🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Dog Care Products

Safer Travel: Best Crash-Tested Dog Crates for Large Dogs

Discover why crash-tested crates like the Gunner G1 outperform unsecured carriers. Our comparison of the top 5 large dog crates helps you choose the safest option for car travel.

PE
ProPawPicks Editorial Team
ProPawPicks Reviewer
Updated

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🐶 ★ Top Pick: Gunner G1 Intermediate Large Crate with Patented Ro… Check Price on Amazon →
90 lbs
Maximum dog weight for large crates
36 inches
Typical length for large dog crate
50+ lbs
Weight of heavy-duty plastic crates
2 to 4 hours
Recommended max continuous crating time
⚡ Key takeaways
  • Best for Car Travel: Gunner G1 Intermediate Large Crate with Patented Rotomolded Construction. The Gunner G1 is built like a tank with rotomolded plastic that withstands impacts.
  • Best for Airline Travel: Petmate Sky Kennel Dog Crate with Wire Door. This crate meets most airline cargo requirements and has been a trusted choice for decades.
  • Best for Large Dogs: Diggs Revol Crate for Large Dogs. The Diggs Revol is a collapsible crate that sets up in seconds without tools.
  • Best Budget: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door & Double Door Collapsible Wire Crate. The iCrate is affordable and widely available.
  • Best for Escape Artists: Frisco Heavy Duty Fold & Carry Crate with Double Doors. This crate features reinforced steel bars and strong slide-bolt latches to prevent escapes.
At a Glance

Quick Comparison

ProductBest For
Gunner G1 Intermediate Large Crate with Paten… Best for Car Travel Check price →
Petmate Sky Kennel Dog Crate with Wire Door Best for Airline Travel Check price →
Diggs Revol Crate for Large Dogs Best for Large Dogs Check price →
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door &am… Best Budget Check price →
Frisco Heavy Duty Fold & Carry Crate with… Best for Escape Artists Check price →

Quick answer

The best travel dog crate for large dogs is the Gunner G1 Intermediate Large Crate for its rugged construction, crash-tested design, and excellent ventilation. If you need a lighter option for airline travel, the Petmate Sky Kennel is a reliable choice. For budget-conscious owners, the MidWest Homes iCrate offers solid value with fold-flat convenience.

What to consider for Travel Dog Crate For Large Dogs

Large dogs need crates that provide enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure your dog from nose to tail and from floor to top of head while sitting. Add a few inches for clearance. Consider the crate’s weight and portability if you travel frequently. Look for materials that are easy to clean and resistant to chewing. Crash-tested crates offer extra safety in vehicles. Also check airline regulations if you plan to fly; each airline has specific size and material requirements.

What to look for in a travel or containment product (crate, carrier, gate or car seat)

Correct sizing is critical: the crate should be large enough for the dog to stand and turn. Good ventilation ensures airflow and reduces stress. Secure construction with strong latches prevents escapes. Crash-tested designs provide peace of mind in cars. Easy cleaning features like removable trays or washable pads save time. Portability matters for travel; look for foldable or lightweight options. For gates, ensure they are tall enough and have a secure mounting system. Car seats should be crash-tested and properly anchored.

How we chose these picks

  • Evaluated product specifications and materials for durability and safety.
  • Checked customer reviews for real-world feedback on size, assembly, and longevity.
  • Considered crash-test certifications from the Center for Pet Safety.
  • Compared weight and portability for travel convenience.
  • Ensured each crate meets airline requirements where applicable.
  • Assessed ease of cleaning and maintenance.
  • Factored in price to offer options across budgets.
  • Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.

What to avoid

  • A crate too small for your dog to stand and turn around in; this causes discomfort and stress.
  • Unsecured carriers in a moving car; always use seat belts or crate anchors.
  • Flimsy gates that a determined dog can push through or climb over.
  • Over-long crating; dogs should not be confined for more than a few hours without breaks.
  • Soft-sided carriers for dogs that chew or scratch; they can escape or be injured.

For more guides, visit our dog guides and check out dog care products or dog nutrition.

