As any dog owner will know, our pampered pooches are more than just pets; they’re part of the family. That’s why it’s essential that we take the necessary precautions to keep our beloved pups safe and secure when travelling. And what better way than with one of the best dog crates and carriers for car travel in the UK?

With so many great travel crates for dogs to choose from, picking which best suits yours and your four-legged friend’s needs can be a real challenge. So, to help you choose the best dog car carrier for you, we’ve compiled a list of dog crate reviews. From spacious wire cages and sturdy crash tested boxes to soft, fabric dog crates for cars, we’ve included a wide range of products so you’re sure to find one that caters to your needs.

Be sure to check out our guide to the best dog car seats, too!

How to choose the best travel crate for dogs

When deciding on the best dog crate for car travel, there are a number of factors you should take into consideration to ensure you pick the perfect one. These include:

• Size: The first thing to consider when buying a dog carrier for car travel is size to ensure your pooch will comfortably fit in it. The dog travel crate should be large enough for your dog to sit, stand and turn around while being small enough to keep them contained and not allow them to move around too much. To ensure you get the right size dog travel crate, you should measure your pet’s height and length then add 5-10cm.
• Safety: If you’re planning on regularly travelling with your pup, it’s important to buy a sturdy dog carrier for your car to securely contain them and protect them from any potential accidents. In this case, crash tested dog crates tend to be the safest but can be a little more expensive.
• Comfort: It’s important that your dog is comfortable while travelling in a dog transport box, especially if you’re planning on taking them on long journeys. As well as ensuring they don’t injure themselves, a comfy travel dog crate will help your dog have a positive association with the crate. Soft, fabric dog crates tend to be comfier than metal or plastic dog crates, but you can always add blankets, towels, cushions and toys to make it more pleasant.
• Car type: You not only have to consider the size of your dog when looking for the best travel crate for dogs, but you also need to account for the make and model of your car. If you have a small car, there’s no point getting a large dog crate that won’t fit in. Additionally, you need to think about where in the car you will be keeping the crate. Will it be on the back seat, in the boot or in the footwell?

Best dog crates for cars UK

Cadoca Dog Travel Crate

Take your dog anywhere with this sturdy Cadoca dog travel crate, built from a chunky aluminium frame and wood. One of the best dog car crates, this secure carrier has lockable doors, is water- and weather-resistant and is well ventilated to keep your pooch comfortable on long journeys. Crafted from quality, hardwearing materials, this dog carrier for car travel is sure to protect your pup in the event of sudden stops or uneven terrain. Providing hassle-free doggy transport, the Cadoca dog crate for car travel is super quick and easy to assemble. You can place this dog travel crate inside almost all popular car makes and models thanks to the convenient shape and size. The sleek aluminium and wood construction can easily be wiped down and cleaned with a damp cloth, perfect for after muddy walks.

Amazon Basics Soft Dog Crate for Car

This soft dog crate for the car from Amazon Basics provides ultimate convenience and comfort for both you and your pet. The fabric dog crate pops up in no time at all to create a welcoming space for your pet to relax on journeys long and short. Meanwhile, zip fastenings keep your pet securely enclosed and safe. The sturdy yet incredibly lightweight PVC frame of this pet carrier for the car makes it superbly portable so it can easily be carried anywhere and lifted into the car without strain. You can even fold it down when not in use and store it tidily away, either in the car or at home. Measuring 26 inches in length, this small dog car crate is ideal for littler breeds, up to 30 pounds. The beige-coloured heavy-duty polyester fabric covering the top, bottom and sides of the dog travel crate provides a softer surface for your pooch to curl up against compared to some of the other metal or plastic dog crates on the list. Meanwhile, this dog travel crate features black mesh on each side to allow for adequate ventilation and a good views. The durable water-resistant fabric can even be hand-washed with soap and water, then air dried to keep is looking and smelling fresh. This dog crate with top opening and front opening also makes it easy for you to get your pet in and out.

