7 Best Dog Cage for Car (Vet-Approved & Crash-Tested Picks)

A dog cage for car is an important piece of equipment; however, it is commonly purchased without an understanding of its core function. Many people purchase a dog crate for travel for convenience (to manage muddy paws or as a distraction) as opposed to safety. A properly sized and installed dog cage for car protects, in the case of a quick stop or accident, not only the dog but the driver, and potentially any passengers too.

A dog is a danger to themselves or others: If an unrestrained dog is subject to bracing, they risk significant injury and can be projected forward in the vehicle at a high rate of speed, becoming a lethal projectile toward human occupants. Restraining a dog in a vehicle is also a legal requirement to drive in some areas.

The Best Dog Cages for Car Travel: Our Top Picks

Before we get into the detailed reviews, let’s answer the most important question: what is the best dog cage for car travel? The truth is, not all “car crates” are created equal. They fall into three distinct categories: certified crash-tested crates for maximum safety, heavy-duty crates for durable containment, and collapsible crates for convenience. Your best choice depends on your budget, vehicle, and safety needs.

Our Top Selections from the List:

• Best Overall & 5-Star Crash-Tested: Lucky Duck Kennel (Large). For owners who prioritize safety above all else, this is the clear winner. Its 5-Star crash-test rating from the Center for Pet Safety means it’s a true safety device, not just a box.
• Best for Advanced Safety & Premium Features: Thule Allax Crate. If the Lucky Duck is a fortress, the Thule is a modern marvel of safety engineering. It’s also fully crash-tested (front, rear, and rollover) and includes a revolutionary “crumple zone” and high-end features like a gas-damped door.
• Best Double Dog Cage for Car / SUV Fit: BOLGTO Aluminum Crate. This crate’s genius is in its design. Its trapezoidal shape is specifically made to fit perfectly in a dog cage suv cargo area, and the removable divider makes it the ideal choice for two-dog families.
• Best for Convenience & Collapsibility: Diggs Revol Crate. For those who need a crate that is as easy to use at home as it is for light car travel, the Revol is in a class of its own. Its “baby industry safety standards” and effortless one-hand collapse make it a user-friendly marvel, though it’s built for convenience, not certified crash protection.
• Best Budget Collapsible Option: Mirapet Collapsible Carrier. If you just need a simple, hard-sided crate for short trips that folds flat for storage, the Mirapet gets the job done at a compelling price.

Table 1: Car Crate Comparison at a Glance

Before We Begin: Why a Dog Cage in a Car is Non-Negotiable

We all love seeing a dog with its head out the window, tongue flapping in the wind. But the laws of physics are harsh. In a crash at just 35 mph, an unrestrained 60-pound dog can become a 2,700-pound projectile. This force is enough to seriously injure or kill not only the dog but also any human passenger it strikes.

It’s not just about crashes; it’s about distraction. An unrestrained pet is a leading cause of driver distraction. A dog trying to climb into the front seat, barking at a passing truck, or simply getting tossed by a sudden brake can all pull your attention from the road. A dog cage in car solves this problem completely by keeping your pet safely contained.

Finally, consider the aftermath of an accident. When first responders open a door, a terrified, loose dog may bolt from the car and into traffic. A crate keeps your pet secure, which is safer for them and the emergency workers. For many dogs, a dog travel cage for car isn’t a “cage” but a “den.” This enclosed space can actually reduce anxiety and motion sickness by providing a secure, stable environment.

However, not all car crates are created equal. They generally fall into three distinct categories:

• Tier 1: Certified Crash-Tested: Products engineered and certified by third parties to protect the dog during an impact.
• Tier 2: Heavy-Duty Containment: Products made of durable materials that will reliably contain the dog (preventing the projectile issue) but lack certified crash-protection claims.
• Tier 3: Collapsible Convenience: Products designed primarily to be portable and easy to store. They offer basic containment but are not built for impact.