Why this matters

Crash-tested crates like the Gunner G1 significantly reduce the risk of injury during a car accident, yet many pet owners still use unsecured carriers that offer little protection.

The Options

Types Explained

Hard-Sided Plastic Crate

Made from molded plastic with a metal door. These are typically airline-approved and provide a den-like environment. They are durable and easy to clean but can be heavy.

Best for: Airline travel and car trips where crash-tested models are available.

Wire Crate

Constructed from metal wire with a removable plastic tray. They offer excellent ventilation and visibility. Many fold flat for storage. They are not crash-tested and may not contain chewers.

Best for: Home use and crate training due to easy setup and adjustability.

Soft-Sided Carrier

Made from fabric with mesh windows and a frame. They are lightweight and portable but not suitable for strong chewers or escape artists. Some are airline-approved for cabin travel.

Best for: Small to medium dogs for short trips or airline cabin use.

Heavy-Duty Crate

Reinforced with thicker metal bars or rotomolded plastic. They have strong latches and are designed to contain determined dogs. They are heavy and expensive.

Best for: Escape artists or dogs that need extra security during travel.
The Rankings

Top 5 Picks

#1
Best for Car Travel

Gunner G1 Intermediate Large Crate with Patented Rotomolded Construction

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The Gunner G1 is built like a tank with rotomolded plastic that withstands impacts. It is crash-tested by the Center for Pet Safety and features a double-wall design for insulation. The large size fits dogs up to 90 pounds. However, it is heavy (over 50 pounds) and expensive, making it less portable for everyday use.

Check Price on Amazon →
#2
Petmate Sky Kennel Dog Crate with Wire Door
Best for Airline Travel

Petmate Sky Kennel Dog Crate with Wire Door

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This crate meets most airline cargo requirements and has been a trusted choice for decades. It features a wire door for ventilation and a sturdy plastic shell. The large size accommodates dogs up to 90 pounds. A limitation is that the plastic can crack under extreme impact, and the wire door may not deter determined chewers.

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#3
Diggs Revol Crate for Large Dogs
Best for Large Dogs

Diggs Revol Crate for Large Dogs

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The Diggs Revol is a collapsible crate that sets up in seconds without tools. It offers a spacious interior with a durable aluminum frame and fabric panels. The large size fits dogs up to 90 pounds. However, it is not crash-tested and may not be suitable for dogs that chew through fabric.

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#4
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door & Double Door Collapsible Wire Crate
Best Budget

MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door & Double Door Collapsible Wire Crate

View on Amazon

The iCrate is affordable and widely available. It comes with a divider panel to adjust size as your puppy grows. The large size fits dogs up to 90 pounds. It folds flat for storage. A trade-off is that the wire construction is less secure for escape artists, and it lacks crash-test certification.

Check Price on Amazon →
#5
Frisco Heavy Duty Fold & Carry Crate with Double Doors
Best for Escape Artists

Frisco Heavy Duty Fold & Carry Crate with Double Doors

View on Amazon

This crate features reinforced steel bars and strong slide-bolt latches to prevent escapes. It has a removable plastic tray for easy cleaning. The large size fits dogs up to 90 pounds. A downside is that it is heavy and not crash-tested, and the tray can be chewed by determined dogs.

Check Price on Amazon →
Before You Buy

Key Buying Factors

01

Size and Fit

Measure your dog's length from nose to tail base and height from floor to top of head while sitting. Add 2 to 4 inches for comfort. The crate should allow your dog to stand, turn, and lie down naturally.

02

Material and Durability

Plastic crates are lighter and often airline-approved, while wire crates offer better ventilation and visibility. Heavy-duty rotomolded plastic provides impact resistance. Consider your dog's chewing habits and travel frequency.

03

Safety Features

Look for crash-tested designs if using in a car. Ensure latches are secure and the crate has no sharp edges. For air travel, check that the crate meets IATA standards with proper ventilation and a leak-proof floor.

