Car journeys with the pooch are not always easy.
Taking one too many right turns can somehow alert even the tiniest of pups to an incoming trip to the vet, while longer journeys can make restless dogs clamber dangerously over gear sticks and steering wheels in the hope for some attention.
Likewise, while we all love to see our dog’s joyous, goofy grin with their head and tongue wagging in the wind, this isn’t exactly the safest of driving habits – especially when it comes to A-roads and motorways.
Though some dog-owners might think that crate-training is only useful when it comes to ensuring your pup is able to sleep securely by themselves, crates are just as important when it comes to providing safety and comfort on the go as they are at home.
That said, the extra-large crate that you bought for your dog to ‘grow into’ probably won’t fit in your car boot. You’ll need a second option which is equipped with either sloped sides or a collapsible, soft fabric material if you’re thinking about driving around the UK with your furry friend in tow. Once you’ve trained them to get into a crate in the first place, that is.
If you’re not convinced that a car crate is the way forward, consider this. In the event of a car accident, a sturdy crate will help to keep your pet safe and minimise potential harm caused by the impact.
Plus, from an aesthetic and allergy-driven perspective, keeping your dog in a crate during car journeys prevents dog hair from re-upholstering your car seats.
Not only are you keeping your dog safe while on the move in a crate, but you’re also limiting the shedding clean-up to one spot. Easy as pie.
Best dog crates for the car in the UK at a glance:
- Best for a sloped cage that will fit most cars: Ellie-Bo Deluxe Sloping Puppy Cage Medium - £54.39, Amazon
- Best for a sloped cage for hatchbacks: PawHut Metal Dog Car Crate - £40.99, Amazon
- Best for use at home and in the car: Ellie-Bo Dog Crate - £41.12, Amazon
- Best for a non-metal crate: Petsfit Dog Crate Large Foldable Dog Crate - £68.95, Amazon
- Best for small dogs: Wimypet Dog Car Seat Booster for Small Dogs - £26.29, eBay
- Best for extra security: Cozy Pet Aluminium Car Dog Cage - £129.99, Amazon
- Best for large dogs: Ferplast Atlas Car Dog Carrier Maxi Medium/Large - £198.05, Pharmacy Loreto
- Best for crate-free protection: Rosewood Dog Car Guard - £31.99, Lords and Labradors
- Best for easy cleaning: Streetwize 30 Slanted Car Crate - £44.99, Lords and Labradors
Keep scrolling for a round-up of the best dog crates to keep your pet calm, safe and secure in the car.
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Ellie-Bo Deluxe Sloping Puppy Cage Medium
Best for: a sloped cage that will fit most cars
The reason as to why this crate has over 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon is simple. Many dog crates made for cars have two sloped sides, which limits both your dog’s space and the crate’s ability to slot neatly into your car boot. This crate from Ellie-Bo, however, has one sloped side and one flat side.
It’s available in small (24”) and medium (30”) sizes and is also offered in either a deluxe or standard format. The former includes a plush dog bed, while the latter has a standard non-chewable metal bottom. In both options, the bottom is easily removable for cleaning.
The crate folds flat for easy storage and is equipped with a carry-handle for easy manoeuvring. And to top it all off, it comes with a handy training guide.
Buy now £54.39, Amazon
PawHut Metal Dog Car Crate
Best for: a sloped cage for hatchbacks
With its larger height, extended bottom, and sloped front, this spacious crate is perfect for hatchbacks and big car boots. It features a large door which is secured by a latch so that your pup can hop easily in and out. It is also made from a powder-coated metal which is rust-resistant and extra secure.
This one is made from plastic, which means that it isn’t the greatest option for nervous riders who end up chewing everything in sight. Nevertheless, this crate has an open-feel which makes it a good option for anxious pups, and is collapsible for easy storage.
Buy now £40.99, Amazon
Ellie-Bo Dog Crate
Best for: use at home and in the car
If you’ve got a particularly big car with an extra-large boot, you probably don’t have to worry about purchasing a separate crate to fit inside your vehicle. This fantastic crate form Ellie-Bo is made from the same sturdy materials as the brand’s deluxe sloped version and is available in an array of sizes. From small (24-inch) to extra-large (42-inch), this brand has you, and you doggo, covered when it comes to crate training both at home and in the car.
Buy now £41.12, Amazon
Petsfit Dog Crate Large Foldable Dog Crate
Best for: a non-metal crate
If your pup is known to attack the bars of metal crates like a cartoon prisoner, or metal simply isn’t your style, a foldable crate made from softer fabrics might suit both your pet a little better.
The collapsible iron pipe frame which lines this carrier ensures that it is strong and sturdy enough for use within the car, while the 600D Oxford Cloth surrounding the crate provides a durable yet comfortable feel. With four ventilated mesh windows on each side of the crate, your dog will feel at-ease while remaining safe and secure.
Buy now £68.95, Amazon
Wimypet Dog Car Seat Booster for Small Dogs
Best for: small dogs
Despite this brand’s strangely diminutive name, your little pup is by no means wimpy. However, they might be a little excitable and desperate for affection while you’re driving. Though this piece of kit isn’t technically a crate, its high sides and seatbelt attachment make it an incredibly secure way to keep little dogs close while driving.
Buy now £26.29, eBay
Cozy Pet Aluminium Car Dog Cage
Best for: extra security
Crafted from tough aluminium and black timber, the Cozy Pet Dog Cage is a great option if you’re looking for a crate that will become a permanent fixture in your car. Available in a wide range of sizes, we’d recommend this crate if you’re on the move with your pup on a daily basis.
This model also comes with a removable divider if you’ve got more than one dog travelling with you at a time. It requires flat-pack assembly, which means it can be broken down as easily as it can be built-up – making a storage a breeze when it’s not in use.
Buy now £130.00, Amazon
Ferplast Atlas Car Dog Carrier Maxi Medium/Large
Best for: large dogs
A lightweight option complete with a removable divider and plastic-coated steel door, you can’t go wrong with a classic plastic crate. This option is also equipped with a hygienic draining mat for easy-cleaning in case of any spills or accidents along the way.
Buy now £198.05, Pharmacy Loreto
Rosewood Dog Car Guard
Best for: crate-free protection
If, despite our very best efforts, we’ve failed to convince you to purchase an extra-large crate, or your Great Dane is simply too large for one, then a car guard is certainly the next best thing. Easy to install, this guard will fit most estate cars, hatchbacks, and SUVs – with its height and width also adjustable.
With additional security clips to prevent your dog from clambering over the backseat, we’d recommend this option to dog owners who can’t fathom fitting their large dog into a crate, or simply can’t find a crate that will fit in their car.
Buy now £31.99, Lords and Labradors
Streetwize 30 Slanted Car Crate
Best for: easy cleaning
The Streetwize 30 Slanted Car Crate is an uber-safe way to travel with your furry companion. It features a sleek, slanted design which grants greater visibility and comfort while the reinforced walls ensure your dog's safety. The piece is easy to assemble and even easier to clean, making it the prime pick for mucky pups post-walk.
Buy now £44.99, Lords and Labradors
