by Choosing the best dog travel crate is a challenging process. But if you want your furry friend to stay safe and comfortable on every trip, making the right choice is essential. Whether you’re planning a road trip, a flight, or a quick visit to the vet, the right travel crate can make your life—and your dog’s life easier.
As a dog owner who has experienced the trial and error of buying travel crates for my own pets, I understand how difficult it can be. After testing many options over the years, I’ve learned what works best to keep dogs secure and calm while travelling. I want to share my top picks with you to ensure your pet is safe and happy, no matter where you go.
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What Travel Crates Do I Use For My Dogs?
Here are the travel crates I use for my dogs, designed to provide comfort and safety during our adventures. Each crate is spacious enough for my dogs to move around while still being secure for travel. I love how they come with ventilation panels for airflow and sturdy handles for easy transportation. With these crates, I can ensure my furry friends are safe and relaxed on our journeys together.
1. Moderna Odyssey Dog Carrier
- For Small Dogs
- General Use
Travelling with my Cairn Terrier, Abigail, taught me how important it is to have a carrier that feels safe and comfortable. We found the perfect one: the Moderna Odyssey Dog Carrier.
It’s lightweight, well-ventilated, and large enough for her to stand and easily turn around. The secure locks and sturdy metal door keep her safe, and I love that it’s made from up to 70% recycled plastic.
The Odyssey balances security and comfort perfectly for a curious dog like Abigail. With top and front openings, it’s easy to load her in, and it cleans up easily with soap and water. I added a cosy journey cushion, and now Abigail happily jumps in whenever we travel. If you need a carrier for your Cairn, this one is a great choice!
Final Takeaway
I like the Moderna Odyssey because it is sturdy, well-ventilated, and easy for me to use. It’s ideal for road trips and vet visits. Its great design and sustainable construction are significant advantages. But, if you’re planning to use it for air travel, ensure you check the dimensions, as standard cabin storage may be a tight fit with some airlines.
Buy it from VioVet – Moderna Odyssey Dog Carrier.
2. Trixie Gulliver Transport Dog Crate
- Small, Medium and Large Dogs
- Airline and Car Travel
I have used the Trixie Gulliver Transport crate many times while travelling with Charlie, my English Springer Spaniel, and it has exceeded my expectations. One of its best features is its light and durable construction. This makes it easy for me to transport without sacrificing quality. The crate is spacious and Charlie can move around comfortably, ensuring he feels secure during our journeys.
What I like most is the crate’s versatility and I’ve used it in various settings. From my car during road trips to outdoor camping adventures and even in hotel rooms when we’re away from home. It adapts well to any environment, providing a familiar space for Charlie wherever we go. This crate has become an essential part of our travel gear, enhancing our experiences together.
And for those of you who travel by air with your dogs, the Trixie Transport Box Gulliver is a great choice. It is IATA compliant and meets the International Air Transport Association guidelines for transporting live animals. Most airlines recognise it, making it suitable for travel by plane, train, or car.
Final Takeaway
I like the Trixie Gulliver Transport because it’s versatile and user-friendly. The Trixie Gulliver is great for car travel, camping and staying in hotels. Charlie loves the roomy comfort, and I think it is a value-for-money option. But if you are travelling by air, you may want to buy the optional wheels for easy transport.
Buy it from VioVet – Trixie Gulliver Transport Crate,
3. Trixie Aluminium Travel Dog Crate
- For Large Dogs
- Excellent for Car Travel
If you’ve been following our adventures with Ellie, you know she’s been travelling comfortably in her built-in travel crate in our campervan. While that’s worked well for our road trips, I’m thinking about buying a more versatile crate for when we’re not using the camper. The Trixie Aluminium Travel Dog Crate looks like a fantastic future buy for Ellie. It’s sturdy, well-and well ventilated. It’s also designed to fit securely in the boot of most cars. This would give us more flexibility for everyday travel while still keeping her safe and comfortable. I love that it’s escape-proof, easy to clean, and has a cosy thermal blanket to make it feel like a familiar space for her. It would give us the freedom to travel safely with Ellie in different vehicles without sacrificing her comfort.
