For car rides with dogs, you can consider using the best SUV crates for such movements. The crates or carriers are designed to keep the dogs safe and secure in a car.
It is very common to have your dog moving around the backseat, falling between seats, trying to move to the front seat in between, and causing a little confusion here and there.
Taking your dog out on trips is very important and a fun activity. However, it is important to ensure that your dog is safe and secure during those trips.
One of the best ways to achieve this is by simply using a dog travel crate or carrier. You must first consider the size of your dog. Larger dogs may not be comfortable in a crate or carrier.
More so, the weight of your dog also matters less than the height and length.
To get the perfect crate or carrier for your dog, a good rule of thumb for any dog or animal is to allow them to both stand-up and turn around comfortably in their crate.
Comparison table for SUV crates for dogs
| SUV Crates For Dog | Pros | Cons |
| Petmate Sky Kennel
|
● Assembling this crate is very easy
● It has good ventilation ● This crate fits very well into most cars ● It has durable construction
|
● This crate cannot be broken down easily
● For it to be comfortable for use, it requires a bed or pad ● It is very difficult to move due to the heavy construction
|
| MidWest Side-by-Side Double Door SUV Dog Crate
|
● It includes a plastic pan and carrying handle
● It has a one year manufacturer’s warranty ● This crate allows you to load dogs from either the front or back ● Two of these crates can conveniently fit into the back of your van or SUV
|
● This crate cannot be used by a severely destructive dog
● It is not crash rated
|
| A4Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate and Kennel
|
● It can be used both in the home or outside
● Cleaning this crate is very easy and it can be put away effortlessly ● It is one of the few larger soft crates ● This crate is perfect for traveling in a car
|
● It’s build is not as sturdy or strong to withstand a crash
● It cannot be used for standard cars ● It has a very low top, hence, larger dogs need to lay down to enter
|
| 4×4 North America Variocage Single Crash Tested Heavy Duty Dog Cage
|
● It is very durable
● It is sized for any animal ● This crate can be used for any type of travel
|
● Once it has been assembled and set up, it is very difficult to move
● It is very heavy ● Compared to other models, this crate is very expensive
|
The Petmate Sky Kennel
Petmate Sky Portable Airline Approved Travel Dog Crate Kennel.
It is a standard hard-sided kennel which has very good ventilation and a solid construction that makes it durable and long lasting.
It can be tied down in a car and it fits very well into different kinds of cars making it a great option especially for medium sized dogs.
PROS
- Assembling this crate is very easy
- It has good ventilation
- This crate fits very well into most cars
- It has durable construction
CONS
- This crate cannot be broken down easily
- For it to be comfortable for use, it requires a bed or pad
- It is very difficult to move due to the heavy construction
MidWest Side-by-Side Double Door SUV Dog Crate
The MidWest Side-by-Side Double Door SUV Dog Crate is a perfect crate for anyone who has an SUV or van.
It allows you to load the dogs directly into the back so that they do not stain your car’s upholstery.
Some of the important features that make this crate worthwhile include:
- It is a collapsible wire crate which can be conveniently stored when not in use.
- A front and rear door access that allows you to load your dog in the crate from the back especially when your dog is dirty.
- Its wire design permits the passage of air. The wire has a durable e-coat that will avoid rusting.
- For easy cleanup, it comes with a plastic pan
PROS
- It includes a plastic pan and carrying handle
- It has a one year manufacturer’s warranty
- This crate allows you to load dogs from either the front or back
- Two of these crates can conveniently fit into the back of your van or SUV
CONS
- This crate cannot be used by a severely destructive dog
- It is not crash rated
A4Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate and Kennel for Indoor or Travel Use
The A4Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate and Kennel is remarkably one of the few large soft-sided crates available.
It fits effortlessly into the back of most SUVs or hatchbacks and it also pops up and folds out very quickly.
Thanks to its build, this crate is very durable on the outside making it very convenient for use during camping or rougher environments.
PROS
- It can be used both in the home or outside
- Cleaning this crate is very easy and it can be put away effortlessly
- It is one of the few larger soft crates
- This crate is perfect for traveling in a car
CONS
- It’s build is not as sturdy or strong to withstand a crash
- It cannot be used for standard cars
- It has a very low top, hence, larger dogs need to lay down to enter
4×4 North America Variocage Single Crash Tested Heavy Duty Dog Cage
Regardless of its off putting appearance, the Variocage is a very powerful crate. It can withstand any kind of impact
It is strong enough to handle differ ment types of crash tests and it also has available sizes for any size of dog.
