Traveling with your pet can be a joy, but only if you have the right gear. A good travel crate keeps your furry friend secure, comfortable, and calm, whether you’re heading to the vet, on a road trip, or flying across the country. Choosing the wrong one can lead to stress for both of you.
This guide reviews the top 10 pet travel crates on the market, covering everything from sturdy plastic kennels for air travel to lightweight, foldable soft crates for car rides. We’ll break down the key features, pros, and cons of each, so you can pick the perfect crate for your pet’s size, your travel style, and your budget.
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Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, Portable Pet Carrier, Taupe and Black, 28in
Best forMedium dogs on flights
- Airline-friendly design
- Secure zip tie holes
ConsiderBulky for storage
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Tra…
Best forQuick car trips
- Sets up in seconds
- Folds flat for storage
ConsiderNot for air travel
Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24" Soft Dog Crate for Car Travel
Best forSmall dogs and cats
- 360-degree ventilation
- Three secure doors
ConsiderLimited to small pets
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, Carrier for Large Dogs, 36in, Taupe and Black
Best forLarge dogs in cargo
- Spacious for large breeds
- Airline-approved
ConsiderHeavy and bulky
ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs, Travel Dog Crate Grey
Best forLarge dogs on road trips
- Foldable with handle
- Safety leash included
ConsiderNot airline-approved
Collapsible Dog Crate for Large/Medium Dogs – 36" L Foldable Dog Cage No-To…
Best forEasy mobility for large dogs
- Two wheels for portability
- No-tool assembly
ConsiderWheels may not suit all terrain
Collapsible Dog Crate for Medium/Small Dogs – 28" L Foldable Dog Cage No-To…
Best forSmall to medium dogs on wheels
- Compact and foldable
- Wheels for easy transport
ConsiderNot for large breeds
Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Ke…
Best forVersatile small pet travel
- Pop-up setup in seconds
- Four doors for access
ConsiderNot for air travel
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, Carrier, 10 to 20lbs, 24in, Taupe and Black
Best forSmall dogs on flights
- Airline-friendly for small dogs
- Secure zip tie holes
ConsiderLimited space for larger pets
Petmate Sky Kennel for Air Travel, 28in Dog Crate for Pets 15 to 30lbs
Best forEco-friendly air travel
- IATA-approved
- Includes travel accessories
ConsiderHeavier than some soft crates
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel 28in – Secure Airline-Friendly Carrier
Brand: Petmate
A reliable, secure plastic crate ideal for medium dogs flying cargo.
The Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is a classic choice for medium-sized dogs (20-30 lbs). Its sturdy plastic shell and secure wire door with tamper-proof holes for zip ties ensure your pet stays safely inside, even during bumpy travel. The four-sided ventilation provides ample airflow and visibility, which is crucial for keeping your dog comfortable and reducing anxiety.
This kennel meets most airline cargo specifications, making it a reliable option for air travel. The interior dimensions (24.2″ L x 16.5″ W x 18.5″ H) give your dog enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down. Cleaning is a breeze—just wipe down the plastic shell. It’s a durable, no-fuss crate that prioritizes safety and practicality.
- Airline-friendly design
- Secure zip tie holes
- Easy to clean
- Bulky for storage
- No carrying handle
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate – Quick Setup
Brand: Amazon Basics
A convenient, affordable soft crate for everyday car travel and home.
The Amazon Basics soft-sided crate is perfect for pet owners who value convenience. It sets up in seconds with no tools, and folds flat for easy storage and transport. The double doors (top and front) make loading and unloading your dog a simple task, and the secure zipper closures keep them safely inside.
Mesh windows on all four sides provide excellent ventilation and visibility, so your pet can see what’s going on and stay cool. This medium crate is recommended for breeds up to 50 lbs, like Blue Heelers or Golden Retrievers. The lightweight polyester fabric is durable, and the fastening straps keep rolled-up doors out of the way when open. It’s a great value for car travel and home use.
- Sets up in seconds
- Folds flat for storage
- Two doors for access
- Not for air travel
- Soft sides less secure
Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate – Sturdy and Ventilated
Brand: Petprsco
A well-built, breathable soft crate ideal for small pets on the go.
The Petprsco soft crate is designed for small dogs and cats, with a 24″ size that holds up to 25 lbs. Its strong steel frame and rugged 600D Oxford cloth provide excellent durability, while the hex mesh fabric ensures 360° ventilation and a clear view for your pet. Anti-collision pads on the four corners add extra protection during travel.