In-Depth Reviews: Tier 1 Crash-Tested Dog Cages

These are the best dog cage for car options for safety. They represent the gold standard and are true safety devices, much like a child’s car seat.

A. Lucky Duck Kennel (Large)

Subtitle: The 5-Star Fortress for Your Pet

About this item

• CRASH TESTED – 5 star crash test rating, keeping your canine companion safe and secure. Patented design is durable yet light enough to easily transport
• MEDIUM SIZE – designed for dogs under 50 pounds. Dog crate interior dimensions – 23.5”L x 17.4”W x 17”H. Measurements designed for safe travel use, for home use we recommend going up a size
• MADE in THE USA – lifetime warranty on this ingeniously designed dog kennel. Injection molded door features quick flip design allowing the door to reverse in seconds, opens with one hand
• COMFORT and SAFTEY – specifically placed ventilation holes keep your dog cool on hot days and the pitched floor is elevated to run water away from your dog into drain channels. Features Integrated tie downs, non-slip rubber feet and heavy-duty lift handles
• FAMILY BUSINESS – Lucky Duck is an American brand. We love our dogs and take their safety and comfort seriously. Keeping them safe from the unpredictable is our role and responsibility, because loyalty goes both ways

The Bottom Line: This is the crate for the owner who wants proven, certified, no-nonsense safety. It’s built like a tank, has the rating to prove it, and is made in the USA with a lifetime warranty.

The most critical feature of the Lucky Duck Kennel is its 5-Star Crash Test Rating from the non-profit Center for Pet Safety (CPS). This is not a manufacturer’s claim; it’s an independent, standardized certification that very few crates have passed. It is certified for dogs up to 110 pounds.

This safety is achieved through its one-piece rotomolded plastic construction. This is the same process used for heavy-duty industrial containers and premium coolers, resulting in a single, “extremely strong” piece with no weak seams. It has been tested to withstand 4,000 lbs of force and survive a 630 lb drop from over 8 feet. This makes it the ultimate material for a large dog cage for car.

It’s also packed with smart design features. It has a locking paddle latch that’s easy for an owner to open with one hand but impossible for a dog from the inside. The door is also injection-molded and reversible, allowing you to change the swing direction in seconds. For those with dog cages for pickup trucks, it has a pitched floor that drains water away from the dog and non-slip rubber feet to keep it from sliding.The only downside is its bulk. The Large size weighs 45 lbs, and the Intermediate is 38 lbs. This is not a crate you’ll be casually moving; it’s a semi-permanent safety installation.

B. Thule Allax Crate

Subtitle: The Pinnacle of Safety Engineering

About this item

• Thule Allax dog crate is crash tested from the front and the rear, as well as a simulated roll-over scenario. Innovative crumple zone provides superior protection for dogs in case of rear collisions
• The door’s gas damping mechanism ensures a gentle open and close, enhancing your everyday interactions
• The window and the openings in the cage make it easy for you to check on your dog at any time
• The crate is equipped with an escape hatch, that enables opening of the crate from the backseat
• With our Fit Assistant, you will find the perfect size for your dog crate

The Bottom Line: At a premium price of $1,099.95, the Thule Allax delivers premium, next-level safety. It’s the only crate on this list with an automotive-grade crumple zone, designed not only to protect your dog but also your human passengers.

Thule, a world leader in car safety racks, has rigorously tested the Allax for front-impact, rear-impact, and rollover scenarios. The most significant feature is this innovative crumple zone. Most people assume a perfectly rigid crate is safest, but in a severe rear-end collision, that rigid crate in the cargo bay can become a solid wall that back-seat passengers are thrown against. The Thule’s crumple zone is designed to compress in a controlled way during a rear impact. This action absorbs energy, protecting the dog and reducing the risk of injury to passengers in the back seat.

The quality matches the price. The door features a “gas damping mechanism”, allowing it to open and close smoothly and silently. The entire aluminum crate is engineered to be “noiseless,” with no rattling while you drive. It also features an “escape hatch” in the back, enabling you to get your dog out through the vehicle’s back seat if the trunk is damaged and jammed in an accident. It’s a marvel of safety-focused engineering.

