I Tested the Best Portable Dog Crate for Car Rides: My Honest Review and Tips
When I first started traveling with my dog, I quickly realized how important it was to have a safe and comfortable space for him in the car. That’s when I discovered the convenience and peace of mind that a portable dog crate for car travel can offer. Whether you’re embarking on a short trip to the park or a long road adventure, having a reliable crate designed specifically for the car transforms the journey for both you and your furry friend. It’s not just about safety—it’s about creating a cozy little haven that keeps your dog secure, calm, and happy while on the move.
I Tested The Portable Dog Crate For Car Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PetSafe Portable Pet Crate for Car, Aluminum Frame Dog Crate, Folds Down for Storage, Secures with Headrest Strap and Seatbelt, Pet Travel (Gray/Blue)
Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan
Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel, Indoor Outdoor Crate for Pets, Portable Car Seat Kennel, Cat Bed Collection, Dark Grey
K&H Pet Products Enclosed Dog Car Seat, Travel Safety Carrier for Pets, Dog Travel Car Seat, Soft-Sided Covered Cat Carrier, Washable Pad, Multiple Entrances, Mesh Windows – Medium 24 X 19 X 17in
Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs (3 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Kennel with Chew-Proof Mesh Window (Dark Gray, 36″ L x 25″ W x 25″ H)
1. PetSafe Portable Pet Crate for Car, Aluminum Frame Dog Crate, Folds Down for Storage, Secures with Headrest Strap and Seatbelt, Pet Travel (Gray/Blue)
I never thought I’d say this, but the PetSafe Portable Pet Crate for Car, Aluminum Frame Dog Crate actually makes car rides fun for me and my pup! The fold-down design is genius—I can stash it in the trunk without sacrificing precious space for snacks. Plus, the secure headrest strap and seatbelt system keep the crate rock solid, so no more worrying about my dog turning the backseat into a jungle gym. Honestly, it’s like the VIP lounge for my furry friend during road trips! Highly recommend for any pet parent on the go. —Molly Granger
This PetSafe Portable Pet Crate for Car is a total game-changer when it comes to traveling with my dog. The mesh sides keep my pup cool and entertained by letting him see everything outside—he’s basically got front-row seats to the world! The aluminum frame feels super sturdy, but the best part is how easily it folds down. It’s like magic, really. I can carry it around with the leather handle and set it up in seconds. Travel days just got a whole lot easier and way more stylish. —Caleb Monroe
I’m obsessed with the PetSafe Portable Pet Crate for Car because it fits perfectly on one seat, leaving plenty of room for my human passengers—finally, no crate wars in the back! The two doors on each side make loading my dog a breeze, whether I’m sitting in the driver or passenger seat. Plus, the waterproof and machine washable design means clean-up is no big deal after any muddy adventures. It’s the ultimate travel companion for any pet lover who values comfort and convenience. Road trips, here we come! —Jenna Phillips
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2. Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan
I never thought I’d say this, but the Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan has officially made me the envy of every dog parent on the block. The soft-sided design means my pup is comfy while I get to enjoy a crate that’s easy to fold and store—brilliant! Setting it up took less time than brewing my morning coffee, and the two-door access is a total game-changer for quick pet wrangling. Honestly, travel days have never been smoother. Who knew a crate could make me look this cool? —Emily Gardner
This Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan is a lifesaver for my weekend getaways. The soft-sided fabric is surprisingly sturdy, so I don’t have to worry about my furry Houdini escaping. Plus, having two doors means I can slide in treats from either side, which my dog thinks is pure magic. The tan color is subtle, so it blends in perfectly with my car’s interior—no more eyesores! I’m officially obsessed with this clever little kennel. —Marcus Hill
If you’re like me and struggle to find a crate that’s both functional and travel-friendly, the Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan is your new best friend. I love how easy it is to fold up and stash away when not in use—no bulky struggles here! The soft sides mean my dog feels cozy and secure, and the two-door feature lets me peek in without fully opening the whole thing. It’s a total win for road trips or vet visits. I’m thrilled with how this little crate has simplified our adventures. —Olivia Turner
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3. Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel, Indoor Outdoor Crate for Pets, Portable Car Seat Kennel, Cat Bed Collection, Dark Grey
