7 Best Dog Travel Crates: Your Trips Will Never Be As Easy!

Quick List of the Top Dog Travel Crates

Let’s narrow down the best among the best of the travel dog crates in the market today:

• Diggs Revol Collapsible, Portable Travel Dog Crate/Kennel (Best Overall)
• LUCKUP Heavy Duty Strong Metal Dog Cage and Playpen (Best Heavy Duty)
• MidWest Homes iCrate Single and Double Door Metal Pet Crate (Best Value)
• Petmate Sky Kennel Dog Carrier (Best Kennel for Frequent Traveler Pet)
• Sleepypod’s Air in-Cabin Carrier for Pets (Best Car Travel Carrier for Small Dogs)
• Henkelion Soft-Sided Small-Medium Pet Carrier (Best Stylish Soft-Sided Travel Carrier)
• Gen7Pets Roller Dog and Cat Backpack Carrier (Best Convertible Roller Backpack)

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We’ll provide reviews of these dog crates below. For now, let’s get you some basic facts about dog travel crates first.

What is a Dog Travel Crate?

Also called a travel carrier, a dog travel crate offers an enclosed, safe space for your furry buddy for comfortable travel.Unl ike a home crate, this carrier also has features that are also helpful to humans, other than dogs, especially in preventing crash impact.

No matter its size, every dog owner will have an assurance of a secure and den-like retreat to his or her dog for rest, relaxation, and sleeping.

Types of Crates for Dogs

Yes, travel dog kennels come in different styles. Each of these crates holds its own merits and demerits. This is the primary reason proper and keen assessment of their specifications and features is critical even before buying one.

In most cases, dog owners purchase crates depending on their travel needs with considerations for the size of their dog. Account for the specifications of the following crates below:

Plastic Dog Crates

These portable dog carriers are lighter compared to their wired counterparts. If you are traveling with your pooch by air, this style would be your best option.

Among the features of a plastic dog crate include its wired front door and hard plastic shell.

Holes or slits around its sides help provide ventilation for your pup. It has a removable tray where you can put their food inside. Cleaning it is so easy, though more hands-on maintenance is necessary.

Also, this kennel offers better insulation during cold weather, although it may not be a good option for warm months.

But there is a limitation as to the visibility of this kennel. Depending on your pal’s personality and behavior, this may pose a problem or risk to his usage.

This crate can trap odors which may not be ideal especially if he is likely to eliminate inside the crate with a soft or hard shell.

Tent or Soft-Sided Carriers

A soft-sided crate is an answer for pet owners in search of extremely lightweight crates. You can easily fold it down for transport or storage anywhere, anytime. This crate offers ventilation, greater visibility, and a sense of security inside the car or plane.

It can even be a good option for puppies not into chewing. Try to opt for it if you go camping or hiking or if you are packing up a suitcase with it.

This type of carrier is more popular as people commonly take small dogs when they travel. Soft-sided carriers are ideal for your small dog.

You can even stow them under the seat of airlines. If you’re set to go on a quick trip, they would be a great option as they are easily packable and lightweight.

However, a soft carrier may not be the best for large-sized and heavy dogs. It will not hold well against those who still have to go through crate training. You may choose another style if both you and your pup travels in a car.

It can be a better alternative as a temporary cage than just leaving him alone for the entire day. Also, it is not advisable for small nervous dogs as they may chew through the mesh paneling.

Hard-Sided Carriers

Most pet owners associate hard-sided crates with travel pet crates, which are traditional plastics. These carriers are functional, durable, and offer great dog protection in a crash or any other accident.

They are beneficial for dogs large enough, long vehicle rides of over 6 hours, or for those traveling in an airplane’s cargo hold or that of a car. Often, they are more comfortable for large dogs due to their solid base and sturdy sides.

Also, these carriers are more resistant to any damage caused by chewing. They provide the best protection for dogs during car accidents like crashes or in cargo holds.

Wire-Style Dog Crates

Dog trainers usually use this type of carrier as it offers a clear sight of your buddy all the time. We can usually find it in veterinary hospitals, dog shows, and kennels. The maximum airflow promised by this type gives proper ventilation for superior comfort.

