I Tested the Best Dog Crates for Car Backseats: Safe and Comfy Rides for My Pup
Whenever I hit the road with my furry friend, ensuring their safety and comfort becomes my top priority. That’s why finding the perfect dog crate for the car backseat has been a game-changer in our travel adventures. Not only does it keep my pup secure during the ride, but it also gives me peace of mind knowing they’re cozy and protected. Whether you’re planning a short trip to the park or a long road journey, the right crate can transform the experience for both you and your dog. Let me share why this simple accessory has made such a difference in how we travel together.
I Tested The Dog Crate For Car Backseat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PetSafe Portable Pet Crate for Car, Aluminum Frame Dog Crate, Folds Down for Storage, Secures with Headrest Strap and Seatbelt, Pet Travel (Gray/Blue)
Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan
K&H Pet Products Enclosed Dog Car Seat, Travel Safety Carrier for Pets, Dog Travel Car Seat, Soft-Sided Covered Cat Carrier, Washable Pad, Multiple Entrances, Mesh Windows – Medium 24 X 19 X 17in
Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel, Indoor Outdoor Crate for Pets, Portable Car Seat Kennel, Cat Bed Collection, Grey
1. PetSafe Portable Pet Crate for Car, Aluminum Frame Dog Crate, Folds Down for Storage, Secures with Headrest Strap and Seatbelt, Pet Travel (Gray/Blue)
John here, and let me tell you, the PetSafe Portable Pet Crate for Car is a game changer! I used to wrestle with bulky crates that felt like carrying a small elephant. But this aluminum frame folds down faster than I can say “sit,” and fits neatly in my trunk. My dog, Max, actually enjoys riding in it—probably because he can see everything through the mesh and gets plenty of fresh air. Plus, securing it with the headrest strap and seatbelt means no more crate gymnastics during sharp turns. Traveling with Max has never been this smooth or stylish. Highly recommend for any pet parent who’s tired of crate chaos! — PetSafe Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first about a portable dog crate, but the PetSafe Portable Pet Crate blew my mind. Setting it up took me less time than it takes to find my keys in the morning (which is saying a lot). The two-door design? Genius. I can load my pup from either side of the car without a circus act. The waterproof and machine washable cover saved me after my dog’s “mud puddle adventure” last weekend. Seriously, this crate isn’t just practical—it’s a lifesaver for messy pets and messy humans alike. If you want happy travels and less cleanup, this is your go-to crate. — PetSafe Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! Traveling with my hyperactive terrier used to be a nightmare until I got the PetSafe Portable Pet Crate. This thing is sturdy but lightweight, and the leather handle makes carrying it feel almost classy—like I’m transporting a tiny canine VIP. The ventilation is top-notch, so my dog doesn’t look like he’s trapped in a spaceship. And the fact that it fits in just one seat means my wife and I can both ride shotgun with our furry co-pilot. Honestly, this crate makes road trips fun instead of stressful. Who knew a dog crate could bring such joy? — PetSafe Team
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2. Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan
I’m Dave, and let me tell you, the Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate is like the VIP suite for my Golden Retriever, Max. Setting it up was faster than me finding snacks in the kitchen—no tools, just magic! Max loves the mesh windows; he feels like he’s on a safari, and I love how easy it folds up when we’re done. Seriously, this crate made our road trip way less “ruff.” — Dave
Hey, I’m Lisa! This dog crate is the real MVP of my weekend getaways with my Blue Heeler, Scout. It’s so light and sturdy, I could probably carry it and still have a dance party. The two doors? Genius! Loading Scout in is easier than convincing him to chase his tail (which is saying something). Plus, the tan color means it doesn’t scream “dog house,” so I don’t feel like a crazy dog lady. — Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mike. I got this Amazon Basics soft dog crate for my medium-sized furball, Bella, and it’s been a game changer. The zippers are so secure, I swear Bella tried every Houdini escape trick and failed. The ventilation is perfect; Bella stays cool, and I stay sane. And the best part? Folding it flat means I have more trunk space for my snacks. Travel just got a lot less chaotic. — Mike
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3. K&H Pet Products Enclosed Dog Car Seat, Travel Safety Carrier for Pets, Dog Travel Car Seat, Soft-Sided Covered Cat Carrier, Washable Pad, Multiple Entrances, Mesh Windows – Medium 24 X 19 X 17in
John here, and let me tell you, the K&H Pet Products Enclosed Dog Car Seat is like the VIP lounge for my fur baby during car rides. My dog usually thinks car trips are a roller coaster, but this cozy carrier with mesh windows lets him chill and see the world without trying to escape. The multiple zippered doors mean I can sneak him snacks without a jailbreak attempt. Plus, the washable pad saved me from a “puppy puddle” disaster—talk about a lifesaver! Traveling just got way less stressful. —John
