Best Dog Travel Crate

A travel crate is the safest way to transport a dog in a vehicle — and an essential piece of equipment for air travel, boarding, and any situation where your dog needs a secure, familiar space away from home. Here's everything you need to know about choosing the best dog travel crate for your needs.

Why a Travel Crate Is the Safest Car Option

In crash testing, a properly secured hard-sided crate provides the best protection for dogs in a vehicle collision. The crate absorbs and distributes impact forces, and the dog is contained within a rigid structure. For maximum car safety, a crash-tested crate secured to the vehicle is the gold standard.

What You'll Need

An airline-approved carrier (small dogs): A TSA airline-approved soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you — collapsible, waterproof, and meets airline size requirements. Perfect for small dogs on flights and in cars.
Calming chews: ThunderBites calming chews given 30–60 minutes before travel to reduce crate anxiety during transport.
Calming spray: Bodhi Dog calming spray applied to the crate bedding before travel for a calmer environment.
A Kong toy: A frozen stuffed Kong toy inside the crate keeps your dog occupied and calm during travel.

Types of Dog Travel Crates

Soft-Sided Travel Carriers (Small Dogs)

Lightweight, collapsible carriers designed for small dogs (typically under 15–20 lbs). Required for in-cabin air travel. Also useful for car travel with small dogs. Must meet airline-specific size requirements for air travel. The Henkelion carrier is TSA-approved, collapsible, and waterproof — ideal for both air and car travel with small dogs.

Hard-Sided Plastic Crates

The most common travel crate for medium to large dogs. Required for cargo air travel (must be IATA-compliant). Provides good protection in car travel when secured. Available in multiple sizes. Look for IATA-compliant models if you plan to fly.

Wire Crates with Covers

Collapsible wire crates with a cover provide good ventilation and visibility. Useful for car travel and hotel stays. Not suitable for air travel. Secure to the vehicle with straps or cargo anchors.

Crash-Tested Crates

Purpose-built car crates that have been independently crash-tested. The safest option for car travel. Brands like Gunner Kennels and Ruff Land are among the most tested. Expensive but provide the highest level of protection in a collision.

How to Choose the Right Size

Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the crate. Measure your dog's:

Length: Nose to base of tail + 4 inches
Height: Floor to top of head (or ears if they stand up) + 4 inches
Width: Widest point of shoulders x 2

For air travel, check your airline's specific crate size requirements — they vary by airline and route.

How to Acclimate Your Dog to a Travel Crate

Place the crate in your home with the door open and comfortable bedding inside
Feed meals near the crate, then inside it
Give a frozen Kong inside the crate with the door open
Close the door for short periods while your dog eats or chews
Build up to longer periods with the door closed
Move the crate to the car and repeat the process

A dog that's comfortable in their crate at home travels far more calmly in it.

Travel Crate Checklist

Appropriate size for your dog
IATA-compliant if flying in cargo
Airline size requirements met if flying in-cabin
Secured to the vehicle for car travel
Comfortable bedding with familiar scent inside
Frozen Kong or chew for the journey
Calming spray applied to bedding before travel

Final Thoughts

A travel crate is the safest transport option for dogs and an essential piece of equipment for air travel. Choose the right type and size for your dog and travel needs, acclimate your dog to the crate before travel, and use calming support to make the experience positive. A dog that's comfortable in their crate is a dog that travels well anywhere.

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