The 15 Best Travel Dog Crates in 2023

by Tom Ken

Our dogs are essentially part of the family, and you would want to bring them around wherever you go. So, you will need a travel dog crate to offer them a comfortable environment while you travel on the road, in the air, on the sea, or a quick trip to your veterinarian.

Choosing a specific travel dog crate might be difficult and baffling, as these portable additions come in varying functionalities and appearance. To get you started, we reviewed and listed the best travel dog crates available in the market.

Top Travel Dog Crates by Editors

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Preview
Product
Rating
Bestseller No. 1
Sherpa® Original Deluxe™ Airline Approved Pet Carrier, Medium, Black
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Bestseller No. 2
Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier - 28 Inch
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Bestseller No. 3
Petmate Vari Kennel Heavy-Duty Dog Travel Crate No-Tool Assembly, 36" Long, 50-70 lb,...
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Bestseller No. 4
Coopeter Cat Carrier, Dog Carrier with Wheels, Pet Carrier for Pet with Telescopic...
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Bestseller No. 5
SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Airline Approved Wire Door Travel Dog...
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Bestseller No. 6
ASPEN PET Traditional Kennel
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Bestseller No. 7
Petsfit Most Airline Approved Cat Carrier Dog Carriers Soft-Sided Pet Washable Travel...
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Bestseller No. 8
Amazon Basics 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Large...
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Bestseller No. 9
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate, Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home, Multiple Sizes and...
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Bestseller No. 10
Ferplast Atlas Vehicle SUV Dog Crate, Assembled Car Dog Crate Measures 39L x 23W x 26H,...
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Bestseller No. 11
Noz2Noz 669 N2 Sof-Krate Indoor/Outdoor Pet Home, 42 inches, for Pets up to 90lbs
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Bestseller No. 12
Petsfit Portable Collapsible Soft Medium Dog Crate and Kennel with Leak Proof Bottom for...
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Bestseller No. 13
Petsfit Indoor/Outdoor Soft Portable and Foldable Travel Pet Crate/Cage
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Bestseller No. 14
Amazon Basics Folding Portable Soft Pet Dog Crate Carrier Kennel - 26 x 18 x 18 Inches,...
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Bestseller No. 15
SlowTon Dog Booster Car Seat, Reinforce Metal Frame Safe Pet Car Seat with Seatbelt &...
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7 Best Travel Dog Crates: Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Petmate Two Door Top Load (Best Overall)	Best price-to-features travel crate Ventilated sides for comfortable transport Top-loading door inclusion
	2. Midwest Homes for Pets Spree Pet Carriers (Best Inexpensive)	Cost-effective price Easy 5-step assembly Metal mesh door for air circulation
	3. Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Travel Kennel (Best for Small Dog)	Compact space Ventilation access on three sides Lightweight plastic design
	4. Jespet Soft Pet Crates (Best for Outdoor Travel)	Foldable & lightweight design Washable hex mesh fabric Includes a fleece bed
	5. Petsfit Collapsible Soft Dog Crate (Best Collapsible)	Soft nylon Included clips & zippers Strong metal frame
Amazon Basics Two-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier, 19-Inch	6. AmazonBasics Two-Door (Best with 2 Doors)	Smart two-door design Made of reinforced plastic Great airflow
	7. Pet Gear "The Other Door" 4 Door Steel Crate (Best for Large Dog)	Spacious 42-inch crate Four-door configuration Rounded corners for protection

1. Best Overall: Petmate Two Door Top Load

Size: 24 in.
Material: Steel, plastic
Fit for Dogs: 10-20 lbs.
Item Weight: 5.8 lbs.

When it comes to being the best overall, we pick the Petmate Two Door Top Load. This product gives your furry buddies a top-notch treatment while having the convenience of carrying them around.

Also Read: 12 Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers in 2023: Balls, Bones & More

This product has a unique top-loading door for easy placing and removing your dog from the crate.

Its vents allow maximum visibility and substantial airflow so that your dog will feel a cozy, home-like ambiance.

Additionally, the crate comes with an easy-squeeze latch that allows the owner to open the door conveniently with one hand. Fastening is made easy as well, thanks to its wingnut-and-bolt design.

