8 Best Dog Crates for Cars (October 2026)
The best dog crates for car travel include the Petmate Sky Kennel 36-inch for roomy plastic travel, the PetSafe Happy Ride collapsible travel crate for one passenger seat, and the MidWest Solutions large side-by-side SUV crate for two-crate cargo layouts.
On this page (6 sections)
The best dog crate for car travel depends on your vehicle and where the crate will sit. For a roomy SUV cargo area, choose the Petmate Sky Kennel; for one passenger seat, consider the PetSafe Happy Ride.
Measure your dog, the cargo space and the hatch opening before choosing. If you need help with crate dimensions, start with our guide to measuring a dog for a crate.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for one passenger seatPetSafe Happy Ride collapsible travel crate
8.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for two-crate cargo layoutsMidWest Solutions large side-by-side SUV crate
8.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itFerplast Atlas SUV crate, 39-inch
Best for a sliding cargo door - 5
Check itMidWest Solutions side-by-side SUV crate
Best for a smaller SUV crate - 6
Check itFerplast Atlas SUV crate, 32-inch
Best for compact cargo areas - 7
Check itMammoth Guardian 36-inch travel crate
Best for rugged outdoor trips - 8
Best for a small plastic carrierCheck it
Which dog crate for a car fits your setup?
The Petmate Sky Kennel is our top pick for roomy plastic travel, while the PetSafe is designed for one seat and the MidWest models are made for SUV cargo areas. We compared the options by their stated dimensions, access points and travel features.
Petmate Sky Kennel 36-inch: Best for roomy plastic travel
- For pets 50–70 lb
- 360-degree ventilation
- Easy-squeeze latch with interlocks
- Includes travel accessories
A plastic kennel with ventilation on every side and an easy-squeeze latch. It includes travel accessories and tie-down strap holes.
Pros
- Ventilation on all sides
- Includes food and water cup, stickers and absorbent pad
- Folding top handle
Cons
- Compare its 36 x 25 x 27 in outer dimensions with your cargo space
- Check airline requirements separately if also flying
PetSafe Happy Ride collapsible travel crate: Best for one passenger seat
- For pets up to 60 lb
- Two doors
- Headrest strap and seatbelt slits
- Folds for storage
A soft-sided crate designed to take up one seat, with doors on both sides and straps to help hold it in place. It folds for storage.
Pros
- Two entry doors
- Removable waterproof fleece cover
- Two storage pockets
Cons
- Soft sides may not suit dogs that chew or push hard
- Takes up one seat
MidWest Solutions large side-by-side SUV crate: Best for two-crate cargo layouts
- For dogs up to 90 lb
- Front and rear doors
- Narrow side-by-side design
- Folding metal frame
A narrow metal crate made for SUVs, vans and larger vehicles. Its front and rear doors allow access from the back seat or tailgate.
Pros
- Two doors with two slide-bolt latches each
- Leak-proof plastic pan
- Folds flat
Cons
- Long footprint needs careful cargo-area measurement
- Weighs 36.1 lb
Ferplast Atlas SUV crate, 39-inch: Best for a sliding cargo door
- For dogs weighing 40–60 lb
- Front door slides horizontally
- Vented side panels
- Can be dismantled
A vehicle-specific crate for SUV and hatchback cargo areas, with a sliding front door.
Pros
- Sliding door saves swing space
- Mesh at front and back, vented sides
- Molded carrying handles
Cons
- Measure the cargo area before buying
- Doorway is narrower than the crate
MidWest Solutions side-by-side SUV crate: Best for a smaller SUV crate
- For dogs up to 70 lb
- Front and rear doors
- Narrow side-by-side design
- Folds flat
A side-by-side SUV crate with front and rear doors. Compare its dimensions with your cargo area.
Pros
- Two entry doors
- Leak-proof plastic pan
- Folding design
Cons
- Confirm the 28.88 in width against your vehicle
- Weighs 30.3 lb
Ferplast Atlas SUV crate, 32-inch: Best for compact cargo areas
- For dogs up to 35 lb
- Horizontal sliding door
- Vented side panels
- Can be dismantled
A smaller SUV and hatchback crate with a sliding front door and mesh at both ends. Check the doorway and outside dimensions.
