10 Best Dog Crate for Car Backseat lightweight and Crash Tested

Traveling by the dogs in a car can be dangerous without proper arrangements. They can create a distraction for the driver and damage the vehicle’s interior, or an unexpected human error can become life-threatening for them. To prevent distraction, to protect the interior, keeping your pooch safe and secure, we recommend buying a dog crate for the car backseat. We selected some of the best available options, which are:

SrProductCrash TestedProfile
1Gunner Kennels Dog CrateYesS, M, L
2EliteField Folding Soft Dog CrateNo
3Aspen Pet PorterNoS, M
4Double Door SUV CrateNoS, M , L
5Petego Pet Tube KennelYesS, M
6Sleepypod Mobile Pet BedYesS
7A4Pet 27″ Pet Car Travel CratesNoS, M
8Plastic Box Dog Cage Car CarryNoM
9Sleepypod Air in-Cabin Pet CarrierYesS
10AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog CrateNoS, M, L

You likely want to take your pooch to different places; it’s your responsibility to make sure he remains safe in the car while still enjoying the ride. There are a lot of options available; that make a choice difficult. We select and review the products that thousands of customers already purchased and offer all of the benefits you need to keep your four-paws friend safe.

You might also find our recent article useful if you are looking for dog barrier for under bed and dog seat cover for leather seats that will protect your costly car seats from the mess of your dog.

The vast majority of products are not crash-proof; we recommend buying only a crash-proof crate if you enjoy long trips with your pooch. Let’s move on to the products review:

1. Gunner Kennels Dog Crate

dog crate for car backseat

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  • Constructed with Rotomolded double-wall, protecting your dog better against human errors and seasonal elements.
  • The only five-start crash-tested most durable multipurpose kennel in the market.
  • Featured with a stainless-steel paddle latch locking door Comes with a lifetime warranty.
  • Designed for proper ventilation, the G1 is warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
  • It can be used as an in-house designated place for a dog or to confine your dog at any place, available in four sizes.

Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate Dog Crate for car backseat is the only one in the market passed for large dogs. It is made to keep your dog safe no matter how rough the road is. It is tested to withstand 4,000 lbs. of force; the manufacturer tested it with the 12-gauge shotgun and proved to be a bulletproof carte.

It featured double rotomolded plastic and connection straps and rubber feet, and a dual locking door to provide additional structural support.

This product makes the first spot on our list because it is made in the USA and tested for dog travel safety. Quality construction and design make the safest and secure dog crate for the car. It is available in four sizes and can accommodate any size dog if selected carefully. It is made to withstand any condition and suitable for multiple purposes, like you can fix it on the back seat or in the cargo area, and even at the back of your truck.

In your home, you can use it as a designated place for your pup. It can withstand daily wear and tear as well as any collision.

It passed all the safety tests that are performed to check its safety and durability. It is rated as five stars by CPS (Center for Pet Safety), so no doubt it can keep your dog secure in the most dangerous Collison. The primary purpose of this design was to provide Pet travels safety, and it does not have extra features. But easy to clean, featured with a drainage hole, allow proper ventilation, the double-wall design keeps the kennel warm in winter and cool in summer.

The escape-proof door is an ideal solution for escape artists. It is equipped with a stainless-steel key-locked paddle, which is reinforced with aluminum.

Drawbacks, no doubt it’s the most secure traveling crate for dogs, but it’s unattractive and doesn’t have any aesthetic appeal. Gunner kennel car crates are also very expensive that average owners might not be able to buy. But safety always costs and doesn’t look pretty.

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2. EliteField Folding Soft Dog Crate

dog crate for backseat of truck

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  • 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate.
  • Ideal for indoor, outdoor, or traveling use.
  • Comfortable for dog and easy to setup.
  • Made with stainless steel frame, 600D fabric, and hex mesh fabric.
  • Stylish, lightweight, and durable, ideal to use at the back seat and carry pets.

EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is made to use for multiple purposes like its best to use at the back seat of the car and also can serve you like a shoulder bag. If you wish to use it inside your house as a designated space for your dog, then it’s the perfect one for this purpose because it’s easy to clean, and its cover is fully washable.

Its frame is made from stainless steel tubes, and the outer sheet made with the 600D fabric and hex mesh is used to allow air. It will enable proper ventilation and keeps the more active pets confined. It can be strapped at the backseat to avoid distraction from the dog and to keep him secure during a drive.

It is easy to assemble and fold down in a matter of seconds without any special tool. Mesh doors allow the dog to breathe freely and a way for sunlight. It is featured with the removable bed and cover and comes with a free carrying bag and fleece bed.

It is compact when not in use and only takes little space in your store or vehicle. It comes with a money-back guarantee, and your investment remains secure for two years warranty.

Drawbacks, Not tested for crash

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3. Aspen Pet Porter

dog crate for car backseat

  • Made for travel safety and to fit all sizes and shapes.
  • Designed to satisfy natural denning instincts and comfort.
  • Made with heavy-duty plastic shell and steel mesh.
  • Ideal for keeping your pooch safe in car travel and air travel.
  • Plastic material is easy to clean and lightweight to carry.
  • Meets most airline cargo specifications.

Aspen Pet Porter Heavy-Duty Pet Carrier is made to keep your pet safe from any unexpected event or in case of a human error. It is made for travel safety and can keep you free from dog distraction while driving. Durable construction with heavy-duty plastic shell and metal screws, stainless steel mesh is used indoor, a well-ventilated dog crate that can keep the dog relaxed and comfortable inside.

Easy to carry and lightweight design provides improved visibility to the dog and ample fresh air. Easy to assemble and compact to store, plastic is easy to clean and washable.

Aspen Pet Porter Heavy-Duty Pet Carrier is available in different sizes and colors; choose an appropriate size for your pet to keep him secured during a ride. It is equipped with an easy-open latch, which can be operated with one hand; it’s ideal for stress-free travel as a dog can see on all sides. Additionally, it also can be used as an airline cargo crate for your dog. Equipped with a comfortable grip on the top, make it easy to lift the container.

Drawbacks, not tested for the crash, the floor is hard for long travel you may need a soft bed.

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4. Double Door SUV Crate

back seat dog crate

  • Double door folding metal dog crate.
  • It is designed to keep your dog secure in SUV.
  • Attractive and durable with two doors, one at the front and one at the back.
  • Made with metal, highly portable, collapsible/foldable compact to store.
  • Doors are equipped with slid bolt latches.

Midwest Side-by-Side Double Door SUV Crate with Plastic Pan is designed to fit in any SUV. Its narrow design and durable metal construction allow keeping your dog safe in traveling. This dog crate for the back seat makes a spot on our list because it’s very compact when not in use, it can be folded into small size.

When it folded, it can be stored in any place either in the cabinet or keep it in your vehicle for next time use. It easy to fold and set up, take only seconds to assemble. Allow clear visibility that helps the dog to keep the anxiety in control.

SUV means more space for the dog to move inside the vehicle, which cannot be comforting. To avoid distraction and to keep your pooch secure, it’s necessary to confine him. For SUVs, the product in the spotlight is the best solution. It can keep your dog confine and secure. So, you can better concentrate on the road and remain able to handle surprises necessary for your safety and others on the road.

You can accommodate two crated in one SUV because these are made with a narrow design. Each door of this crate is equipped with a slip bolt latched so you can feel secure when your dog is inside. It is featured with a double leak-proof pan, and its doors are e-coated to prevent rust.

Drawbacks, Only suitable for SUV, Not tested against a crash.

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5. Petego Pet Tube Kennel

  • Made with durable fabric.
  • Scratch-proof mesh, even energetic dogs cannot damage it.
  • Adjustable in size can be fitted to one seat or full back seat.
  • Allow air to flow, provide clear visibility, and large space.
  • The bottom is fully waterproof.