In-Depth Reviews: Tier 2 Heavy-Duty Containment Cages

These crates are tough and provide specific solutions. While they do not claim independent crash-test certifications for impact protection, they are made of durable materials (aluminum, heavy-duty plastic) that will reliably contain your dog, preventing the “dog projectile” problem.

A. BOLGTO Aluminium Crate

Subtitle: The Smart-Fit Double Dog Cage for Car

About this item

• Lockable Door Design – Keep your dog or cat secure in this escape-proof pet carrier with reinforced latches. Perfect for car travel, vet visits, or home use—no more anxious escapes!
• Adjustable Partition for Multi-Pet Travel – The removable divider lets you safely transport two small dogs or cats together (or remove it for one large dog). No more fighting—stress-free trips!
• Sturdy & Safe for Car Rides – Built with heavy-duty aluminum frame + MDF panels, this trapezoidal dog crate stays stable in your trunk. Non-slip plastic corners protect pets from bumps.
• Ultra-Ventilated for Comfort – Wide-grid metal design ensures maximum airflow so your pet stays cool. Clear visibility reduces anxiety during travel.
• uick Assembly & Easy Cleaning – No tools needed! Just snap it together. The aluminum + MDF construction resists stains—wipe clean with a damp cloth.
• The covered roof gives shade from direct sunlight keeping it much cooler during sunny days.

The Bottom Line: At $110.97, this is the “problem-solver” crate. Its two main features—the trapezoid shape and the removable divider—are designed to fix the most common complaints from SUV and multi-dog owners.

The primary challenge of a dog cage suv is the angled back seat and sloped rear window. The BOLGTO’s trapezoidal, angled shape is specifically designed to “fit seamlessly into car trunks”. It nestles right against the angled back seat, maximizing your cargo area.

The star feature is the removable partition. This allows you to create a double car dog cage, transporting two small or medium dogs in their own separate spaces. This is ideal for preventing fighting or stress during travel. You can also remove the divider entirely to create one large car dog cage.

The construction is a lightweight aluminum frame with MDF panels. This makes it easy to assemble and clean, but it is not as impact-durable as the rotomolded options. It provides excellent ventilation and a lockable door, making it a highly practical and affordable solution for containment and space-saving.

B. Diggs Revol Crate

Subtitle: The Stylish, Simple Crate for Home and Light Travel

About this item

• AWARD-WINNING PREMIUM CRATE: Revol is our ultimate collapsible dog crate offering superior design with uncompromising safety and functionality. Built to baby industry safety standards with premium materials, Revol transforms from functional training tool to stylish home furniture that actually enhances your decor.
• IS THIS THE RIGHT SIZE FOR MY DOG?: Ideal for dogs up to 17”-20” tall, or 30-50 lbs, such as Basset Hounds, Boston Terriers, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, English Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Mini Goldendoodles, and Shiba Inus. Internal dimensions: 31.4″L x 20.6″W x 21.5″H. External dimensions: 34.6″L x 22.9″W x 23.8″H. Crate weight: 32lbs.
• FOLD AND STORE IN SECONDS: Patented design sets up in under 60 seconds with just one hand (note – “with just one hand” can only be used for sizes S and M). Collapses just as easily for storage. Built-in wheels and ergonomic handle make moving assembled or collapsed crate between rooms, cars, or storage areas a breeze.
• ULTIMATE TRAINING TOOL: Three access points (front door, garage-style side door, and unique top hatch) make training easier and help anxious dogs feel more comfortable. Removable tray slides out for quick cleanup after accident. Ceiling hatch lets you reach in to comfort or treat your pup without opening doors.
• SAFE AND RELIABLE: Patented diamond mesh prevents pinching to jaws or paws while dual latches, inaccessible to your pup from the inside, keep even the most determined dogs secure. Solid single-piece frame with rounded corners eliminates sharp edges. Baby industry-grade materials ensure your dog’s safety with the same standards used for children’s products.
• PREMIUM VALUE & GUARANTEE: Engineered with high-grade aluminum frame and reinforced materials for lasting durability, backed by our 1-year warranty. Trusted by professional trainers and thousands of pet parents who call it “the best crate ever”.
• COMPLETE CRATE ECOSYSTEM: Transform your Revol into the ultimate dog sanctuary with perfectly-fitted accessories. Add the orthopedic Snooz memory foam crate pad for luxurious comfort, the clip-on Crate Bowl for mess-free feeding, and the Groov Training Aid that creates positive crate associations and helps lessen anxiety during training. Note: Snooz is the only dog bed designed to fit Revol.