It’s something I’m considering as our next step. Has your dog travelled in this crate? If so, let me know in the comments if you think it would be a good choice for Ellie!
Final Takeaway
The Trixie Aluminium Travel Dog Crate would be a good option for Ellie. It’s a top-tier option for car travel: solidly constructed, spacious, and well-designed for daily use. Owners say it excels in sturdiness and build quality, fits well in many vehicles, offers good comfort and airflow, and receives frequent praise from a variety of dog owners. While it is heavier and the standard mat is basic, those are easy trade-offs for its durability, reliability, and dog-friendly design.
Buy it from Zooplus – Trixie Aluminium Travel Dog Crate.
4. Trixie Be Eco Dog Transport Box
- Medium-Sized Dogs
- Air & Car Travel
I recently purchased the Trixie Be Eco Dog Transport Box, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice. I like its eco-friendly design, which allows me to transport my puppies while also being mindful of the environment. The crate is sturdy and has proven to be more than capable of accommodating my two pups. They have plenty of space to move around and play, which is essential for their comfort during travel. As Murphy and Archie grow and become too big to travel in the same crate, they will need to travel separately. Then they will be able to relax in their own space.
The box is also IATA compliant, making it suitable for air travel, although I’d recommend checking with the specific airline. For convenience, it has a handle that allows for easy pulling, and there is an option to add wheels (sold separately).
Final Takeaway
This crate is the perfect choice for Murphy and Archie as it combines durability and sustainability. My puppies love it because they are comfortable and they feel secure. But, best of all it’s good value/quality and it’s Eco-friendly.
Buy it from VioVet – Trixie Be Eco Dog Transport Box.
Finding the Right Travel Crate For Your Dog
When it comes to travelling with your furry friend, it’s essential to choose the right travel crate tailored to your dog’s unique breed, size, and needs.
Each of my four dogs has unique preferences, so what works for them may not suit your pup. I keep updated on their travel needs and enjoy shopping for them. I’ve researched a variety of travel crates for different sizes and situations. From sturdy crates for larger breeds to cosy options for smaller dogs, this selection aims to save you time. My goal is to help you find a crate that ensures your dog’s safety and comfort for all their adventures, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a cross-country trip.
5. The First-Class Basic Transport Dog Crate
- Small to Medium Dogs Travelling on a Budget.
- Multi-Purpose
The First Class Basic Transport Crate will give your dog a comfortable place to sleep and a safe retreat while travelling. It is easy to assemble and can be folded away for convenient storage when not in use, making it perfect for camping or caravaning. The crate is lightweight, making it particularly easy to transport. Additionally, integrated metal struts provide extra stability to this nylon transport crate.
It features two large mesh doors—one on the front and one on the side—that can be zipped open and rolled up, allowing your pet access from both sides. Three of the sides are made from mesh fabric, enabling your pup to observe its surroundings when you are on holiday.
Final Takeaway
If you are on a budget, the First Class Basic Transport Crate is a great option. Reviews say it is very good for the price, collapses easily and has a good amount of headroom. It’s a good quality product and very lightweight, perfect for travel.
Buy it from Zooplus – First-Class Basic Transport Dog Crate.
Dog Travel Crate For Cars Journeys
Here are some dog travel crates that are popular with dog owners for travelling with your dog in your car.
6. Ferplast Atlas Mini Car Travel Dog Crate –
- For Small Dogs
- Car travel
The Ferplast Atlas Mini Car Dog Crate is a durable, well-ventilated, and easy-to-clean option for small dogs. It’s particularly favoured by owners of breeds like Jack Russells and Shih Tzus. The crate is a sturdy plastic design with an iron-coated door. It has practical handles for easy transport and large ventilation grilles for air circulation. With a weight capacity of 10 kg, it is ideal for safe travel.