This crate features three secure doors—front, top, and side—for easy access. It also comes with thoughtful add-ons like a comfortable fleece bed and a carrying bag. The collapsible design makes it easy to store and transport. It’s a great choice for owners of small breeds like Maltese or Boston Terriers who want a sturdy, breathable, and portable crate.
- 360-degree ventilation
- Three secure doors
- Anti-collision pads
- Limited to small pets
- No wheels
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel 36in – Spacious for Large Dogs
Brand: Petmate
A roomy, secure plastic crate for large dogs, perfect for air travel.
For larger dogs (50-70 lbs), the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel in 36 inches offers the same secure, airline-friendly design as its smaller counterpart. The sturdy plastic shell and wire door with zip tie holes keep your big buddy safe, while the four-sided ventilation ensures comfort during long trips. It meets most airline cargo specifications, so you can fly with confidence.
The interior dimensions (32.5″ L x 22.5″ W x 25″ H) give your dog plenty of room to move around and lie down. Cleaning is simple with the wipeable plastic. This crate is built to last and provides a secure, spacious environment for large breeds, making it a top choice for both air and car travel.
- Spacious for large breeds
- Airline-approved
- Durable plastic shell
- Heavy and bulky
- No wheels
ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate – Foldable and Lightweight
Brand: ZOMISIA
A lightweight, foldable crate with smart safety features for large dogs.
The ZOMISIA collapsible dog crate is a fantastic option for large dogs, offering a foldable design that makes transport and storage effortless. It comes with a convenient handle, so you can carry it easily. The high-strength iron pipes and 600D Oxford fabric ensure stability and durability, even with a big dog inside.
Three breathable mesh windows provide ample airflow and allow you to keep an eye on your pet. The built-in safety leash secures your dog’s collar, preventing them from pushing the door open. This crate is lightweight yet sturdy, making it ideal for car travel, camping, or indoor use. The attention to detail, like the safety leash, sets it apart.
- Foldable with handle
- Safety leash included
- Breathable mesh windows
- Not airline-approved
- Soft sides not chew-proof
Gardner Pet Collapsible Dog Crate 36in – Wheels for Easy Mobility
Brand: Gardner Pet
A wheeled, foldable crate that makes transporting large dogs a breeze.
The Gardner Pet collapsible dog crate for large dogs is a game-changer for mobility. It features a one-piece folding design that requires no assembly, and it comes with two smooth-rolling wheels, making it easy to move your dog from place to place. The squeeze-latch locks on the door provide quick, secure closure.
Made from high-quality PE and strong metal wire, this crate is built to last. It folds flat for storage, saving space when not in use. The wheels are a standout feature, perfect for navigating airports, hotels, or your home. It’s a versatile crate suitable for indoor and outdoor use, combining durability with convenience.
- Two wheels for portability
- No-tool assembly
- Durable PE and metal
- Wheels may not suit all terrain
- Not airline-approved
Gardner Pet Collapsible Dog Crate 28in – Compact with Wheels
Brand: Gardner Pet
A wheeled, foldable crate that simplifies travel for small and medium dogs.
The smaller version of the Gardner Pet crate is perfect for medium or small dogs. It shares the same innovative foldable design and two smooth-rolling wheels, making it easy to move your pet around. The squeeze-latch locks ensure secure closure, and the high-quality PE and metal wire construction promises longevity.
This 28-inch crate folds flat for storage, and its compact size makes it ideal for travel, whether you’re going to the vet or on a weekend getaway. The wheels add a level of convenience that many other crates lack. It’s a sturdy, reliable option for small to medium breeds, offering both portability and safety.
- Compact and foldable
- Wheels for easy transport
- Secure squeeze-latch locks
- Not for large breeds
- No carrying handle
Amazon Basics 4-Door Pop-Up Pet Kennel – Versatile and Easy
Brand: Amazon Basics
A quick-setup, multi-door crate that suits various small pets.
The Amazon Basics 4-door pop-up kennel is a versatile option for cats, dogs, rabbits, and other small animals. It sets up and folds down in seconds with no tools, thanks to its pop-up design. The four doors—top, front, and two sides—provide easy access and ventilation, with zipper lock clips for added security.