The Bottom Line: The Diggs Revol, priced at $499.99, is likely the most convenient, easiest-to-use, and best-looking wire crate on the market. It is perfect for training a puppy cage for car and for errands, but it should not be confused with a certified crash-protection device.

A key feature is its “baby industry safety standards”. It is critical to understand that this refers to the materials (non-toxic and free of heavy metals and phthalates) and the design. The diamond-shaped mesh is specifically designed to prevent a dog’s paws and jaws from getting pinched or stuck, and the single-piece frame eliminates sharp edges. This is fantastic for everyday puppy safety but is not a crash-test rating.

The real reason for its premium price is the convenience engineering. It has a patented design that allows setup and collapse in seconds, with one hand (for small and medium sizes). It includes wheels and a handle for easy moving. Most importantly, it features three access points: a main front door, a “garage-style” side door, and a unique ceiling hatch. This top hatch makes it an “ultimate training tool”, allowing you to comfort or treat your pup without them bolting out the door. It is an excellent dog cage back seat option for errands, but not a heavy-duty cargo solution.

You may like to read : Puppy Whining in Crate at Night Solutions

C. Mammoth Pet Products Guardian Kennel

Subtitle: The Heavy-Duty Choice for Off-Road Adventures

About this item

• Shock resistant durability: Heavy-duty construction absorbs bumps, jolts, and rough terrain, keeping your dog safe whether you’re driving, camping, or hunting. Designed for puppies, small breeds, and medium to large dogs, offering reliable protection for every adventure.
• Secure & stable: Reinforced corners and a 3-bolt latch system keep the kennel locked and steady, protecting your dog and your vehicle. Trusted by pet parents of energetic and strong breeds like Pitbulls, Huskies, or Belgian Malinois.
• Travel ready features: Detachable wheels and built-in food and water dishes make long trips easier while keeping your dog comfortable and nourished. Perfect for road trips, family vacations, and hunting weekends.
• Custom fit: Pair with optional accessories like the Guardian Roll Cage (sold separately) to adapt for hunting trips, off-road rides, or service-dog transport.
• Adventure tested: Built for use in trucks, SUVs, UTVs, ATVs, boats, and trailers, the Guardian Kennel stands up to mud, rocks, dirt, and impact while keeping dogs secure.
• Right size for your dog: Fits dogs up to 22.5″ tall and 31″ long, including popular breeds such as Labradors, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Beagles, Brittany Spaniels, and Springer Spaniels.
• Peace of mind outdoors: Whether you’re hunting, camping, fishing, or exploring off-road, the Guardian Kennel ensures your dog rides safely and comfortably every time.

The Bottom Line: The $300.00 Mammoth Guardian is built for the great outdoors. Its “shock-resistant” construction and adventure-ready features make it the ideal companion for dog cages for pickup trucks, ATVs, boats, and camping trips.

This kennel features a heavy-duty, durable plastic construction with a powder-coated steel frame and reinforced corners with a secure 3-bolt latch system. It is designed to absorb the “bumps, jolts, and rough terrain” of off-road use, keeping your dog secure.

Where it really shines is its travel-ready features. It comes with detachable wheels and, most uniquely, built-in food and water dishes. This shows it’s designed for the entire adventure, not just the drive. It’s a clear step up in durability from basic plastic crates and is the perfect choice for an owner whose dog travels in the bed of a truck and needs protection from bumps and the elements.

