By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Choosing a large dog crate travel option is less about finding the biggest box and more about matching the crate to your dog’s length, height and the way you plan to travel. A crate that works for a short drive to the vet may fail an airline check-in, and a crate that fits in a hatchback may leave a big dog cramped on a long road trip. The picks below were selected by comparing manufacturer specifications, brand reputation for build quality and patterns in owner feedback about fit, folding, latches and airline compliance. None of them were tested by us, so confirm the dimensions against your own dog before you buy.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallSportPet Airline Compliant X-LARGE 35.5" Travel Dog KennelView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for home and car useLarge Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch for Large or Medium DogsView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for packing lightAmazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate XLView on Amazon - 4
Best for airline travelPetmate Vari Dog Kennel 36inView on Amazon - 5
Best budget pick for smaller carsSportPet Airline Compliant LARGE 31.5" Travel Dog KennelView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| SportPet Airline Compliant X-LARGE 35.5″ Travel Dog Kennel | Big dogs needing airline-style travel | Plastic shell with removable wheels and food bowls |
| Large Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch | Home use with occasional trips | Foldable frame with two doors and mesh windows |
| Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate XL | Frequent travelers who need to store the crate | Collapsible soft-sided design with double doors |
| Petmate Vari Dog Kennel 36in | Owners who want a rigid, airline-friendly kennel | Durable plastic construction |
| SportPet Airline Compliant LARGE 31.5″ Travel Dog Kennel | Large but not giant dogs in smaller vehicles | Lighter plastic kennel with removable wheels |
SportPet Airline Compliant X-LARGE 35.5″ Travel Dog Kennel
SportPet Airline Compliant X-LARGE 35.5" Travel Dog Kennel-Durable Plastic Airline Pet Carrier w/Removable Wheels & Food Bowls, Collapsible Indoor/Outdoor Dog Kennel, Dogs up to 32"L & 23"H-Dark Gray
Best for: Big dogs needing airline-style travel
This is the kennel for owners whose dog needs maximum floor space in a rigid, airline-style shell. The listing states it is built for dogs up to about 32 inches long and 23 inches high, which covers many large breeds.
Key specs
- Listed interior fit: dogs up to 32″ long and 23″ high
- Durable plastic shell with collapsible design
- Removable wheels and food bowls included
- Indoor/outdoor use
Pros
- Rigid shell tends to hold its shape under a checked-bag load
- Removable wheels make it easier to roll through terminals
- Generous length for dogs who need room to turn around
Cons
- Heavy to lift when empty, let alone with a dog inside
- Needs a vehicle with enough cargo depth to lie flat or upright
Bottom line: Pick this if your dog is at the upper end of the large range and you travel by air or long road trip often.
Large Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch for Large or Medium Dogs
Dog Crate,36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate for Large or Medium Dogs, Portable and Foldable Design of Dog Cage, Perfect for Travel or Home Use, Dog Kennel with 2-Door and Durable Mesh Windows, Light Grey
Best for: Home use with occasional trips
A foldable metal-style crate in a 36 x 25 x 25 inch footprint, suited to owners who want one crate that sits in the house and can go in the car when needed.
Key specs
- Dimensions: 36″ L x 25″ W x 25″ H
- Two-door design
- Mesh windows for airflow and visibility
- Foldable frame for storage
Pros
- Two doors make loading and unloading easier
- Mesh panels give good ventilation in warm cars
- Folds down for storage between trips
Cons
- Not airline-approved, so it is not suited to checked or cabin flights
- Thin panels mean it may not hold up to a dog that chews or pushes hard
Bottom line: A practical choice for car trips and home use, but look elsewhere if flying is in your plans.
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate XL
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Set Up, Sturdy, Secure, XL 42" x 31" x 31", Tan
Best for: Frequent travelers who need to store the crate
A soft-sided, collapsible crate that packs flat, useful for owners short on storage space or who take many road trips and want the crate out of the way between them.
Key specs
- Dimensions: 42″ x 31″ x 31″ (XL)
- Double door design
- Collapsible, easy setup frame
- Tan colorway
Pros
- Folds flat and is light to carry
- Double doors suit both front and side loading
- Sets up quickly without tools
Cons
- Soft walls offer less protection in a crash and are not airline-approved
- Dogs that scratch or chew may damage the fabric over time
Bottom line: Good for car travel and hotel stays with a calm, well-trained dog. Not the right pick for air travel or escape-prone dogs.
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel 36in
Airline Friendly and Made of Durable Plastic, This Pet Crate Works Great for Home and Travel Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, Carrier for Large Dogs, 36in, Taupe and Black
Best for: Owners who want a rigid, airline-friendly kennel
A rigid plastic kennel in a 36-inch size, designed for home use and travel. Its plastic construction is what most owners look for when they need a crate that holds its shape in the cargo hold or back seat.
Key specs
- Size: 36 inches
- Durable plastic construction
- Taupe and black finish
Pros
- Rigid walls resist pressure from a leaning or pushing dog
- Easy to clean with a hose or damp cloth
- Suited to both home and travel use
Cons
- Heavier than soft or collapsible options
- Does not fold, so it needs dedicated storage space
Bottom line: Choose this for a sturdy, long-term crate that serves both home and travel without needing to fold.
SportPet Airline Compliant LARGE 31.5″ Travel Dog Kennel
SportPet Airline Compliant LARGE 31.5" Travel Dog Kennel-Durable Plastic Airline Pet Carrier w/ Removable Wheels & Food Bowls, Collapsible Indoor/Outdoor Dog Kennel, Dogs up to 28"L & 20"H-Cream/Gray
Best for: Large but not giant dogs in smaller vehicles
The smaller sibling in the same SportPet line, sized for dogs up to about 28 inches long and 20 inches high. It suits owners whose dog is large but whose car or carrier space is limited.
