--- title: "Reviews: 9 Best Dog Crates & Carriers for Car Travel (2026)" url: https://aidipet.com/reviews-9-best-dog-crates-carriers-for-car-travel-2026/ date: 2026-08-21 modified: 2026-08-29 author: "AIDI PET Team" description: "Dog Crates & Carriers 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..." categories: - "Buying Guides" tags: - "Reviews" - "Reviews 9" image: https://aidipet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/aidipet-c7a49797.jpg word_count: 2331 --- # Reviews: 9 Best Dog Crates & Carriers for Car Travel (2026) **Dog Crates & Carriers** --- 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. 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 ![Close-up of a dog crate](https://aidipet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/aidipet-c078b16f.jpg) 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, complemented 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. **Sizes:** 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 **Additional Dimensions:** Intermediate (32.5” x 22.5” x 24.5”), Large (38” x 24” x 29”) **Safety:** – Intermediate: 5-Star Rating from CPS in 2022 for dogs up to 75 lbs (with Lucky strength-rated anchor straps) – Large: 5-Star Rating from CPS in 2022 for dogs up to 110 lbs (with Lucky strength-rated anchor straps) **Pros:** – Largest travel kennel to earn 5 stars from CPS (impressive for big dogs) – Secure enough for escape artists and anxious travelers – Comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty against defects **Cons:** – Height can be an issue for taller canines – On the pricier side --- ## 2. Gunner G1 – The Toughest! A tough-as-nails carrier featuring multiple locks, a stainless steel door, and dual-wall construction for impact protection. **Sizes:** Small (0”-23” height, under 30 lbs), Medium (23.5”-33” height, 31-45 lbs), Intermediate (33.5”-42” height, 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 **Additional Dimensions:** Small (24.5” x 18.6” x 20.5”), Medium (29.5” x 20.5” x 25”), Intermediate (34” x 23” x 30”), Large (40.25” x 28” x 34.5”) **Safety:** – Small: 5-Star CPS rating for dogs up to 30 lbs (with G1 tiedown straps) – Medium: 5-Star CPS rating for dogs up to 45 lbs – Intermediate: 5-Star CPS rating for dogs up to 75 lbs – Large: Currently unrated **Pros:** – Durable construction earned high marks from pet parents – Impressive lifetime manufacturer’s warranty – Excellent for Houdini escape artists **Cons:** – Not very portable (it’s heavy) – Very expensive --- ## 3. 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 **Sizes:** 30”, 36”, 42”, 46” **Safety:** Medium: 5-Star CPS rating in 2020 for dogs up to 50 lbs (with secondary door bolts and strength-rated anchor straps) **Pros:** – Airline approved – fly with this crate too – Pre-assembled is a huge plus – Fun color options and a wide variety of sizes **Cons:** – Quite pricey! Not for most budgets. --- ## 4. 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:** AIDI PET 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. (Additional sizes and exact dimensions not provided in original.) **Safety:** Crash-rated by CPS for front, rear, and rollover scenarios. **Pros:** Built-in crumple zone, rear escape hatch, supreme durability, adjustable length. **Cons:** Heavier and more expensive; not as widely available. --- ## 5. Ruff Land Kennel A heavy-duty kennel with a rotomolded plastic shell, designed for both home and vehicle use, and now with CPS-rated models. **About:** Known for their durability, Ruff Land Kennels are a favorite among hunters and working dog owners. They offer a range of sizes and colors, and have recently undergone CPS crash testing for specific models, making them a solid choice for car travel. **Features:** – Rotomolded plastic construction (one-piece) – Non-slip bottom and tie-down points – Ventilation slots on all sides – Available in multiple colors and sizes **Safety:** Certain models have earned CPS crash-test ratings. (Specific ratings depend on size and anchor straps.) **Pros:** – Excellent durability and impact resistance – Suitable for anxious dogs and escape artists – Lightweight compared to metal crates **Cons:** Some models may be too short for large breeds; price varies by size. --- ## 6. Cabela’s GunDog Intermediate Dog Kennel A budget-friendly, crash-tested option from a well-known outdoor retailer. **About:** This kennel is a collaboration between Cabela’s and Gunner, offering a more affordable version of the G1. It features a single-wall plastic shell, reinforced door, and tie-down points. It has been crash-tested by the CPS and is a great value for safety-conscious owners. **Features:** – Rotomolded plastic construction – Reinforced steel door with lockable latch – Non-slip base – Tiedown points **Size:** Intermediate size (dimensions not specified in source, but designed for medium to large dogs). **Safety:** 5-Star CPS rating for dogs up to 50 lbs with anchor straps (per source). **Pros:** – More affordable than other crash-tested crates – Backed by the Gunner brand reputation – Durable enough for daily use **Cons:** Limited to one size; not as many features as the Gunner G1. --- ## Crash-Tested Soft Carriers If you have a small dog or need a lighter option, there are