You may like to read : What to Expect in the First 24 Hours With a New Puppy

In-Depth Reviews: Tier 3 Collapsible Convenience Crates

These crates prioritize storage and portability above all else. They are acceptable for containing a calm, crate-trained dog on short, low-speed errands, but they are not built to withstand an accident and offer minimal protection.

A. Mirapet Collapsible Carrier

Subtitle: The Ultimate Space-Saver for Light Travel

About this item

• MEDIUM TO LARGE DOGS, ANIMALS (read before buying): Mirapet Carrier (35″L x 21″W x 27″H) perfect for Large dogs, cats and animals. *Available in other sizes as well.
• SIMPLE SETUP: Experience hassle-free assembly with our pet carriers for cats and dogs, featuring a snap-in-place collapsible design. Just pull up the top handle, lock the sides, and secure the front and back.
• STURDY & CLEAN: Mirapet Carriers outperform other pet carrier dog crates with robust, tool-free construction. The hard-sided walls and floor are made of ultra-durable, easy-to-clean plastic for lightweight dependability.
• SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: Mirapet’s Collapsible Crate features a foldable design that makes it simple to store away. Enjoy the convenience of a safe crate for your pet that can be easily stored to save space when not in use.
• IATA COMPLIANT: Enjoy streamlined airline travel with your furry friends. Mirapet Collpasible Crates adhere to the IATA’s standard for crating your pet while aboard an aircraft.

The Bottom Line: The Mirapet’s entire purpose is convenience. It’s a full-sized, hard-sided crate that “collapses to less than six inches in height”, making it an incredible solution for apartment dwellers or those who only need a crate occasionally.

It features a simple, tool-free, “snap-in-place” collapsible design. You pull the top handle, lock the sides, and secure the front and back panels. It takes seconds. It is also IATA airline-approved, which means it meets standards for containment during air travel.

However, the collapsible design has a trade-off. The 26.4″ model ($159.95) has a strong 4.4-star rating, but the 35″ model ($229.95) has a poor 3.0-star rating (from product data). This discrepancy is explained by a user review for the larger size, which complains it is a “Rattle trap in your car”. This suggests the collapsible design, while convenient, lacks the structural rigidity of a solid-piece crate. The rattling would be a major annoyance on a long trip. This design may be perfectly suitable for a small dog cage for car but lacks the sturdiness needed for a large dog cage for car.

You may like to read: Puppy Whining in Crate at Night Solutions

B. SportPet Designs Collapsible Crate

Subtitle: The Simple, Budget-Friendly Folding Crate

About this item

• Collapses flat in seconds for easy storage. NOT APPROVED FOR AIRLINE TRAVEL
• Durable, locking metal gate
• Features a convenient carrying handle for easy transport
• Slots on the sides allow for ventilation and visibility
• For indoor or outdoor use with kennel trained medium animals, cats or dogs up to 50 lbs.

The Bottom Line: At $129.99, the SportPet is a no-frills plastic crate very similar to the Mirapet, designed to collapse flat in seconds for easy storage. It’s intended for the owner who needs basic, temporary containment for a well-kennel-trained pet.

It features a durable, locking metal gate and a convenient carrying handle. However, it is a clear step down from the Mirapet; the product information explicitly states it is “NOT APPROVED FOR AIRLINE TRAVEL”, which signals a lower tier of durability.

Reviews are mixed, with some calling it “flimsy” and “not sturdy”, while others find it perfectly “easy to use”. This is a budget-tier product, and the quality reflects that. It’s suitable for a puppy cage for car on the way home from the vet, but it is not a solution for regular travel or safety.

A proper crate is a must for heavy-duty breeds, like Pitbulls, which require maximum containment.

A Critical Warning: The Problem with a Soft Dog Cage for Car

Many owners are tempted by a soft dog cage for car. They are light, they fold up, and they seem cozy. They are fantastic for use in hotel rooms, at agility trials, or for protecting your back seat from a dog cage back seat.

