Dogs love the open road as much as we do!
But while most humans remember to buckle up before leaving the driveway, your fur baby doesn’t really have a say in the matter.
Many owners let their dog roam free in the car, which can be a deadly mistake.
Even owners who opt for using a dog carrier or crate designed for car travel will likely be shocked to discover that the vast majority of mainstream car carriers aren’t designed to keep your pooch safe in the event of an accident.
But don’t worry — we’re here to help!
Below, we’ll explain everything you need to know about dog carriers and car travel. We’ll outline the reasons why securing your dog is important, and share some of the best crates and carriers that are made from durable materials and designed to keep your pooch safe and secure in the car.
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Best Overall Dog Carrier for Car Travel
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Safest Dog Crate for Car Travel
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Most Affordable Dog Car Carrier
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In some cases, harnesses can be the better option for car-riding canines. We break down some of the situations in which this is the case and list some of our favorites in our guide to crash-tested dog car harnesses.
Safest Dog Crates & Carriers for the Car
Below, we’ll share some of the crates and carriers that passed the CPS (Center for Pet Safety) 2015 Crates and Carrier Crash Worthiness Study, complimented with additional CPS tests performed in 2016, 2020, 2022, and other years. We’ll be continuing to update this article each year when new crash test reports are released.
In this article, we’ve only covered crates that have been crash-tested by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) and — in some cases– other testing organizations like the Technical Research Institute of Sweden.
We will be noting for each crate what its qualifications are for being considered “crash tested” so you can make the best call for you and your pooch!
1. Lucky Duck Dog Crash-Tested Kennel
A locking, hard-sided crate that’s earned a 5-star rating and is available in sizes suitable for dogs up to 110 pounds.
- Medium: 23.5”L x 17.4”W x 17”H
- Intermediate: 30.25”L x 20.5”W x 22”H
- Large: 35.75”L x 22”W x 26.5”H
About: The Lucky Duck Dog Crash-Tested Kennel allows for safe car travels with big dogs as it is one of the few large-breed carriers crash-rated by the Center for Pet Safety. The rubberized bottom prevents slippage, as do the built-in tiedown points, which are designed for use with Lucky’s ratchet strap kit for maximum protection.
Features:
- One-piece rotomolded durable plastic shell design in Gunmetal (Gray)
- Ventilation slots for airflow
- Pitched floor features a recessed channel to capture liquids away from canines and drain holes for easy cleanup
- Reversible door with locking pins for added security
Size & Dimensions:
- Lucky Duck Dog Kennel Intermediate (Measures 32.5” x 22.5” x 24.5”)
- Lucky Duck Dog Kennel Large (Measures 38” x 24” x 29”)
Safety:
- Lucky Duck Dog Kennel Intermediate: 5-Star Rating from the Center for Pet Safety in 2022 for dogs up to 75 pounds when used with Lucky strength-rated anchor straps.
- Lucky Duck Dog Kennel Large: 5-Star Rating from the Center for Pet Safety in 2022 for dogs up to 110 pounds when used with Lucky strength-rated anchor straps.
Pros
- Largest travel kennel that’s earned 5 stars from the Center for Pet Safety (and for dogs up to 110 lbs, which is very impressive)
- Secure enough to handle anxious travelers and escape artists
- Comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty against defects
Cons
- Height can be an issue for taller canines
- On the pricier side
2. Cabela’s GunDog Intermediate Dog Kennel
About: The Cabela’s GunDog Intermediate Dog Kennel is another hefty crate designed to help your dog be safe in the car.
Sturdy single-construction crash-tested crate approved for up to 75 lbs.
- 23" H x 21" W x 30" D
Like many other crash-approved crates, it features a single-body construction (less prone to crushing than crates made from two or more pieces fitted together) along with non-slip rubber feet.
