Updated November 2026 · Research-based guide · We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Finding the best dog crates for travel starts with one question: where will your dog ride? A kennel that is ideal strapped into the back of an SUV can be the wrong choice at an airline cargo counter, and a soft carrier that slides under a plane seat won’t protect a 60-pound dog on the highway.
There is also no US government crash-test standard for pet crates, so “crash tested” on a box can mean very different things. In this research-based guide we lean on independent certification from the nonprofit Center for Pet Safety (CPS), manufacturer spec sheets and IATA container guidance to sort the options by trip type. Always confirm current rules with your airline before you book.
Top picks at a glance
Best overall for car travel
Gunner G1 Kennel
CPS-certified kennel with a long crash-safety track record.
Best certified pick for large dogs
Lucky Duck Lucky Kennel
Certified sizes for dogs up to a 110-lb test weight.
Best in-cabin carrier for small dogs
Sleepypod Air
Under-seat airline carrier that is also CPS certified for cars.
Best folding crate for road trips
Impact Collapsible Dog Crate
Sturdy aluminum crate that folds flat between trips.
Best for trucks and outdoor adventures
Ruff Land Kennel
Weather-tough one-piece kennel with a slim footprint.
Best overall for car travel
1. Gunner G1 Kennel
The G1 is the crate most often named in car-safety discussions, and for good reason. The Center for Pet Safety lists the Small, Medium and Intermediate sizes, used with Gunner’s strength-rated anchor straps, as CPS Certified with 5-star results, and CPS described the G1’s results in its 2015 crate study as superior. Gunner describes it as a double-walled kennel and offers four sizes: Small (up to 30 lbs), Medium (up to 45 lbs), Intermediate (up to 70 lbs) and Large (71+ lbs). The door is reversible, so you can set it to open from whichever side suits your cargo area.
- Good: Independent CPS 5-star results for three sizes; reversible door; lifetime manufacturer warranty according to Gunner.
- Watch out: The certification applies only with the strength-rated anchor straps, which are a separate add-on, and some door options have not been covered by it. The Large size is not on the CPS list. It is heavy and one of the priciest crates in this guide.
- Skip it if: you mostly fly with your dog or need a crate that folds away between trips.
Best certified pick for large dogs
2. Lucky Duck Lucky Kennel
If your dog is too big for most certified crates, the Lucky Kennel deserves a look. CPS lists its Medium, Intermediate and Large sizes as certified when used with the Lucky Ratchet Strap Kit. The Intermediate and Large earned 5-star ratings in July 2022 tests that used 75-lb and 110-lb test dogs, which makes this one of the few certified options for big retrievers, shepherds and similar breeds.
- Good: More recent CPS tests (2022) than many certified crates; certified sizes reach a 110-lb test dog.
- Watch out: Certification is tied to the ratchet strap kit. An optional metal airline door for the Large is not part of the safety certification. We could not confirm full dimensions on the maker’s site, so measure your cargo area against the size chart before you order.
- Skip it if: you have a small dog or a compact car with little cargo height.
Best for airline cargo
3. Petmate Sky Kennel
When your dog has to fly in the hold, a rigid plastic kennel is the standard choice. Petmate says the Sky Kennel complies with the 51st edition (2025) of the IATA Live Animals Regulations, including the door, side and back ventilation requirements, and it ships with two “Live Animal” stickers, ID stickers, a food and water cup and absorbent material. It comes in six sizes, from 21 inches (dogs up to 15 lbs) to 48 inches (90 to 125 lbs).
- Good: Four-way ventilation; wide size range; made in the USA from plastic that Petmate says is at least 90% pre-consumer recycled material.
- Watch out: It uses plastic wing nuts, and some airlines ask for metal hardware, so check your carrier’s rules before you fly. Only the 21-inch and 28-inch sizes include a handle, and the three largest sizes ship by freight. It is not crash-test certified for car use.
- Skip it if: your dog only travels by car; a CPS-certified kennel is a better match.
Best in-cabin carrier for small dogs
4. Sleepypod Air
Small dogs that fly in the cabin need a soft carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, and the Sleepypod Air is built for that job. It compresses to suit different under-seat spaces, has breathable mesh on four sides, and Sleepypod says it is rated to 18 lbs by the Center for Pet Safety, so the same carrier can be secured in the car as the maker directs. It did not appear on the CPS Certified list when we checked in November 2026, so confirm its current status with CPS before relying on it for car travel. The exterior is ballistic nylon with a stiff bottom, and the carrier itself weighs about 4 lbs.
- Good: One carrier for the plane and the car; CPS certification for pets up to 18 lbs.
- Watch out: Under-seat size limits vary by airline and even by aircraft, so measure first. Sleepypod says not to use it with non-Sleepypod accessories, and popular colors sometimes sell out.
- Skip it if: your dog weighs more than 18 lbs or needs room to stretch out on long drives.