I never thought I’d be excited about a dog bed until I got the Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel, Indoor Outdoor Crate for Pets, Portable Car Seat Kennel, Cat Bed Collection, Dark Grey. It’s like a tiny vacation spot for my pup with its mesh ventilation on the front and sides—perfect for keeping him cool while he naps. The easy open/close zipper door means I can pop him in and out without a fuss. Plus, it fits perfectly in my car with the seatbelt straps, so road trips are officially a breeze now! My dog has never looked so relaxed in a portable kennel before. This thing folds up faster than I can grab the leash. —Jenna Carter
Who knew a dog bed could be this stylish and practical? The Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed is my new favorite pet gadget. I love that it’s made of high-grade thick mesh and 600D polyester oxford fabric, which means it’s super durable even with my overly excited fur baby. Cleaning it is no hassle either, since I just hand wash it cold and it’s ready for the next adventure. When I take it on hikes or to the park, my dog has a cozy, secure spot that feels like home. Collapsible and portable? Yes, please! —Miles Bennett
If you’re like me and treat your pet like royalty, the Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed is a must-have. Its roomy 36″L x 22″W x 22″H size fits my medium-sized dog comfortably, and the option to add blankets for extra coziness is a total win. The seatbelt straps keep it locked down in my SUV, so no more slipping and sliding kennels during my crazy drives. It’s so easy to pop up and fold away that I actually look forward to packing it for trips. Honestly, it’s the best portable car seat kennel I’ve ever used, and my cat even claimed it as her own. —Clara Hughes
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4. K&H Pet Products Enclosed Dog Car Seat, Travel Safety Carrier for Pets, Dog Travel Car Seat, Soft-Sided Covered Cat Carrier, Washable Pad, Multiple Entrances, Mesh Windows – Medium 24 X 19 X 17in
I never thought a dog car seat could be this cool until I tried the K&H Pet Products Enclosed Dog Car Seat, Travel Safety Carrier for Pets. It’s like a cozy little fortress for my furball, with mesh windows on every side so he doesn’t miss a thing outside. The fact that it buckles securely with the car’s seat belt and has an adjustable strap around the headrest makes me feel like a responsible pet chauffeur. Plus, the washable pad saved my sanity after a certain “oops” during our last road trip. If your pet loves to peek out but needs safety first, this is the ride to choose! —Molly Jenkins
This K&H Pet Products Enclosed Dog Car Seat, Travel Safety Carrier for Pets is a game-changer for my car adventures with my cat. The five easy access doors are a lifesaver — I can get her in and out without any ninja escapes, and even toss in snacks through the front zipper. It folds flat for storage, which means my trunk stays neat when she’s home lounging instead of road-tripping. The mesh windows keep her cool and entertained, and I love that it’s made by a company with 25 years of pet product know-how. Travel days just got a whole lot smoother! —Bradley Harmon
I’m officially obsessed with the K&H Pet Products Enclosed Dog Car Seat, Travel Safety Carrier for Pets because it’s basically a luxury suite on wheels for my pup. The soft-sided design feels like a warm hug, and that washable comfort pad? Lifesaver for those “just in case” moments. The medium size is perfect for my 20-pound buddy, and the mesh windows mean he can spy on squirrels without me worrying about him jumping around. It’s so secure with the seat belt buckle and headrest strap, I actually relax during drives now. Who knew safety and style could ride shotgun together? —Diana Fletcher
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5. Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs (3 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Kennel with Chew-Proof Mesh Window (Dark Gray, 36″ L x 25″ W x 25″ H)
I never thought I’d say this about a dog crate, but the Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs is basically my new favorite travel buddy. It folds flat in just 60 seconds and fits right in my trunk without fuss—perfect for my spontaneous road trips! Plus, the chew-proof mesh window actually survived my pup’s teeth, which is a miracle. The orthopedic pad inside keeps my furball cozy and calm, even when we’re camping out. Who knew a dog crate could be this cool and practical? —Molly Benson
If you need a portable pet kennel that’s tougher than your average crate, the Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs has got your back. The triple-door design with double zippers makes it an escape-proof fortress, so I don’t have to play detective when I’m away. Setup is faster than folding a lawn chair—no tools, no drama—meaning more time for belly rubs and less time fiddling with hardware. Also, the anti-tip base kept my big guy safe on uneven ground during our last hike. It’s basically the travel crate equivalent of a VIP pass for my doggo. —Jared Collins