Features:
- One-piece design for superior durability
- Ventilation panels for airflow
- Side drain channels and rear drain hole for easy cleaning
- Reversible door for easy opening whether you’re a righty or a lefty
Size & Dimensions:
- Cabela’s Gun Dog Kennel Intermediate: (23″ H x 21″ W x 30″ D for interior)
Safety:
- Cabela’s Gun Dog Kennel Intermediate: 5-Star Rating from the Center for Pet Safety in 2022 for dogs up to 75 pounds (with locking pin and strength-rated anchor straps)
- Cabela’s Gun Dog Kennel Large: Also passed with 5-Star Rating from the Center for Pet Safety in 2024 for dogs up to 90 pounds (with locking pin and strength-rated anchor straps)
Pros
- Earned 5 stars from the Center for Pet Safety, rated for 75 lbs (not many get such a good rating for large dogs)
- While not “cheap” by any means, it’s a fair bit cheaper than the alternatives
Cons
- Does require the tie-down system for the full safety effect
3. Gunner G1
A tough-as-nails carrier featuring multiple locks, a stainless steel door, and dual-wall construction for impact protection.
- Small: 0"-23" Height | Under 30 lbs
- Medium: 23.5" - 33" Height | 31 - 45 lbs
- Intermediate: 33.5" - 42" | 46 - 70 lbs
- Large: 43.5" - 53" Height | 71 - 110 lbs
About: The American-made Gunner G1 takes safety and quality seriously with its aluminum-framed lockable door (featuring multiple latches), durable plastic shell, and stainless steel hardware. Built-in tiedown pins allow for a snug fit in the car, while a recessed bottom with a drainage system ensures easy cleaning.
Features:
- Double-wall construction provides maximum impact protection
- Non-slip rubberized base prevents dangerous sliding
- Water-repelling windows allow air circulation while keeping rain out
- Available in 3 colors: Tan, Gunmetal, and Mossy Oak Greenleaf
Size & Dimensions: The G1 comes in four sizes, and the manufacturer recommends using their Kennel Fit Finder on their product page to determine the best one for your pooch.
- Small (Measures 24.5” x 18.6” x 20.5”)
- Medium (Measures 29.5” x 20.5” x 25”)
- Intermediate (Measures 34” x 23” x 30”)
- Large (Measures 40.25” x 28” x 34.5”)
Safety:
- Gunner Kennel G1 Small: 5-Star Rating from the Center for Pet Safety for dogs up to 30 pounds when used with G1 tiedown straps
- Gunner Kennel G1 Medium: 5-Star Rating from the Center for Pet Safety for dogs up to 45 pounds when used with G1 tiedown straps
- Gunner Kennel G1 Intermediate: 5-Star Rating from the Center for Pet Safety for dogs up to 75 pounds when used with G1 tiedown straps
- Gunner Kennel G1 Large: Currently unrated
Pros
- Quality and durable plastic construction earned high marks from pet parents
- Comes with an impressive lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
- Excellent choice for traveling with a Houndini escape artist
Cons
- Not as portable as other options (it’s quite heavy)
- Quality comes at a cost, and these crates are expensive — very expensive
4. Rock Creek Aluminum Kennel – Medium
Sleek-looking crash-tested crate with nifty bonus features, unique color options, and the ability to select a side-opening door.
About: Rock Creek Aluminum Kennel is another tough-as-heck crate that’s passed the CPS crash-test study, making it a great choice for keeping fur kiddos safe on the road.
The crate features a welded aluminum frame, hexagon ventilation (great for airflow and pretty), an ultra-thick and high door with a lockable door latch, and corner guards.
It also comes in some fun color options like blue, green, and even pink (it’s definitely the only crash-tested crate that comes in pink)!
The Rock Creek crate also has the option to choose a standard front-facing door, or a side-facing door (which may work better for certain RV or van set-ups).
Features:
- 10-year warranty
- Comes pre-assembled (trust me, this is a big plus)
- Recessed, easy-carry handles
- Airline-approved too!
- Includes threaded inserts for accessories like airline rails
Size & Dimensions:
- 30″
- 36″
- 42″
- 46″
Safety:
- Rock Creek Kennel Medium: 5-Star Rating from the Center for Pet Safety in 2020 for dogs up to 50 pounds (with secondary door bolts and strength-rated anchor straps)
Pros
- Earned 5 stars from the Center for Pet Safety, rated for 50 lbs
- Airline approved lets you fly with this crate as well
- Pre-assembled is a huge plus
- Super fun color options and a wide variety of sizes
Cons
- Quite pricey! Not for most budgets.
