Dog travel crates for the car: standards and smart choices
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
In the car, an unrestrained dog is a danger to itself and to the passengers: under hard braking it becomes a projectile. Traffic law also requires that an animal must not interfere with driving. A rigid travel crate is now considered the safest solution, provided you choose it well. Planète Pets explains how, in line with our travel and safety section.
Contents · 5 sections
Why a crate rather than a simple seat belt?
Safety harnesses with seat-belt attachments are an improvement over a loose dog, but they’re not all equal and many fail in a severe impact. A quality rigid crate, properly secured in the boot, protects the dog, stops it distracting the driver and limits the damage in an accident. It also serves as a reassuring refuge for dogs anxious in the car, especially if it has been paired with positive experiences from a young age.
Standards and crash tests: what to look for
There is not yet a mandatory European standard specific to dog crates. In practice, rely on independent crash tests run by recognised bodies (such as TÜV testing in Germany or the Center for Pet Safety in the United States) and highlighted by serious manufacturers. Check for:
- an explicit mention of a collision test with the impact speed;
- walls in aluminium or double-walled high-resistance plastic;
- a door lock that won’t spring open under deformation;
- anchor points to strap the crate to the vehicle.
The right size and the right position
Unlike the bed at home, the car crate should not be too big: the dog must be able to stand, turn around and lie down in it, and no more. Excess space increases body movement in a crash. The ideal spot is the boot of an estate or SUV, crate pressed against the back of the rear seats, perpendicular to the direction of travel as per the manufacturer’s guidance. For large open boots, a car barrier can round out the setup.
How much should you budget?
Plastic crates approved for air travel (Vari Kennel type) run from €40 to €120 depending on size: fine for the home and short trips, but not all offer crash-tested strength. Quality aluminium crates sit between €150 and €400, and high-end crash-tested models between €400 and €800. A significant outlay, but one that lasts the dog’s lifetime and holds its resale value well.
Getting your dog used to the crate
Introduce the crate at home several days before the first trip: door open, with treats and a cloth carrying the scent of home. Then build up with short, pleasant journeys. A dog that drools heavily, trembles or vomits on every car ride deserves a veterinary consultation: motion sickness is treatable. Find all our guides on the dog hub.
See it in the Planète Pets shop: Reflective vest harness + 1.5 m leash for small dogs (€36.90) · the whole shop
See it in the Planète Pets shop: Adjustable dog car seat belt tether ($21.90, ships from the US) · the US shop
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Dogs universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.