Best Dog Crates For Car Travel: Compare 10 Options

#1 · Best Overall

1. PetSafe Happy Ride Travel Crate

• Dimensions: 27"L x 19"W x 28"H
• Weight: 5.69 kg
• Dog Breed Size: Large

Best for: Passenger-seat space savers.

Why it ranks #1: Designed for car travel, it has a headrest strap, seatbelt slits, two doors, and a cushioned pad, while its one-seat footprint leaves passenger room.

A one-seat footprint lets the PetSafe Happy Ride crate contain a dog while leaving room for human passengers on the back seat. Mesh front and sides provide ventilation, and its headrest strap and seat-belt slits help hold the collapsible crate in place during car travel.

The 27-by-19-by-28-inch crate has two doors, so a dog can enter from either the driver or passenger side. Two drawstring openings allow petting or treat-giving without opening those doors, while two storage pockets keep treats or leashes close at hand. A cushioned pad with a removable waterproof fleece cover supports a more manageable cleanup routine. The listed maximum recommended weight is 60 pounds.

Skip it if you need a larger trunk crate with three access doors; Snagle Paw's crate-blue-XL measures 33.6 inches long and has three mesh doors.

This is a practical pick for a dog traveling on a single seat when passenger room, treat access, and a removable covered pad matter. Check its 27-by-19-inch base and 60-pound recommendation against your setup.

Listed on Amazon as: PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Travel Dog Crate

#2 · Best Metal-Frame Option

2. Snagle Paw Metal-Frame Car Crate

• Dimensions: 26.77"L x 23.62"W x 24.8"H
• Weight: 5.6 kg
• Dog Breed Size: Large

Best for: Strap-secured metal-frame travel.

Why it ranks #2: Its non-collapsible metal frame is designed to limit shaking, and the crate secures to a rear seat with a seat belt and adjustable straps.

Four-fold vehicle securing is the defining feature here: a seat belt and two adjustable top straps help anchor the Snagle Paw crate to a rear seat. Its non-collapsible metal frame is intended to limit shaking during drives, while folding brackets make the crate stowable between outings.

The 26.77-by-23.62-by-24.8-inch crate combines metal and Oxford cloth, with a hard mat support intended to prevent sagging and a soft double-wrapped overlay for lying comfort. Seat-belt securing and adjustable headrest straps provide several attachment points for rear-seat use. After travel, the brackets fold and the included storage bag supports trunk storage. It weighs 5.6 kg and lists a maximum recommended pet weight of 20 kg.

Skip it if you need a crate rated above 20 kg; PetSafe Happy Ride lists a 60-pound maximum recommendation.

This suits owners seeking a metal-frame enclosure with multiple rear-seat attachment points and a fold-away storage routine. Check the 20 kg weight recommendation and its 26.77-by-23.62-inch footprint against your dog and seating area.

Listed on Amazon as: Snagle Paw Portable Dog Crate for Car Travel,Metal Frame Pet Crate,Pet Carrier for Car Back Seat Secures with Headrest Strap and Seatbelt,L

#3 · Best Multi-Door Carrier

3. K&H Travel Safety Carrier

• Dimensions: 24"L x 19"W x 17"H
• Weight: 5.7 lb
• Dog Breed Size: Medium

Best for: Seat-belted compact carriers.

Why it ranks #3: This 24-by-19-by-17-inch carrier secures with a seat belt and headrest strap, and its five access doors and mesh panels suit car-seat travel.

Five access doors distinguish the K&H Travel Safety Carrier, giving owners several ways to reach a pet without repositioning the entire enclosure. Its full mesh front and mesh sides provide outward visibility, while a seat belt and adjustable headrest strap secure the soft-sided carrier in a car.

Measuring 24 by 19 by 17 inches, this medium carrier fits a compact seat-area setup and is listed for pets up to 20 pounds. Threading the vehicle seat belt through the strap on the carrier's back, then tightening the top strap around the headrest, provides its stated installation method. The comfort pad is removable, and the carrier folds flat, helping simplify cleanup and storage after a trip.

Skip it if you need a higher listed weight limit; PetSafe Happy Ride recommends up to 60 pounds and also secures with a headrest strap.

Pick this for a small pet traveling in a seat-area carrier when multiple access doors and flat storage are useful. Its 20-pound recommendation and 24-by-19-inch footprint define the fit boundary.

Listed on Amazon as: K&H Dog Car Seat, Travel Safety Carrier for Pets, Medium, Gray/Black

#4 · Best Trunk-Fit Design

4. Snagle Paw Angled Car Crate

• Dimensions: 33.6"L x 24"W x 26"H
• Weight: 5.9 kg
• Dog Breed Size: Large, Medium, Small

Best for: Angled trunk-fit crate users.

Why it ranks #4: Its 33.6-by-24-by-26-inch angled profile is intended to fit a vehicle trunk, and it includes a dog safety belt, mat, and water bottle.