5. MIM Variocage Single
A stainless steel kennel crash-rated for various accident scenarios, including front, rear, and rollover collisions.
About: The MIM Variocage Single offers supreme safety, as it’s manufactured by a company specializing in automotive safety products. Featuring a built-in crumple zone for shock absorption and a rear emergency escape hatch, this super durable option is made to protect your pooch in multiple situations.
Features:
- Made with a powder-coated steel frame in a charcoal finish
- Locking door with key for additional security
- Barred design allows for maximum airflow and visibility
- Mounting tabs for tiedown straps
Size & Dimensions: The manufacturer strongly advises consulting their measuring guide and speaking with customer support to ensure a proper fit. Each kennel size features an adjustable length for a customized fit for your dog and vehicle.
- Extra Small (Measures 28.7” to 38.9” x 21.8” x 23.2”)
- Large (Measures 29.9” to 40.5” x 21.8” x 25.5”)
- Large + (Measures 31.8” to 40.5” x 27.5” x 27.1”)
- Extra Large (Measures 31.8” to 40.5” x 27.5” x 28.1”)
- XXL+ (Measures 32.2” to 41.7” x 27.5” x 30.7”)
- Max (Measures 36.2” to 45.6” x 27.5” x 33.2”)
Safety Reports:
- All models pass Sweden’s Safe Pet Crate Test that covers front, rear, and rollover accidents
- While the crate meets Sweden’s standards, the cargo connection points failed a 2015 Center for Pet Safety’s test in the U.S.
Pros
- Crash-certified for multiple accident scenarios
- MIM offers a free kennel replacement in the event of an accident
- Adjustable length is highly convenient
- The rear escape hatch is an uncommon feature
Cons
- Design allows curious paws (and possibly teeth) to slip out during travel
- No U.S. crash certifications
- One of the priciest canine carriers
6. Ruff Land Kennel
A rugged canine carrier whose angled back was designed with SUV and crossover cargo areas in mind.
About: The Ruff Land Kennel allows for a snug vehicle fit with its special line of SUV-friendly designs featuring an angled back to accommodate your vehicle’s cargo area. Its rust-proof composite door opens both ways, while built-in handles make for easy hauling.
Features:
- A durable option made from rotomolded polyethylene plastic
- Lightweight, stackable design allows for versatile use beyond the car
- Includes top and bottom ventilation holes
- Available in 3 colors: Whitestone, Rockstone, and Millstone
Size & Dimensions: Consult the manufacturer’s sizing guide to select the best fit for your dog.
- Intermediate SUV (Measures 20″ x 31″ x 23″)
- Large SUV (Measures 21″ x 33.5″ x 27″)
Safety:
- Previously tested under the Ruff Tuff brand label with the Center for Pet Safety
- First test using a 75-pound dummy failed due to tie-down bracket failures
- Second test using a 75-pound dummy with new tiedown straps yielded no such failure, though the test dummy did impact the door
Pros
- Made specifically with SUVs in mind, ensuring a good fit
- More affordable than most large-breed travel crates
- Comes with a 1-year comprehensive warranty
Cons
- No current test star ratings
- Ventilation holes are on the smaller side
Crash-Tested Soft Carriers
OK, next let’s get into crash-tested carriers!
7. Diggs Passenger Carrier
A high-quality, tote-style carrier with a 5-star safety rating and an innovative canine-hygiene setup.
- 20” x 10.8” x 11.5"
About: The Diggs Passenger Carrier is a must-have for travelers with small canines thanks to its cushy interior pad, three accessory pockets, and top-notch safety marks. Also featuring a detachable crossbody strap, sturdy base, custom seat belt clips, and a buckle strap, it helps you safely (and comfortably) tote your pooch from point A to B in cars, planes, and more.