PROS
- It is very durable
- It is sized for any animal
- This crate can be used for any type of travel
CONS
- Once it has been assembled and set up, it is very difficult to move
- It is very heavy
- Compared to other models, this crate is very expensive
Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed and Carrier
The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed and Carrier is a great choice for dog owners who have just gotten a new puppy or have a small nervous dog.
It offers a very comfortable and secure environment for your dog which enhances the traveling experience.
Also, the crate comes with a comfortable shoulder strap which allows you to go from car to your destination easily.
Some of the features of carrier include:
- It has a padded shoulder strap and handles that allows you to carry your puppy easily.
- It has washable bedding and the foam liner is water-resistant
- It is made using durable luggage-grade nylon outside and is ultra-plush polyester inside.
PROS
- The durable fabric comes in a range of fun colors for you to choose from
- It has washable bedding and a water-resistant liner
- This carrier straps into any car’s seat belt easily
- It can withstand crash
- Sleeping in this carrier is very comfortable and enjoyable thanks to the natural round shape of the carrier
- It has a domed screen top that can be removed so that your dog can enjoy it as a normal bed
CONS
- There is not a lot of ventilation in this carrier
- The small size of this carrier is very small and may not fit most dogs
Pet Gear Carrier & Car Seat for Cats and Dogs
A great example of a typical soft sided travel crate is the Pet Gear Carrier & Car Seat.
This carrier is more suitable for new puppies and calmer dogs. Frantic dogs may not be comfortable in this carrier.
PROS
- It is easy to transport
- It can be attached to seat belts
- This crate is very comfortable and secure
CONS
- The mesh can be torn easily by sharp teeth or claws
- It is very difficult to clean
- It is not durable
K&H Pet Products Travel Safety Carrier
The K&H Manufacturing K&H Pet Products Travel Safety Carrier ensures that your dog is secured and safe in your car during trips.
With this crate, your dog can have a great view of the outside with enough ventilation as the entire face is mesh.
Storage of this crate is very easy as it can be folded without difficulty.
PROS
- It has an easy-to-wash removable bottom
- It comes with a one year limited warranty
- It has a full mesh front which gives your dog plenty of visibility and ventilation
- It can be clipped in place using your seat belt and the separate neck strap
CONS
- The top bar is quite fragile
- Its top strap is too short for some cars
- The large size may not be able to fit into the average back seat
How do you secure a dog crate in the back of an SUV?
You should place the crate l on the back seat behind the driver seat. Do not place a dog crate in the middle seat.
You should grab your car’s seatbelt, pull it around the length of the crate, and buckle it. Make sure your seatbelt is locked..
How do SUVS keep dogs in the cargo area?
A dog harness can be used when securing your dog in the back of the SUV.
Is it safe for dogs to ride in the trunk of an SUV?
No. Do not put a dog in an enclosed trunk of a car.
How do you transport a dog in a SUV?
The safest way to transport your dog in your car is to use a safety-certified, crash-tested crate or pet carrier.
Why Dogs Need To Be Secured In The Car
It is not new to say that many dogs enjoy car rides.
They enjoy the different interesting smells that they come across by the wind during these rides and the screens and new environment they get to see also excite them.
Moreso, taking your dog on car rides could mean that they are headed to a fun place which is not the home that they are already used to.
If you want to give your dog a premium car ride experience, you should also keep their safety in mind.
Safety
Ensuring that your dog remains safe and secure throughout the journey or trip cannot be overemphasized and this can be achieved by strapping your dog to your car.
If your dog stays inside a crate during trips, then make sure that it is strapped properly to avoid the crate from being thrown off from the vehicle.
A crate or harness is very beneficial for your dog as you can be rest assured that your dog will remain intact no matter the collision.
Mess and Wear and Tear
One of the benefits of using a dog crate for your dog during car rides is that your car seats will remain intact because your dogs won’t play or jump on the car seats.
Leaving dogs in your car can cause a lot of damage to the doors, windows and seats over time.
Distraction and Discomfort
Dogs are generally very playful when they are around their best friends except they are ill or not comfortable with their environment.
Dogs that enjoy car rides may become over excited and jump around in the back seat. A serious problem can come up if your dog jumps to the front seat.
It may lead to an accident as the driver may not be able to focus on the road putting himself and the other road users in harm’s way.
Some people may feel that their dogs are calm and do not play around in the car.
However, they may see something new or hear a particular sound that can cause them to react, or behave differently.
Also, if you will not be traveling alone or have company in your car, they may not enjoy a dog jumping all over them or stepping on them to get the best view of what is happening outside.
This can in turn make the car ride very unpleasant for the people in the car.
Although they may not talk about it because they do not want to seem rude, it is very unlikely that they will go out with you and your dog on a car ride again.