Pros
- Smaller footprint than the 39-inch Atlas
- Sliding door
- Molded carrying handles
Cons
- Best suited to smaller dogs
- Doorway is 11.25 x 17.32 in
Mammoth Guardian 36-inch travel crate: Best for rugged outdoor trips
- Three-bolt latch
- Reinforced corners
- Built-in food and water dishes
- Fits dogs up to 22.5 in tall and 31 in long
A travel kennel with a three-bolt latch and reinforced corners. It is designed for trucks, SUVs, off-road vehicles, boats and trailers.
Pros
- Three-bolt latch
- Built-in food and water dishes
- Detachable wheels
Cons
- Weighs 40.25 lb
- Check dog measurements against stated limits
Petmate Vari Kennel 32-inch: Best for a small plastic carrier
- Four-sided ventilation
- Wire door
- Tamper-proof holes for zip ties
- Easy-to-wipe plastic shell
A plastic kennel with a wire door, four-sided ventilation and a stay-dry moat. Its size and dog-weight guidance differ.
Pros
- Four-sided ventilation
- Easy-to-wipe shell
- Stay-dry moat
Cons
- Conflicting dog-size guidance
- Large outer dimensions for a small-dog carrier
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you’re shopping for. We compared the product specifications and features, but did not test these crates in vehicles.
| Product | Best for | Interior | Dog weight | Ventilation | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petmate Sky Kennel 36-inch | roomy plastic travel | 32.5 x 22 x 26 in | 50–70 lb | 360 degrees | 8.4 |
| PetSafe Happy Ride collapsible travel crate | one passenger seat | Up to 60 lb | 8.2 | ||
| MidWest Solutions large side-by-side SUV crate | two-crate cargo layouts | Up to 90 lb | 8.0 | ||
| Ferplast Atlas SUV crate, 39-inch | a sliding cargo door | 40–60 lb | 7.8 | ||
| MidWest Solutions side-by-side SUV crate | a smaller SUV crate | Up to 70 lb | 7.8 | ||
| Ferplast Atlas SUV crate, 32-inch | compact cargo areas | Up to 35 lb | 7.7 | ||
| Mammoth Guardian 36-inch travel crate | rugged outdoor trips | 7.2 | |||
| Petmate Vari Kennel 32-inch | a small plastic carrier | 8.6 |
Best dog crates for cars, reviewed
The best dog crate for your car is the one that fits your dog and vehicle, with useful access and ventilation. Measure the space before choosing a model.
1. Petmate Sky Kennel 36-inch: Best for roomy plastic travel
Petmate Sky Kennel 36-inch: Best for roomy plastic travel
- For pets 50–70 lb
- 360-degree ventilation
- Easy-squeeze latch with interlocks
- Includes travel accessories
A plastic kennel with ventilation on every side and an easy-squeeze latch. It includes travel accessories and tie-down strap holes.
Pros
- Ventilation on all sides
- Includes food and water cup, stickers and absorbent pad
- Folding top handle
Cons
- Compare its 36 x 25 x 27 in outer dimensions with your cargo space
- Check airline requirements separately if also flying
The Petmate Sky Kennel has 360-degree ventilation, tie-down strap holes and an easy-squeeze latch door with interlocks. Its interior measures 32.5 x 22 x 26 in, and it is designed for pets weighing 50–70 lb.
It comes with a food and water cup, ID stickers, two “LIVE ANIMAL” stickers and an absorbent pad. The outside dimensions are 36 x 25 x 27 in, so compare them with your cargo floor and hatch opening.
Petmate says the Sky Kennel meets IATA requirements for live animal transport and most airline cargo specifications. Check with an airline before flying, since airline requirements may differ.
Choose it if you want an enclosed plastic crate and its interior fits your dog. If your dog’s measurements are close to the interior size, compare them with our dog crate size guide.