This medium kennel (30″ x 21″ x 21″) comes with a removable fleece bed pad for extra comfort. It includes a carrying handle and padded shoulder strap for easy transport when folded. The mesh panels on all sides ensure good airflow and visibility. It’s a lightweight, convenient crate that’s perfect for car rides, visits to friends, or as a cozy indoor den.
- Pop-up setup in seconds
- Four doors for access
- Includes fleece pad
- Not for air travel
- Soft sides less durable
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel 24in – Compact for Small Dogs
Brand: Petmate
A secure, compact plastic crate ideal for small dogs flying cargo.
The Petmate Vari Dog Kennel in 24 inches is tailored for small dogs and puppies weighing 10-20 lbs. It offers the same secure features as larger models: a sturdy plastic shell, wire door with zip tie holes, and four-sided ventilation. This makes it a safe choice for air travel, as it meets most airline cargo specifications.
The interior dimensions (20.5″ L x 13.5″ W x 15″ H) give your small pet enough room to stand, turn, and lie down. Cleaning is easy with a quick wipe. It’s a compact, durable crate that’s perfect for small breeds, offering peace of mind during travel. If you have a tiny companion, this kennel is a solid investment.
- Airline-friendly for small dogs
- Secure zip tie holes
- Compact and easy to clean
- Limited space for larger pets
- No wheels
Petmate Sky Kennel 28in – IATA-Approved for Air Travel
Brand: Petmate
An eco-conscious, IATA-compliant kennel with all the extras for flying.
The Petmate Sky Kennel is specifically designed for air travel, meeting IATA requirements for live animal transport. It comes with essential travel accessories: two ‘LIVE ANIMAL’ stickers, a food and water cup, ID stickers, and an absorbent pad. This makes it a complete package for flying with your pet.
Ideal for medium dogs (20-30 lbs), this kennel offers a spacious interior for your pet to walk and rest. It’s made in the USA from EcoTEC Plastic, which contains at least 90% pre-consumer recycled material, making it an eco-friendly choice. The durable build ensures your pet’s safety during transit. If you’re planning air travel, this kennel simplifies the process with its included extras.
- IATA-approved
- Includes travel accessories
- EcoTEC recycled plastic
- Heavier than some soft crates
- No wheels
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
Choosing the right travel crate involves balancing safety, comfort, and convenience. Here are key factors to consider before making your purchase, so you can pick a crate that fits your pet’s needs and your travel plans.
- Size and Weight: Measure your pet from nose to tail and from floor to shoulder. The crate should allow your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Check the interior dimensions, not just the exterior, and consider your pet's weight to ensure the crate can support them.
- Travel Type: For air travel, you need an airline-approved hard-sided kennel that meets IATA or airline cargo specifications. For car trips, a soft-sided or foldable crate may be more convenient. Consider how often you'll travel and the mode of transport to choose the right type.
- Material and Durability: Hard plastic crates offer maximum security and are easier to clean, but they are heavier. Soft-sided crates are lightweight and portable but less chew-proof. Look for high-quality materials like 600D Oxford cloth or reinforced plastic for longevity and safety.
- Ventilation and Visibility: Proper airflow is crucial to keep your pet cool and comfortable. Look for crates with mesh windows or ventilation on multiple sides. Visibility is also important so your pet can see you and their surroundings, reducing anxiety during travel.
- Ease of Use and Portability: Consider how easy the crate is to set up, fold down, and carry. Features like wheels, handles, and pop-up designs add convenience. Also, think about storage space when the crate is not in use—collapsible models save space.
Conclusion
Selecting the best pet travel crate depends on your pet’s size, your travel habits, and your priorities. For air travel, the Petmate Vari and Sky Kennels offer secure, airline-approved options. For road trips and everyday use, the collapsible soft crates from Amazon Basics, Petprsco, ZOMISIA, and Gardner Pet provide convenience and portability.
Consider the features that matter most to you—whether it’s wheels for easy mobility, quick setup, or eco-friendly materials. With the right crate, you and your furry friend can enjoy stress-free adventures together. Happy travels!
Erica Steven is the founder and lead writer of WorstBrands, a site dedicated to providing honest and trustworthy reviews about outdoor gear and fashion products.
With a passion for exploring the great outdoors and staying up to date on the latest fashion trends, Erica uses her expertise to provide valuable insights into the products that matter most to her readers.
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