Features:
- Fabric crate made from fuss-free durable nylon and mesh air vents
- Smart setup for easy pee pad changing
- Available in Charcoal, Grey, Blush, and Navy color options
- Meets most airlines’ specifications for cabin travel
Size & Dimensions:
- Available in one size for dogs up to 18 pounds
- Measures 20” x 10.8” x 11.5”
Safety:
- 5-Star Rating from the Center for Pet Safety for pets up to 18 pounds in 2021
Pros
- High safety rating from the Center for Pet Safety
- Innovative pee pad setup makes traveling with accident-prone pups a breeze
- Chic styling that’s eons beyond most canine carriers
Cons
- More size options would be ideal
- Accessory pockets mean there’s little extra space inside
8. Sleepypod Atom
A wallet-friendly bag that transforms from a crash-rated canine car seat to a stylish messenger tote with ease.
About: The Sleepypod Atom safely cradles your small dog for travel, whether you’re riding in the car, flying high, or buzzing through the subway on official pupper business. Built-in seatbelt straps hold your canine snug in her seat, while the sturdy base and plush interior keeps her cozy (you can even remove it for easy cleanup).
Features:
- A well-built fabric crate with luggage-grade nylon exterior
- 3 mesh panels provide excellent ventilation
- Padded shoulder strap and 3 pockets for toting your pup and her accessories comfortably
- Available in 9 colors, including Robin Egg Blue, Jet Black, and Olive
Size & Dimensions:
- Single size option measures 10.5” x 8.5” x 17”
- Suits dogs up to 12 pounds
Safety:
- 5-Star Rating from the Center for Pet Safety for dogs up to 12 pounds in 2016
Pros
- Quality and lightweight design earn high marks from owners
- Dual zipper entries allow for top or side access
- Removable privacy panel can help reduce travel anxieties
Cons
- Lack of size options is a bummer
- Only suitable for tiny toy breeds
9. Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed
A canine carrier that mimics your four-footer’s bed with its soft, fuzzy interior and rounded shape.
- 17"L x 17"W x 13.5"H
About: The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed doesn’t sacrifice your pet’s comfort in the name of portability, allowing for less stressful travel in its bed-like, lightweight design. Best suited for dogs who sleep in a curled-up position, the round carrier features shearling bedding that can be removed for washing as needed.
Features:
- Luggage-grade durable nylon shell stands up to the rigors of travel
- Removable dome-style mesh topper contains pets while allowing airflow
- Adjustable, padded shoulder strap for your comfort
- Available in 5 colors: Arctic White, Dark Chocolate, Olive Green, Robin Egg Blue, and Strawberry Red
Size & Dimensions:
- Single size option measures 17” x 17” x 6.5”
- Recommended for pets under 15 pounds
Safety:
- 5-Star Rating from the Center for Pet Safety for dogs up to 15 pounds in 2018 with PPRS Handilock.
Are you wondering what, exactly, is PPRS Handilock? It sounds like a mouthful, doesn’t it? This is actually a design feature (used in conjunction with a car seatbelt) found in Sleepypod carriers that has played a big role in making these carrier so safe for car crashes. If you have a Sleepypod carrier purchased before 2016, you’ll need to contact Sleepypod directly for a PPRS Handilock, but it comes built-in with newer versions.
Pros
- Comfort gets a paw’s up from most doggy travelers
- Pet parents loved the carrier’s quality
- Bed-like design can ease travel anxiety
Cons
- Pricey compared to other carriers
- A tad bulky to carry
10. Sleepypod Air
A favorite for woofs with wanderlust featuring a 4-star crash rating and an airline-friendly shape.
- 22" x 10.5" x 10.5"
About: The Sleepypod Air is a fabric crate that’s made for safe, comfortable canine travel with two zippered entries, a sturdy base, and a low-profile design. The soft, machine-washable bedding inside keeps your canine cozy, while the breathable mesh dome and durable nylon shell exterior protect her from harm.