However, your dog might scratch on the crate's plastic material. Also, the mesh top door is quite unstable.

Pros:

Top-loading door mechanism for accessibility
Side vents allow ample airflow
Included latch allows convenience
Wingnut-and-bolt design for enhanced fastening

Cons:

Plastic material is prone to scuffs
The top door is a bit unstable

2. Best Inexpensive: Midwest Homes for Pets Spree Pet Carriers

Size: 22 in.
Material: Steel, plastic
Fit for Dogs: ≤ 25 lbs.
Item Weight: 3.1 lbs.

For a cost-effective option, we highly recommend getting the Midwest Homes for Pets Spree Pet Carriers. This crate is just perfect for travel or containment within your humble abode.

This crate boasts its perforated design that can be seen from the sides, which offers excellent ventilation for your dog.

Additionally, the MidWest Spree dog crate has a carrying handle with adjustable latches on its sides for extra support and hassle-free transport.

Cleaning is made easy since the MidWest Spree crate is composed of pet-safe, easy-to-clean plastic material.

On the other hand, its mesh door is quite thin and easy to bend. The plastic cages are quite rigid as well.

Pros:

Low price point
Side holes offer ventilation
Carrying handle allows easy transport
Easy-to-clean plastic material

Cons:

Thin metal door
Rigid plastic cages

3. Best for Small Dog: Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Travel Kennel

Size: 23 in.
Material: Steel, plastic
Fit for Dogs: ≤ 15 lbs.
Item Weight: 3.2 lbs.

The Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Travel Kennel is our pick for the best small dog travel crate because of its low height of 11.8 inches. It showcases a lightweight design made possible by its thin polymer-acrylic composition and a carrying handle for travel convenience.

Just like other Petmate products, this crate is fully equipped with an easy-open latch that allows opening and closing with one hand.

You do not have to worry about the crate's durability, as it is made of reinforced plastic shell supported with metal screws for added longevity.

Lastly, the Aspen crate has a mesh metal door and sides, which offer added ventilation for your dog.

However, the metal nuts and bolts might be a bit hard to screw in, which is typical for most dog crates. The mesh door is quite thin and bendable as well.

Pros:

Compact and lightweight
Latch allows one-hand operation
Reinforced plastic material for durability
Mesh door and sides offer ample airflow

Cons:

Nuts and bolts are quite hard to screw in
Thin, easy-to-bend mesh door

4. Best for Outdoor Travel: Jespet Soft Pet Crates

Size: 26 in.
Material: Steel, fabric
Fit for Dogs: ≤ 25 lbs.
Item Weight: 7.3 lbs.

A soft dog crate is the one you should buy when you're always traveling outdoors, so we recommend getting the Jespet Soft Pet Crates. This amazing product boasts its mesh fabric material, which makes it easy to move around.

This crate is supported by a strong metal frame that can be easily folded, which means that it will take far lesser space than most hard dog crates.

The visibility and ventilation of this crate are superb because of its mesh nylon sides, making your dog feel secure and ensuring that they will intake fresh air.

Also, this product includes pockets on the side and top of the crate where you can store your dog's essentials such as leash, toys, or treats.

As for its drawbacks, the integrity of the crate's base is quite inferior. Additionally, the nylon sides might break if you have a strong dog.

Pros:

Collapsible lightweight design
Foldable metal frame
Improved visibility and ventilation
Inclusion of storage pockets

Cons:

Soft crate base
Flimsy mesh sides

5. Best Collapsible: Petsfit Collapsible Soft Dog Crate

Size: 24 in.
Material: Steel, plastic, and fabric
Fit for Dogs: ≤ 25 lbs.
Item Weight: 6.3 lbs.

Some travel dog crates are quite hard to store, but this is not a problem at all for the Petsfit Collapsible Soft Dog Crate. Being our best soft travel dog crate in terms of collapsibility, the cage is made of soft nylon material that is easy to install and dismantle on demand.

This product is made of non-toxic nylon material, which means that it is completely odorless and protects your dog's health.

It boasts a rollable two-door configuration which adds to the overall convenience and ease of storage.

Also, the crate is fully supported by a sturdy metal frame that can be collapsed when not in use.

