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The Best Dog Travel Crates

Filip Jedraszak/Shutterstock.com
🕚 Updated February 2022

Traveling with a pet can be a challenge, but it's much more manageable with a good travel crate. Keep your pup safe and contained in one of these dog travel crates.

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  Best for Airlines Best Foldable Crate Great for a Quick Trip Best for Two Pets Best for Comfort
 
  SportPet Designs
Dog Crate
Amazon Basics
Portable Folding Travel Crate
Love's cabin
36in Portable Large Dog Bed
One for Pets
Portable 2-in-1 Double Pet Kennel
Coopeter
Cat and Dog Pet Carrier
 
Our SummaryA dog crate with wheels to help you get through the airport quickly and conveniently.A foldable dog crate that’s comfy and spacious enough for most dogs.A dog crate that’s comfortable and can be easily used in the car.A crate that's made for two pets and ready for the ride.A dog crate convenient for traveling thanks to its wheels and easy-pull handle.
ProsEasy to assemble, big enough for a dog bed, comes with removable wheels.Easy-to-use opening zipper, mesh roll-up sides, easy to set up.Well ventilated, easy to take on trips, comes with a seatbelt strap.Folded easily, works for two pets, lightweight.Soft and comfortable, includes a fleece bed, easy to fold.
ConsBars rust easily.Not ideal for large dogs.Active dogs may escape.May be difficult to transport because of its bulky design.Doesn't fit in tight spaces.
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How Did We Research?

14 Models Evaluated

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The Best Dog Travel Crates

A cute dog sitting indoors next to his crate.
Filip Jedraszak/Shutterstock.com

Buying Guide for Dog Travel Crates

Small maltese dog sitting in the backseat in a crate.
Monika Wisniewska/Shutterstock.com

Why buy a dog travel crate?

Dog travel crates come in handy whenever you need to travel with your pooch. Just pack them up and take them along for the ride, knowing they’re safe and secure. Whether you’re flying, driving, or sailing, your dog will be secure and safe in a dog travel crate.

What should you consider in a dog travel crate?

  • Security: You’ll want a crate that you know will hold your pup well. Look for sturdy materials that will support the weight of your dog and doors that will stay securely closed.
  • Travel Features: Travel features like wheels and handles will help you get around easier and faster. Some crates are designed to easily fold up and take with you, which makes them convenient to take on a plane or in the car.
  • Durability: You’ll want to make sure your travel crate can stand up to multiple trips. You’ll probably be stuffing it into some pretty tight places, so your travel crate will need to be able to handle some wear and tear.
  • Comfort: Be sure to take into consideration what your dog needs and appreciates to find the right crate. It should be comfortable and secure for your dog, no matter the size.

What are some tips for traveling with a dog crate?

If you want a dog travel crate that you can bring on a plane, make sure your choice is approved for airline use. Keep in mind its flexibility and structure so that it can fit in small spaces if needed, but most importantly, don’t compromise on your dog’s comfort. If your dog is uncomfortable being in the crate, plan ahead and help them get more accustomed to it before your upcoming trip by feeding them dinner inside the crate or taking them on short drives.

Our Picks for the Best Dog Travel Crates

Best for Airlines

SportPet Designs Dog Crate

A dog crate with wheels to help you get through the airport quickly and conveniently.

Pros: The SportPet Designs Dog Crate offers your pup plenty of space for travel through airports and more. It’s sturdy and easy to assemble, so you can rest assured knowing your furry friend is protected. Plus, this crate is big enough to include a bed for extra comfort. There are even removable wheels that you can attach to make it more convenient to travel with. It comes with two water dishes to keep your pup hydrated during the journey.

Cons: The metal bars can rust over time.

Bottom Line: This dog crate is easy to roll through the airport with its handles and wheels. It’s designed for travel on airplanes, so you shouldn’t run into issues at the airport. Most dogs should be comfortable and contained in this convenient travel crate.

 

Best Foldable Crate

Amazon Basics Portable Folding Travel Crate

A foldable dog crate that's comfy and easy to store.

Pros: The Amazon Basics Portable Folding Travel Crate features an easy-to-use opening with a zipper, as well as roll-up sides that make this crate extra comfy for your pup. This crate is easy to set up and can be folded for storage. It’s durable and comfortable, so your dog will feel safe and secure inside.

Cons: This crate is best for smaller dogs—if your furry friend is on the larger side, you might want to consider another option.

Bottom Line: Since this crate is soft, comfy, and foldable, your pup will enjoy their travel time in this crate. It’s best for smaller dogs and car travel.

 

Best for a Quick Trip

Love's cabin Portable Large Dog Bed

A dog crate made of mesh that can be easily used in the car.

Pros: The Love’s cabin Portable Large Dog Bed provides a cozy spot for your pet to rest. With mesh ventilation on the side and front, it’s easy to make sure your pup is happy. As a bonus, there’s a seatbelt strap included that you can use in the car.

Cons: This may be best for calm dogs, as the mesh design makes it easy for large, super active dogs to escape.

Bottom Line: While it’s not the most rugged crate, it does a good job doubling as a comfortable bed. It’s lightweight and easy to travel with, and the mesh sides make it easy to keep an eye on your pet.

 

Best for Two Pets

One for Pets Portable 2-in-1 Double Pet Kennel

A crate that's made for two pets and ready for the ride.

Pros: The One for Pets Portable 2-in-1 Double Pet Kennel can be folded up in seconds to lie flat and be transported. With multiple entrances, it’s easy for your furry friends to get in and out. Plus, this crate is big enough for two pets and gives you the option to split it into two crates or keep it as one large crate. Best of all, it’s lightweight enough for you to travel in a quick car ride to the vet or cross-country.

Cons: It’s not the easiest crate to transport by hand since it is on the bulkier side, so keep this in mind if you have to move around a lot.

Bottom Line: This crate is spacious and keeps pets comfy. The different options for use give you plenty of freedom to take more than one furry friend with you on a trip.

 

Best for Comfort

Coopeter Cat and Dog Pet Carrier

A dog crate convenient for traveling thanks to its wheels and easy-pull handle.

Pros: The Coopeter Cat and Dog Pet Carrier is an excellent option for those looking for a soft and comfortable spot to transport their furry friends. It comes with a fleece bed that you can remove and wash. Plus, the wheels and handle make it extra convenient for you to take this crate with you on a journey. You can also fold it up for easy storage.

Cons: While it is airline-approved, it doesn’t always fit in tight spaces.

Bottom Line: This is a sturdy and reliable option that has wheels and a handle for various types of travel. Keep your pet cozy with its included bed insert.

Final Thoughts

Dog travel crates are an essential investment if you like to travel and take your four-legged pal with you. More than that, it’s good to know that your dog is safe and secure, whether you’re flying or driving. Keep our options in mind when you make your decision!

Adrian Black-Seitz Adrian Black-Seitz
Adrian is a professional copywriter with five years of experience who loves reading, writing, and everything outdoors. He has ghost-written biographies, written graduate-level essays on Roman history and Latin poetry, and read way too much science fiction. Read Full Bio »
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