04

Portability and Storage

Foldable or collapsible crates are easier to transport and store. Weight matters if you need to carry it frequently. Some crates have wheels or handles for convenience.

05

Ease of Cleaning

Removable trays or washable pads simplify cleanup. Plastic crates can be hosed down, while fabric crates may need machine washing. Consider odor resistance and non-porous surfaces.

Living With It

Care, Cost and Maintenance

Cleaning Your Crate

Remove the tray or pad and wash with mild soap and water. For plastic crates, use a pet-safe disinfectant. Wire crates can be wiped down. Allow all parts to dry completely before reassembling to prevent mold.

Maintaining Latches and Hinges

Check latches regularly for wear or damage. Lubricate hinges with a pet-safe lubricant if they become stiff. Replace any broken parts immediately to ensure security.

Inspecting for Damage

Before each trip, inspect the crate for cracks, bent wires, or loose screws. A damaged crate can fail during travel. Replace the crate if structural integrity is compromised.

Pro tip

When using a wire crate in the car, anchor it with cargo straps or a seat belt adapter to prevent it from sliding or tipping during sudden stops.

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure my dog for a travel crate?
Measure your dog's length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while standing. For height, measure from the floor to the top of the head while sitting. Add 2 to 4 inches to both measurements to ensure your dog can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. The crate should be large enough for these movements but not so large that the dog feels insecure. Always refer to the crate's interior dimensions, not exterior.
Are travel crates safe for car travel?
Not all crates are safe for car travel. Look for crash-tested crates that have been evaluated by organizations like the Center for Pet Safety. These crates are designed to withstand impact and secure your dog in a collision. Even a sturdy crate should be anchored with straps or placed in a cargo area. Avoid using soft-sided carriers in cars as they offer no protection.
What are airline requirements for dog crates?
Airlines typically require hard-sided plastic crates that meet IATA standards. The crate must be well-ventilated on at least three sides, have a leak-proof floor, and allow your dog to stand and turn. Fasteners must be secure, and the crate should have handles for lifting. Check with your specific airline for size and weight limits, as they vary.
How long can a large dog stay in a crate?
Adult dogs should not be crated for more than 4 to 6 hours at a time during the day, and puppies need more frequent breaks. Extended crating can lead to physical and behavioral issues. Always provide water if the crate is used for longer periods, and ensure your dog gets regular exercise and bathroom breaks.
What ventilation is needed in a dog crate?
Crates should have ventilation openings on at least two sides to allow airflow. For hard-sided crates, look for windows or slots. Wire crates naturally offer good airflow. In hot weather, ensure the crate is placed in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Never leave a dog in a crate in a hot car, as temperatures can rise rapidly.
How can I prevent my dog from escaping a crate?
Choose a crate with strong, secure latches. For wire crates, use carabiners to reinforce the door. Heavy-duty crates with slide-bolt latches are more escape-proof. Ensure the crate is assembled correctly and that there are no gaps. For determined dogs, consider a crate with a locking mechanism or a cover to reduce anxiety.
Should I choose a soft-sided or hard-sided carrier?
Hard-sided carriers are more durable, secure, and often airline-approved. They provide better protection in cars and are easier to clean. Soft-sided carriers are lighter and more portable, but they are not suitable for dogs that chew or scratch, and they offer minimal crash protection. For large dogs, hard-sided is generally recommended.
Can I use a wire crate for air travel?
Most airlines do not accept wire crates for cargo travel because they lack a solid roof and can collapse. Wire crates are typically used for home or car travel. For air travel, you need a hard-sided plastic crate that meets IATA specifications. Some small wire crates may be allowed in the cabin if they fit under the seat, but this is rare for large dogs.
What safety concerns should I watch for with crates?
Ensure the crate has no sharp edges or protruding parts that could injure your dog. Check that the door latches securely and cannot be accidentally opened. Avoid crates with toxic materials or paint. Never use a crate that is too small, as it can cause physical discomfort and stress. Always supervise your dog initially when using a new crate.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency

How we made this guide

How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dog Care Products, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.

How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.

Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

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Sources and further reading

Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.