Travel crating is a different job from home crating: weight, folding speed, carrying, and car fit matter as much as strength. A 57 lb steel crate is the wrong travel answer even though it is the strongest crate here. This ranking weights portable weight, fold flat size, handles and wheels, and enclosed versus open design for car settling.
The Best Dog Crates for Travel (2027)
Travel dog crates for 2027: car, camping, and visiting crates ranked on weight, folding, carrying, and how a dog settles on the road.
The short answer
For car travel, hard plastic kennels win: the Petmate Ultra Vari 32 inch for medium dogs and the Sky Kennel 40 inch for large dogs. For camping and visiting, the EliteField soft 36 inch at about 13 lb is the lightest full crate here, for calm dogs only. The Diggs Revol suits owners who want premium collapsible convenience and roll the crate rather than carry it. Small dogs travel best in the Petmate Two-Door Top Load 24 inch.
Our top picks at a glance
- Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel, 32 InchThe classic hard shell travel kennel: heavy duty plastic, a wire door, and ventilation all the way around.Best car kennel for medium dogs
- Petmate Sky Kennel, 40 InchThe airline style kennel for large dogs: a tough shell, a steel wire door, and tie down points for travel.Best car kennel for large dogs
- EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate, 36 Inch, Blue GrayA soft, light, fold flat crate with three mesh doors, a fleece bed and a carry bag in the box.Best lightweight travel crate
- Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate, Small, SmokeA premium collapsible crate that sets up in seconds, rolls on wheels, and looks like it belongs in the room.Best premium travel crate for small dogs
- Petmate Two-Door Top Load Kennel, 24 Inch, BlueA small hard kennel with a top door: lower a reluctant small dog in from above instead of pushing it through the front.Best small dog travel kennel
- MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 InchThe default first crate: a folding wire box with a divider, at a price that leaves room for a bed and a cover.Best folding wire travel spare
The picks, ranked
Every product in this lineup was picked for this use case, ranked with our strongest choices first. If a product from the wider category does not genuinely fit this scenario, it is not listed here.
| # | Product | Award | Length | Dog weight range | Model | Material | Construction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel, 32 Inch | Best car kennel for medium dogs | 32 in | 30 to 50 lb | 21552 | Heavy duty plastic shell, wire door | Two piece shell, made in the USA |
| 2 | Petmate Sky Kennel, 40 Inch | Best car kennel for large dogs | 40 in | 70 to 90 lb | 00500 | Heavy duty plastic shell, steel wire door | - |
| 3 | EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate, 36 Inch, Blue Gray | Best lightweight travel crate | - | - | SDC-3036BG | - | - |
| 4 | Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate, Small, Smoke | Best premium travel crate for small dogs | - | - | REV001AASG | - | - |
| 5 | Petmate Two-Door Top Load Kennel, 24 Inch, Blue | Best small dog travel kennel | - | Up to 15 lb | 21231 | Hard plastic shell, wire front door | - |
| 6 | MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 Inch | Best folding wire travel spare | - | 41 to 70 lb (maker guidance) | 1536U | - | - |
Best car kennel for medium dogs
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel, 32 Inch
The classic hard shell travel kennel: heavy duty plastic, a wire door, and ventilation all the way around.