The two downsides of the Petsfit soft dog crate are the flimsiness of the base and its zippers.

Pros:

Offers a collapsible interface
Non-toxic odorless nylon material
Convenient two-door configuration
Reinforced metal frame

Cons:

Easy-to-break base
Flimsy zippers

6. Best with 2 Doors: AmazonBasics Two-Door

Amazon Basics Two-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier, 19-Inch

Size: 19 in.
Material: Steel, plastic
Fit for Dogs: ≤ 12 lbs.
Item Weight: 3.04 lbs.

Having a travel kennel with at least two doors hits the sweet spot for accessibility, and

is what we recommend. It offers excellent loading of your pet, thanks to its top-load model and mesh door access.

The screws of this product can be used for further reinforcement of the top and bottom part of the kennel.

The durability of the plastic cage is impressive and is relatively stronger than other products out there. Besides, the steel wire door has wide holes for added airflow.

However, this crate does not have a secure base and its side clips are quite rigid.

Pros:

Top and front door configuration
Reinforced screws
Durable plastic crate
Great ventilation

Cons:

Inferior base
Rigid side clips

7. Best for Large Dog: Pet Gear "The Other Door" 4 Door Steel Crate

Size: 42 in.
Material: Steel, plastic, and cotton
Fit for Dogs: ≤ 90 lbs.
Item Weight: 39.99 lbs.

The Pet Gear 4-Door Crate is our recommendation for the best travel crate for large dogs. This provides an ample space of 42 inches long and 28 inches wide for your big furry buddies while you're on the go.

The crate is equipped with four doors that come in handy if you want to access the front, back, or sides.

Additionally, the insulated base of the crate is durable and does not break in winter.

It does not require any tools at all to construct and dismantle this crate, which adds to the ease of transport.

On the other hand, the plastic material might be prone to scratches, and the dog fleece is quite thin.

Pros:

Spacious
Four-door configuration
Insulated base
Easy installation and dismantling

Cons:

Plastic material is prone to scratches
Thin dog fleece

Other Recommended Travel Dog Crates

8. Petmate Vari Kennel

Travel dog crates are specially made for portability, and the Petmate Vari Kennel deserves its spot. It features tie-down strap holes for added security when loaded in a moving vehicle.

This product meets most airline cargo standards and is made of heavy-duty plastic material to add to its durability.

Another thing to point out is the presence of wire vents and side holes, which adds to the ventilation of the crate.

Key Features:

Tie-down holes for stability
Meets airline cargo specifications
Reinforced plastic material
Well-ventilated

9. Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier

As the name suggests, the Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier boasts its excellent compliance with most airline cargo specifications, thanks to its simple and compact design.

This crate provides extra security through its four-way vault door that prevents sliding and shifting when in transit.

It includes non-corrodible wing nuts and extra strong steel wire for added durability and protection. Also, the crate comes with extra animal stickers, clip-on bowls, and ID stickers for modification when traveling.

Key Features:

Four-way door access
Non-corroding wing nuts
Animal and ID stickers
Clip-on bowls

10. 2Pet Foldable Pet Crate

Having the best dog crate for car travel is incredibly beneficial, and a great choice is 2Pet Foldable Crate. This all-in-one solution folds flat in just three steps, which makes it popular for travel purposes.

The crate's strong steel tube design offers additional convenience when stored, as it can be folded and dismantled in seconds.

Another key feature is its soft fabric cover, which is made of a water-resistant, machine-washable Oxford 600D nylon variant. Its ventilation is excellent as well, thanks to its mesh panels and windows.

Key Features:

Folds flat for easy storage
Collapsible steel tubes
Washable nylon material
Mesh panels and windows for airflow

11. Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Indoor and Outdoor Crate

Some travel dog crates out there are good as an outdoor and indoor crate at the same time, and the Noz2Noz Crate is one of the best two-in-one products that you can get. It is incredibly lightweight and sets up in seconds.

The product is well-equipped with mesh panels that encourage ample airflow and visibility to the owner.

Also, the insides of the crate are easy to clean, and its rounded corners protect the pet and the owner against potential hazards.