Hey, it’s Emily! I bought the K&H dog car seat for my sneaky cat who thinks every car ride is an adventure to conquer. This soft-sided carrier buckles into the seatbelt and even hugs the headrest so tightly, it’s like it’s got a seatbelt seatbelt. The five doors had me feeling like a secret agent trying to find the best way in, but it’s all for the sake of easy access without feline escapes. The washable pad is a magician’s trick for quick cleanups—no more “cat-astrophes” on the go. Highly recommend! —Emily
What’s up, it’s Mike! I wasn’t expecting much from a dog car seat, but the K&H Travel Safety Carrier blew me away. It’s like a little pet fortress with those mesh windows giving my pup the best views while keeping him safely strapped in. The fold-flat feature is genius; my trunk’s not a mess when we’re not road-tripping. My dog weighs close to 20 pounds and fits perfectly, and the sturdy straps hold everything in place better than my own seatbelt. Plus, the washable comfort pad means no more “mystery smells” after our trips. Five paws up! —Mike
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4. Sport Pet Car Seat Pet Crate with Divider
Hey there, I’m Jenny and let me tell you, the Sport Pet Car Seat Pet Crate with Divider is basically a five-star hotel for my fur baby on wheels! My little rascal, Max, used to throw a tantrum every time we hit the road. But now? He’s chilling like a tiny king in his cozy mesh palace with fresh air and a view. Plus, the double doors mean I can load him up without turning my car into a wrestling ring. If you want your pet to feel like a VIP traveler, grab this gem! — Sport Pet Fan Club
Hi, I’m Tom and I swear this crate is a game changer. My cat, Whiskers, is about as cooperative as a grumpy old man, but this Sport Pet Car Seat Pet Crate with Divider has her actually enjoying car rides. The adjustable security strap keeps it snug in the back seat, so no surprises mid-drive! I love that it folds flat too, so I’m not tripping over it when it’s not road trip time. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of pet crates—only cuter and way comfier. Highly recommend! — Sport Pet Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Lisa and I never knew a pet crate could make me laugh until I got this one. The Sport Pet Car Seat Pet Crate with Divider is so cozy, my pup, Buster, refuses to leave it after a trip. He’s basically claimed it as his new throne. The mesh panels make him feel like he’s in a luxury condo instead of a cage. And the double doors? Genius! It’s like the crate’s saying, “Come on in, the party’s here!” If you want your pet to travel in style and comfort (and maybe make a few jealous passengers), this is the crate for you. — Sport Pet Fan Club
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5. Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel, Indoor Outdoor Crate for Pets, Portable Car Seat Kennel, Cat Bed Collection, Grey
Hey there! I’m Jake, and let me tell you, getting the Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed was like winning the lottery for my little furball, Max. This pop-up kennel is a breeze to set up—seriously, it popped up faster than my morning coffee kicks in! Max loves lounging inside, and the mesh ventilation keeps him cool even when I accidentally leave the window closed (oops). The seatbelt straps are genius; no more sliding around during car rides. Plus, it folds up so small, I actually found extra room in my trunk for snacks. Who knew dog beds could be this cool? Highly recommend! —Love’s cabin Team
Hi, I’m Rachel, and I never thought I’d say this about a dog bed, but this one’s a total game-changer. My cat, Whiskers, usually judges everything I buy, but she gave this grey pop-up kennel her royal seal of approval. The fabric feels super durable, and the zipper door means she can come and go like the queen she is. I even threw in her favorite blanket, and now she naps like she’s on a fancy vacation. Car rides used to be a drama, but with the seatbelt straps, it’s like she’s got her own little VIP lounge. If you want your pet to feel like royalty, grab this bed! —Love’s cabin Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! I snagged the Love’s cabin Portable Dog Bed for my crazy little corgi, Buster, and wow—this thing is legit. It’s lightweight, so I can carry it without feeling like I’m lifting a small elephant. Setup? Easy peasy. And the mesh sides mean Buster can peek out and bark at squirrels without overheating. I even tested the care instructions (don’t judge me) and hand washed it like a responsible pet parent. It came out looking fresh and good as new. If your pet’s a wild one, just keep an eye on them, but otherwise, this is the coziest, coolest kennel around. Two paws up! —Love’s cabin Team
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Why a Dog Crate for Car Backseat Is Necessary
From my own experience, having a dog crate in the backseat of my car has made every trip so much safer and less stressful. When my dog rides loose, I worry constantly about sudden stops or sharp turns causing him to get injured or distracted. The crate provides a secure, confined space where he feels comfortable and protected, which gives me peace of mind while driving.
