By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Finding a dog travel crate for car rides comes down to three things: how well it fits your dog and your vehicle, how securely it can be anchored, and how easy it is to set up and clean after a long drive. The picks below were chosen by reviewing manufacturer specifications, brand reputation, and the patterns owners commonly describe in their feedback, with attention to collapsibility, door design, ventilation, and suitability for both backseat and cargo-area use. None of these were personally tested, so check dimensions against your dog before buying.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallAmazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, CollapsiblView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for large dogs36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs, Travel Dog Crate GreyView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for medium dogs with dual accessDog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate for Large or Medium Dogs, Light GreyView on Amazon - 4
Best for backseat safetyDog Car Seat Enclosed Carrier, Pets Travel Safety Dog Crate for BackseatView on Amazon - 5
Best for multi-door accessAmazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Grey, MView on Amazon - 6
Best budget pickZikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate for Small and Medium DogsView on Amazon - 7
Best for small dogs and car beddingPortable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24" Soft Dog Crate for Car TravelView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate | Most medium dogs on road trips | Double door and easy assembly |
| Zikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate | Small and medium dogs on a budget | Three zipper doors |
| Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate | Large or medium dogs | Two doors and mesh windows |
| Dog Car Seat Enclosed Carrier | Backseat travel with a medium dog | Enclosed design for car seat use |
| 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs | Large dogs needing extra length | Built-in leash and plush pad |
| Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate | Dogs that need access from several sides | Four doors |
| Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24″ Soft Dog Crate | Small dogs and cats in the car | Included mat, blanket, and bowl |
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, Tan
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 medium dogs on road trips
This crate suits owners who want a simple, collapsible soft crate that sets up quickly in a driveway or hotel room and folds down to fit a trunk or back of an SUV.
Key specs:
- Medium size: 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″
- Double door access
- Collapsible frame with carry handle
- Tan color
Pros:
- Fast to fold and set up
- Two doors give flexible loading
- Straightforward design with few parts
Cons:
- Soft walls offer less protection in a sudden stop than a hard crate
- Size may be tight for dogs over about 60 pounds
Bottom line: A strong first choice for owners of medium dogs who want an easy-to-store soft crate for regular car trips.
Zikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate for Small and Medium Dogs
3 Zipper Door,Collapsible Soft Pet Kennel, Foldable Dog Cage, for Small and Medium Dogs, Indoor Outdoor Travel Zikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate, 30" L x 21" W x 21" H
Best for: Small and medium dogs on a budget
Owners with a smaller dog who want a lightweight, indoor-and-outdoor crate with three access points will find this layout practical.
Key specs:
- 30″ L x 21″ W x 21″ H
- Three zipper doors
- Foldable soft-sided construction
Pros:
- Three doors make loading and checking on the dog easier
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Works for both home and travel use
Cons:
- Zippers can be a weak point with dogs that chew or scratch
- Not suitable for large breeds
Bottom line: A sensible pick for small and medium dogs when budget matters and the trip is short to moderate in length.
Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate for Large or Medium Dogs, Light Grey
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: Medium dogs and large dogs that need headroom
This crate is aimed at owners of bigger dogs who want room to stand, turn, and lie down during a long drive, and who also want the option to use the crate at home.
Key specs:
- 36″ x 25″ x 25″
- Two-door design
- Durable mesh windows for airflow
- Light grey finish
Pros:
- Generous interior for mid-size to large dogs
- Mesh panels support ventilation
- Portable and foldable for storage
Cons:
- Large footprint may not fit smaller hatchbacks with the rear seats up
- Soft structure needs to be strapped down securely
Bottom line: Best for owners who have room in the vehicle and want extra space for a bigger dog.
Dog Car Seat Enclosed Carrier, Pets Travel Safety Dog Crate for Backseat
Dog Car Seat, Enclosed Carrier for Pets Travel Safety Dog Crate Soft-Sided Covered Car Kennel Carrier for Backseat for Medium Dogs
Best for: Backseat travel with a medium dog
Owners who prefer the dog to ride in the back seat rather than the cargo area, and who want the carrier to stay contained in one spot, will find this type useful.
Key specs:
- Enclosed soft-sided carrier design
- Designed for backseat use with medium dogs
Pros:
- Keeps the dog contained in the cabin
- Lets owners keep an eye on the dog while driving
- Useful for dogs that get restless in open spaces
Cons:
- Limited interior space compared with full crates
- Should be anchored with a seatbelt or harness system to stay in place
Bottom line: A good option for backseat riders who want a contained space without a full-size crate taking up cargo room.
36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs, Travel Dog Crate Grey
Portable Dog Crate Soft Sided, Easy Fold & Setup Kennel, Indoor & Outdoor, Breathable Mesh Windows, Built-in Leash, Plush Pad 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs, Travel Dog Crate Grey
Best for: Large dogs needing extra length
This crate targets owners with large dogs who need a longer sleeping area and a crate that doubles as a home kennel between trips.
Key specs:
- 36 inch length
- Soft-sided, collapsible frame
- Breathable mesh windows
- Built-in leash and plush pad
Pros:
- Built-in leash helps keep the dog secured at stops
- Plush pad adds comfort on longer trips
- Works indoors and outdoors
Cons:
- Long length may need the rear seats folded to fit
- Soft walls offer limited crash protection
Bottom line: A practical choice for large dogs that need stretching room, provided the vehicle can accommodate the length.
Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Grey, M
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: Dogs that need access from several sides
Owners who load and unload frequently, or who need to reach the dog from multiple angles at a rest stop, will appreciate the four-door layout.