Features:
- Luggage-grade super-durable nylon outer shell
- Removable padded strap and dual storage pockets
- Water-repelling interior liner
- Offered in 8 eye-pleasing colors, including Orange Dream, Charcoal, and Glacier Silver
Size & Dimensions:
- Single size option suitable for pets up to 18 pounds
- Measures 17” x 17” x 13”
Safety:
- 4-Star Rating by the Center for Pet Safety for dogs up to 18 pounds in 2016
Pros
- Works great for traveling in cars and planes
- Pet parents raved about the quality
- Owners report doggos love this carrier and even sleep in it at home
Cons
- Storage pockets can bulge into canine space
- Not as fashion-forward as other carriers
- Earned a 4-star rating, not a 5.
11. Sleepypod Mini
A luggage-grade, dome-style travel crate that earned a 5-star crash rating for dogs under 7 pounds.
- 13” x 13” x 5”
About: The Sleepypod Mini protects your most petite precious cargo from harm, securing to your car’s seat belt with the PPRS Handilock. Made to mimic your best buddy’s bed, this fabric crate features a rounded shape and a removable plush interior for cozier travel and a water-resistant foam liner in case of accidents.
Features:
- Made with a supremely durable nylon shell with mesh windows for ventilation
- Built-in safety tether prevents bolting when opening
- Available in 8 colors, including Blossom Pink, Dark Chocolate, and Jet Black
- Two zippered entries for versatile use
Size & Dimensions:
- Single size option best for dogs 7 pounds and under
- Measures 13” x 13” x 5”
Safety:
- 5-Star Rating from the Center for Pet Safety for dogs up to 7 pounds in 2016 with with PPRS Handilock.
Pros
- It earned top-notch safety accolades for toy breed dogs
- Rounded design mimics your pup’s bed
- It’s quite durable despite featuring a lightweight design
Cons
- Only fits the tiniest of dogs (it’s not even ideal for leggier toy breeds)
- Can feel a bit clunky to carry
12. Away Pet Carrier
Forget the frump with this fashionable nylon bag featuring slip pockets and dual tote-style handles.
- 18.7" x 10.8" x 10.75"
About: Away’s Pet Carrier doesn’t look like your run-of-the-mill dog bag with its tailored design. It performs as great as it looks, boasting a 5-star crash rating and a collar clip for added safety.
Features:
- Constructed of nylon with a water-resistant liner
- Interior sherpa bedding is removable and washable
- Custom embroidery option for an additional fee
- Available in 2 colors: Black and Coast (a medium blue hue)
Size & Dimensions:
- Single size option measures 18.7”x 10.8” x 10.7”
- Suitable for dogs up to 18 pounds
Safety:
- 5-star Rating for dogs up to 18 pounds by the Center for Pet Safety in 2020
Pros
- Design gets a thumb’s up from fashionista fur parents
- Sturdy construction holds its shape
- Comes with a 100-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- One of the pricier carriers available
- Only available in one size
Why Dogs Need to Be Secured in the Car
Whether you opt to use a dog car crate, or some other kind of canine car restraint, your dog needs to be secure while you’re driving.
Many owners opt to let their dog have free reign in the car, but this can be very dangerous for both owners and pets. For one, in the event of an accident, your dog will become an instant projectile, flying through the windshield and injuring you, other passengers, and himself.
Unrestrained dogs are also a common cause of distracted driving. Author Stephen King famously got into a horrific, nearly-fatal car accident when the other driver took his eyes off the road to correct his misbehaving dog.
Having an unrestrained dog in your car often results in distracted driving — using a restraint will keep both you and your dog safer.
This infographic from CarRentals.com shows how dogs often cause distracted driving!
Even though it’s fun to have your pup by your side as a copilot, the distraction of your dog can be deadly for you both. It’s just not worth the risk!
The Search For A Safe Dog Car Crate
There are a number of things you’ll want to look for (as well as things you’ll want to avoid) when picking a safe dog car crate.
What to seek out in a car crate or carrier
Starting with the things you DO want in a car crate, be sure to look for a crate that is:
Of Sufficient and Suitable Size. Pay attention to the size of your dog, compared to the size of the crate or carrier. A dog car crate should never be 6 inches longer than your dog. This is because the snugness is actually part of what is keeping your dog safe — providing too much excess space means increased momentum and force on impact, resulting in a more dangerous crash for your dog.