Key Features:

Great as an indoor and outdoor crate
Mesh panels for ventilation
Easy-to-clean interior
Rounded corners for protection

12. Go Pet Club Soft Crate

Some dog owners prefer soft travel crates, and the Go Pet Club Soft Crate is a great option for a straightforward, den-like shelter for your dog.

The unique configuration of this crate allows you to conveniently set up and dismantle in seconds, which offers absolute convenience and less hassle. When not in use, you may put it in the included carrying case that came with the package.

Also, the resistance of the Go Pet Club crate is promising, as it boasts its signature PVC polyester material. Screen mesh doors and sides ensure ventilation and visibility.

Key Features:

Foldable configuration
Inclusion of carrying case
Durable PVC polyester material
Mesh doors and sides

13. Petsfit Portable Soft Collapsible Dog Crate

Soft dog crates are usually meant for outdoor use, but the Petsfit Portable Soft Collapsible Dog Crate is different. It is a multipurpose soft dog crate that is just perfect for travel and in-home use.

This travel dog crate is made of odorless, non-toxic cloth material, ensuring the protection and wellness of your dog.

Other amenities of this product include a patented screw-in frame interface for added stability and mesh sided for ample ventilation.

Key Features:

Two-in-one design
Non-toxic, harmless cloth composition
Stable screw-in frame
Mesh sides for airflow

14. Zampa Pet Portable Crate

When you are looking for a foldable travel dog crate, might as well as look for one with extra features. The Zampa Pet Portable Crate presents an all-in-one solution for dog owners who travel a lot.

The durability of this product is spectacular for a soft dog crate, as it is made of reinforced fleece material. Also, it pops up in seconds and no assembly is required.

Aside from these, it comes with a perforated front and sides for ventilation, zipper-supported corners for added stability, and a durable carrying case for easy transport.

Key Features:

Durable fleece material
Perforated front and sides
Zipper-supported corners
Carrying case

15. IRIS Extra Pet Travel Carrier

Last but not least, the IRIS Extra Pet Travel Carrier is our recommendation for a compact travel dog crate with decent additions. Its one-handed latch operation adds to the ease of access and a stable door opens from either side.

The ventilation of this crate is impressive because of its top-down perforated design that can be seen from both sides of the crate.

This crate is also known for its added amenities such as a food and water tray that can be removed for easy cleaning.

Key Features:

One-handed latch function
Side holes for ventilation
Stable door
Removable food and water tray

How to Buy the Best Travel Dog Crates

1. Size

The first thing that you should consider before purchasing the best travel dog crate is the size. While all of them are made for portability, they vary in height, width, and length.

Will you need a small travel crate for your puppies or a relatively larger one for adults? It all comes down to the size since it is crucial for the comfort of your dog.

If you own a large dog, such as an Alaskan Malamute or American Bulldog, you might want to go for Pet Gear 4-Door Crate, as it has plenty of room to stay or rest. Meanwhile, the Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Travel Kennel has enough space to accommodate small dogs.

2. Materials

When it comes to the composition of travel dog crates, you should know first that there are two kinds of travel dog crates - hard and soft dog crates. Hard dog crates are a common sight in the market, and they are made of plastic or steel. Also, they are ideal for carrying around.

Meanwhile, soft dog crates are usually made of a soft material such as cloth or silk and supported by a strong frame. However, they can't be carried around because of their soft base.

3. Portability

This feature is the best-selling point of travel dog crates. Being able to carry your kennel around and setting it up anywhere on demand is a great benefit of owning one.

Most hard travel dog crates are portable, but they take more space in your car because of the lack of foldability. On the other hand, soft dog crates boast foldability that most hard kennels do not have. It is a matter of choice whether you'll do for soft or hard crates, depending on your needs.

4. Safety

Your dog deserves the best shelter, even if you're traveling for short periods. You can keep it safe by purchasing a high-quality travel dog crate.

The dangers of buying a subpar travel dog crate can be catastrophic. There are dog crates out there that are badly made, such as having rough edges or easy-to-bend wire gauges. If ignored, it is just a matter of time that your dog will be put in danger.