Key specs:
- Medium size: 30″ x 21″ x 21″
- Four doors
- Pop-up and collapsible design
- Grey color
Pros:
- Four doors give multiple access points
- Pop-up setup is quick
- Carry bag style makes transport simple
Cons:
- More zippers mean more places for a dog to chew through
- Medium size is not right for large breeds
Bottom line: Good for medium dogs and owners who value easy access during frequent stops.
Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24″ Soft Dog Crate for Car Travel
Includes Mat, Blanket & Bowl, Strong Fabric, 4-sided Mesh Vents, 3 Doors, Fit Small Dogs & Large Cats Indoor and Outdoor Use Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24" Soft Dog Crate for Car Travel
Best for: Small dogs and cats in the car
This smaller crate suits owners with small dogs or cats who want a bundled kit with bedding and a bowl ready to go.
Key specs:
- 24 inch size
- Three doors
- Four-sided mesh vents
- Includes mat, blanket, and bowl
Pros:
- Bundled accessories save shopping time
- Mesh vents support airflow
- Compact size fits tight cargo spaces
Cons:
- Too small for medium or large dogs
- Included mat and blanket may need washing before first use
Bottom line: A tidy option for small pets on short trips, especially for owners who want an all-in-one set.
Buying Guide
Size and Fit
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and from the floor to the top of the ears or head when seated. A travel crate should let your dog stand, turn around, and lie down without touching the top. Check the vehicle space too, since a crate that fits the dog may not fit the cargo area with the seats up.
Good picks for this: Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate, Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate
Door Design and Access
Doors on the front and side make loading easier and let you check on your dog without fully unpacking. Zippers should be heavy-duty and lockable or lockable-compatible where possible. More doors increase convenience but also add more seams for a determined chewer.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Zikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate
Ventilation and Airflow
Look for mesh panels on at least two sides so air can move through the crate. Owners often note that dogs stay calmer when they can see out and feel air moving. Avoid crates where the mesh is covered or very small.
Good picks for this: Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24″ Soft Dog Crate, 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs
Collapsibility and Storage
If you need to fit the crate in a small trunk or store it at home between trips, check the folded dimensions and whether it sets up and breaks down without tools. Frames that lock flat tend to be more stable on the road.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate
Securing the Crate in the Vehicle
Soft crates need to be anchored so they cannot slide or tip during braking. Use the vehicle’s cargo tie-down points or the seatbelt to hold the crate in place. Manufacturers generally advise against placing soft crates where they can be crushed or where airbags could deploy into them. Consult a veterinarian or a professional installer if you are unsure how to restrain your dog safely.
Good picks for this: Dog Car Seat Enclosed Carrier, 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs
Comfort and Bedding
A removable, washable pad keeps the crate pleasant on long drives. Plush pads help dogs settle, though some dogs chew bedding, so supervise at first. Bundled mats and blankets can save time but should be checked for fit and washed before use.
Good picks for this: Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24″ Soft Dog Crate, 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs
Durability and Care
Check the frame material and the stitching at corners and door seams. Soft crates tend to show wear first at zippers and at the corners where the frame meets fabric. Wipe the interior after trips and let the crate dry fully before folding to prevent odor and mildew.
Good picks for this: Zikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate, Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate
FAQ
What size dog travel crate for car rides should I buy?
Choose a crate where your dog can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and add a few inches for room. Some owners size up for long trips, but avoid a crate so large that the dog can be thrown around in a stop.
Are soft crates safe for car travel?
Soft crates can be used for car travel when they are well-made and anchored securely. They offer less impact protection than hard crates, so many owners prefer a hard-sided crate for crash safety. Consult a veterinarian or a pet travel specialist for guidance on your dog’s situation.
Should my dog ride in the back seat or the cargo area?
Many safety resources recommend that dogs ride in the back seat or cargo area rather than the front seat, where airbags can cause serious injury. The right spot depends on your vehicle and dog. Restrain the dog with a crate, harness, or carrier that is anchored to the vehicle.
Can I leave a dog in a travel crate in the car?
Do not leave a dog unattended in a parked car, especially in warm or cold weather, because temperatures can rise or fall quickly and become dangerous. Plan stops so you can keep the dog with you or in a safe environment.
How do I get my dog used to a travel crate?
Introduce the crate at home first with treats, short sessions, and a comfortable pad. Gradually increase the time the dog spends inside, then practice short car rides before longer trips. Owners often report that dogs settle faster when the crate smells familiar.
Do collapsible crates hold up over time?
Collapsible crates are designed for repeated folding, but frequent setup and takedown can wear zippers and seams. Inspect the crate regularly and replace it if the frame bends or the fabric tears, since a damaged crate may not contain the dog safely.
Conclusion
For most medium dogs on regular road trips, the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate is a dependable starting point because of its simple layout and easy setup. Owners of large dogs should look at the 36-inch and 36x25x25 options, provided the vehicle has room. Backseat riders may prefer the enclosed car seat carrier, while owners who load from several angles can consider the four-door model. The smaller 24-inch crate and the budget-friendly 30-inch Zikopomi suit small dogs and shorter trips. Always match the crate to your dog’s size, your vehicle, and how you plan to secure it.
Sources
- Vehicle safety guidance, including recommendations on restraining pets and the risks of airbags to passengers (nhtsa.gov)
- Crate training and travel tips for dogs, including how to introduce a crate gradually (akc.org)
- Veterinary association guidance on pet safety, transport, and temperature risks in vehicles (avma.org)
Related reading
- Travel Dog Crates: Car and Air Travel Rules
- Top 7 Dog Crates for the Car: Travel Picks Compared (2026)
- Large Dog Traveling Crate: 8 Best Picks for Car and Air 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.