Petego Pet Tube Kennel is a product that you can keep inside your car at any time; it is very compact and small when folded. Its size is adjustable. You can fix it to one seat or full back seat. It turns your car into a dog-friendly vehicle because it’s a premium dog crate for your car that offers all of the benefits you need.

This premium car safety device for your dog is made with high-quality fabrics, and its bottom is entirely waterproof; no seepage can make its way to the luxurious car seat.

Designed for your dog’s security, fix it sturdily while using a back tie correctly, and it can keep your dog safe in any unexpected event or human error. Easy to secure buckle and adjustable straps make it an ideal choice for long and short travels. It takes only seconds to fix and fold.

It is a safe and comfortable choice; if you are worried about your pooch who is unsafely jumping in the car from one seat to another, you need a product likePetego Pet Tube Kennel. It is a product to keep the dog confine and secure and also stop distractions from the dog.

When it is fully unfolded, it covers all the space between the front and back seat, and this feature helps to fix it properly; and you can see your dog through the mesh, and he also can keep an eye on you while you are driving.

Drawbacks, not tested for the crash, need to wash it in case the dog creates a mess.

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6. Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed

dog crate for car backseat

  • For small dogs up to 15 pounds.
  • Safety tested dog protection device for car, pet bed, and carrier.
  • Made with plush polyester inside and luggage-grade nylon outside.
  • A padded shoulder strap makes it easy to transport dogs anywhere.

Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed is a different beast; in fact, it is a soft-sided carrier. The sleepypod made of durable luggage-grade nylon. Tested for the crash and even in real events customers who met with an accident, their car completely totaled, but their pet remains safe in crash thanks to the security provided by the sleepypod.

It is a CPS-tested device; in a crash test, CPS found that it indeed ensure tremendous safety in the event of a crash. It is the safest crash-proof dog car crate for small dogs. We believe that it performs best as a dog car seat crate instead of a carrying bag. Its size makes it possible to fit it on any car seat.

Its handilock feature makes it a sturdy fixed a dog car travel crate. Its straps snuggly fit into the car’s seat through the use of the lap-shoulder belt system to keep the dog secure in the car crate. The other feature is it’s a dog car seat carrier, which even you can use on any seat. It makes travel with the doggies easy for dog lovers.

Previously, the manufacturer offered handilock as an additional feature, but knowing its importance, know Do the dog crate fits in the car is offered with the package.

It is almost the luxury traveling bed for small dogs; sleepypod provides excellent protection in case of a car accident, which is vital for the dog carriers optimized for car travel. However, outstanding safety is not the only feature; its interior is more comfortable for dogs to rest, and it provides ample space to cuddle inside.

The inside of the sleepypod is covered with soft polyester, which is among the best material for resting place comfort.

Drawbacks, not certified for air travel, only suitable for small pets.

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7. A4Pet 27″ Pet Car Travel Crates

dog crate for backseat of truck

  • Keeps the pet safe and secure in the backseat.
  • Particularly made for a car traveling to provide security to pets.
  • Featured with durable mesh to allow air and provide visibility.
  • Equipped with two zip doors to access the pet.
  • .Foldable, compact to store, lightweight, and easy to transport.

Pet Car Travel Crates Carrier for Medium Dog is designed to keep pets safe and secure during a ride in the car. It can be used as a car dog crate for hatchback and backseat. This dog car travel cage is ideal for small and medium-sized dogs. You can accommodate more than one small dog; its mesh design allows clear visibility and airflow.

It is equipped with two doors, which makes it possible to access the dogs from either side. Either from the left or right, its soft form inside, and your dog can enjoy the comfort of resting and playing inside.

