If you’re planning a road trip, a vet visit, or a flight with your furry best friend, a quality travel dog crate is non-negotiable. The right crate keeps your dog safe, calm, and comfortable—while giving you peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll explore the best travel crates of 2025 for all kinds of travel needs: car rides, airplane cargo, hotel stays, and weekend getaways.
What to Look for in a Travel Dog Crate
- Crash-tested safety: Especially for car travel, crash-tested crates offer protection in case of accidents.
- Portability: Lightweight materials, foldability, or handles make transportation easier.
- Ventilation and comfort: Breathable sides, soft bedding, and cozy interiors reduce travel stress.
- Airline approval: For flights, ensure the crate meets IATA or airline-specific requirements.
- Easy access: Multiple doors or top-entry options allow hassle-free loading and unloading.
Top Travel Crates for Dogs in 2025
1. GUNNER G1 Kennel – Best Crash-Tested Travel Crate
Why it stands out: The GUNNER G1 is the gold standard in crash-tested crates. Built with dual-layer rotomolded plastic, it earned a 5-star safety rating from the Center for Pet Safety.
- Top-tier protection in car crashes
- Lifetime warranty and stainless steel hardware
- Lockable door and ventilation on all sides
Best for: Road trips and safety-conscious owners
2. Thule Allax – Premium SUV Travel Crate
Why it’s exceptional: Designed for SUVs and hatchbacks, the Thule Allax offers premium safety, a rear escape hatch, and a gas-spring-assisted door.
- TÜV-certified crash protection
- Adjustable depth to fit multiple car models
- High-end design with anti-slip floor
Best for: Daily commuters and SUV travelers
3. Petmate Sky Kennel – Best for Air Travel
Why travelers love it: The Sky Kennel is airline-approved and meets most cargo travel regulations. Its durable plastic shell and metal bolts make it both secure and flight-ready.
- Meets IATA requirements for flights
- 360-degree ventilation and top-load option
- Comes with ID stickers and clip-on food/water bowls
Best for: Flying with medium to large dogs
4. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Crate – Best Soft-Sided Travel Crate
Perfect for short trips: Lightweight, foldable, and cushioned with a fleece bed, the EliteField is ideal for calm dogs and non-car crate use.
- 3 zippered doors for access and airflow
- Folds down for storage and comes with a carrying case
- Well-padded for travel comfort
Best for: Calm small-to-medium dogs and hotel stays
5. Amazon Basics Soft Travel Crate – Budget-Friendly Pick
Why it’s a solid choice: This wallet-friendly crate is ideal for infrequent travel or vet trips. It’s soft, foldable, and fits smaller dogs comfortably.
- Two-door design with mesh windows
- Easy setup and takedown
- Great value for budget-conscious buyers
Best for: Occasional travel and small dogs
6. Lucky Duck Dog Kennel – Mid-Priced Crash-Tested Option
Trusted by professionals: This crate offers excellent safety with CPS certification at a mid-range price. Great for working dogs or frequent travelers.
- Strong composite build with metal door
- Lightweight and easier to move than GUNNER
- Secures easily in most vehicles
Best for: Dog owners who prioritize safety on a budget
Crate Comparison Table
| Crate | Best For | Type | Crash-Tested | Airline-Approved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GUNNER G1 | Car safety | Hard plastic | Yes | No |
| Thule Allax | SUV travel | Metal/Plastic | Yes | No |
| Petmate Sky Kennel | Air travel | Plastic | No | Yes |
| EliteField 3-Door | Short trips | Soft-sided | No | No |
| Amazon Basics Soft Crate | Budget travel | Soft-sided | No | No |
| Lucky Duck Kennel | Safety + price | Hard plastic | Yes | No |
Travel Crate Safety Tips
- Secure the crate: Use vehicle anchor straps or seatbelt guides to lock the crate in place.
- Practice at home: Let your dog spend time in the crate before traveling to reduce anxiety.
- Keep it familiar: Use your dog’s regular blanket or toy inside the crate.
- Hydrate wisely: Use travel-safe water bowls, especially for long rides or flights.
Crate Training for Travel Success
Want your dog to love their crate—even while on the road? These tools make travel crate training smoother and stress-free:
- Brain Training for Dogs eBook – Offers simple, science-backed games to keep your dog mentally calm in their crate.
- Solve Dog Reactivity AutoWebinar – Teaches strategies for managing crate-related anxiety or fear, especially useful before trips.
Conclusion
The best travel dog crate depends on how and where you travel. For road safety, the GUNNER G1 or Thule Allax can’t be beat. If you fly frequently, the Petmate Sky Kennel is airline-approved and durable. For light travel or quick trips, soft-sided crates like EliteField or Amazon Basics offer budget-friendly flexibility.
Next step: Choose your travel crate based on your dog’s size, travel habits, and safety needs. Then pair it with our recommended brain and behavior tools for a relaxed, well-prepared pup.
Happy travels—and don’t forget to buckle up your pup in style and safety!