Best Large Dog Traveling Crate
One of the things that makes traveling a fun adventure is the companion you travel with. Dogs are often called man’s (or woman’s) best friend, and they make great traveling buddies for anyone. It is not safe to let your dog sit on a vehicle seat or wander around while on the move, so you are going to need to invest in the best large dog traveling crate that guarantees the comfort of your pooch as much as yours.
Large pets are particularly difficult to handle in a moving vehicle and can create a level of discomfort for other travelers if they are not placed in proper confinement. This is more so the case if you have a pet that gets easily excited and has outbursts of energy as a result. With a proper cage, you can put all that in check while you enjoy your trip with your four-legged friend. Moving forward with this post, we will discuss why it is necessary to get a cage for your canine, pointers that will help you make the most suitable choice possible, the top five brands you should consider, and some frequently asked questions about the issue.
You may want to know that this post is a result of long and intensive hours of research and consultation. Our aim is to help you get a great dog travel crate at an affordable rate in a world where selling substandard products has become the order of the day for a lot of vendors, especially those that are online.
How Did We Pick the Best Large Dog Traveling Crate?
We constantly strive to put the interests of our readers above everything else. To make sure we do just that, we use informative and well-crafted articles to simplify the confusing maze you must navigate when choosing products to meet your needs. In a concerted effort to help you get the best from the market, we create product reviews by holistically studying the market and analyzing real customers’ feedback. In the end, you can be sure of a sincere and useful verdict from our team.
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Best Overall
2PET Foldable Dog Crate
Key Features
- Available in four different sizes and five different colors
- Foldable and portable
- Steel tube frame
Why It is Better?
- Suitable for traveling and training
- Sturdy and lightweight materials
- Adequate ventilation
- Why You Need a Large Dog Traveling Crate
- How to Pick the Right Large Dog Traveling Crate
- Top 5 Best Large Dog Traveling Crates
- 1. 2PET Foldable Dog Crate
- 2. Petmate Compass Plastic Pets Kennel with Chrome Door
- 3. Petsfit Travel Pet Home Indoor/Outdoor for Dog Steel Frame Home
- 4. Petmate Vari Kennel
- 5. SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why You Need a Large Dog Traveling Crate
Well, if you have a large pooch, then you need a large dog traveling crate for her; it is as simple as that. It does not matter if you need to fly to international destinations with her or make a short trip to the local vet for your appointment, the crate does come in really handy.
Here are some of the reasons why you need to get one.
- Dogs have a natural denning instinct: This means they prefer safe and enclosed quarters where they can enjoy a little bit of privacy when they need to. A well-crate-trained pet will view it as a place of refuge from the bustle of her surroundings and somewhere she can find peace and comfort when she is not ready to deal with external happenings. So, if you feel guilty about crating your pet, you really do not have to feel that way because you are giving her what she needs naturally. Make sure not to put your dog in a crate as punishment or force her to stay in it more often than not.
- To save space and money: Who said you can only use these crates when you are on the move? Yes, they are called large dog traveling crates, but you can use them for more than just confining your pet while traveling. You can use it as a regular cage set up at home, either indoors or outdoors. That way, you do not have to spend more money to get different kennels. Also, your pooch might be large, but your living space may not be. So, you may not have enough space to leave a dog crate set up, but with a proper foldable traveling crate, you can fold it up out of the way when it is not in use, saving a good portion of space.
- Protection while traveling: It is already an established fact that it is unsafe not to put your canine in some form of confinement while traveling. If you ride with your pet in your car very often without restraint, she may become injured from sliding around or may cause some notable damage to your car. The seats, seat belts, windows, and any other thing within her reach is vulnerable. Without proper confinement, she will dig her nails into the seat when the car moves or stops to find some balance, which could wear out the seat in no time. While still discussing protection, a good airline approved dog crate will protect your pet and keep her in place while you travel by air, water, or land. When on a car ride, for instance, your pooch can jump out of the window when not confined, distracting you and other drivers around, which is risky.