Its four-sided mesh design allows fresh air to pass through and clear visibility so you can see your dog, and he can keep an eye on you during a ride. The manufacturer is backed with 15 years’ experience and enjoying good repute in the market. It’s a sturdy, foldable collapsible soft dog crate for car travel designed to keep your dog safe for car travel.

It is equipped with a leaning structure that can correctly attach to the seat. Its two belt loops on the panel for functions seat belt strap for secure and safest transport. Its auto-lock zipper and leash will prevent your pet from escaping—an easy to carry and store option.

During travel, completely zip the crate and tie the straps and belts to provide your dog maximum safety. Do not let your pet unattended in any kennel or crate. To make your dog familiar with this crate, you can set it up at home and allow your pet to rest inside before using it for a ride.

Drawbacks, not tested for crash safety, and not approved for airline travel.

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8. Plastic Box Dog Cage Car Carry

  • Removable wheels add convenience to move the confined pet.
  • Easy to assemble and disassemble.
  • Environmentally friendly resin, non-toxic, wear-resistant, screw-mounted.
  • Breathable mesh design to allow fresh air to your dog and to provide clear visibility.
  • Suitable for short-term visits.

Jlxl Pet Carrier Trolley is designed to keep pets safe during short travels. It is ideal for keeping the pet confined when he is not in good health, and you have to visit the vet—no need to lift your sick pet. You can use this trolley crate to move your pooch. It is made for medium and small-sized dogs.

Its 360-degree rotating wheels make it easy to move the pet when he is confined, and you can quickly push through the road.

Its breathable mesh design allows your furry friend to see outside, and it helps to control the anxiety in dogs. Its door is equipped with a spring safety lock to ensure its safety and prevent pets from escaping. You can use this trolley crate to keep your pet confined during a party at home, and it can be used as a separate space for your pet at home.

Made with non-toxic plastic resin and its door is easy to clean and equipped with the antitheft door lock. Moreover, plastic is easy to clean when your dog creates a mess.

Drawbacks, it’s not tested for the crash.

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9. Sleepypod Air in-Cabin Pet Carrier

dog crate for back seat of car

  • Crash Tested and Certified by CPS.
  • Meets all Airline & TSA Requirements, Mobile pet bed, in-cabin airplane carrier, and the car seat fits pets up to 17-1/2-pound.
  • It comes with a padded shoulder strap, which makes carrying easy.
  • Featured with top and ends open so you can allow your pet an open side.
  • Ultra-plush polyester bedding inside for the comfort of your dog.
  • Luggage-grade nylon outside is durable enough to last for years.

If you want to style with luxury, then Sleepypod Air in-Cabin Pet Carrier is a solution for you. It is a safety device for your dog, which makes the traveling comfortable and for your pooch, and you can stay worried-free. If you think that your four-legged friend deserves to travel in luxury, then it is a product for you.

It is easy to clean; you can wipe the exterior with the damped cloth and vacuum inside for the pet hair and keep the bedding clean; Separable ultra-plush bedding is machine washable.

For convenience and to keep treats and the food, it is equipped with two large zip pockets on both sides. Its mesh is tear-resistant.

The warm heater is also available separately to keep your pooch comfortable and warmer in the winter season. Along with the luxury, the features you will like most are its safety tether that percent escapes and its remove bale privacy panel and adjustable shoulder strap, which is padded to keep the owner comfortable.

Drawbacks, it is a costly dog crate for a car backseat.

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10. AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Crate

dog crate for back seat

  • Budget-friendly solution for crate-trained and well-behaved dogs.
  • Folding, collapsible, soft-sided dog crate for traveling.
  • Featured with two doors, one window on each side.
  • Secure zipper closure keeps the dog confined and secure inside.
  • An ideal combination of PVC frame and polyester fabric.
  • Comes with a basic one-year warranty.

AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Crate is an ideal solution for your dog to keep him confined; it is a budget-friendly option for those who have a crate-trained dog. It can accommodate large-sized dogs as available in 42” size, which is large enough to accommodate your big dog.

