How to Secure a Dog Crate in a Car

On this page (8 sections)

1. How do you secure a dog crate in a car?
2. Where should a dog crate sit in a car?
3. How do you attach the crate restraint?
4. What should you check before driving?
5. Which crate designs suit different vehicles?
6. How can you make crate loading easier?
7. What should you do if the crate moves?
8. How to secure a dog crate in a car: what matters most

To secure a dog crate in a car, place it on a stable, level surface and restrain it with the method approved for the crate and vehicle. Follow both manuals, latch every door, and keep loose cargo from striking or covering the crate.

Measure the space before the trip, including the doorway and the path needed to load the crate. A crate that fits the cargo area still needs room for its doors, airflow, and a secure attachment.

How do you secure a dog crate in a car?

Set the crate in its intended position, attach its approved restraint, and check for sliding or tipping. The vehicle manual and crate instructions determine which anchors, seat belts, or attachment points you can use.

1. Park on level ground and clear the planned space.
2. Place the crate so it sits flat and its doors can open.
3. Attach the restraint according to both manuals.
4. Close and latch all crate doors.
5. Push the empty crate gently to check for movement.
6. Load your dog, close the doors, and check the restraint again.

Keep the driver’s view and access to controls clear. Don’t place a crate where it can interfere with airbags or passenger safety equipment.

Where should a dog crate sit in a car?

Choose a level spot where the crate fits securely and doesn’t block the driver or passengers. Depending on the vehicle and crate, that may be a back seat or a cargo area.

For a seat, check the crate maker’s directions for its restraint method and seat compatibility. Some travel crates are designed with attachment features, but that doesn’t mean every seat belt or seat position will work.

For a cargo area, measure the floor and the loading opening. Leave room for the crate’s doors and keep bags, tools, and other loose items from shifting into it.

The complete dog crate buyer’s guide explains how crate types differ. If you’re deciding between a plastic model and a wire one, see wire vs plastic dog crates.

How do you attach the crate restraint?

Use only the attachment points and restraint method specified for the crate and vehicle. A belt or strap routed around the wrong part can leave the crate loose or damage it.

If your crate has a headrest strap or seatbelt slits, use them as directed. The PetSafe Happy Ride collapsible travel crate has both features and is sized for one seat.

The crate measures 27 x 19 x 28 in and has mesh on the front and sides. PetSafe says it is for pets up to 60 lb; check the dimensions and your dog’s fit before choosing it.

A belt should not press on a door, hinge, or panel unless the instructions show that routing. After attaching it, check that the crate still sits flat and the doors open without catching.

What should you check before driving?

Confirm that the crate is restrained, its doors latch, and nothing can fall against it. Make this check before each trip, especially after moving the crate or rearranging the car.

• Push the crate gently in more than one direction.
• Check each latch and any restraint buckle.
• Confirm that vents and mesh panels are not blocked.
• Keep bags and other cargo from shifting into the crate.
• Make sure the crate doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view or access to controls.

A mat can help protect upholstery or reduce sliding, but it is not a substitute for the crate’s approved restraint. Stop if the crate shifts or a latch won’t stay closed.

Which crate designs suit different vehicles?

Choose a crate that fits the measured space and has a restraint or placement method that suits your vehicle. A seat-sized travel crate and a cargo-area SUV crate solve different space problems.

The MidWest Solutions large side-by-side SUV crate is designed for SUVs, vans, and larger vehicles. It measures about 42.5 x 21 x 30 in, has front and rear doors, and uses two slide-bolt latches per door.

Measure the vehicle’s cargo floor and opening before selecting it. Its side-by-side design may suit a vehicle carrying more than one crate, but it still needs a stable position and restraint setup that follows the instructions.

The Ferplast Atlas SUV crate, 39-inch is designed for SUV and hatchback cargo areas. It measures 39 x 23 x 26 in, with a 13.5 x 18.5 in doorway.

Ferplast says to measure the intended area before buying. Check the doorway as well as the floor space, then confirm the crate can sit level and stay clear of cargo.

For more options, compare the best dog crates for cars. If you’re deciding whether a crate or carrier suits the trip, read dog crate vs carrier.

How can you make crate loading easier?

Measure the crate, vehicle opening, and path to its final position before loading day. This helps you avoid carrying a crate through a space where it cannot turn or fit.

Foldable designs can help with storage when they’re not in use, but follow the maker’s instructions for setup before travel. Check that all parts are in place and that doors and latches work as intended.

Keep the crate’s entrance accessible after installation. Your dog should be able to enter and exit without you reaching across a hot engine area, busy roadway, or other unsafe spot.

What should you do if the crate moves?

Stop in a safe place and correct the restraint before continuing. Don’t try to hold a sliding crate in place while driving.

Check whether the crate is level, the restraint is attached to an approved point, and anything is preventing a buckle or strap from tightening. If it still moves, choose another location or follow the vehicle and crate makers’ guidance before traveling.

Recheck after breaks, loading new cargo, or changing the crate’s position. A secure setup can change when the vehicle’s contents or the attachment points change.

How to secure a dog crate in a car: what matters most

When deciding how to secure a dog crate in a car, match the crate to the space, follow both manuals, and check for movement before every drive. Choose the PetSafe model for a seat-sized setup with its specified strap and belt features; consider the MidWest or Ferplast crates for measured cargo areas.

Start with how to choose a dog crate if you haven’t picked a type yet. Then measure the vehicle space, secure the crate as directed, and check its doors and restraint before setting off.

Frequently asked questions

Where should a dog crate go in a car?

Put the crate in a level area where it fits without blocking the driver's view or interfering with passengers, controls, or airbags. Secure it using the vehicle and crate makers' instructions, then check that it can't slide or tip.

Cargo-area placement depends on the vehicle and crate design.

Can you secure a dog crate with a seat belt?

Only use a seat belt if the crate is designed to route or attach to it and the vehicle manual allows that position. A belt looped around an incompatible crate may not hold it securely.

Follow the crate instructions and check that the restraint stays tight after installation.

Should a dog ride in a crate in the front seat?

The back seat or a suitable cargo area is usually a better place for a crate, because front airbags can pose a danger to pets. Check your vehicle manual for airbag guidance and use a location where the crate can be restrained without blocking controls or the driver's view.

How do I stop a dog crate from sliding in the car?

Use the restraint points and method approved for your crate and vehicle, then push the empty crate gently to check for movement. A non-slip mat may reduce sliding but does not replace a secure restraint.

Recheck the fit after loading passengers or cargo.