Built with High-Quality Connection Points. If your crate’s connectors aren’t strong and up to snuff, the crate will go flying in an accident. And that kind of defeats the whole points of having a sturdy dog car crate! In many dog crash tests, connector safety straps were a key point of failure.
What to avoid in a car crate or carrier
On the flip side, you’ll want to avoid car carriers and crates featuring the following characteristics:
Wire Construction. Wire dog crates can be quite useful in many scenarios, but the car is not one of them. Wire crates just won’t do a ton to protect your fur baby in a car accident. While they are suitable for stopping your dog from distracting you while driving, a wire crate may collapse upon impact.
Soft-Sided Crates. Soft-sided carriers and soft crates are fine enclosures for general use (especially if they’re made from something like durable nylon), and they work great as airline approved in-cabin carriers. However, a fabric crate will do little-to-nothing when it comes to protecting your pooch in a car accident. Since the carriers are soft, most will immediately collapse on impact.
Plastic. The majority of plastic crates have been reported to fracture and break upon impact, leaving your dog unsecure. Most traditional plastic crates simply aren’t sturdy enough to be crash-proof. Nevertheless, a few crash-tested crates are made from very durable plastic, so just be sure to dig in and do your homework before making a choice.
So what does that leave? Well…not much. The dog crates and carriers that have been deemed crash safe are few and far between. However, there are a few that are will work, and we’ll share them below.
The terms “dog crate” and “dog carrier” are often used interchangeably. In fact, we do so all the time.
However, some manufacturers and safety organizations — including the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) — make a pretty clear distinction between the two.
In these cases, the term “crates” is reserved for relatively large containment devices, which are typically meant to be placed in the cargo area of a truck, van, or SUV. By contrast, “carriers” are usually for smaller pets, and they’re designed to ride in the back seat.
CPS Study Reveals That the Majority of Dog Crates Aren’t Safe
The CPS (Center for Pet Safety) is a non-profit research and advocacy organization that conducts crash tests for various dog safety products.
The organization was established in 2011 after realizing the disturbing fact that there are no performance standards or test protocols for testing pet safety devices.
Key Lesson: Don’t Believe The Marketing
The truth is that manufacturers of canine car crates and carriers aren’t even required to test their products. Many crates and carriers that market themselves as “crash tested” and safe fail to provide substantial protection in the event of an accident.
Most crates or harnesses that claim to be “crash tested” were only evaluated, at the manufacturer’s discretion, for one size. This means that a crate might pass for a very small dog, but lacks the stability and security for a medium or large sized dog.
It is quite shocking that dog car crates and carriers aren’t held to the same rigorous government safety standards that child car seats and other vehicle safety devices are — especially considering that a compromised crate can injure both pets and humans.
Car crates with connector safety straps that fail under stress means that your dog crate could go flying, hurting any passengers in the way (as well as your canine).
CPS Crash Worthiness Study & Testing Plan
After realizing the horrifying gaps in dog car crate and carrier testing, the CPS organization began conducting rigorous testing through the use of specially designed fake crash test dogs.
The CPS teamed up with Subaru to do an objective study in an independent, third-party testing facility in Virginia. A startling number of car crates and dog car carriers failed, but thankfully, a few performed well and are now being recognized as the life-saving devices that they are!
This video explains a bit about the testing and highlights the three winners. We go into more detail about the winning crates below, but this video offers a nice quick overview:
How The CPS Testing Works
In the CPS (Center for Pet Safety) Crash Worthiness Study, two tests were performed.
One was completed with a crate placed in the back cargo area of a vehicle, with the back seats folded downwards, and the crate being secured through connector straps. The vast majority of crates failed in this scenario.
In the second test, dog car crates were again placed in the cargo area, this time with one side of the crate resting against the back side section of the back seats (which were kept in the upright position, rather than folded down flat). This allowed the crates to have additional support through the seatback, and many more crates were able to pass this test.