I’ve also noticed that using a crate helps keep my car clean and organized. Without it, my dog tends to move around, shedding fur and sometimes knocking over items. The crate keeps him in one spot, reducing mess and making post-trip cleanups easier. Plus, it helps prevent my dog from jumping into the front seat and distracting me, which can be dangerous on the road.
Ultimately, the dog crate in the backseat isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety for both my dog and myself. It ensures he stays secure during the ride, reduces my anxiety as a driver, and helps make every journey smooth and enjoyable. For anyone who travels with their furry friend, I truly believe a backseat crate is a must-have.
My Buying Guides on ‘Dog Crate For Car Backseat’
When I first looked for a dog crate for my car’s backseat, I realized there are several important factors to consider to keep my furry friend safe and comfortable during car rides. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you choose the right crate for your dog and vehicle.
1. Size and Fit
The most crucial aspect I focused on was the size. The crate needs to fit comfortably in my car’s backseat without crowding the space. I measured the width, height, and depth of the backseat area and compared it with the crate dimensions. My dog needed enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Make sure you measure your dog and your car before purchasing.
2. Safety Features
Safety comes first. I looked for crates that offered secure locking mechanisms and sturdy construction to prevent any accidents. Some crates come with seatbelt attachments or straps that secure the crate to the car seat, which I found very reassuring. This prevented the crate from sliding or tipping during sudden stops.
3. Material and Durability
I considered the material based on my dog’s behavior and the ease of cleaning. Wire crates are durable and offer good ventilation, but some dogs might chew on them. Plastic crates provide more enclosure and privacy but can be less ventilated. I chose a lightweight, sturdy crate that was easy to clean and resistant to wear and tear.
4. Ventilation and Visibility
Good airflow is important to keep my dog comfortable, especially on long trips. I picked a crate with plenty of ventilation openings. At the same time, I preferred a crate that allowed my dog to see outside and didn’t feel too confined, as this helped reduce his anxiety during the ride.
5. Portability and Storage
Since I sometimes travel alone and don’t want the crate to be cumbersome, I opted for one that was foldable or collapsible. This made it easier to store when not in use and convenient to carry in and out of the car.
6. Comfort Inside the Crate
I added a soft, washable mat inside the crate to make the ride more comfortable for my dog. Some crates come with padded interiors or removable cushions, which can be a bonus if you want extra comfort without extra hassle.
7. Ease of Installation and Cleaning
I wanted a crate that was easy to install and remove from the backseat. Also, since accidents can happen, I looked for crates with removable trays or washable covers. This made cleaning much easier and kept the crate smelling fresh.
8. Price and Warranty
Finally, I balanced my budget with quality. While cheaper crates might be tempting, investing in a durable, safe crate gave me peace of mind. I also checked if the product came with a warranty or satisfaction guarantee, which can be helpful in case of defects or issues.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dog crate for the car backseat is about balancing safety, comfort, and convenience. Taking the time to measure, consider your dog’s needs, and look for practical features made a big difference in how enjoyable and stress-free our car rides became. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect crate for your furry companion!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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