An angled profile is the defining advantage of this Snagle Paw crate, shaped to fit the slanted interior of a vehicle trunk. Three mesh doors offer flexible placement and access, while the included safety belt, mat, water bottle, shoulder strap, and storage bag support a travel-ready setup.

Its 33.6-by-24-by-26-inch polyester enclosure is intended for trunk or backseat use, and the slanted shape can make better use of a trunk's angled profile. Three mesh doors allow forward or sideways placement, while the feeding window provides another way to attend to a pet. The included mat and dog safety belt add useful travel pieces; when the crate is not in use, its foldable construction and storage bag support stowing it.

Skip it if you need a compact one-seat crate for passengers; PetSafe Happy Ride occupies one seat and measures 27 inches long.

This fits buyers seeking an angled, multi-door crate for a vehicle trunk or backseat, with travel accessories included. Measure available space against its 33.6-by-24-inch base before choosing a placement.

Listed on Amazon as: Snagle Paw Portable Dog Crate for Car Travel, Collapsible Large Dog Travel Crate with Metal Frame & 3-Door Mesh Windows, Secures in Trunk/Backseat, Soft-Sided Kennel Carrier for Medium Large Dogs-XL

#5

5. UNICITII Enclosed Dog Car Seat

• Dimensions: 24.4"L x 18.9"W x 19.5"H
• Dog Breed Size: Medium

Best for: Washable-pad backseat carriers.

Why it ranks #5: This 24.4-by-18.9-by-19.5-inch enclosed carrier is made for a car back seat and includes headrest-strap and seat-belt installation directions.

A removable comfort pad that can be machine-washed separately gives the UNICITII carrier a clear maintenance advantage after car trips. Mesh windows let the dog observe its surroundings while promoting airflow, and the listed 24.4-by-18.9-inch footprint suits a backseat carrier setup.

The carrier measures 24.4 by 18.9 by 19.5 inches and is listed for pets up to 25 pounds, making those dimensions and weight limit key checks before use. For installation, the supplied instructions call for fastening the safety belt and hanging the adjustable strap around the headrest to help stabilize it. The removable pad can be washed separately in cold water on a gentle cycle and air-dried, keeping routine care focused on the cushion.

Skip it if you need a higher listed weight limit; PetSafe Happy Ride recommends up to 60 pounds and secures with a headrest strap and seat-belt slits.

Choose this for a medium-size dog within the 25-pound limit and owners who value a washable removable pad. Its compact dimensions and belt-and-headrest installation make the backseat layout an important consideration.

Listed on Amazon as: Dog Car Seat, Enclosed Carrier for Pets Travel Safety Dog Crate Soft-Sided Covered Car Kennel Carrier for Backseat for Medium Dogs

#6 · Best Quick-Folding Crate

6. Amazon Basics Folding Soft Crate

• Dimensions: 29.92"L x 21.3"W x 21.3"H
• Weight: 6.5 lb
• Dog Breed Size: Medium

Best for: Quick-fold soft-crate travelers.

Why it ranks #6: The 29.92-by-21.3-by-21.3-inch crate sets up without tools, folds flat, and has top and front doors, but no specific vehicle restraint is listed.

Top-and-front entry gives this Amazon Basics soft crate two ways to load a dog, useful when access from one side is awkward in a car. Its lightweight frame and polyester shell suit travelers who want a portable enclosure that sets up without tools and folds flat afterward.

The 29.92-by-21.3-by-21.3-inch medium crate has a lightweight PVC frame that holds its shape, while ventilating mesh-fabric windows let air pass through the soft sides. The top door supports lifting a dog in, and the front door offers a separate route for entry and exit. Zipper closures secure both doors; fastening straps hold rolled-up doors out of the way. At 6.5 pounds, it folds flat for carrying and compact storage between trips.

Skip it if you need a metal-frame car crate; Snagle Paw's S-CA-dog crate-L uses sturdy metal frames and vehicle-securing straps.

Choose this for a medium dog and trips where fast setup, top access, and flat storage matter. Its 29.92-inch length and soft-sided construction are important boundaries when planning the vehicle space and enclosure style.

Listed on Amazon as: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92" x 21.3" x 21.3", Tan

#7

7. Petprsco Portable Soft Crate

• Dimensions: 24"L x 17"W x 17"H
• Weight: 6.6 lb
• Dog Breed Size: Small

Best for: Small-dog travel-kit carriers.

Why it ranks #7: This 24-by-17-by-17-inch crate is listed for car use and includes washable fleece pads and travel bowls, but its warranty is three months.

A set of travel bowls, washable fleece pads, and a plush blanket accompanies this 24-inch Petprsco crate, giving small-dog travelers several comfort and feeding items together. Its steel frame and 600D Oxford cloth support a portable enclosure that folds down without tools for storage or travel.

The 24-by-17-by-17-inch carrier is listed for pets up to 25 pounds, making it a compact option for small dogs within that recommendation. A lightweight steel frame supports the soft crate, while 600D Oxford cloth and special anti-bite mesh form its materials. Tool-free setup and folding simplify preparing it for car travel and putting it away. Included washable fleece pads and a plush blanket add comfort items, and travel bowls support feeding on the go.