- Safety: Putting your pet in a crate while driving is like wearing your seat belt when you are inside a moving vehicle. It protects her if there were to be an accident. Leaving your pet on a seat by herself can cause her great harm in situations like this. A good crate fastened to the seat belt can greatly increase her safety. Also, remember to put your dog in the back seat as opposed to the front seat. If an airbag deploys when your pet is in the front seat, there is a chance she will be hurt seriously even if she is in a crate.
How to Pick the Right Large Dog Traveling Crate
Before you decide on what particular portable dog crate to go for, you need to carry out some research to make certain you end up with one that is suitable, cost-effective, functional, safe, and durable for your pet. There are a few key things you need to look for. We have selected five of these key things and explained them below.
- Brands: Brands, as you may already know, play a huge role in the salability of a product. They affect how a product is perceived by users and potential customers. The heavy duty dog crate you decide to go for should be from a reputable brand. It does not necessarily need to be a popular or high-end one, although it would not hurt to check these out too. You may start looking at the more popular ones. If they have managed to stir up interest among users, that means they are doing something right. Also, some older brands are known to make better products because of their experience. Some of the brands we recommend are MidWest Homes for Pets, 2Pet, Petmate, Petsfit, and SportPet Design.
- Size: When it comes to choosing metal, plastic, or wooden dog crates for large pets, it is important to be specific about the size of your pet when placing your order. If your pet is still a young dog from a large breed but is expected to grow into a giant size in the future, you can get a big crate with a divider. With the divider, you can adjust your pet’s living area accordingly as she gets bigger until she is big enough that you have no need for the divider. This will ensure that the crate can be used for many years. To measure the size of your pet, measure her horizontal length and height without the tail; then get a crate that is 50% higher and 25% lengthier than your pooch.
- Material: The most common crates are made with soft fabric, metal, wooden, or plastic materials. While all these three materials are great, it is important to consider your needs and those of your pet before deciding on which material to choose. If your pet is aggressive, you may want to avoid any soft sided dog crate because they are not strong enough to withstand aggression especially from a large pet. While you are at it, remember that the crate has to be travel-friendly, so it must be light and foldable irrespective of the material used.
- Ventilation: One thing a dog crate must have is a means for proper ventilation, or your dog may not really relax while in it. Without proper air circulation, your pet is most likely going to overheat and become restless at the same time. If you are considering a soft-sided crate made of fabric, be sure it comes with mesh doors and windows on three sides at least. If you are considering a metal wire crate, you really will not have a problem with ventilation, thanks to the design. However, you may need to get some dog kennel covers for your pooch just in case it gets too cold.
- Portability: Since you will need it while traveling with your pet, it is important to make sure that the crate you choose is portable enough to make it easy for you to move it from one place to another. A soft sided dog crate fits well into this category. A very portable crate has some unique features like carry handles, wheels, ability to be folded, and lightweight construction. With all these features present, you can move the crate as you wish even with your pet inside it.
Top 5 Best Large Dog Traveling Crates
In the course of our research, we took the time to consult long-time pet owners, seasoned dog trainers, and veterinary doctors. They shared with us some of their favorite brands of crates for large dogs and what they think about their experience with the crates. We selected the best five from their suggestions based on certain criteria, and we have reviewed them for you are follows.
1. 2PET Foldable Dog Crate Review
Key Features
- Available in four different sizes and five different colors
- Foldable and portable
- Steel tube frame
- Has a top handle
- Soft water-resistant 600DD fabric cover
- Multiple mesh windows and waterproof mat
We Like
- Suitable for traveling and training
- Sturdy and lightweight materials
- Adequate ventilation
- Interesting design
- Easy to set up or fold up with no tools required
- Easy to clean and maintain
We Don’t Like
- Mesh could be better
- Not suitable for aggressive pets
This, to most people, is the best dog crate on the market, and we could not agree more. When getting this crate for your pet, be sure to specify what size you need because it comes in four different sizes, the largest of which is XXL at 36 inches. You also get to choose from five different colors out of grizzle grey bonny blue, rawhide red, biscuit beige, and disguise camo.
