Choosing the Safest Dog Crate for Car Travel: Expert Tips

Dog crate for car, best crate type for dog travel. How do you choose the safest dog crate for the car? If you take your dog in the vehicle, ensure the journey is safe for everyone. With a dog crate in the car, the dog owner creates good conditions so that as little as possible happens in the event of an emergency stop or accident. What many drivers don’t know:

A wide selection of dog boxes, harnesses and mesh cages are available on the market. In a dog cage test, the TCS automobile club examined why buying a sturdy but more expensive dog cage would be better than opting for cheaper dog harnesses or mesh cages to protect your four-legged friend in the car.

Inside this Article:

• Dog box test: how to transport dogs safely in the car
• Metal dog crate
• Plastic dog box
• Safest dog crate for the car. Mesh cage for the car
• Safest dog crate for the car. Folding fabric boxes
• Safest dog crate for the car; don’t forget the dog car harness
• Safest dog crate for the car. Why a dog cage?
• Safest dog crate for the car. Install the dog box correctly.

Dog box test: how to transport dogs safely in the car

Dynamic driving tests at 70 km/h with dog dummies attached to transport boxes, dog harnesses, and mesh cages have shown that metal dog boxes for car transport are the safest.

Although plastic transport boxes are easier to clean and care for, they cannot keep up with metal boxes and are only conditionally recommended in the test.

A collision at 50 km/h turns a 19 kg dog into a deadly 400 kg projectile!

Dog harnesses for cars were the worst in the test. Although safety harnesses are better than no safety harnesses, they provide only limited protection.

The practical test examined seven metal boxes, two plastic boxes, two net cages, two fabric boxes, and six dog harnesses for use during a car journey.

Metal dog crate

1. Schmidt Premium Kennel & Universal (excellent)
2. 4pets Pro 2 – Large (perfect)
3. Kleinmetall Vario Cage (highly recommended)
4. Trixie Transport Kennel (highly recommended)
5. Kerbl Travel Protect (highly recommended)
6. Alvares Transport Kennel (highly recommended)

Plastic dog box

• Does Anyone Transport the Kennel (recommended)

Conclusion: the two plastic dog crates tested gave a positive impression regarding cleanliness and care.

The suitability for dogs is similar to that of metal boxes. However, regarding safety, plastic boxes cannot compete with metal ones.

Since plastic boxes are primarily designed for transporting dogs on planes, the Auto Club advises against using them in cars.

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Safest dog crate for the car. Mesh cage for the car

The TCS test result for dog cages is only conditionally recommendable. Although no other product offers such good ventilation, the risk of injury to the dog is, unfortunately, very high in the event of impact from sharp edges, corners and pinch points.

In addition, the cage can fold, and the dog can slip. The Dog Residence model from Savic/Zooplus included a good description of crate training.

Conclusion: Metal cages are not recommended as car dog boxes but should mainly be used at home to acclimatise a puppy.

Safest dog crate for the car. Folding fabric boxes

The manufacturer’s tables for correct box size selection were positive for the folding fabric boxes tested, but in the crash test, the fabric could not hold the dummy on impact. The structure of the box was severely and permanently damaged. Furthermore, folding dog boxes tend to get dirty and are not waterproof.

If the folding box is placed on the car’s back seat, it will severely obstruct the view. Conclusion: folding fabric boxes are only conditionally recommended as dog boxes for the car and, like metal cages, should not be used in the car.

Safest dog crate for the car; don’t forget the dog car harness

All six dog safety harnesses tested for the car failed the crash test. Two products received two out of five stars (recommended with conditions). These harnesses have withstood crash tests due to their robust and high-quality craft, but the dog can reach the driver’s or passenger seat if the harness is too long, including the attachment.

Four dog harnesses failed the test with only one star and were therefore not recommended. Here, the harness, including the attachment, did not withstand the load in the accident, and the dog (dummy) flew through the interior uncontrolled. The only advantage of the safety harness is that it can also be used as a standard dog harness and does not restrict visibility in the car.

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Safest dog crate for the car. Why a dog cage?

Transporting a dog in a car must be safe and stress-free for the occupants and their four-legged friends. The law specifies only the primary framework conditions here: it is essential that the dog cannot endanger the occupants of the car, is housed in the best possible way, and is suitable for the species.

Proper securing can save lives: a 19 kg dog can develop forces of over 400 kg in a collision at a typical speed of 50 km/h in a city and become a deadly projectile for the passengers in the front seat. For the dog to feel comfortable driving the car, the four-legged friend should be accustomed to the dog box.

Here, it would be helpful if manufacturers included instructions with boxing training tips with their products. Alternatively, there are numerous online guides and advice on this subject.

Transporting a dog in a car must be safe.

Safest dog crate for the car. Install the dog box correctly.

We recommend installing a dog box in the car’s boot using a metal box installed directly on the back seat, anchored to the car’s floor.

For the dog box test, 19 everyday products were selected by TCS and assessed and evaluated in the areas of safety, suitability for the dog, handling and cleaning. In addition, several crashes and drive tests were carried out for the most meaningful result possible, for which two dog dummies were specially made. (source).

Many dog boxes are available, so choosing the right one for your dog and car is vital. Some factors to consider include your dog’s size, car size, and budget.

• Wire crates: Wire crates are popular for dogs of all sizes. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. However, they can be challenging to secure in the car and distract the driver.
• Plastic crates: Plastic crates are more expensive than wire crates but are more durable and accessible to secure in the car. They are also a good option for dogs who are prone to chewing.
• Soft-sided crates: Soft-sided crates are the most portable option and the least secure. They are a good option for small dogs or dogs not prone to chewing.

Once you have chosen the type of dog crate, you need to select the correct size. The box should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie comfortably. It is also essential to ensure the crate is secure in the car. You can do this using a crate harness or securing the crate with a seatbelt.

Here are some of the best dog boxes for cars:

• G1 Kennel: The G1 Kennel is a durable and secure wire crate perfect for dogs of all sizes. It is made from heavy-duty steel and has a locking door to keep your dog safe.
• Sleepypod Atom: The Sleepypod Atom is a soft-sided crate for small dogs. It is made from durable nylon and has a padded bottom to keep your dog comfortable.
• Petmate Sky Kennel: The Petmate Sky Kennel is a plastic crate perfect for dogs of all sizes. It is made from durable plastic and has a locking door to keep your dog safe.

No matter what type of dog crate you choose, ensuring your dog is comfortable and safe when travelling in the car is essential. You can enjoy safe car rides with the right crate and a little preparation.

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