However, the problem is that if the crate relies on the car’s seatback for support, there is an increased risk of a seatback failure in the event of a front impact if the dog and crate have a combined weight that exceeds 40 pounds.
This wouldn’t just put your dog at risk, but your passengers too. So, in many cases, using the seatback support for your dog’s crate is not safe or recommended.
Let’s take a look at the top winners for the most secure and safe dog car carriers and crates!
Give Careful Consideration to Where the Crate Goes
Many owners place their dog’s car crate or pet kennel in the back of the car — the traditional cargo area. But unfortunately, this isn’t always a safe area for your pooch to be.
In many cars, the front and back sections are designed to be “crumple zones” when involved in accidents. The idea is that, by allowing certain sections of the car to crumple on impact, passengers in the interior of the car may remain safe.
This can be life-saving technology — so long as your loved ones aren’t stuck in one of those crumple zones.
Crumple zones can vary, especially when it comes to larger cars and SUVs that use more of the back car space for seating (making those areas unsafe to be designed as crumple zones, therefore making them safe areas to keep your dog).
Back crumple zones may not be a threat with all cars, but we recommend consulting with your car dealership to determine what the crumple zones of your car are. And then, make sure to place your dog’s pet kennel away from that dangerous crumple zone.
Placing your dog in the front seat isn’t a viable option either, as that exposes your dog to front passenger airbags, which are designed to save a human’s life — not your dog’s. Similar to how you shouldn’t place a child in the passenger seat, due to their size in relation to the airbag trajectory, dogs also can’t safely be placed in the passenger seat.
Usually, the back seat is the best place to install your dog’s car travel crate.
This is also the position where your dog will likely be the most comfortable. One study revealed that dogs exhibit less stress in the car when they are positioned closer to their humans, and can visually see them from where they are positioned. This can be key in helping reduce a dog’s anxiety in the car.
For Larger Dogs, Security Is Even More Important
While dog car safety is important for all canines, special care needs to be given to big dogs. Simply put, big dogs need a super durable crate.
Large dogs are even more of a dangerous projectile than small dogs, as a 70-pound canine body hurtling through your car at 70 miles per hour is going to be a whole lot more dangerous than a 10-pound dog.
However, even a small dog can exert a tremendous amount of force at high speeds.
On top of that, larger dogs will experience more force on impact. Unfortunately, this collision force is so strong that very few dog crates can hold up — the list of car-safe dog crates for big dogs is a very short one.
Additional Things to Seek in a Car Carrier for Dogs
Aside from the characteristics we’ve already discussed, you should also look for a few other things in any car carrier — whether it is crash-tested car crate or not.
- Soft material on the inside: In addition to keeping your fur baby safe, you’ll want to look for a carrier that’s also comfy!
- Keep the crate’s weight in mind: Generally speaking, you’ll want to look for the lightest crate you can find that still provides the safety and security your doggo deserves.
- A water-resistant base: Even the best-trained pooches can have the occasional accident, so always try to stick to carriers with a water-resistant base.
- Portability: Because of the very nature of car crates, you’ll want to ensure you select one that is as easy as possible to move around. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to pick a collapsible dog crate, but it should be one you can move around easily.
How Do I Measure My Dog For a Car Carrier?
Whether you use a soft- or hard-sided crate, you must keep your canine’s comfort in mind and make sure your fur baby gets the right size crate. Essentially, this means that you need a car carrier that is large enough that your doggo can stand up in it and lie down comfortably.
Measure from your dog’s neck (aka where the collar sits) to the base of the tail. Then, add a few inches. That’s the length you want to shoot for.
For height, measure from the top of your dog’s shoulders to the ground. If you’re buying a soft-sided crate or soft-sided carrier (or any kind of soft crate in general), you should add 2 to 3 inches to the height measurement. For hard carriers, add 3 to 5 inches.
Also, make sure to keep weight recommendations in mind when trying to pick the perfect size crate for your fur baby — pet owners with dogs falling between two sizes should probably opt for the larger size!
Distraction Prevention Vs Crash-Proof Power
It’s worth noting that while the majority of budget-friendly and popular consumer crates and carriers failed the safety test, most of these failed crash products do help substantially at least when it comes to distraction prevention.
