Top 8 Best Dog Crates and Carriers for Car Travel

Many spend laborious hours finding the best dog carrier for car travel that aligns with their budget. Little did they know that you can get more bang out of your buck with the 360 Pet Carrier & Car Seat by Pet Gear.

This product is suitable for dogs weighing not more than 20 pounds (9.07 kg). The carrier itself is lightweight at 6.9 pounds (3.13 kg) and measures 20 × 12 × 18.5 inches.

As the name suggests, it features mesh ventilation that grants your pooch a 360-degree view of his surroundings. The mesh is robust and scratch-proof to boot. The bottom has a stiff board, which supports the weight of your pet. It also comes with a washable fleece pad to keep those paws comfy.

Although this is quite an excellent carrier for the price, it is not made to withstand impact in case of an accident. It does, however, limit the amount of movement. There are two handles in which you can fit through either a seat belt or a shoulder belt that will hold the carrier in place. Rest assured your pet will not get hurled forward. The crate may only move to the sides a bit.

This crate is a soft-sided, collapsible model. Aside from car travels, you can use it for camping, too. The rectangular design of the carrier also makes it an indoor den, whelping box, and so on.

Currently, there are four sizes and colors for this model. The medium size measures 24 × 17 × 17 inches and weighs 6.8 pounds (3.08 kg).

Unlike its cheaper counterparts, this crate will not warp. Neither will it bend. It boasts of a robust steel framework, which accounts for the durability of the product. Likewise, the crate features a 600-Denier Oxford construction. Thus, it is water-resistant and scratch-resistant.

Cleanliness is a big deal for me. So, I like how easy it is to clean and freshen up the crate. Just remove the entire cover off and throw it into the washing machine for hassle-free cleaning. Plus, it comes with a waterproof pad to stop wee-wee leaks from seeping into your car seat.

Moreover, the crate has two entry points that are both mesh and zippered. It also has three mesh windows for added visibility and ventilation.

My only gripe is that the entrance falls short for the size of the crate. Your pooch might find it a little awkward to go in and out of it. Also, the mesh and zippers seem substandard.

All entry points are mesh. The entire front portion of the product itself is mesh. Thus, your furry pal can see you on all sides and enjoy a great breeze as you drive.

The carrier comes in three sizes. The large size measures 22 × 29.5 × 25.5 inches and weighs 10 pounds (4.53 kg). All three sizes work incredibly in the rear seat and the compartment area.

You may also use the small-sized carrier in the front seat. Installation is straightforward. There is a loop in which you thread a seat belt through. It also has a strap that you buckle around the vehicle headrest for added security. Taking it down is also just as easy.

Unzipping the main entrance is not always convenient. Furthermore, it emits a strong chemical smell after unboxing. It will help if you let the carrier air out for two to three days before using it.

You can go for the single-door crate, which costs less or opt for the double-door crate that has more exciting features.

I recommend you aim for the double-door option. Having two double doors, you can quickly access your pooch either from the side or at the front. The doors have good-quality latching mechanisms that discourage Houdini-like pets from escaping.

The AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate makes a great dog car carrier for anxious pets. Your pooch will be able to see you clearly and vice versa.

Likewise, it increases ventilation, especially for double-coated and brachycephalic dogs. The edges of the crate are smooth. There are no sharp metal points that could either hurt you or your dog during interactions.

That aside, setting up this metal crate is a piece of cake. Its foldable design also makes it a breeze to store when not in use. Plus, there is a handle for easy carrying. But as expected of a budget option, the crate wears out quickly.

Assembly requires no tools. The crate sets up in a flash. It folds down quickly, as well. The crate comes with two doors. There is one on top of the crate and another at the front. The crate also has perforated bone-shaped windows to encourage airflow.

Another strong point of this carrier is the security it offers. It is equipped with reliable, industrial-quality zippers. Likewise, the material used to make this crate can withstand the elements. Therefore, you can use it for indoor and outdoor purposes.

This model is available in five sizes. The smallest size, which measures 20 × 13 × 13 inches, weighs only about 3 pounds (1.36 kg). That feels as though you are carrying a can of soup! The large size, which measures 36 × 25 × 25 inches, remains lightweight at 11 pounds (4.98 kg). Additionally, the crate comes with a rugged handle that is also gentle on the hands.

PetNation Port-A-Crate is a soft-sided crate made of tightly woven mesh fabric. It goes without saying that this carrier is neither for aggressive chewers nor for diggers. On the bright side, a high-quality, sturdy steel frame provides support and stability to the carrier.

Likewise, you can roll up the side and front flaps to create an open space for your pet during travel breaks.

The carrier has three sizes and two colors to choose from. The small size measures 24 × 18 × 17 inches and weighs 6.7 pounds (3.03 kg).

This option is best suited for a little dog that is 15 to 17 inches tall.

Moreover, the carrier highlights Petsfit patented screw-in metal framework that holds the carrier’s shape. The metal locking frame sets up within seconds without further need for tools.

But because it is a soft crate, I do not recommend it for dogs who are prone to chewing or digging.

The crate measures 24 × 19 × 20.5 inches and weighs 6 pounds (2.72 kg).

This carrier is made of polyester with PVC backing. Thus, it is water-resistant and heavy-duty. Setup is straightforward. All you have to do is to zip up the front and back panels together.

Adding to that, it comes with a matching carrying case and a sheepskin mat. The mat is not too thick nor too thin. However, the bottom of the carrier is flaccid. So, you might want to improvise. I suggest tucking underneath a sturdy piece of plywood to make it rigid.

Nevertheless, the carrier’s ventilation windows have a nice touch. They won’t extend all the way to the floor. This is advantageous if your canine buddy moves a lot while sleeping.

You also have the option to put them up or down. The zippers are hardy, too. Likewise, there are pockets that will come in handy for holding your pet’s leash, treats, etc. The Velcro straps for the windows, however, seems too long. So, you may want to cut them shorter.

The carrier is made of 600-D flexible nylon. Thus, it lightweight, water-resistant, and resilient. Stitching is exemplary. The zippers are durable, too. Most importantly, the crate features a heavy-duty steel framework.

The crate comes in three sizes and two colors. The small size measures 26 × 20 × 20 inches and weighs 7.3 pounds (3.31 kg). Setup is quick and hassle-free. It is also just as easy to take down. There are convenient sliding bar locks that allow you to fold the crate in a jiffy.

Moreover, the crate has zippered mesh panels on three sides. This feature not only provides your pet with ample ventilation, but it also allows him to see what’s going on.

My only concern is that the hex mesh, while robust, may be able to hook a nail in it because the holes are a lot bigger compared to similar crates.