Skip it if you need more height for a larger dog; ZOMISIA's 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate measures 25 inches high and lists a 70-pound limit.

Choose this for a small dog within the 25-pound recommendation when a compact crate and included travel accessories suit your routine. Its 17-inch height and 24-inch length are key fit boundaries.

Listed on Amazon as: Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24" Soft Dog Crate for Car Travel

#8

8. ZOMISIA 36-Inch Soft Crate

• Dimensions: 36"L x 25"W x 25"H
• Weight: 5.74 kg
• Dog Breed Size: Large

Best for: Large soft-crate foldaway users.

Why it ranks #8: It is compatible with cars and has a 70-pound maximum recommendation, but the listing does not specify a seat-belt or headrest attachment.

A foldable frame with a carry handle makes the 36-inch ZOMISIA crate straightforward to transport and store between car trips. High-strength iron pipes and 600D Oxford fabric form its structure, while its listed 70-pound maximum recommendation accommodates larger dogs within that limit.

The 36-by-25-by-25-inch enclosure gives a large dog room within a clearly stated footprint, and its foldable design saves space when travel is over. The handle helps carry the folded crate, while high-strength iron pipes provide its frame and 600D Oxford fabric covers the sides. Its product listing includes car compatibility and a 70-pound maximum recommendation; those limits make it important to assess both pet weight and available vehicle space.

Skip it if you need a smaller seat carrier for a pet under 20 pounds; K&H Pet Products Travel Safety Carrier measures 24 by 19 inches.

This suits owners transporting a larger dog who want a foldable soft crate with a carry handle. Its 36-by-25-inch base needs room in the vehicle, and the listed 70-pound limit remains the weight boundary.

Listed on Amazon as: ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs, Travel Dog Crate Grey

#9

9. Gardner Pet Wheeled Crate

• Dimensions: 36.4"L x 22.8"W x 25.8"H
• Weight: 12.34 kg
• Dog Breed Size: Large

Best for: Rolling rigid-crate movers.

Why it ranks #9: The 36.4-inch foldable crate has two wheels and needs no tools, but its vehicle restraint details are not listed for car use.

Two wheels and a sturdy handhold make this Gardner Pet crate easier to move than a carry-only enclosure, especially when transporting it between the car and home. The one-piece foldable design needs no tools, allowing setup or flat storage in seconds.

At 36.4 by 22.8 by 25.8 inches, this large-format crate offers a substantial enclosure, while its foldable construction lets it lie flat when not in use. The two smooth-rolling wheels and handhold help move the 12.34 kg unit without carrying its full weight throughout every transfer. Because assembly requires no tools, preparing it for a trip or putting it away is a simpler workflow than building a crate from separate parts.

Skip it if you prioritize a lighter seat-mounted carrier; K&H Pet Products Travel Safety Carrier weighs 5.7 pounds and secures with a seat belt.

Consider it for buyers who want a large foldable crate that rolls between storage and vehicle rather than being carried. Its 36.4-inch length and 12.34 kg weight call for room to maneuver and store it.

Listed on Amazon as: Collapsible Dog Crate for Large/Medium Dogs – 36" L Foldable Dog Cage No-Tool Assembly, Travel Dog Crate with 2 Wheels – Easy to Carry, Space-Saving, Indoor Outdoor Use, 36.4"(L) x22.84(W) 25.8"(H)

#10

10. Gardner Pet Dark Grey Crate

• Dimensions: 36.4"L x 22.8"W x 25.8"H
• Dog Breed Size: Large

Best for: Tool-free rolling crate movers.

Why it ranks #10: Its 36.4-by-22.8-by-25.8-inch design folds without tools and has wheels, but the supplied specifications do not list car compatibility or a restraint.

Two smooth wheels and handles make this Gardner Pet crate easier to move between storage and a vehicle, avoiding the need to carry it at every step. Its all-in-one folding design opens and folds without tools, and the listed dimensions measure 36.4 by 22.8 by 25.8 inches.

The large-format crate's 36.4-inch length gives it a substantial footprint, so vehicle space should be considered before loading it. Once at the destination, the two wheels and handles help move it into position; when travel ends, the foldable design saves storage space. Tool-free setup also simplifies preparing the enclosure for a trip. The product listing identifies car compatibility and travel and camping as recommended uses, though it provides no maximum weight recommendation.

Skip it if you require a stated maximum pet weight; ZOMISIA's 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate lists a 70-pound recommendation.

This suits owners who want a tool-free, wheeled crate for travel and have room for its 36.4-inch length. Because no maximum pet weight is provided, the listing leaves that suitability point unspecified.

Listed on Amazon as: 36" L Travel Dog Crate -Collapsible Dog Crate for Medium/Small Dogs, No Tools Required with Space Saving Design,Portable Foldable Dog Carrier with 2 Smooth Wheels,Handles for Easy Moving,Dark Grey