By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Finding a dog crate for the car is about more than fitting a kennel into the back seat. You need a crate that stays put during a sudden stop, holds your dog at a comfortable size, and folds down when the trip is over. This guide compares seven options using a research-based method: manufacturer specifications, brand reputation, and the patterns owners commonly report about fit, securement, and durability. Nothing here is based on our own testing, so check listings and measurements before you buy.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallAmazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double DoorView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for back-seat securementDog Car Crate for Back Seat, Portable, Medium, GrayView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for large dogs in a trunkPortable Dog Crate for Car Travel, Collapsible Large Dog Travel CrateView on Amazon - 4
Best for roomy travelDog Crate, 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate for Large or Medium DogsView on Amazon - 5
Best budget pickAmazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog CrateView on Amazon - 6
Best for a covered backseat carrierDog Car Seat, Enclosed Carrier for Pets Travel Safety Dog CrateView on Amazon - 7
Best rigid option for flights and tripsPetmate Vari Dog Kennel, Carrier for Large Dogs, 36inView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate | Most owners of medium dogs | Double door and quick folding |
| Dog Car Crate for Back Seat, Medium | Back-seat securement | 3-point seat securement |
| Portable Dog Crate for Car Travel, Large | Large dogs in trunk or back seat | Metal frame with 3-door mesh |
| Dog Crate, 36x25x25 Inch | Large dogs needing room | Generous 36-inch length |
| Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate | Budget-minded owners | Four doors for access |
| Dog Car Seat, Enclosed Carrier | Covered backseat travel | Enclosed soft-sided design |
| Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, 36in | Rigid, durable travel | Plastic shell, airline-style build |
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92" x 21.3" x 21.3", Tan
Best for: Most owners of medium dogs who want a simple, foldable crate for regular car trips.
This is a practical default for owners who need a crate that goes in and out of the car without much effort. It suits medium dogs who can turn around and lie down comfortably inside its footprint.
Key specs:
- Listed size: 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″
- Soft-sided, collapsible frame
- Double-door access
- Tan color
Pros:
- Folds down for storage between trips
- Double doors make loading easier
- Straightforward assembly, as owners commonly report
Cons:
- Soft walls offer less protection in a hard collision than a rigid shell
- Not sized for very large dogs
Bottom line: A strong first choice for medium-dog owners who want an easy, foldable crate for regular trips.
Dog Car Crate for Back Seat, Portable, Medium, Gray
3-point seat securement, breathable mesh, feeding windows, folds flat, for road trips, camping and vet visits Dog Car Crate for Back Seat, Portable, Medium, Gray
Best for: Back-seat securement with a crate designed to be belted in.
This option is aimed at owners who want the crate anchored to the seat rather than sliding around. It works well for road trips, camping, and vet visits, where repeated loading is common.
Key specs:
- 3-point seat securement
- Breathable mesh panels
- Feeding windows
- Folds flat
- Medium size
Pros:
- Belt-based securement helps limit movement
- Mesh panels support airflow
- Folds flat for storage
Cons:
- Medium size is limiting for large breeds
- Securement is only as good as the belt routing in your specific vehicle
Bottom line: Best for owners who prioritize seat anchoring and plan frequent back-seat trips with a medium dog.
Portable Dog Crate for Car Travel, Collapsible Large Dog Travel Crate
Portable Dog Crate for Car Travel, Collapsible Large Dog Travel Crate with Metal Frame & 3-Door Mesh Windows, Secures in Trunk/Backseat, Soft-Sided Kennel Carrier for Medium Large Dogs-XL
Best for: Large dogs that need to ride in the trunk or back seat.
This crate targets medium-large and XL dogs. The metal frame and multi-door mesh layout are aimed at owners who want a sturdier structure than a basic soft kennel.
Key specs:
- Metal frame
- 3-door mesh windows
- Designed for trunk or back-seat placement
- Collapsible
Pros:
- Metal frame gives more shape than fabric-only designs
- Three doors offer flexible access
- Suits larger dogs
Cons:
- Bulkier than compact folding crates when collapsed
- Requires a vehicle with enough cargo space
Bottom line: A good match for owners of large dogs who need a collapsible crate with a sturdier frame.
Dog Crate, 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate 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: Owners who want the most interior room for a large or medium dog.
The 36-inch length gives extra room for dogs that need to stretch out. It is a fit for SUVs and wagons where the cargo area can accommodate the footprint.
Key specs:
- 36″ x 25″ x 25″ dimensions
- Foldable design
- 2-door access
- Durable mesh windows
- Light grey
Pros:
- Generous length for large dogs
- Foldable for storage
- Mesh windows support ventilation
Cons:
- Large footprint may not fit smaller cars
- Soft structure needs a secure anchor point
Bottom line: Pick this if your dog needs room and your vehicle has the cargo space to match.
Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate
Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Other Small Animals, Pop Up with Easy Transportation, Grey, M 30" x 21" x 21"
Best for: Budget-minded owners who want a foldable crate with multiple access points.
This crate is a sensible choice when you need an affordable, collapsible kennel for short trips. Four doors make it easier to reach a dog from several sides.
Key specs:
- Listed size: 30″ x 21″ x 21″
- Four doors
- Pop-up, collapsible frame
- Grey, medium
Pros:
- Four doors aid access in tight spaces
- Pops up and folds quickly
- Budget-friendly among soft crates
Cons:
- Thin fabric offers limited crash protection
- Best suited to medium dogs only
Bottom line: A budget-friendly pick for owners of medium dogs making short, low-risk trips.