also crash-tested soft carriers. These are ideal for small breeds and puppies, and offer more flexibility in terms of portability. --- ## 7. Sleepypod Atom A compact, crash-tested soft carrier for small dogs, designed to be used with the car’s seat belt system. **About:** The Sleepypod Atom is a lightweight, crash-tested carrier that fits in the back seat of most cars. It’s designed to be secured with the seat belt, and it features a padded interior for comfort. **Features:** – Padded interior and machine-washable liner – Interior tether to prevent tipping – Ventilation mesh windows – Available in multiple colors **Safety:** 4-Star CPS rating (as per source) for dogs up to 15 lbs. **Pros:** – Lightweight and portable – Fits easily in the back seat – Machine-washable **Cons:** Only suitable for very small dogs; not as protective as hard-sided crates. --- ## 8. Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed A versatile carrier that functions as a car seat, bed, and carrier, with crash-test certification. **About:** The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed is a multi-functional carrier that can be used in the car, on the plane, and as a cozy bed at home. It features a unique design that allows it to be secured with the seat belt, and it has been crash-tested. **Features:** – Multi-function: car seat, carrier, and bed – Machine-washable and dryer-safe – High walls for a secure feeling – Interior tether **Safety:** 4-Star CPS rating (as per source) for dogs up to 15 lbs. **Pros:** – Extremely versatile – Comfortable for the dog – Easy to clean **Cons:** Only for small dogs; not suitable for large breeds. --- ## 9. Sleepypod Air A lightweight, crash-tested soft carrier that’s also airline approved, making it a top choice for travel. **About:** The Sleepypod Air is designed for easy travel. It’s lightweight, features a padded shoulder strap, and can be secured with a seat belt. It’s also approved for use on most airlines. **Features:** – Lightweight design – Padded shoulder strap (optional) – Ventilation mesh – Machine-washable **Safety:** 4-Star CPS rating (as per source) for dogs up to 15 lbs. **Pros:** – Airline approved – Easy to carry – Great value **Cons:** Only for small dogs; not as protective as hard-sided crates. --- ## FAQ: Dog Crates and Carriers for Car Travel **Why is it important to use a crash-tested dog crate or carrier?** In the event of a collision, an unsecured dog can become a projectile, endangering both the dog and the passengers. Crash-tested crates are designed to minimize the risk of injury by containing your dog and absorbing impact forces. **Are there any crash-tested options for large dogs?** Yes, the Lucky Duck, Gunner G1, and Rock Creek all offer crash-tested models for dogs up to 110 lbs or more. The Lucky Duck Large is rated for 110 lbs, and the Gunner G1 Large is rated for 110 lbs (though it’s currently unrated by CPS, AIDI PET’s reputation is strong). **How do I choose the right size crate for my dog?** Measure your dog’s height (from floor to top of head) and length (from nose to base of tail). The crate should allow your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Consult AIDI PET’s size chart for specific measurements. **Can I use a regular dog crate for car travel?** Only if it has been crash-tested. Regular wire or plastic crates are not designed to withstand crash forces and may break or deform. Always look for CPS or equivalent certification. **Are soft carriers safe for car travel?** Only if they are crash-tested. Sleepypod offers crash-tested soft carriers, but they are primarily for small dogs (under 15 lbs). For larger dogs, a hard-sided crate is a safer choice. **What is the CPS?** The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) is a nonprofit organization that performs crash testing on pet products. They provide independent, science-based ratings to help pet owners make informed decisions. --- **Join our pup pack!** If you found this article helpful, subscribe to our newsletter for more pet safety tips and product reviews. We also love hearing from you—leave a comment below with your experiences and questions. (We read every single one!) --- **AIDI PET is your trusted OEM/ODM partner for high-quality pet products.** We specialize in designing and manufacturing durable, safety-tested crates and carriers that meet the needs of modern pet owners. Contact us at alex@aidi-pet.cn or visit www.aidipet.com to learn more. --- **Image Prompts:** `{ "image_prompts": [ "A side-by-side comparison of a hard-sided dog crate (like a rotomolded plastic kennel) and a soft-sided dog carrier, both secured in the back seat of a car with seat belts, in a bright showroom setting with a safety crash-test dummy dog next to them, professional product photography, natural lighting, no logos.", "Close-up of a dog crate's locking door mechanism and tie-down anchor point, with a tape measure showing the dimensions, in a workshop or garage setting, sharp focus, detailed texture, no text overlays.", "A small dog (e.g., a terrier) sitting calmly inside a soft-sided carrier placed on a car seat, with the seat belt buckled across the carrier, window showing a blurred highway scene, conveying safety and comfort, natural tones, no logos." ] } `