Why You Need a Travel Crate for Your Dog

Traveling with a dog isn't as simple as putting them in the backseat. For safety, legal requirements, and your dog's comfort, a proper travel crate is essential. Unrestrained dogs can be injured in accidents, distract drivers, and are even illegal in some states and countries.

Benefits of Travel Crates

Safety: Protects your dog in case of accident
Legal compliance: Required for flying and some countries
Comfort: Provides a familiar, secure space
Hotel stays: Many hotels require dogs to be crated

Types of Travel Crates

dog crates travel

1. Soft-Sided Carriers

Best for: Small dogs under 20 lbs, car travel, short trips

Lightweight and easy to carry, but less protection in accidents.

2. Hard-Sided Plastic Crates

Best for: Airline travel, larger dogs, protection

Most airlines require IATA-compliant hard crates for checked pets.

3. Wire Crates

Best for: Car travel, hotel stays

Good ventilation and visibility, but not airline approved.

4. Impact-Resistant Crates

Best for: Anxious dogs, escape artists, maximum protection

Rotational-molded plastic, virtually indestructible.

Top 5 Dog Crates for Travel

1. Petmate Sky Kennel - Best for Air Travel

Airline-approved and IATA compliant. Available in multiple sizes, the Sky Kennel is one of the most accepted crates by airlines worldwide.

Pros:

Airline approved (check specific airline requirements)
Secure door latch
Ventilation on all four sides
Available in sizes for dogs up to 90+ lbs

Price: -150 depending on size

2. Diggs Revol Dog Crate - Premium Choice

A revolutionary wire crate with plastic base that collapses for easy storage. Not airline approved but excellent for car travel and hotels.

3. Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate - Most Durable

Roto-molded, impact-resistant crate rated for crashes. Used by working dogs, police K9s, and safety-conscious owners.

Pros:

Crash-tested
Nearly indestructible
Double-walled construction

Cons:

Heavy (30+ lbs)
Expensive (+)

4. AmazonBasics Two-Door Metal Crate - Best Value

Simple, affordable wire crate perfect for car travel and hotel stays. Not airline approved but great for road trips.

5. Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier - Best Soft-Sided

Airlines-approved soft carrier for small dogs (under 22 lbs). Fits under most airline seats for in-cabin travel.

How to Choose the Right Size

dog crates travel

Measure your dog:

Length: Tip of nose to base of tail
Height: Floor to top of head when standing
Width: Widest point (usually shoulders)

Choose a crate where your dog can:

Stand up without touching the top
Turn around comfortably
Lie down in a natural position

Airline Requirements

For flying with your dog:

Most airlines require hard-sided crates for checked pets
In-cabin pets need soft carriers that fit under the seat
Crates must have food/water dishes attached
Must display LIVE ANIMAL stickers
Check specific airline size restrictions

Car Travel Safety Tips

dog crates travel

Secure the crate with seatbelt or cargo straps
Never put crates in the front seat (airbag danger)
Take breaks every 2-3 hours
Never leave your dog in a hot car
Bring familiar blankets for comfort

Conclusion

For air travel, the Petmate Sky Kennel is widely accepted and reasonably priced. For car travel, the Diggs Revol offers convenience and style. For maximum safety, invest in a Gunner Kennel. Always measure your dog and check airline requirements before purchasing.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

dog crates travel

When shopping for dog products, many pet parents make the same costly errors. Going by price alone is the most common 鈥?the cheapest option rarely delivers long-term value, and the most expensive isn't always the best fit for your dog's specific needs. Ignoring size and breed requirements is another frequent mistake; a product rated five stars for a Chihuahua may be completely unsuitable for a Great Dane. Always check the manufacturer's weight guidelines.

Skipping material safety checks can put your dog at risk. Look for products labeled BPA-free, non-toxic, and phthalate-free 鈥?especially for chew toys and feeding items. Forgetting about maintenance needs is another common oversight. That plush dog bed might look great in photos, but if it isn't machine-washable with a removable cover, you'll regret it after the first muddy-paw incident.

Finally, buying without reading multi-dog household reviews can lead to disappointed expectations. Products that work for a single-dog home may not hold up when multiple dogs share them. Always filter reviews by households similar to yours before making a final decision.

Where to Buy: Our Top Picks

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