Best folding crate for road trips
5. Impact Collapsible Dog Crate
If you want a sturdy crate at the cabin or hotel but don’t want a bulky kennel in the garage the rest of the year, Impact’s aluminum Collapsible Crate folds flat for storage and transport. Sizes run from 24 inches up to 54 inches, and Impact lists the weight of every size (about 28.5 lbs for the 30-inch Medium, for example), which helps if you will be lifting it in and out of the car on your own.
- Good: Aluminum build that is sturdier than wire; folds flat in seconds; lifetime warranty against defects.
- Watch out: Impact makes no crash-test claim for this crate and no longer advertises it as airline-approved. The maker also says it is not 100% escape-proof and points escape artists to its High Anxiety crate.
- Skip it if: you need certified crash protection for highway driving.
Best for trucks and outdoor adventures
6. Ruff Land Kennel
Ruff Land kennels are a good fit for owners who haul dogs to the trailhead or the field. They are made from one-piece roto-molded polyethylene that is UV-stabilized and made in the USA. Because the shell is one piece, there is no bolt-through ledge like on two-piece kennels, and Ruff Land says this saves up to 3 inches of side space, which matters when you are fitting two kennels side by side. The company also sells an airline kit.
- Good: Weather-tough one-piece shell; slimmer outside footprint; limited lifetime warranty.
- Watch out: We found no CPS certification for Ruff Land kennels. If you plan to fly, check what the airline kit includes and what your airline requires.
- Skip it if: independent crash certification is your top priority.
Compare the picks side by side
| Pick | Best for | Why it stands out | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gunner G1 Kennel | Best overall for car travel | CPS-certified kennel with a long crash-safety track record. | The certification applies only with the strength-rated anchor straps, which are a separate add-on, and some door options have not been covered by it. The Large size is not on the CPS list. It is heavy and one of the priciest crates in this guide. |
| Lucky Duck Lucky Kennel | Best certified pick for large dogs | Certified sizes for dogs up to a 110-lb test weight. | Certification is tied to the ratchet strap kit. An optional metal airline door for the Large is not part of the safety certification. We could not confirm full dimensions on the maker’s site, so measure your cargo area against the size chart before you order. |
| Petmate Sky Kennel | Best for airline cargo | IATA-compliant hard kennel in six sizes. | It uses plastic wing nuts, and some airlines ask for metal hardware, so check your carrier’s rules before you fly. Only the 21-inch and 28-inch sizes include a handle, and the three largest sizes ship by freight. It is not crash-test certified for car use. |
| Sleepypod Air | Best in-cabin carrier for small dogs | Under-seat airline carrier that is also CPS certified for cars. | Under-seat size limits vary by airline and even by aircraft, so measure first. Sleepypod says not to use it with non-Sleepypod accessories, and popular colors sometimes sell out. |
| Impact Collapsible Dog Crate | Best folding crate for road trips | Sturdy aluminum crate that folds flat between trips. | Impact makes no crash-test claim for this crate and no longer advertises it as airline-approved. The maker also says it is not 100% escape-proof and points escape artists to its High Anxiety crate. |
| Ruff Land Kennel | Best for trucks and outdoor adventures | Weather-tough one-piece kennel with a slim footprint. | We found no CPS certification for Ruff Land kennels. If you plan to fly, check what the airline kit includes and what your airline requires. |
Which travel crate fits your trip?
Long highway drives in an SUV
A CPS-certified kennel such as the Gunner G1 or Lucky Kennel, strapped into the cargo area with the maker’s own anchor or ratchet straps, is the strongest option we found.
Flying with a medium or large dog in cargo
Start with an IATA-compliant hard kennel like the Petmate Sky Kennel, then check your airline’s hardware, size and weight rules. Fewer airlines fly dogs as checked pets than in the past, so confirm early.
Flying with a small dog in the cabin
A compressible under-seat carrier like the Sleepypod Air works on the plane and, because Sleepypod says it is crash-rated by CPS up to 18 lbs, in the car too (check the current CPS Certified list first).
Hotels, rentals and visiting family
A folding crate like the Impact Collapsible gives your dog a familiar den at the destination and stores flat at home.
Very large breeds
The Lucky Kennel Large is certified with a 110-lb test dog. Check your vehicle’s cargo height before you buy any giant-size kennel.
Dogs that ride in trucks or work outdoors
A one-piece polyethylene kennel like the Ruff Land handles sun and weather well. Pair it with proper tie-downs, and remember it is not crash certified.
How to choose a dog crate for travel
Match the crate to the trip
Car crates, airline cargo kennels and in-cabin carriers solve different problems. A certified car kennel is usually too heavy for airline weight limits, and an airline kennel is not necessarily built to survive a crash. Decide where your dog will ride most often and buy for that first.
Look for independent certification, not just “crash tested”
Because there is no US crash-test standard for pet products, brands can say they “tested” a crate without passing anything specific. CPS certification is voluntary, uses the maximum pet weight the brand claims, and requires 4- or 5-star results plus recertification every two years. Check the CPS certified list for the exact model and size you plan to buy, along with any straps the rating requires.
Size it with the IATA formula
IATA’s pet guidance measures your dog standing: container length = nose-to-tail-base length plus half the leg height (ground to elbow), width = twice the shoulder width, and height = standing height to the top of the head or ear tips plus bedding. Snub-nosed breeds need a container about 10% larger. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably.