Final Takeaway
The First-Class Basic crate is lightweight, affordable, and foldable. It offers good ventilation and is easy to transport, making it suitable for occasional use. But, for dogs that are heavy chewers or particularly strong, a more robust alternative may be advisable.
Buy it from Zooplus – Ferplast Atlas Mini Car Dog Crate.
7. Ferplast Atlas Scenic Car Transport Box
- Small to Medium Size Dogs
- Car travel
The Ferplast Atlas Scenic Car Transport Box is a robust and lightweight carrier. It’s designed for the safe and comfortable transportation of dogs in a car. Many reviewers praise its durability and excellent build quality. Made from sturdy thermoplastic resin, with wide grid panels for air circulation. The door slides and has a secure safety lock. Dogs settle in quickly and appreciate the airflow through the vented rear panel. It also has practical handles for lifting and compartments for storing travel accessories. The carrier is available in different sizes, ensuring a cosy and secure journey. It also has optional accessories like a Waterproof cushion.
Final Takeaway
If you’re after a well-ventilated, sturdy plastic crate that fits compact and mid-sized cars, protects your interior, and offers good visibility for your pup, the Atlas Scenic is a top-tier option. It’s easy to assemble and easy to transport, and dogs seem to settle in quickly. But, check the step-over height for your dog’s age and mobility.
Buy it from Zooplus – Ferplast Atlas Scenic Car Transport Box.
8. Trixie Journey Transport Box for Dogs
- Medium to Large dogs
- Car travel
The Trixie Journey Transport Box is ideal for pet owners on the go, designed to fit in car boots with slanted sides. It features a metal door for easy access and ventilation slits for air circulation, ensuring your pet’s comfort during travel. Available in black/grey, it also has optional accessories like a drainage mat and divider.
This transport box can serve as a secure space for your dog during car trips and holidays. It’s important to familiarise your dog with the box before long journeys. The Trixie Journey Transport Box comes in various sizes and users find it robust for large breeds.
Final Takeaway
Owners say the Trixie Journey is lightweight, easy to use and quickly becomes a trusted space for dogs—big or small. It’s well-liked for trips by car or at home, and most feel confident in its travel durability. Ensure you double-check for any rough edges during setup and securely fasten it in your vehicle.
Buy it from Viovet – Trixie Journey Transport Box.
9. AluRide Aluminium Travel Dog Crate
- For Large Dogs
- Car Travel
If you’re looking for a sturdy travel crate for a large dog, the AluRide Aluminium Travel Crate is a great option. Made from a lightweight and durable aluminium-plastic composite, it is waterproof and easy to clean. Many owners find it simple to assemble, often setting it up in under 20 minutes. It’s spacious enough for breeds like Tervurens, Boxers, and German Shepherds.
While some users have said the door latch can rattle on rough roads, most feel it is secure. Adding a rubber buffer or key lock can enhance security. The design has rounded edges to protect your car’s interior, stable bar spacing for airflow, and a lockable door for safety. The crate is available in L and XL sizes, providing plenty of room for your dog to move comfortably.
Final Takeaway
If you want a durable, easy‑to‑assemble, well‑ventilated travel crate that’s waterproof and car‑friendly, the AluRide is a strong contender. It handles big dogs well, folds into most car boots, and offers excellent value. But, tweak the latch for noise control and add your own dog mattress. Then you’ll be rewarded with a practical and reliable travel crate.
Buy it from Zooplus – AluRide Aluminium Travel Crate.
AluRide Dog Crate for Large Dogs
Wrapping It Up
When choosing a travel crate, consider these factors
- The size of your pet
- The type of travel
- The level of comfort required
Always ensure the crate is appropriately sized for your pet to sit, stand, and turn around comfortably. Safety should be your top priority, so look for crates with good crash safety ratings and secure locking mechanisms.
Now I am curious:
Where did you and your dog travel to? And what kind of travel crate did you use?
If you have any questions or favourite travel crates, share your comments below.
(And if you want more tips on how to travel in a car with your dog, check out this article.)
Tips for Travelling in a car with your dog.
How to choose the right travel crate for your dog.
