Choosing the right dog crate material means matching the crate to how and where you will use it. The three most common materials you will see are wire, plastic, and fabric, and each has strengths that suit different situations: everyday home use, car travel, or air travel. Understanding the differences can help you pick a crate that keeps your dog safe and comfortable.
Wire Dog Crates
The RSPCA describes a typical dog crate as a wire frame with a removable tray in the base where bedding can be placed. Wire crates offer excellent ventilation and visibility, which can help a dog feel part of the household while still having a defined, secure area. The RSPCA advises that any crate should be big enough for the dog to stand, turn around, lie down, and stretch. For a puppy, you can get a crate that is large enough for them to grow into, but the RSPCA cautions against traveling with a puppy in an adult-sized crate because they are better protected in a smaller space.
Wire crates are popular for home training and short-term confinement, but they are not suitable for every situation. IATA states that containers made entirely of welded wire mesh are not suitable and must not be used for air transport. For car travel, the ASPCA warns never to use a wire or collapsible crate when transporting your pet, as they can collapse or break open causing serious injuries or death in the event of an accident. If you are considering a wire crate for home use, our Wire Crates guide explains more about their features.
Plastic Dog Crates
Rigid plastic containers are widely used for travel and can also serve as everyday crates at home. IATA says that rigid plastic containers are suitable for most breeds of dogs for air transport, though acceptability is at the discretion of the operator. Some rigid plastic containers may not be suitable for large dogs, or dogs that are aggressive. The IATA container requirements specify that the interior must be smooth with no protrusions that the animal can bite or scratch to cause damage, and all openings must be nose and paw proof. For car travel, the ASPCA recommends hard-sided carriers with ventilation holes that are secured to the vehicle as the safest option. The crate should be large enough for the pet to stand or sit without touching the top, lie down, and turn around, and it must be secured so it will not slide or shift in an abrupt stop.
Plastic crates often have a more enclosed, den-like feel, which can help some dogs feel secure. At home, a plastic crate can serve the same purposes as a wire crate: a safe haven, a training aid, or short-term confinement, as described by the RSPCA. The RSPCA also suggests that placing a cover over part of the crate can help nervous dogs, and a plastic crate’s solid walls already provide some of that privacy. See our Plastic Crates page for more details.
Fabric (Soft-Sided) Dog Crates
Fabric crates are lightweight and portable, making them convenient for short trips or visits where the dog is supervised. IATA’s in-cabin guidance allows soft-sided containers for animals traveling in the aircraft cabin, but they must still meet general container requirements except that the construction does not have to be rigid and the requirement for one end to be welded wire mesh does not apply. However, IATA cautions that soft-sided containers may compress when inserted under the seat, and compression of the ventilation openings can result in reduced ventilation and heat buildup in the container, leading to potential adverse consequences for the dog.
For car travel, the ASPCA’s warning against collapsible crates applies to fabric crates as well: they can collapse or break open in an accident. At home, a fabric crate might be used for a calm dog that does not chew or scratch, but the material is less resistant to determined escape attempts. IATA’s container construction principles state that the interior must be smooth with no protrusions that the animal can bite or scratch to cause damage. Learn more about these carriers in our Soft-Sided Crates article.
Matching the Material to Your Needs
Home and Everyday Use
For home use, the RSPCA emphasizes that the crate should be a safe haven, never a punishment. The AKC notes that some dogs prefer a wire crate so they can see the world around them. Plastic crates can create a more enclosed den. Both can work, provided the crate is the right size and the dog is introduced positively. The RSPCA advises that if you are concerned about your dog’s behavior, you should contact your vet, who can refer you to a clinical animal behaviorist. A crate is not a fix for separation anxiety. The RSPCA also recommends making the crate comfortable with soft bedding, safe chew toys, and a clip-on water bowl, and placing it away from direct sunlight or drafts.
Car Travel
The ASPCA is clear: hard-sided carriers with ventilation holes that are secured to the vehicle are the safest option. Secure the crate so it will not slide or shift. Never use a wire or collapsible crate. The ASPCA also recommends preparing a pet-friendly travel kit with food, a bowl, leash, waste bags, grooming supplies, medication, a first-aid kit, your veterinarian’s contact information, and any travel documents. Pack a favorite toy, towel, or bedding to give your pet a sense of familiarity. Feed your pet three or four hours before departure, and offer only small snacks on longer rides. Always pack bottled water or water from home, as drinking unfamiliar water could cause an upset stomach.
Air Travel
IATA’s Live Animals Regulations set the standards for air transport. For cargo travel, rigid plastic, metal, fiberglass, or wooden containers that meet the detailed requirements are needed. The total ventilated area must be at least 16% of the total surface of the four sides, and ventilation must be provided on all four sides. One entire end of the container must be made of welded wire mesh (except for soft-sided cabin carriers). The container must be leak-proof, with absorbent bedding, and the animal must be able to stand, sit erect, lie down, and turn around. IATA provides a formula for calculating minimum internal container dimensions based on the animal’s length from nose to tail base, height from ground to elbow, width across shoulders, and height in a natural standing position. For in-cabin travel, only very small dogs or cats will fit under the seat, and soft-sided carriers are permitted but may compress, so passengers should check with the airline. IATA advises against sedation, as the combination of altitude and drugs can be potentially fatal in old, chronically sick, or stressed animals.
Key Features to Check in Any Crate
Regardless of material, a good crate meets basic safety and comfort standards. The RSPCA and IATA both say the dog must be able to stand, turn around, lie down, and stretch or sit erect without touching the top. IATA requires that all openings be nose and paw proof, with maximum opening sizes of 25 mm x 25 mm for dogs and 19 mm x 19 mm for cats. Welded wire mesh used in containers must be at least 2.5 mm thick for dogs. Doors must have locking pins that engage the container by at least 1.6 cm, and for rigid plastic crates, additional removable fasteners such as cable ties should be used on the four corners of the door frame. The floor must be solid and leak-proof, and absorbent bedding must be provided. For home use, the RSPCA suggests placing the crate in a family area, fixing the door open initially so it cannot swing shut and frighten the dog, and always associating the crate with positive experiences.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a wire crate for car travel?
No. The ASPCA states that you should never use a wire or collapsible crate when transporting your pet, because they can collapse or break open in an accident. Use a hard-sided carrier with ventilation holes that is secured to the vehicle.
Is a soft-sided crate safe for air travel?
IATA allows soft-sided containers in the cabin, but they may compress under the seat, which can reduce ventilation and cause heat buildup. Always check with your airline, as policies vary and some carriers may have stricter rules. For cargo, soft-sided crates are not permitted; a rigid container meeting IATA standards is required.
Should I cover my dog’s crate?
The RSPCA suggests that placing a cover over part of the crate can help nervous dogs feel more secure. Make sure the cover does not block ventilation openings. For air travel, IATA notes that calming by darkening the container can help, but any cover must not interfere with the required ventilation.
For more help choosing the right material for your situation, visit our Material Comparisons guide. You can also explore our Buying Guides section and the full Dog Crate Buying Guide for step-by-step advice.