2. PetSafe Happy Ride collapsible travel crate: Best for one passenger seat
PetSafe Happy Ride collapsible travel crate: Best for one passenger seat
- For pets up to 60 lb
- Two doors
- Headrest strap and seatbelt slits
- Folds for storage
A soft-sided crate designed to take up one seat, with doors on both sides and straps to help hold it in place. It folds for storage.
Pros
- Two entry doors
- Removable waterproof fleece cover
- Two storage pockets
Cons
- Soft sides may not suit dogs that chew or push hard
- Takes up one seat
The PetSafe Happy Ride is designed to occupy one seat, leaving other seating available. Its mesh front and sides provide airflow, and two doors let your dog enter from either side.
The crate measures 27 x 19 x 28 in and is designed for pets up to 60 lb. A headrest strap and seatbelt slits help hold it in place, while the pad has a removable waterproof fleece cover.
It folds for storage, and the outer shell and fleece cover are machine washable. Two pockets hold treats, leashes and poop bags.
Two drawstring openings let you pet your dog or give a treat without opening a door.
Choose it for a seat setup where its soft sides and dimensions suit your dog. For more on the difference between portable carriers and crates, read dog crate vs carrier.
3. MidWest Solutions large side-by-side SUV crate: Best for two-crate cargo layouts
MidWest Solutions large side-by-side SUV crate: Best for two-crate cargo layouts
- For dogs up to 90 lb
- Front and rear doors
- Narrow side-by-side design
- Folding metal frame
A narrow metal crate made for SUVs, vans and larger vehicles. Its front and rear doors allow access from the back seat or tailgate.
Pros
- Two doors with two slide-bolt latches each
- Leak-proof plastic pan
- Folds flat
Cons
- Long footprint needs careful cargo-area measurement
- Weighs 36.1 lb
This narrow, folding metal crate is made for SUVs, vans and larger vehicles, with a front door and a rear door. The two access points allow you to reach your dog from the back seat or tailgate.
It measures 42.5 x 21.25 x 30.25 in and supports dogs up to 90 lb. Each door has two slide-bolt latches, and the crate includes a leak-proof plastic pan and carrying handle.
The side-by-side design is intended to leave room for another crate in a cargo area. Measure your vehicle’s width and length before planning a two-crate layout, and allow space for doors to open.
Choose this model when its long footprint fits your vehicle and dual access matters. Our guide to securing a dog crate in a car covers placement checks.
4. Ferplast Atlas SUV crate, 39-inch: Best for a sliding cargo door
Ferplast Atlas SUV crate, 39-inch: Best for a sliding cargo door
- For dogs weighing 40–60 lb
- Front door slides horizontally
- Vented side panels
- Can be dismantled
A vehicle-specific crate for SUV and hatchback cargo areas, with a sliding front door.
Pros
- Sliding door saves swing space
- Mesh at front and back, vented sides
- Molded carrying handles
Cons
- Measure the cargo area before buying
- Doorway is narrower than the crate
The Ferplast Atlas SUV crate has a horizontally sliding front door, which opens without using the swing space needed by a hinged door. Mesh panels at the front and back and vented sides provide airflow.
Its dimensions are 39 x 23 x 26 in, with a 13.5 x 18.5 in doorway. It is designed for dogs weighing 40–60 lb, and molded handles help you move it.
Ferplast designed this crate for SUV and hatchback cargo areas. It can be dismantled for portability or storage, and Ferplast recommends measuring the vehicle before buying.
Choose it when the crate fits your cargo area and the sliding door suits your access needs. If your dog is near the upper size range, compare the dog’s measurements with the crate’s interior and doorway.
5. MidWest Solutions side-by-side SUV crate: Best for a smaller SUV crate
MidWest Solutions side-by-side SUV crate: Best for a smaller SUV crate
- For dogs up to 70 lb
- Front and rear doors
- Narrow side-by-side design
- Folds flat
A side-by-side SUV crate with front and rear doors. Compare its dimensions with your cargo area.