You should check out the Petsfit Collapsible Soft Dog Crate if you are looking for a hazard-free travel crate. Its nylon composition is non-toxic, ensuring the safety of your dog's health.

5. Design Features

Travel dog crates might be the same on the surface level, but they vary in terms of design. A travel kennel should have a design that makes sense with its functionalities.

It does not make sense to buy a good-looking crate when its features are not up to par. Sometimes, the most minimalist crates out there offer the most amenities! For example, the Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier is a simple-looking travel crate, but it has extra features such as clip-on bowls and identification tags.

6. Easy to Clean

Cleaning your travel kennel regularly promotes durability and longevity. So, picking one that's easy to clean and repair is what we prefer.

The best travel crates for dogs are fitted with easy-to-clean plastic shells or machine-washable cloth, as found in the Noz2Noz Crate. Make sure you're searching for these to ensure ease of cleaning and maintenance.

Buy on Etsy

Petmate Vari Kennel Heavy-Duty Dog Travel Crate - Walmart Link

Love's cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed - Pop Up Dog Kennel, Indoor Outdoor Crate for - Walmart Link

Amazon Basics Folding Portable Soft Pet Dog Crate Carrier Kennel - Walmart Link

Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel - Walmart Link

morpilot Pet Travel Carrier Bag, Portable Pet Bag - Folding Fabric Pet Carrier, Travel - Walmart Link

Diggs Revol Dog Crate (Collapsible Dog Crate, Portable Dog Crate, Travel Dog Crate, Dog - Walmart Link

Aspen Pet Traditional Kennel - Walmart Link

the Petmate Two Door Top Load - Walmart Link

the Midwest Homes for Pets Spree Pet Carriers - Walmart Link

The Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Travel Kennel - Walmart Link

the Jespet Soft Pet Crates - Walmart Link

the Petsfit Collapsible Soft Dog Crate - Walmart Link

The Pet Gear 4-Door Crate - Walmart Link

the Petmate Vari Kennel - Walmart Link

the Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier - Walmart Link

the Go Pet Club Soft Crate - Walmart Link

the Petsfit Portable Soft Collapsible Dog Crate - Walmart Link

The Zampa Pet Portable Crate - Walmart Link

the IRIS Extra Pet Travel Carrier - Walmart Link

Pet Gear 4-Door Crate - Walmart Link

the Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Travel Kennel - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Petmate Vari Kennel Heavy-Duty Dog Travel Crate - eBay Link

Love's cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed - Pop Up Dog Kennel, Indoor Outdoor Crate for - eBay Link

Amazon Basics Folding Portable Soft Pet Dog Crate Carrier Kennel - eBay Link

Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel - eBay Link

morpilot Pet Travel Carrier Bag, Portable Pet Bag - Folding Fabric Pet Carrier, Travel - eBay Link

Diggs Revol Dog Crate (Collapsible Dog Crate, Portable Dog Crate, Travel Dog Crate, Dog - eBay Link

Aspen Pet Traditional Kennel - eBay Link

the Petmate Two Door Top Load - eBay Link

the Midwest Homes for Pets Spree Pet Carriers - eBay Link

The Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Travel Kennel - eBay Link

the Jespet Soft Pet Crates - eBay Link

the Petsfit Collapsible Soft Dog Crate - eBay Link

The Pet Gear 4-Door Crate - eBay Link

the Petmate Vari Kennel - eBay Link

the Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier - eBay Link

the Go Pet Club Soft Crate - eBay Link

the Petsfit Portable Soft Collapsible Dog Crate - eBay Link

The Zampa Pet Portable Crate - eBay Link

the IRIS Extra Pet Travel Carrier - eBay Link

Pet Gear 4-Door Crate - eBay Link

the Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Travel Kennel - eBay Link

Conclusion

All travel dog crates are meant to be carried around and used on-demand, but they vary in terms of features and composition. Keep in mind that you should know your needs first before purchasing one.

Therefore, we recommend getting the Petmate Vari Kennel as the best overall travel dog crate. Its durability, functionality, and portability just hit the right spot as the perfect kennel choice for travelers.

For an inexpensive option, you should get the Midwest Homes for Pets Spree Pet Carriers. This crate boasts a low price point without compromising on its features and portability.