looks like modern furniture.
Design and Functionality
This crate comes in clear acrylic or white metal, so you can match it with your home. It’s more than just a crate; it can be a stylish table too. This makes it perfect for saving space without losing style.
Even though it doesn’t have a removable tray, it has a secure door and rubber floor pads. These features help keep your home clean. The only thing missing is a handle for carrying, which might make moving it around harder.
| Fable Pets Crate Specifications | XS/S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 26″ x 20″ x 23″ | 34″ x 24″ x 25″ | 42″ x 29.5″ x 34.4″ |
| Recommended Dog Weight | Up to 25 lbs | 25-50 lbs | Over 50 lbs |
| Crate Weight | Approx. 50 lbs | Approx. 75 lbs | Approx. 140 lbs |
| Max Weight on Top | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Assembly | 1 person | 1 person | 2 people |
The Fable Pets Crate is made in the USA but manufactured in China. It’s made from bentwood for quality. With a 4.6 out of 5 star rating from 237 reviews, it’s a favorite for best dog crates for small dogs that also double as furniture.
Petmate Two Door Pet Kennel – Best for Travel
The Petmate Two Door Pet Kennel is a top pick for dog crates for travel, especially for small dogs. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for trips by car or flights.
This crate is easy to set up and has a secure latch to keep the door shut. The top handle makes carrying it simple, keeping your dog safe and comfy on the move.
It’s ideal for dogs up to 15 pounds, great for city folks with small pets. The crate has front and top openings for easy cleaning and pet access. It’s a handy choice for those always on the go.
The Petmate Two Door Pet Kennel focuses on your pet’s safety and comfort. It’s a smart pick for the best dog crates for travel. It ensures your pet travels comfortably and without stress, whether by road or air.
Airline-Approved Dog Travel Crates
When you’re flying with your dog, it’s key to pick an airline-approved dog crate. These crates meet the safety standards of major airlines. They ensure your pet stays comfortable and safe in the air. Look for certain features in an airline approved dog crate as you shop.
Features to Look for in Airline Crates
- The crate should be strong and not leak. It must handle the flight well.
- Good airflow is a must for your pet’s health. It helps with breathing and keeping cool.
- The crate needs strong locks to keep your dog safe inside.
- Clear tags on the crate show who it belongs to and how to reach you.
- Choose a crate big enough for your dog to move around and rest.
- Make sure the crate follows IATA standards for air travel safety.
Keep these what to look for in dog crates for flying tips in mind. This way, you’ll find an airline-approved dog travel crate that’s safe and comfy for your pet.
“Choosing the right airline-approved dog crate is crucial for your pet’s well-being during air travel. Take the time to research and select a crate that ticks all the boxes for safety, comfort, and compliance.”
Dog Travel Crate Safety Considerations
When using a dog travel crate, your pet’s safety comes first. Make sure the crate is the right size, giving your dog enough room to move around. Secure the crate in your car to keep it from moving while you drive. Never leave your dog alone in the crate, as it can get too hot or cold quickly.
Help your dog get used to the crate by doing it slowly and rewarding them. This makes the crate a comfortable place for your dog when you travel.
Key Safety Considerations
- Crate size should be just large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Secure the crate in your vehicle to prevent it from shifting during driving.
- Never leave your dog unattended in the crate, especially in a parked car.
- Gradually acclimate your dog to the crate, using positive reinforcement.
Airline Travel Crate Requirements
For flying, you must follow IATA rules for travel kennels. These rules make sure your pet is safe and comfortable in the air. You need a hard-sided crate, bedding that’s less than 3 inches thick, and no sedated animals. Learn your airline’s specific rules for a smooth flight.
Car Travel Crate Safety
Use a crash-tested crate for car trips. This kind of crate protects your dog in an accident. Also, take breaks every 2 to 4 hours, give your dog water every 2 hours, and don’t travel more than 7 hours a day. These steps keep your dog happy and safe on the road.
“Crates should be properly secured in the vehicle to prevent them from shifting or becoming a projectile in the event of an accident.”
By focusing on safety and being careful, you can make your trip enjoyable for you and your dog.
Tips for Acclimating Your Dog to a Travel Crate
Introduce your dog to a travel crate slowly to make them feel safe and secure. Begin by placing the crate in a spot they’re used to, like a busy area of your home, but with the door open. Encourage them to go inside by putting treats and toys they love inside. As they get more comfortable, increase how long they stay in the crate, always giving them praise and treats.
Make your dog think of the crate as a good place by feeding them there. You can also add their favorite blanket or a piece of your clothing to the crate for a familiar smell. This careful approach will make traveling together less stressful for both of you.
It’s best to get your pet used to their travel kennel for at least three weeks. Start early to make it easier. These kennels meet International Air Transportation Association (IATA) standards and come in various sizes for different pets. For dogs, measure them to pick the right crate size.
- Start by placing the crate in a familiar, high-traffic area of your home and leaving the door open.
- Encourage your dog to explore the crate by placing treats and their favorite toys inside.
- Gradually increase the amount of time your dog spends in the crate, always offering praise and rewards.
- Feed your dog’s meals in the crate to further associate it with positive experiences.
- Pad the crate with familiar scents, such as a thin blanket or an item of your clothing, to provide comfort during travel.
- Introduce your dog to car rides to noisy places after acclimating them to the crate to help familiarize them with the sounds and sensations of travel.
By slowly getting your dog used to their travel crate, you’ll make your trips together stress-free. Remember, be patient and use positive reinforcement to help your furry friend feel secure and comfortable on their travels.
“Crate training may take days to weeks, depending on factors like the pet’s temperament, age, and past experiences.”
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog travel crates is key for your dog’s safety and comfort on trips. There are many crates available, from budget-friendly to luxury, to fit every dog and owner’s needs. Look for crates that are the right size, strong, well-ventilated, and easy to use.
With the right steps and getting your dog used to it, they’ll see their dog crates for travel as a safe space. Airlines need pets in LAR-approved kennels, with some breeds needing bigger CR82 (I82) kennels. There are many IATA-compliant crates that focus on your pet’s comfort and safety, like the Petraveller Sky Crate. It’s important to pick a crate that lets your pet move easily and meets airline rules.
Getting advice from pet moving experts is very helpful, especially for moving pets across countries. As more people see the value of safe and comfy dog travel crates, it’s clear the right crate is key for your pet’s happiness on trips.