Pros
- Two entry doors
- Leak-proof plastic pan
- Folding design
Cons
- Confirm the 28.88 in width against your vehicle
- Weighs 30.3 lb
This MidWest crate keeps the front-and-rear door layout in a smaller model designed for dogs up to 70 lb. Like the larger version, it is designed for SUVs, vans and larger vehicles.
The crate measures 37 x 28.88 x 26 in. Compare its full dimensions with your cargo space before choosing it for a side-by-side layout.
Two slide-bolt latches secure each door. The crate includes a leak-proof plastic pan and carrying handle, and it folds flat when not in use.
Choose it if the dimensions fit your vehicle and you want access from both ends. Compare the large side-by-side SUV crate if you have enough cargo space and need its stated capacity for dogs up to 90 lb.
6. Ferplast Atlas SUV crate, 32-inch: Best for compact cargo areas
Ferplast Atlas SUV crate, 32-inch: Best for compact cargo areas
- For dogs up to 35 lb
- Horizontal sliding door
- Vented side panels
- Can be dismantled
A smaller SUV and hatchback crate with a sliding front door and mesh at both ends. Check the doorway and outside dimensions.
Pros
- Smaller footprint than the 39-inch Atlas
- Sliding door
- Molded carrying handles
Cons
- Best suited to smaller dogs
- Doorway is 11.25 x 17.32 in
The 32-inch Ferplast Atlas is the smaller option in this vehicle-specific pair. It measures 32 x 20 x 24 in, and its sliding door opens horizontally.
The doorway measures 11.25 x 17.32 in, and the crate is designed for dogs up to 35 lb. It has mesh at the front and back, vented sides and molded handles.
Ferplast designed it for SUV and hatchback cargo areas, but the outside dimensions do not guarantee a comfortable fit for every dog in that weight range. Compare your dog’s length and height with the usable interior before deciding.
Choose it for a smaller dog and cargo area when the doorway and interior dimensions work. For another plastic travel option, see our best plastic dog crates.
7. Mammoth Guardian 36-inch travel crate: Best for rugged outdoor trips
Mammoth Guardian 36-inch travel crate: Best for rugged outdoor trips
- Three-bolt latch
- Reinforced corners
- Built-in food and water dishes
- Fits dogs up to 22.5 in tall and 31 in long
A travel kennel with a three-bolt latch and reinforced corners. It is designed for trucks, SUVs, off-road vehicles, boats and trailers.
Pros
- Three-bolt latch
- Built-in food and water dishes
- Detachable wheels
Cons
- Weighs 40.25 lb
- Check dog measurements against stated limits
The Mammoth Guardian has reinforced corners and a three-bolt latch. It is designed for trucks, SUVs, off-road vehicles, boats and trailers, with built-in food and water dishes.
Its dimensions are 36.9 x 24 x 26.4 in, and it weighs 40.25 lb. It fits dogs up to 22.5 in tall and 31 in long, so check those measurements.
Detachable wheels are included, and an optional roll cage is sold separately. Mammoth describes the kennel as heavy-duty for bumps and rough terrain, but that description does not replace checking its fit and how you secure it in your vehicle.
Choose it when its stated dog fit and travel features match your trips. Its weight may make frequent lifting less convenient.
8. Petmate Vari Kennel 32-inch: Best for a small plastic carrier
Petmate Vari Kennel 32-inch: Best for a small plastic carrier
- Four-sided ventilation
- Wire door
- Tamper-proof holes for zip ties
- Easy-to-wipe plastic shell
A plastic kennel with a wire door, four-sided ventilation and a stay-dry moat. Its size and dog-weight guidance differ.
Pros
- Four-sided ventilation
- Easy-to-wipe shell
- Stay-dry moat
Cons
- Conflicting dog-size guidance
- Large outer dimensions for a small-dog carrier
The Petmate Vari Kennel has a plastic shell, wire door and ventilation on four sides. Its dimensions are 32 x 22.5 x 24 in, and a stay-dry moat directs fluids away from the dog.