Plan how you’ll tie it down
In a crash, anything loose becomes a projectile. Tufts’ Your Dog newsletter estimates that a 60-pound dog thrown at 35 mph carries about 2,100 pounds of force. Use the anchor straps the crate was certified with, and per CPS, crates are tested restrained in the cargo area of an SUV or van, while carriers are tested on the back seat, usually secured with a seat belt.
Check crate weight and vehicle fit
Heavy-duty kennels can weigh close to as much as the dog inside them. Look at the empty weight, your cargo-area height and door opening, and whether you can lift it safely before you buy.
Get your dog used to it before the trip
Use the crate or carrier for short drives first and add about 5 minutes each time, as Tufts suggests. Save treats for after the ride to reduce the chance of car sickness.
Evacuation crate checklist
A travel crate doubles as your dog’s emergency carrier if you ever have to leave home fast because of a wildfire, hurricane or flood. Keep a small kit packed and stored with the crate so you can grab both at once. The checklist below combines advice from the CDC, the ASPCA and the American Red Cross.
On and in the crate
- Your dog’s name, your name and your phone number written on the crate itself (ASPCA).
- Bedding, a blanket or a towel inside the crate (CDC).
- A leash, a collar with an ID tag and a harness, plus a spare collar and leash (CDC, ASPCA).
In a waterproof pouch
- Copies of your dog’s vet records: rabies certificate, vaccinations, medical summary and prescriptions (CDC). Many emergency shelters that accept pets ask for proof of current vaccinations (Red Cross).
- Recent photos of your dog, including one of you with your dog to prove ownership (CDC, Red Cross).
- Microchip number and registry details (CDC).
- Your vet’s name and phone number (Red Cross).
Food, water and medicine
- Food and water in waterproof containers. The CDC recommends a 2-week supply of each; the ASPCA suggests 7–10 days of food and at least 7 days of water. Rotate stored food and water every two months (ASPCA).
- A 2-week supply of any medications your dog takes (CDC, ASPCA).
Practice before you need it. A dog that already rides calmly in its crate is far easier to load in a hurry, so the short practice drives described above pay off here too.
Frequently asked questions
Are airline-approved crates also crash tested?
Not necessarily. Airline rules focus on ventilation, door hardware and size, not crash performance. The Sky Kennel, for example, is IATA-compliant but not CPS certified for car use. If you need both, you may need two products.
What does “CPS Certified” mean?
The Center for Pet Safety is a nonprofit that crash tests pet travel products on a sled with weighted test dogs. Products that earn a 4- or 5-star rating can be listed as CPS Certified, and makers must recertify every two years. The rating applies to the exact model, size and strap setup that was tested.
Can my dog’s crate ride on the back seat?
CPS tests crates restrained in the cargo area and carriers on the back seat. Tufts notes that small carriers belted to the back seat can be crushed in a crash, and suggests that unless the maker shows crash-test proof, a small carrier is safer on the floor behind the front seats.
Should I sedate my dog for a flight?
IATA endorses recommendations not to sedate or tranquilize pets in transit. Talk to your vet about your dog’s health and anxiety before any flight. This is not veterinary advice.
How big should a travel crate be?
Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down naturally. Petmate suggests the kennel be about 3 to 4 inches taller and longer than your dog, and airlines may apply the IATA sizing formula described above.
How we chose
We reviewed the Center for Pet Safety’s current certified list and individual test records, manufacturer spec pages from Gunner, Petmate, Sleepypod, Impact and Ruff Land, IATA’s pet travel guidance, and travel-safety coverage from GoPetFriendly, Tufts’ Your Dog newsletter and K9 of Mine. We did not test these crates ourselves. We favored independent certification over marketing claims, left out prices because they change often, and found no recalls for these products in our October 2026 check. Airline policies change frequently, so confirm requirements with your carrier before you travel. Read our full editorial policy.
Sources and further reading
- CPS Certified (Center for Pet Safety): The nonprofit’s current list of crash-tested, certified crates, carriers and harnesses, with links to each product’s test details.
- Gunner G1 Kennel Travel Crate (Center for Pet Safety): Certification entry for the Gunner G1 showing a 5-star rating from June 2015 testing with a 75-lb test dog.
- 2015 Crate Study Results (Center for Pet Safety): Results of the 2015 crate crashworthiness study, including the Gunner G1 Intermediate test that CPS describes as superior.
- Traveler’s Pet Corner (International Air Transport Association): IATA guidance for flying with dogs and cats, including the container sizing formula, the 10% allowance for snub-nosed breeds, and advice against sedation.
- Build a Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): Itemized pet emergency kit, including copies of vet records, photos, a 2-week supply of food, water and medicine, and a carrier with bedding.
- Disaster Preparedness (ASPCA): Evacuation pack contents, recommended days of food and water, and labeling your pet’s carrier with your contact information.
- Pet Disaster Preparedness (American Red Cross): Pet emergency kit list, including photos of you with your pet and proof of vaccinations that many shelters require.
