Dog Crates For Cars – Everything You Need To Know
Are you thinking about getting a dog crate for your car but you are not sure what one to get or if it is the best option for your dog? Continue reading as today we are covering what you need to know about dog car crates so you can keep your pup secure and safe in the car!
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Is A Car Dog Crate Right For You?
A dog crate is not the only way that you can secure your dog in your car to keep them safe in the instance of a car crash or to stop them from distracting you while driving. Other methods to secure a dog in a car include:
- A dog seatbelt
- A dog hammock/back seat cover
- A dog booster seat
- A dog car basket
- A dog boot guard/barrier
- A dog car harness and seatbelt set
- A dog zipline
In general, dog car crates are more suited to toy, small or medium sized dogs as there are many more products that cater to this size range. Additionally, a smaller dog travel crate is more likely to fit inside your car and is able to be secured properly in comparison to a large crate. Dog car crates are also more suited to dogs with a calm temperament or dogs who have been crate trained since a young age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I crate my dog in the car? Yes, crating a dog in a car is one way that you can keep them safe and stop them from scratching or shedding onto your upholstery. Alternatively, you can secure your dog in the car with a dog seatbelt or put them in a dog booster seat.
Do dogs have to be in a crate in the car? No, dogs don’t need to be in a crate in a car however it’s recommended as a safe method of transportation. Other ways to secure dogs in the car include using a dog seat belt or a dog hammock.
How do you transport a dog in a car without a crate? You can use a dog car harness and dog seat belt to transport a dog in a car without a crate. Alternatively, you can use a dog car hammock, a dog booster seat or a back seat barrier.
Read Also: The 12 Best Car Accessories For Dog Owners
Types Of Dog Crates For Cars
The main type of dog crates for cars are soft fabric travel crates however you can also find hard plastic crates that are often multi purpose for air travel as well.
What kind of dog crate should I get for my car? The best kind of dog crate for a car is a fabric based one rather than a plastic or wire crate. This type of crate is much more transportable as it can be folded flat when not in use.
Can metal dog crates be used in the car? Yes, metal dog crates can be used in the car however they are bulky and may not fit on your backseat, especially for larger dog breeds. Metal wire crates are more suitable for stopping your dog from distracting you while driving than car accident protection.
What are the best dog crates for cars? The best dog crates for cars are soft sided travel crates instead of ordinary wire crates that are used around the house. Soft travel crates do not pose the risk of tearing or damaging your car’s upholstery and are not going to collapse from the impact of a car crash.
Our Top Recommendations For Dog Car Crates
1. Gen7Pets Snuggle Pocket Vehicle Booster Seat
Find Out The Current Price On PetMate Here
2. K&H PET PRODUCTS Travel Safety Pet Carrier
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
Read Also: Soft vs. Hard Dog Crates – Find The Right One For You
How To Size A Dog Crate For A Car
Sizing a dog car crate is no different to the process of sizing an ordinary dog house crate! The car crate still needs to big enough for your dog to sit, stand and turn around in like a house crate however the sizing rules need to be slightly stricter as a crate that is too large can end up being dangerous if you were to get into a car crash.
You don’t want to get a car crate that is more than 15cm longer than your dog as the snugness of a dog travel crate is what keeps them safe.
How To Measure Your Dog For A Car Crate
- For the length of the crate, measure your dog from the base of their tail to their nose. Add 5-10cm to this length for the crate length measurement.
- For the height, measure your dog while sitting from the floor to the tips of their ears. Add 5-10cm to this length for the crate height measurement.
- With these measurements written down go shopping and try to find a car crate within these measurements. Remember that a crate than is 15cm longer than your dog is too big for a car crate!
What size dog crate for cars? A dog crate for a car should not be more than 15cm longer than your dog. The snugness of a dog travel crate is what keeps them safe in the instance of a crash. Less space means that your dog will experience less momentum and force during a crash.
How much space does a dog need in a travel crate? A dog needs enough space to sit, stand and turn around in a travel crate. For the length of the crate, measure your dog from the base of their tail to their nose and then add 5-10cm for the final crate measurement.
How To Fit A Dog Crate For A Car
Where do you put a dog crate in a car? A dog crate can go on the back seat of a car or in the boot of a SUV. If the crate is small enough, you can place it in the footwell. You should never put a dog crate on the front seat of a car as this exposes your dog to the front airbags.
How do you secure a dog crate in the car? Firstly place your dog’s crate lengthwise on the backseat behind another seat. It should not be located on the middle seat. Then to secure it, thread a seatbelt through the safety straps that are on the crate. You should follow the instruction manual for the dog crate you purchased.
How do you keep a dog crate from moving in the car? The best way to keep a dog crate from moving in the car is to secure it using a seatbelt or the tether system that comes with the travel crate. With a seatbelt you can thread it through your crate and clip it in to stop the crate moving.
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