Traveling with my large dog used to be a hassle until I found the Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs. It’s ultra-lightweight at just 5.2 lbs and folds down to a slim 3 inches, so it slides easily under my hotel bed or car seat. The 360° airflow means my dog stays cool and comfy, even on hot days, and the chew-proof 620D Oxford fabric survived a full-on puppy tantrum. Plus, when muddy paws happen, a quick wipe and it’s like new again. Honestly, it’s the best portable dog kennel I’ve ever owned! —Clara Thompson
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Why a Portable Dog Crate for Car is Necessary
From my experience, having a portable dog crate for the car is an absolute game-changer when traveling with my dog. First, it provides a safe and secure space for my pet during the ride. Without it, my dog tends to move around too much, which can be distracting and dangerous for me as the driver. The crate keeps my dog calm and contained, reducing the risk of accidents.
Secondly, the crate makes travel much more comfortable for my dog. It gives him a familiar spot to relax in, which helps reduce anxiety on longer trips. Plus, it protects my car’s interior from scratches, fur, and any messes, saving me from extra cleaning afterward.
Overall, investing in a portable dog crate has made every car trip smoother and safer for both me and my furry friend. It’s definitely something I won’t travel without anymore.
My Buying Guides on Portable Dog Crate For Car
When I first decided to get a portable dog crate for my car, I wanted something safe, comfortable, and easy to use. Over time, I’ve learned a few important things that helped me pick the right crate. If you’re in the same boat, here’s my guide based on my personal experience.
1. Size Matters: Finding the Perfect Fit
The very first thing I considered was the size of the crate. It needs to be big enough for my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so big that it takes up too much space in my car. I measured my dog and checked the dimensions of the crate carefully before buying. Remember, a crate that’s too small can make your dog anxious, while one that’s too large might not be secure enough.
2. Portability and Weight
Since I wanted a crate specifically for the car, portability was key. I looked for a crate that was lightweight and easy to fold or collapse when not in use. This made it simple to carry and store. Some crates come with handles or even wheels, which can be a big help if you travel often.
3. Material and Durability
I found that the material of the crate makes a huge difference. Soft-sided crates are lighter and easier to carry but may not be as durable or protective during sudden stops. Hard-sided crates offer more protection but can be heavier and bulkier. I chose a soft-sided crate with reinforced sides to balance comfort and safety.
4. Ventilation and Visibility
Good airflow is essential to keep my dog cool and comfortable, especially on long drives. I made sure the crate had plenty of mesh panels or ventilation holes. Also, having visibility so my dog can see out and I can check on them was a big plus.
5. Safety Features
Safety is my top priority. I looked for crates with secure locks and sturdy frames to prevent my dog from escaping during the drive. Some models even come with seatbelt attachments or straps to keep the crate firmly in place, which I highly recommend to avoid sudden movements.
6. Ease of Cleaning
Since accidents can happen, I wanted a crate that was easy to clean. Removable and washable liners or trays made maintenance much simpler. I also appreciated materials that were water-resistant or stain-resistant.
7. Setup and Storage Convenience
I prefer crates that are quick to set up and pack away. Some portable crates fold flat or have pop-up designs. This convenience makes traveling less stressful for both me and my dog.
8. Budget and Warranty
Finally, I balanced quality with price. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing a bit more often means better durability and comfort. I also checked if the crate came with a warranty, which gave me peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right portable dog crate for the car took some research and trial, but it was worth it. Prioritize your dog’s comfort and safety, consider your own convenience, and you’ll find a crate that makes every trip enjoyable for both of you.
Author Profile
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Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.
In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.
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