Strengths
- Heavy duty plastic shell with a wire door gives a solid, enclosed den that wire crates cannot
- Ventilation openings around the shell keep airflow moving in a car or a warm room
- Two piece shell bolts together and apart for storage and cleaning in a way wire crates do not
- Made in the USA from recycled materials, with a long production history behind the design
Limitations
- It does not fold, so it eats closet and garage space between trips
- The enclosed shell hides the dog from view, which some owners dislike at home
- Assembly uses screws and wing nuts, so setup is slower than unfolding a wire crate
What owners report
Most praised
- Car travellers say dogs settle faster in the enclosed shell than in an open wire crate
- The shell wipes clean after muddy trips in a way fabric and wire never quite do
- Owners who have owned one for years cite the same kennel surviving multiple dogs
Common complaints
- Storage is the recurring gripe: a rigid kennel this size dominates a closet
- Screws and wing nuts slow assembly compared with a folding wire crate
- Some dogs pant more in the enclosed shell on hot days despite the vents
| Length | 32 in |
|---|---|
| Dog weight range | 30 to 50 lb |
| Model | 21552 |
| Material | Heavy duty plastic shell, wire door |
| Construction | Two piece shell, made in the USA |
| Ventilation | Openings around the shell |
Best for: Medium dogs in the 30 to 50 lb range who travel by car or need a den that feels enclosed.
Skip if: You need to see your dog from every angle, or you fold the crate away between uses; this one does not fold.
Best car kennel for large dogs
Petmate Sky Kennel, 40 Inch
The airline style kennel for large dogs: a tough shell, a steel wire door, and tie down points for travel.
Strengths
- Heavy duty plastic shell with a steel wire door is built for the knocks of travel
- Wire vents on the sides plus a wire door keep air moving through an enclosed kennel
- Tie down holes around the shell let owners secure the kennel in a vehicle or for air travel checks
- Raised interior and a solid floor keep the dog off wet or cold surfaces inside the kennel
Limitations
- At 30.5 lb and 40 in long it is bulky to carry and awkward through narrow doors
- It does not fold, so home storage needs a garage corner or a spare room
- Airline acceptance still depends on the airline and the dog, so check before booking, not after
What owners report
Most praised
- Air travellers value the solid shell and tie down points over a wire crate on travel days
- Large dog owners say the door latch feels properly serious compared with lighter kennels
- The shell handles car boot knocks without the dents and rattles of wire
Common complaints
- Carrying a 30 lb empty kennel through a house draws complaints from everyone assigned the job
- Finding a storage spot for a rigid 40 inch kennel frustrates apartment owners
- Airline rules vary, and owners warn against assuming any kennel is automatically accepted
| Length | 40 in |
|---|---|
| Dog weight range | 70 to 90 lb |
| Weight | 30.5 lb |
| Model | 00500 |
| Material | Heavy duty plastic shell, steel wire door |
| Travel | Airline style construction with tie down holes |
Best for: Large dogs in the 70 to 90 lb range travelling by car or air, where a wire crate feels too open.
Skip if: You fold crates away, or your dog needs maximum airflow and visibility at home.
Best lightweight travel crate
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate, 36 Inch, Blue Gray
A soft, light, fold flat crate with three mesh doors, a fleece bed and a carry bag in the box.
Strengths
- Three mesh doors, top, front and side, give access and airflow from almost any placement
- Folds flat and packs into the included carry bag, with a fleece bed included
- At about 13 lb for the 36 inch size it is far lighter than any wire or steel crate here
- Two year warranty is unusually generous for a soft crate at this price
Limitations
- Fabric and mesh will not hold a dog that chews, digs, or charges the door
- The frame can sag or lean if a dog leans hard on one side for a long rest
- Washing the whole crate is harder than hosing a tray, and drying takes time
What owners report
Most praised
- Campers and visitors love packing the whole crate into its bag for a weekend away
- The top door gets praise from owners who lift a sleepy dog in rather than coaxing it
- Mesh airflow is mentioned by owners whose dogs overheated in plastic kennels
Common complaints
- Chewing dogs go through mesh panels, and owners wish the warning were louder
- The frame leans when a large dog sleeps pressed against one wall all night
- Zippers snag on fabric if pulled at an angle, which frustrates tired travellers
| Dimensions | 36 in L x 24 in W x 28 in H |
|---|---|
| Weight | About 13 lb (36 in, per listing) |
| Model | SDC-3036BG |
| Doors | 3 mesh doors, top, front and side |
| Includes | Carry bag and fleece bed |
| Warranty | 2 years (maker) |
Best for: Calm, crate trained medium dogs travelling, camping, or visiting, where weight matters more than strength.
