Glossary

Travel crate

A sturdy, ventilated crate used to carry or secure a dog in a vehicle or for transport, built to stay closed in a collision.

Also called: travel kennel, car crate, crash-tested crate, portable crate, transport crate, dog carrier

A travel crate is made to move a dog safely by car or other transport. It is stronger than a home dog crate, with a secure latch, good ventilation and walls that will not collapse. Hard-sided plastic and heavy-duty metal models are common. Soft crates are fine for small dogs in a calm setting, but they give less protection.

Choose a size that lets the dog stand up, turn around and lie down. Too large a crate can let the dog slide around in a crash, so it must be secured with straps or anchors to the vehicle and kept in the cargo area or on the back seat.

Get the dog used to the crate before a long trip, and never leave it in a parked car. For flights you need a carrier that meets the airline's rules; see airline pet carrier. For use in the car without a crate, see dog car seat and restraint.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Dog crate A box or cage that provides a dog with a safe, enclosed space at home or in a car; it should be large enough to stand, turn and lie down in. Airline pet carrier A carrier that meets an airline's size and construction rules for a dog travelling in the cabin under a seat, or in a larger hard crate in the hold. Dog car seat and restraint A booster seat, harness or secured crate that holds a dog in place in a vehicle, protecting both the dog and the people from injury in a sudden stop or crash. Exercise pen A freestanding set of hinged panels that forms a portable fenced area for a dog, bigger than a crate and easy to fold away.