PAWOLOGY Wire Dog Travel Crate

Simple but effective, this classic wire dog crate for car boots is great for any dog, from the smallest right through to the very largest. If you’re looking for the best dog crate for car travel, you can’t go wrong with the Pawology wire dog travel crate. The metal crate design makes this travel crate for dogs incredibly sturdy while allowing your pup excellent views outside and ventilation; almost like they’re not in a crate at all. What makes this carrier even better is that it is a double dog crate with divider, meaning that you can actually fit two smaller dogs in and keep them separate if needed. There’s also a removable tray in the bottom to make it easier to clean if any mess is made. This double dog crate for car comes in two different sizes (36 inches and 42 inches) to suit a range of dog breeds and ages, and when you’re not using it, simply collapse it down and store it away neatly. To keep your precious pup secure and safe, the doors on this large dog car carrier feature a double locking system so they won’t be able to force their way out.

FEANDREA Folding Fabric Dog Crate for Car

If you’d prefer a soft, fabric dog crate for your car, why not opt for this collapsible dog crate with top opening. Designed for total ease and comfort, the Feandrea pet carrier for the car is impressively lightweight, weighing in at just 3.5kg. Yet, it is still exceptionally sturdy thanks to its metal frame. This dog carrier for car travel comes complete with a foam, fleece-covered insert that provides a lovely spot for your pup to have a cosy nap on the way to your destination. It even features some handy clip-on bags that can be used to store other dog travel accessories, such as treats, medication or toys. This travel dog crate has mesh fabric on each side to allow for comfortable ventilation, while the top, front and side doors make getting your pet in and out super easy. Finally, the convenient carry handles make it a breeze to carry so you can easily take it out of the car too! No additional tools are needed for its assembly as it has easy-to-operate connectors that allows you to assemble it within your car.

Sleepypod Small Dog Car Crate

This 3-in-1 crash tested dog carrier for car travel pampers your pet while keeping them undeniably safe and secure on road trips. As one of the best dog carriers in the UK, the Sleepypod dog carrier for the car combines the practical features of both a hard- and soft-sided crate for the ultimate travel experience. The compactness of these small car dog crates, makes them perfect for mini cars and mini mutts, able to cater for dogs weighing up to 7kg. Made from luggage-grade nylon, this small dog car carrier not only looks and feels luxurious but will protect your pooch in case of accidents too! The tall dome shape allows your pup to sit upright so they can look out of the window and enjoy the passing views, while the dome zips off so the dog carrier for car travel can also be used as a dog bed.

Gen7Pets Small Car Dog Crate

The Gen7Pets soft dog crate for the car is made from industrial-grade nylon with heavy-duty hardware to keep your fluffy friend safe and secure when travelling. Featuring adjustable, detachable shoulder straps, this dog transport box can easily be carried wherever you’re going, while you can use your vehicles existing seatbelt to keep it place thanks to the heavy-duty latches. It also come complete with zipped storage pockets for keeping any other dog travel essentials, along with a number of opening to make getting your pet in and out a breeze. To aid your pup’s comfort, this travel dog crate comes with a thick poly-filled pad covered with soft angora fabric to help make your dog as comfortable as possible. And, what’s more, it’s reversible and machine washable for easy cleaning.

Variocage Crash Tested Dog Crate for Car

Probably the safest dog crate for cars, the Variocage Crash Tested Car Crate has been tested in crash and roll-over situations to ensure it keeps your pets safe and secure in even the most serious of accidents. Each of these car boot crates for dogs features a crumple zone to minimise impact, as well as a unique escape hatch that allows your dog to get out in the case of an accident. When in the crate, though, the locking doors with Gas Hydraulic Motion Springs will keep your pooch secure so they won’t wriggle their way out while you’re driving. This travel cage for dogs is also size adjustable, making it ideal for a range of dog breeds and car models. The bottom of the travel dog crate is made from rubber, making it a comfortable and quiet option for your pup, while also making it easy to clean in case of muddy paws.