This product is travel-friendly, portable, and functional. The frame is made of quality steel tubing, while the cover is made from 600D water-resistant fabric that is easily removable and machine washable. It comes with mesh windows and a waterproof mat that is quite easy to clean too. Your pet will enjoy adequate ventilation, thanks to the multiple mesh windows. Setting up this crate takes little to no effort and no tools at all. You can use it to crate-train your pet if it is not aggressive. Also, the mesh materials used for the windows are not strong enough to withstand stress.
2. Petmate Compass Plastic Pets Kennel with Chrome Door Review
Key Features
- Available in six different sizes
- Made of plastic and metal materials
- Two-way door for easy access
- Mesh windows on all sides
- Door latch locking system
- Carry handles
We Like
- Proper ventilation and maximum visibility
- Durable construction
- Safe for all forms of travel
- Suitable for crate training
- Eco-friendly materials
- Easy to set up and no tools required
We Don’t Like
- Does not come with a divider
- Design not collapsible
The second product on our list is by Petmate, one of the most renowned pet accessory companies. Petmate has over 50 years of experience satisfying a wide range of loyal customers. This traveling crate is available in six different sizes. The largest size is designed to handle a weight of 70 to 90 pounds. It is made of quality plastic material meshed on all corners for proper ventilation and a metal wire door, which is also great for ventilation.
Other interesting features of this product are that it is a travel crate, is approved by most airlines, comes with a carry handle to help with lifting it, and is a great option if you are looking to crate train your pooch. Setting it up is quite easy as well, and it is eco-friendly. You may not enjoy a great deal of portability with this crate since is not foldable, but the materials are high quality and would surely serve you and your pet for a long time if handled with care.
3. Petsfit Travel Pet Home Indoor/Outdoor for Dog Steel Frame Home Review
Key Features
- Two doors and top-opening entrance
- Patented screw-in frame design
- Lightweight and portable
- Foldable pet crate
- Removable soft pad
- Made from quality fabric material and metal tubes
We Like
- Easy to set up and no tools required
- Sturdy design and long-lasting materials
- Functional both indoors and outdoors
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Beautiful design
We Don’t Like
- Not great for pets that like chewing
- Does not come in a wide range of colors
This is a well-designed crate that is available in two different colors—black and gray. It comes with three different openings to grant your pooch easy entrance and exit from the crate. These consist of two doors on the sides and an opening on the roof. Openings in the side of the crate make it easy for air to circulate properly inside. A patented screw-in frame design keeps the mesh in place.
It is easy to set up. All you have to do is unfold it, and it is all done and waiting to be used. Folding it down does not take much time, and you can take it with you on a trip to be set up either indoors or outdoors. There is also a removable soft pad in the interior of the pen, where your pooch can relax comfortably. You can easily clean this crate whenever you feel like it. Although this is a great product, it is not meant for everyone especially pets that like to chew and those that are generally destructive.
4. Petmate Vari Kennel Review
Key Features
- Comes in six sizes
- Tied-down strap holes and wire vents
- Meets most airline and cargo specifications
- Easy-open front latch
- Suitable for crate training
- Made with heavy duty recycled plastic materia
We Like
- Allows proper circulation of air
- Sizable and comfortable
- Durable and sturdy design
- Comes with a carry handle
- Effective locking system
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
We Don’t Like
- Not so heavy duty
- Door made out of low-quality material
This is the second product by Petmate on this list, but we have to include it because it is such a good one especially for those looking for an affordable but quality crate for their pooch. It comes in six different sizes, and the largest can hold a pet of 70 to 90 pounds. It has tie-down strap holes and wire vents, which allow a proper airflow in the kennel. You do not need to do a lot of work to set it up. It is quite easy to figure out, or you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to do it.
This product is quite travel-friendly especially for owners that like taking their pet with them on a road trip. It meets the standards and specifications of most airlines and train services, so you are most likely to be allowed to take it with you on a flight or train ride. The front latch is also a cool feature that allows your pet to gain easy access to the crate; it slides up on both sides.
5. SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Review
Key Features
- Suitable for a kennel-trained pet only
- Available in six different sizes
- Made from quality plastic material
- Four rolling wheels
- AITA airline approved
- 2 dishes, 4 animal stickers, and metal bolts and nuts
We Like
- Easy to assemble with no tools required
- Quite portable and easy to move around
- Meshed door and windows for proper ventilation
- Comes with a number of accessories
- Easy to clean and maintain
We Don’t Like
- Is not foldable
- Not suitable for crate training
The manufacturers made it clear that this SportPet crate is not a good option for you if you are looking to crate train your pet. It is not foldable, and it may not last for a long time if your pooch chews a lot or is generally aggressive. Aside from all that, this is one of the best large dog traveling crate models out there. Plus, it is quite affordable.
You can assemble it on your own; it is that easy with no tools required. Be sure to be specific about what size you want because it comes in six different sizes of quality plastic crate. It sits on four rolling wheels so that you can easily transport it from one location to another even with your pet inside. With this product, traveling with your pet is a little easier, and you do not have to leave your companion at home. It is AITA airline approved, but you will have to call your airline ahead of time to make sure there are no extra regulations you need to take into consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
From what we have explained about large dog crates, we hope you are able to get at least the basic information you need to help make the most suitable decision for you and your pet. Despite having worked so hard to bring you uncensored information on this matter, there is only so much we can put in one post. This is why we have selected and answered some of the most frequently asked questions about this topic to give you a more in-depth understanding of the matter.
These products were designed with the intention of making it easier for pet owners to travel with their pets without being stressed out in the process, so they are typical travel crates. But you can also use one when you are not traveling. For instance, you can use it as your regular crate at home. This is a place for your pet to rest and have some privacy when she needs it.
You can decide to set it up either indoors or outdoors depending on what you need and what type of crate you have. Typical soft sided crates can serve as indoor dog kennels if your dog lives inside. But the heavy duty types can stay outdoors for longer periods irrespective of the weather.
You are going to have to check in with your airline to find out their exact requirements related to traveling with a pet because these requirements may vary from airline to airline. Some of the most common requirements of most airlines both for small and large dog crates include the following rules.
- It must have a reliable spring-loaded locking system.
- There must be more than one opening for proper ventilation—two sides for local flights and four sides for international flights.
- The cage must be the right size for your pet; she must be able to stand up, lie down, and turn around in it without difficulty.
- The material must be quality metal, plastic, or fiberglass.
- The floor must be leakproof and solid.
- The wheels must be removable or lockable to ensure it does not roll around.
The best dog сrate for your pet should be spacious enough to let her move around, stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It should not be too big or too small. You need to find something that can accommodate your pet’s denning instinct. This will require knowing your pet’s size—horizontal length and height. This will guide you when getting a crate. The key is to get a cage that is 50% higher than your pet and 25% longer.
Yes, you can fly with your large pet as long as you, your pet, and the crate meet the requirements of the airline. To confirm that you are in line with the requirements, you should call the airline beforehand.
It is not a matter of how long but how comfortable your pet feels while in the crate. If your dog is not crate trained, she may find it hard to stay in here for longer periods because she may not be comfortable with the idea of being locked away. Also, if you want your pet to enjoy her crate, do not use it for time-out punishments or in any way that may make her feel stressed.
Conclusion
The manufacturers made it clear that this SportPet crate is not a good option for you if you are looking to crate train your pet. It is not foldable, and it may not last for a long time if your pooch chews a lot or is generally aggressive. Aside from all that, this is one of the best large dog traveling crate models out there. Plus, it is quite affordable.
You can assemble it on your own; it is that easy with no tools required. Be sure to be specific about what size you want because it comes in six different sizes of quality plastic crate. It sits on four rolling wheels so that you can easily transport it from one location to another even with your pet inside. With this product, traveling with your pet is a little easier, and you do not have to leave your companion at home. It is AITA airline approved, but you will have to call your airline ahead of time to make sure there are no extra regulations you need to take into consideration.