Its dog-weight guidance differs: one set specifies dogs up to 10 lb, while another describes dogs weighing 30–50 lb. The 32 in outer length also makes it larger than the “small carrier” label may suggest.
Measure your dog against the usable interior and confirm the intended size before choosing it. Tamper-proof holes allow zip ties, but follow the crate’s instructions and keep the ventilation clear.
Choose it only after confirming the crate dimensions suit your dog and vehicle. The Petmate Sky Kennel is another plastic option in this roundup.
How do you measure a car for a dog crate?
Measure the cargo floor, hatch opening and usable height before buying a car crate. A crate can fit on the cargo floor but still fail to pass through the hatch.
Use a tape measure to check the narrowest part of the opening and the space where the crate will rest. Include trim, seats that remain upright and any cargo you keep in the vehicle.
Compare the crate’s outside measurements with the vehicle, then check its interior dimensions against your dog. Consider door clearance too: a hinged door needs room to swing, while a sliding door needs a clear track.
Which crate style suits a car seat or SUV cargo area?
A seat crate suits a one-seat setup, while a vehicle-specific SUV crate is designed for cargo areas. A general plastic travel kennel can work when its dimensions and access points fit the vehicle.
The PetSafe Happy Ride is designed to take up one seat and includes a headrest strap and seatbelt slits. The MidWest crates have front and rear doors, while the Ferplast models have sliding front doors.
For a broader look at materials, read our wire vs plastic dog crate guide. Check your vehicle manual and the crate instructions for placement and restraint guidance.
How should you secure a dog crate in a car?
Follow the crate and vehicle instructions, using intended straps or tie-down points where available. The PetSafe has a headrest strap and seatbelt slits, and the Sky Kennel has tie-down strap holes.
A crate should stay in place during normal driving, but no feature alone proves that a setup is safe in a crash. Avoid placing it where it blocks the driver’s view, controls or an exit.
Read our guide on how to secure a dog crate in a car for placement checks. Recheck the crate after loading luggage or changing the seat position.
Which dog crate for car travel should you choose?
Choose the Petmate Sky Kennel if you want an enclosed plastic crate and its interior fits your dog. Pick the PetSafe for a seat, or a MidWest SUV crate when front-and-rear access suits your cargo layout.
Measure your vehicle and dog before choosing. For help with sizing, start with our complete dog crate guide.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
-
2
Best for one passenger seat
PetSafe Happy Ride collapsible travel crate
8.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for two-crate cargo layouts
MidWest Solutions large side-by-side SUV crate
8.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What type of dog crate works best in a car?
The best type depends on where it will sit. A vehicle-specific crate can suit an SUV cargo area, while a seat crate may fit when you need to leave cargo space open.
Measure the available space and compare it with the crate’s outside dimensions, including height and door clearance.
How do I choose the right car crate size?
Measure your dog’s length and height, then compare those measurements with the crate’s usable interior and doorway. Your dog needs enough room to stand, turn and lie down comfortably.
Also measure the vehicle opening and the space where the crate will sit.
A crate that fits the cargo floor may not pass through the hatch.
Can I use a dog crate on a car seat?
Yes, if the crate is designed for seat use and you can follow its securing instructions. The PetSafe Happy Ride has a headrest strap and seatbelt slits, and is designed to take up one seat.
Check that the crate stays in place and does not block the driver’s view or access to controls.
Are plastic or metal crates better for car travel?
Neither material is best for every vehicle. Plastic crates enclose the dog, while metal SUV crates may offer front and rear access and can fold flat.
Choose by the crate’s fit, door location, ventilation and your dog’s needs.
For a closer comparison, see our wire vs plastic dog crate guide.
How do I secure a dog crate in a car?
Follow the crate and vehicle instructions, and use intended straps or tie-down points where available. A crate should not slide or tip during normal driving.
See our guide on how to secure a dog crate in a car for placement and restraint checks.