Key specs
- Listed interior fit: dogs up to 28″ long and 20″ high
- Durable plastic shell, collapsible
- Removable wheels and food bowls
- Indoor/outdoor use
Pros
- Lighter and easier to fit in a sedan or small SUV than the X-LARGE
- Same rigid shell design for predictable handling
- Removable wheels help with airport transfers
Cons
- Too short for dogs that stretch past 28 inches
- Limited headroom for tall or upright-standing dogs
Bottom line: Pick this if your dog measures within the listed limits and you need a rigid kennel that fits a smaller vehicle.
Buying Guide
Measure your dog before you shop
Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail for length, and from the floor to the top of the head or ears, with the dog standing naturally, for height. Add roughly 2 inches to each measurement for a comfortable margin. Compare those numbers to the interior dimensions the manufacturer lists, not the outside footprint.
Good picks for this: SportPet Airline Compliant X-LARGE 35.5″ Travel Dog Kennel, SportPet Airline Compliant LARGE 31.5″ Travel Dog Kennel
Check airline compliance
If you plan to fly, look for a rigid, leak-proof crate with ventilation on at least two sides and a secure, locking door. Airlines set their own rules, so confirm the current requirements with the carrier before you book.
Good picks for this: Petmate Vari Dog Kennel 36in, SportPet Airline Compliant X-LARGE 35.5″ Travel Dog Kennel
Foldability and storage
A crate that folds flat is easier to store in a garage or closet and to lift into a trunk. Soft-sided and wire-frame crates usually fold; rigid plastic kennels generally do not. Decide how often you will move the crate and how much storage you have.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate XL, Large Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch for Large or Medium Dogs
Ventilation and visibility
Look for mesh or vented panels on at least two sides so air can circulate. A dog that can see out is often calmer during travel. Avoid crates with blocked airflow in a warm car.
Good picks for this: Large Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch for Large or Medium Dogs, SportPet Airline Compliant X-LARGE 35.5″ Travel Dog Kennel
Durability and materials
Rigid plastic shells resist cracking and pressure better than thin soft walls. Check latches and door hinges, which tend to fail first. If your dog chews or scratches, prioritize a sturdy shell over a lightweight fabric panel.
Good picks for this: Petmate Vari Dog Kennel 36in, SportPet Airline Compliant LARGE 31.5″ Travel Dog Kennel
Weight and portability
Empty weight matters when you lift the crate into a vehicle or carry it through a terminal. Removable wheels and handles help with transport. Choose a crate you can lift safely on your own.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate XL, SportPet Airline Compliant LARGE 31.5″ Travel Dog Kennel
Comfort and bedding
Add a bed or pad that does not slide and that is easy to wash. Avoid loose bedding on long trips, since it can bunch up. Keep water and food bowls secured, and check that the dog can stand and turn around comfortably.
Good picks for this: SportPet Airline Compliant X-LARGE 35.5″ Travel Dog Kennel, Large Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch for Large or Medium Dogs
FAQ
What size crate does a large dog need for travel?
Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down in a natural position. Measure length and height from nose to tail base and floor to top of head, then add a margin of about 2 inches. Compare those figures to the interior dimensions listed by the manufacturer.
Can I use a soft-sided crate for flying?
Most airlines require a rigid, leak-proof crate for cabin or cargo travel. Soft-sided crates are generally better suited to car trips. Always check the current rules with the airline before you travel.
Should I put my dog’s bed inside the travel crate?
A thin, non-slip pad is usually fine. Avoid thick or loose bedding that could bunch up or be chewed. Check airline rules, since some restrict bedding in cargo.
How do I help my dog get used to a travel crate?
Introduce the crate at home with treats and short sessions, gradually increasing the time. Start with the door open, then close it briefly while you stay nearby. Practice before the trip so the crate is familiar.
Is a foldable crate as safe as a rigid one?
Rigid crates generally hold their shape better under pressure, which is why many airlines prefer them. Foldable crates can be fine for car travel, but check the locks and frame and consider a rigid option for air travel.
How do I secure a large crate in the car?
Place the crate on a flat surface, lower and rear-facing if possible, and secure it with a strap or the vehicle’s cargo anchors so it cannot slide. Keep it away from front seats and airbags.
Do I need ventilation on all sides?
Ventilation on at least two sides is a common recommendation, since it helps air move and reduces heat buildup. Mesh or vented panels are more useful than solid walls for warm-weather trips.
Conclusion
For air travel, the rigid SportPet X-LARGE or the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel are the sturdiest options and best suited to checked or cabin rules, though you should confirm airline requirements first. For car trips and home use, the Large Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch offers ventilation and a folding frame. If you need to store the crate between trips, the Amazon Basics soft-sided crate packs flat. Choose the size that matches your dog’s measurements, then pick the style that fits how you travel.
Sources
- Guidance on pet safety and transport considerations during travel (cdc.gov)
- Crate sizing and crate training guidance for owners of large breeds (akc.org)
- Veterinary association recommendations on pet transport and restraint (avma.org)
Related reading
- Large Dog Traveling Crate: 7 Best Picks for Car and Air Travel (2026)
- Collapsible Dog Crate Large: 7 Best Picks for Home and Travel (2026)
- 7 Best Pet Crate Large Dog Options for Home and Travel (2026)
About Audrey Hayes
Audrey Hayes is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our dogs & puppies guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