This convertible crate provides ultimate comfort to the dog inside and allows the air to flow through its mesh windows, and a dog can see the owner that helps him stay calm. It’s a soft-sided crate that pops up in a minute and takes only half a minute to pack in the carrying bag.

Keep in mind this portable dog crate is made to keep the dog confined for a temporary purpose. No matter where you are traveling, it can provide comfort to your dot that he deserves.

Drawbacks, only for crate trained dogs, who can sit gently inside.

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Tips for Making Your Dog Comfortable While in the Crate

The very first function of a dog crate is to keep your dog secure and comfortable during the travel in the car, but the same arrangement doesn’t work for all dogs. Especially when you own small, medium, and large breeds.

Your dog may get it challenging to fit inside, getting accustomed to a crate sometimes needs extensive training. If it’s your first time then here are few tips that will help you to keep your dog comfortable:

1. Add Toys to Crate

Well, we all know that dogs love toys and it also help them to spend time and stay playful when they are alone in a crate on the backseat of car. Simply this can keep them busy throughout the journey.

2. Add Comfort

Crates are not comfortable enough to travel, few come with mats and beds, but most of them come as a stand-alone product without any cushioning. You can add a mat or a comfortable mattress inside the crate so your pup can sit comfortably inside and do not feel tired.

Your pet will feel it at home when it’s comfortable inside.

3. Train the Pet

It is necessary to slowly introduce the crate to your dog instead of locking him inside all at once. Place the crate near your pet’s rest area and offer some treats inside the crate, so he becomes familiar with the crate. You can then use it for traveling purposes easily, and your Fido will go inside without any hesitation.

4. Relieve Stress

Relieving stress plays a vital part in keeping your dog happy and calm during car travel, you need multiple things for this like you need to stay engaged with your dog before travel, allow him to become familiar with the toys that you are going to place inside the crate during car travel.

Crates are also helpful in preventing your dog from falling sick, in the event of a vomit crate can help contain the vomit.

5. Viewing Pleasure

Position the crate in a way that your dog can see outside and also can see you. It helps to manage anxiety, and he will share the same experience as you. Retained position inside a crate that does not allow to see outside makes the dog more curious and stays disturbed. So, allow them to see outside.

6. Plenty of Fresh Air

Your furry friend will become more active and thoughtful when he gets plenty of fresh air; it’s not possible in all weather conditions, but to open a window for him after every short time so he can feel the fresh air.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are non-crash-tested dog crates OK to use?

There are only a few crash-tested crates are available while the rest do not get any certification, so it can be risky to use them.

Do I put food or water in the dog crate during the car ride?

It is not advised to feed your dog before traveling, and during traveling. While you are on a long trip you can take breaks where you also can offer your dog water and food that he can easily digest.

Why aren’t wire crates suitable for transporting dogs in cars?

The very basic purpose of a dog crate for a car backseat is to protect the dog from getting injured or killed in event of a crash, this is what a wire crate cannot offer you. In the event of a crash, wire crates become more dangerous.

How do you secure a dog crate in a car?

An abrupt stop can make your dog’s crate rolling ball that also can injure other passengers inside. So it’s important to know how to secure the dog crate on the backseat of your car. Every travelling crate comes with straps and buckles that need to be placed seriously and without any doubt that crate can sit on backseat freely. If you are using a small create then you can place it on the floor at the back of any front seat securely.

Quite a Few Choices, So Which To Take?

It greatly depends on the size and physical appearance of your dog what you select for him. For small and tiny breeds prefer to buy soft-sided crates. For large pup’s plastic made and fabric made both do the same job.

It would help if you avoided the wire crates because it is much better to travel without a dog crate for the car back seat instead of using a wire crate. The use of a wire crate can be life-threatening for the dog during any unexpected event.

Our top three recommendations are best in our view you can choose any to travel safely with your dog.