Dog Car Seat, Enclosed Carrier for Pets Travel Safety Dog Crate
Dog Car Seat, Enclosed Carrier for Pets Travel Safety Dog Crate Soft-Sided Covered Car Kennel Carrier for Backseat for Medium Dogs
Best for: Covered backseat travel for medium dogs that feel more settled with a enclosed space.
This enclosed carrier is aimed at dogs that do better with a sheltered view or less visual stimulation. It is positioned for the back seat rather than the cargo area.
Key specs:
- Enclosed, soft-sided carrier
- Designed for backseat use
- Suited to medium dogs
Pros:
- Covered design can reduce distraction
- Fits the back seat rather than requiring cargo space
- Soft materials are light to move
Cons:
- Limited ventilation compared with mesh-only crates
- Dogs that dislike enclosed spaces may resist it
Bottom line: Worth considering for owners whose medium dog settles better in a covered carrier on the back seat.
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, Carrier for Large Dogs, 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: Rigid, durable travel for large dogs, including trips where a hard shell is preferred.
This is a plastic-shell kennel, a different category from the soft-sided options above. Owners often choose plastic crates for their structure and ease of cleaning, and the brand is widely known for travel kennels.
Key specs:
- 36-inch size
- Durable plastic construction
- Taupe and black
- Designed with airline-friendly features
Pros:
- Rigid shell offers more protection than soft walls
- Easy to clean
- Suits large dogs
Cons:
- Heavy and does not fold
- Requires a large vehicle to transport
Bottom line: Best for owners who want a rigid, durable kennel and have a vehicle that can carry it.
Buying Guide
Crate size and fit
Measure your dog from nose to tail base, and from the ground to the top of the head while sitting. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down without touching the top or walls. Listed dimensions are a starting point; always compare them with your own measurements. For guidance, see Sizing a Crate for an Adult Dog and How to Size a Dog Crate: Measure Your Dog Correctly.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Petmate Vari Dog Kennel
Securement in the vehicle
A crate that slides during braking is a hazard for the dog and for passengers. Look for seat belt routing, straps, or a design that fits the cargo area snugly. Owners frequently report that securement depends on the specific vehicle, so test the setup before a long trip.
Good picks for this: Dog Car Crate for Back Seat, Portable Dog Crate for Car Travel
Soft-sided versus rigid construction
Soft-sided crates are lighter and fold for storage. Rigid plastic crates offer more structural protection and are easier to sanitize. Neither is a substitute for proper restraint, and the right choice depends on your dog and how you travel. For a deeper comparison, see Soft-Sided Dog Crates: Where They Fit and Plastic Dog Crates: Uses for Home and Travel.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Petmate Vari Dog Kennel
Ventilation and visibility
Mesh panels and windows help air circulate and let you check on your dog. Enclosed designs can reduce visual distraction, but they limit airflow. Balance these needs against your dog’s temperament and the climate you travel in.
Good picks for this: Dog Car Crate for Back Seat, Dog Car Seat Enclosed Carrier
Folding and portability
If you store the crate in a garage or closet, a collapsible frame saves space. Check the folded size and weight, especially if you lift it alone. Folding crates are convenient, but confirm the frame locks securely when set up.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Portable Dog Crate for Car Travel
Door layout and access
Double or multi-door designs make it easier to load a dog into tight spaces and to reach an anxious dog without pulling it through a single opening. Consider where you will stand when loading.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch
Durability and cleaning
Check stitching, zippers, and frame joints on soft crates, and look for removable, washable liners. Plastic kennels are easier to wipe down after accidents. Replace worn parts promptly, since a weakened crate is less safe.
Good picks for this: Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, Portable Dog Crate for Car Travel
FAQ
What size dog crate for the car do I need?
Measure your dog and choose a crate where it can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Leave a little room but not so much that your dog can be thrown around in a stop.
Is a soft-sided dog crate safe in a car?
Soft crates can be used in cars when they are secured properly, but they offer less structural protection than rigid crates. Check whether the crate is designed for vehicle use and anchor it firmly.
Should a dog crate go in the back seat or the trunk?
Many owners prefer the back seat for better access and monitoring, while the cargo area offers more room for larger crates. Choose based on your vehicle’s space and how you can secure the crate.
How do I keep a crate from sliding in the car?
Use seat belts or straps through the designated points, and check the crate after the first few miles. Owners often report that a snug fit against the seatback or cargo wall reduces movement.
Can my dog ride in a crate for long road trips?
Yes, with planned breaks, fresh water, and attention to temperature. Introduce the crate at home first so the trip is not the dog’s first experience with it. For preparation, see Introducing Your Dog to a Crate Step by Step.
Do I need a crate that folds?
Not always, but folding crates save storage space and are easier to move between vehicles. If you rarely travel, a fixed crate may be more stable.
Are plastic crates better than soft crates for travel?
Plastic crates offer more rigidity and are easier to clean, while soft crates are lighter and collapsible. Neither is a guarantee of safety. For a broader look at travel options, see Travel Dog Crates: Car and Air Travel Rules.
Conclusion
For most medium-dog owners, a foldable soft crate with double doors, such as the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, is a practical starting point. If securement matters most, the back-seat crate with belt-based anchoring fits that need. Large dogs are better served by the larger-frame and 36-inch options, provided your vehicle has the space. Budget-minded owners can consider the four-door soft crate, and those who want rigid protection should look at the plastic kennel. Whatever you choose, measure your dog, test the setup in your vehicle, and check the crate regularly for wear.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on product recalls and pet product safety (cpsc.gov)
- Crate training and travel guidance for dogs (akc.org)
- Veterinary guidance on safe pet transport (avma.org)
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.