Skip if: Your dog paws, chews, or pushes at fabric; a soft crate is a tent, not a fortress.
Best premium travel crate for small dogs
Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate, Small, Smoke
A premium collapsible crate that sets up in seconds, rolls on wheels, and looks like it belongs in the room.
Strengths
- Collapses and sets up in seconds with no loose panels to lose or assemble wrong
- Wheels and handles make room to room moves a one person job even with bedding inside
- Paw safe mesh pattern and rounded edges are designed around paws and noses, not just looks
- Maker interior of 25.3 in L x 17.4 in W x 18.5 in H suits dogs up to about 17 in tall or 30 lb
Limitations
- At 25 lb it is heavy for a small dog crate, and carrying it upstairs is a real effort
- The premium price buys design and convenience, not escape proof strength
- Small size only in this listing, so medium and large dogs need a different Revol listing
What owners report
Most praised
- Owners describe setup as genuinely instant compared with folding wire crates
- The wheels get singled out by people who shift the crate between bedroom and living room daily
- It reads as furniture in photos, which matters to owners who hated looking at a wire box
Common complaints
- The weight surprises buyers who expected a portable crate to feel light
- Chewing puppies test the mesh and plastic edges sooner than wire would allow
- The price stings when a puppy outgrows the small size within a year
| Exterior dimensions | 28.5 in L x 19.8 in W x 20.6 in H |
|---|---|
| Interior dimensions | 25.3 in L x 17.4 in W x 18.5 in H (maker) |
| Weight | 25 lb |
| Dog guidance | Up to 17 in tall or 30 lb (maker) |
| Model | REV001AASG |
| Features | Collapsible, wheels, handles, puppy divider |
Best for: Small dog owners who move the crate often and want collapsible convenience without a wire box look.
Skip if: Your dog chews mesh or plastic, or you need a crate for a dog over 30 lb; this size tops out there.
Best small dog travel kennel
Petmate Two-Door Top Load Kennel, 24 Inch, Blue
A small hard kennel with a top door: lower a reluctant small dog in from above instead of pushing it through the front.
Strengths
- Top loading door solves the classic small dog standoff at the front door of a carrier
- Front door as well, so daily use does not always mean lifting the dog in from above
- At 5.2 lb it is genuinely one handed to carry, even with a small dog inside
- Hard plastic shell wipes clean and protects better in a car than a soft carrier
Limitations
- Strictly a small dog kennel; a 20 lb dog will find it cramped for anything but a short trip
- Ventilation is good but the small shell warms up fast in a hot car if left in sun
- No wheels or shoulder strap, so longer carries are a hand carry all the way
What owners report
Most praised
- Vet visit owners say the top door ended the wrestling match at the clinic door
- Its light weight gets praised by owners carrying a puppy plus a bag plus keys
- The shell cleans fast after car sickness, which soft carriers never quite do
Common complaints
- Owners of fast growing puppies outgrow it within months and resent the short life
- The top door latch feels fiddly when holding a wriggling puppy with one hand
- It warms quickly in a sunny car, so owners learn to shade it or move it
| Dimensions | 24.05 in L x 16.8 in W x 14.5 in H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.2 lb |
| Dog weight range | Up to 15 lb |
| Model | 21231 |
| Doors | 2, top load and front |
| Material | Hard plastic shell, wire front door |
Best for: Small dogs and puppies up to 15 lb for vet visits, car trips, and first crate training.
Skip if: Your dog is over 15 lb, or you need a crate a medium dog can stretch out in for hours.
Best folding wire travel spare
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 Inch
The default first crate: a folding wire box with a divider, at a price that leaves room for a bed and a cover.