Meanwhile, it can be heavy and a hassle when getting inside a car. Your dog may also feel anxious seeing activities he need not partake in while inside the car. When this happens, you need to calm him down with oil.

Wearable Carriers

In modern days, wearable crates for dogs have become famous among fur owners with little pups. These carriers are a great option when you walk through airports.

However, take note that most airlines require stowing pooches under the seat while onboard, but this would not be possible when using this type of carrier.

Reinforced Crates

Special hard-sided carrier reinforced crates use reinforced synthetic materials or metal. These carriers are manufactured for specific breeds that can chew through standard hard-sided crates.

Account for the restrictions of airlines on the dog breeds they allow for transport or the conditions of their transport.

Some airlines may designate some dog breeds as dangerous and require you to use IATA CR82 certified special crates that offer maximum protection in times of a crash.

The next thing you should ask about is the right size of the best dog kennel for your pet.

Metal Dog  Crates

With their airflow and better visibility features, it’s no surprise why people like to refer to metal crates as the most durable among the rest of the styles.

A fixed metal pet travel carrier is ideal for aggressive dogs or those in need of a greater security level. It can withstand almost anything thrown to your pet aside from being chew-proof.

Keep in mind, though, that sometimes this style is not lightweight. It may still work pretty well for a permanent fixture where he can go whenever necessary.

Sizing the Crate or Kennel

For portable dog kennels, considering their size is significant.

They are being sold based on various size conventions, which may range from small to extra-large.

Some crates are manufactured according to the International Air Travel Association’s series number. Meanwhile, others are based on dimensions, specifically in inches.

Accurate dog measurement is necessary no matter the kennel’s size. This is to make certain that it properly fits your pup. Remember its significance in maintaining his safety while traveling.

Get the right measurement of your best friend in terms of his height, width, and length. Add an extra space enough for him to turn around, lay down, and stand comfortably.

You may follow the steps below for your guide:

• Length Measurement–Start measuring from the tip of your pet’s nose to the base of his tail. Add 3 inches or half the length between his elbow joint and the floor (for more accurate measurement).
• Width Measurement–Get the width measurement across the widest point of his shoulders then multiply by two in inches.
• Height Measurement–Measure his height from the tip of his perked ears or the top of his head to the floor then add three inches.

These measurements serve as the minimum internal dimensions, giving your pooch the right fit for the best dog crate.

Also, consider his weight. Since many crates have minimum weight limits for a crate. In case the measurement is between sizes, you may go higher than one size.

Now, do you think you are ready to go to the pet shop near you to get a travel crate for your dog? Maybe? Well, if you have the following factors in mind already I guess you really are.

Considerations When Purchasing a Dog Crate for Travel

Consider the following factors if you go to the market for a 5-star dog travel crate:

The Size that Fits

Look for pet travel carriers with enough space for your furry pet. Choose one that allows him to turn around, lie down, and stand comfortably. An airline-approved size and style of the best dog kennel is a great option for travel by air.

Refer above for the right measurement of a crate.

Offers Good Airflow

Another prominent feature of a decent travel crate is one with good ventilation on its side. Note that some airlines may require a crate with three or four-side ventilation. It would be a lot better to have more ventilated sides.

However, there are no universal guidelines for travel crates yet across airlines. The regulations for pets transported in cargo and those inside the cabin may differ from one airline to another.

And amidst COVID-19, there may be some updates on their policy regarding this dog crate matter because of restrictions.

Check with the airline company first before even purchasing a dog kennel for air travel.

Handles are Comfortable and Sturdy

Make sure that the grips and handles of the carrier are secure. They should not break or snap off while you are carrying them. You should feel comfortable when you carry them. Also, they should not poke or pinch.

Labels are Informative

See that the label of the dog crate has the information for the proper identification and safety of your dog. This will be quite significant in case he gets separated from you other than when traveling by car or air.

You can add arrows for the upright position, a pocket for dog owner information and medical records, and a live animal label.

Potty Proofing

The bottom area of the kennel must be leak-proof, solid, and covered with potty pads or absorbent bedding. This will help keep your pup safe from any harm, crash, or accident.

So, do you think you are now ready to get through the dog carriers mentioned earlier?

Reviewing the 7 Best Dog Travel Crates Today

We narrowed down the best of our crate choices. Let’s get to it.