However, in a moving vehicle, they are a “danger”. A soft dog cage for car offers zero protection in an accident. In a crash, the crate will either be torn apart by the force, or the entire crate (with your dog inside) will “go flying” into the front seats. Standard house-style wire crates are just as dangerous. In an accident, they are known to collapse, and the broken wires can “basically give you a cage of needles that stab the dog within”.

For travel safety, you must use a hard-sided plastic, rotomolded, or aluminum crate.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Dog Cage for Your Car

A. How to Measure Your Dog and Crate

This is a crucial, counter-intuitive point: for car travel, a crate should be a snug fit. A crate that is too large (like a dog cage xlarge for a medium dog) allows the dog to be thrown around inside the crate during a crash, which can cause serious injury.

Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not much more. Many manufacturers, like Lucky Duck, explicitly note that their travel sizing recommendations are smaller than their recommended home-use sizes.

B. How to Measure Your Vehicle

Do not guess. Get a tape measure and clear out your cargo area or back seat. You need four key measurements:

1. Cargo Area Width: Measure at the narrowest point, usually between the wheel wells.
2. Cargo Area Depth: Measure from the back of the rear seats to the trunk lip.
3. Cargo Area Height: Measure from the floor to the ceiling.
4. Hatch Opening Angle & Height: This is the one everyone forgets. Your 28-inch tall crate will be useless if your hatch opening is only 26 inches high or if the steep angle of the window prevents the door from closing.

C. Placement: Dog Cage Back Seat vs. Cargo Area

• Cargo Area (Best): This is the safest, most recommended location for a dog cage suv or wagon. It allows you to use a large, secure, and often crash-tested crate.
• Back Seat: A dog cage for back seat of car is often the only option in a sedan or for a small dog cage for car. These are typically smaller “carriers”. If you place any crate on the back seat, it must be secured with the car’s seatbelt or LATCH system to prevent it from becoming a projectile.

D. Vehicle-Specific Advice

• For a dog cage suv: Your main challenge is the sloped rear window and angled seat. Look for a trapezoidal crate like the BOLGTO that is specifically designed to fit that angle and maximize your cargo space.
• For dog cages for pickup trucks: Your crate will likely be in the open bed. Rotomolded plastic is your best friend. A crate like the Lucky Duck or Mammoth is designed with integrated tie-downs, locks, and weather-resistant construction.
• For a dog cage for jeep wrangler: This is the toughest fit. As forum discussions show, a large crate often will not fit with the rear seats in. Most owners accept this and remove the back seats to create a flat cargo platform. Specialized aftermarket systems like the “Cargo Dog” platform are also available to solve this exact problem.

Our Final Verdict

This review covered seven different dog cages, from $1,100 crash-tested marvels to $130 collapsible conveniences. Choosing the best dog cage for car is not about buying the most expensive one; it’s about making an honest assessment of your needs.

• For the Safety-Maximalist: Your choice is clear. You need a crash tested dog cage. The Lucky Duck Kennel offers 5-Star, certified protection and a lifetime warranty. The Thule Allax offers the next generation of safety with its crumple zone and premium, rattle-free build.
• For the Multi-Dog Family: The BOLGTO Crate is the obvious, purpose-built solution. Its double car dog cage design and dog cage suv shape will solve your specific space-fitting problems at a great value.
• For the “Adventure” Owner: If your dog is your co-pilot for hunting, camping, or off-roading, the Mammoth Guardian is built for the job, with its shock-resistant build and travel-ready features like built-in food bowls.
• For the “In-and-Out” Urban Owner: If you value convenience, portability, and style above all, the Diggs Revol is a joy to use at home and for light errands. For a simple, hard-sided crate that disappears when you don’t need it, the Mirapet Carrier is a space-saving win, especially for smaller pets.

Ultimately, any secured, hard-sided crate is safer than no crate at all. By choosing the right crate for your car and your