Having your dog secured in the back seat, away from the driver, means a safer driving experience and, as a result, puts the entire car at lower risk for an accident.
So while the vast majority of crates will not protect your dog in an accident, even a poorly cash-tested device will likely be better than none at all. This holds true for many dog booster car seats and dog seat belts as well — most provide virtually no protection in an accident, but they will keep your pup from pestering you while you drive.
Still, we want to prevent distractions and keep our dogs safe, so we’d certainly suggest opting for a dog car crate or carrier that is capable of doing both!
What to Do If You and Your Dog Are in a Car Accident
Unfortunately, no matter how safe we try to be, accidents happen.
If you and your pup are in a car accident, your utmost priority is safety, so now more than ever, keep a level head and assess the situation.
Follow basic safety steps to ensure you and your four-footer’s well-being:
- Pull into a safe area, if you can. If you’re involved in a minor fender-bender on a busy roadway, it’s best for all parties to move to the shoulder, if possible, to avoid another collision (some states even have “If you can steer it; clear it” laws in place). It’s all too common for a two-vehicle crash to worsen.
- Assess the vehicle’s safety. Are there any fluids or smoke being released into or out of the vehicle? Can you smell gas or chemicals? Are there downed live wires outside? The answers to these questions greatly affect your next actions. Downed wires outside of the car mean staying inside, while smoke, gas, or chemical leaks require you to grab your pooch and get out of the car pronto .
- Check yourself. Glance over yourself for signs of injury. We know your first instinct is to check on your pooch, but if you hurt yourself further, you won’t be able to help your fur baby. Adrenaline can make it hard to pinpoint any pain, but a quick once-over can usually spot any bleeding or serious injury that you need to address.
- Check your pet. In most cases, pet carriers protect your dog from serious harm but you’ll still need to check her for injuries when it’s safe to do so. Keep the car door closed behind you if possible, as a frightened pup is prone to bolting after an accident. Look for signs of obvious pain like a stiff posture, whimpering, or limping. You also want to check for blood or a misaligned limb. Dogs who aren’t properly secured in a carrier or with a harness are more susceptible to severe injury.
- Use caution. A dog in pain may act aggressively, so don’t feel offended if your best friend is snappy or fearful of you. Your feelings need to take a backseat, but your safety shouldn’t so use caution when handling an injured dog.
- Render emergency aid. If your dog is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean towel or clothing item. If she isn’t responsive and appears not to be breathing, proceed with dog CPR.
- Secure your pet. Make sure your dog is properly leashed before exiting the vehicle. This is critical, as even dogs with the best recall may run away after an accident.
- Call the police. Report the accident to proper authorities as soon as you’re sure you and your dog are OK and secured. If you or your dog are injured, relay this information as well. This ensures the proper help arrives informed of the situation.
- Seek veterinary care. Bleeding, fractures, or signs of pain require emergency treatment by a vet. If you need care and can’t go with your dog, emergency professionals will likely be able to transport your canine to receive treatment. We’d also recommend getting your doggy copilot checked over by your vet from head to tail even after a minor accident.
- Contact your insurance company. Pet injuries suffered during a car accident are covered by some insurance companies. It’s worth giving your insurer a call to check on your status. This is a good feature for all pet owners to look for while insurance shopping.
Automobile accidents are traumatic for both humans and dogs. What once was a safe space suddenly isn’t, so you both may have residual anxieties about riding in the car. A good way to overcome this is by having driveway hangouts, where you reintroduce sitting in the car in a fun, stress-free way. Bring treats and offer praise as you relax in the backseat. Over time, you can work up to turning on the car and driving around the block, making the car fun again.
If you haven’t already, it’s also a good time to introduce a travel dog crate to ensure your pupper’s safety for future car adventures.
Do you use a crate or carrier in the car with your fur baby? Are you surprised to hear about the CPS’s study and the lackluster safety of most car crates? Have you found a supremely durable option with a sturdy base that’s made from high-quality materials yet not listed above? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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