Strengths
- Folds flat and sets up with no tools, so it moves between rooms and houses without a project
- A divider panel lets one 36 inch crate serve a growing puppy from first weeks to adult size
- A leak-proof plastic pan slides out for cleaning after accidents without tipping the whole crate
- One front door keeps the design simple, with a slide bolt latch that is easy to work one handed
Limitations
- Single door access only, so corner placement can leave you reaching around the crate
- Standard wire gauge will not hold a determined escape artist or a heavy chewer
- The pan is plastic and can crack if dragged across rough floors or chewed from inside
What owners report
Most praised
- Puppy owners say the divider made the first month of house training noticeably tidier
- It folds small enough to ride in a car boot for weekends away without a second crate
- The pan slides out for a quick rinse after accidents instead of a full crate wash
Common complaints
- Strong puppies learn to rattle the single latch louder than owners expect at night
- The wire feels light next to heavier crates once a dog starts leaning on the door
- Corner placement turns the single door into a daily reach-around frustration
| Size | 36 in long, for medium-large breeds |
|---|---|
| Dog weight range | 41 to 70 lb (maker guidance) |
| Model | 1536U |
| Doors | 1, front, slide bolt latch |
| Includes | Divider panel and leak-proof pan |
| Fold | Folds flat, no tools required |
Best for: First time crate trainers with a medium to large puppy or adult dog in the 41 to 70 lb range.
Skip if: Your dog bends wire, paws latches open, or needs a second door because of where the crate sits in the room.
Questions, answered
Should a crate be secured in a car?
Yes. An unsecured crate becomes a projectile in a sudden stop, and a dog inside it is at risk. Use tie down points where the kennel provides them, seatbelt or cargo anchors where it does not, and place the crate where it cannot slide. Crash tested car restraints are a separate category from home crates, so check the specific product claim before relying on it.
Is a soft crate safe in a car?
Soft crates protect against bumps and contain a calm dog, but they are not crash protection. For regular car travel, a hard kennel is the safer default. Reserve soft crates for parked use at campsites and visits, or for very short, slow trips with a calm dog.
Can I fly with any of these crates?
Airline rules vary by airline, route, and dog size, and they change, so check with the specific airline before booking. Hard kennels in the Sky Kennel style are the usual airline shape, but acceptance is never automatic: dimensions, door latches, ventilation, and health paperwork all get checked at the airport.
Every guide on Dog Crates15 pages
- Topic hubDog Crates
- Best ofThe Best Dog Crates (2027)
- Puppy crating has one decisive feature: a divider panel. Without it, a crate bought for adult size gives a puppy a toilet corner and defeats house training. With it, one crate serves from first weeks to adult size. This ranking weights divider quality, pan cleaning, door access for tiny bladders at 3am, and honest size guidance over looks or premium materials.The Best Dog Crates for Puppies (2027)
- Large dogs break the assumptions behind small crates: wire flexes, latches get tested, trays slide, and a 30 lb crate becomes a wrestling opponent. This ranking weights frame strength, door latch quality, floor space for a stretched out large dog, and weight that keeps the crate still, ahead of folding convenience or looks.The Best Dog Crates for Large Dogs (2027)
- ReviewMidWest iCrate Single Door 36 Inch Dog Crate Review (2027)
- ReviewAmazon Basics Double Door 36 Inch Dog Crate Review (2027)
- ReviewDiggs Revol Small Dog Crate Review (2027)
- ReviewPetmate Ultra Vari Kennel 32 Inch Review (2027)
- ReviewMidWest LifeStages Double Door 36 Inch Dog Crate Review (2027)
- ReviewLUCKUP Heavy Duty 38 Inch Dog Crate Review (2027)
- Head to headMidWest iCrate 36 Single Door vs LifeStages 36 Double Door (2027)
- Head to headDiggs Revol Small vs EliteField Soft 36 Inch (2027)
- Buying guideDog Crate Buying Guide (2027)
- Fix itDog Won't Go in the Crate? Fixes (2027)