Imagine this: you’re on a road trip with your furry best friend, and suddenly, you have to brake hard. Your dog is safe and sound, secure in their crate, not tossed around the car. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality that crash-tested dog crates offer. Choosing the right crate for your dog’s safety is super important, but it can feel overwhelming. There are so many choices, and you want the very best for your pup.
Many dog owners worry about their pet’s safety during car rides. They want to know if their current crate is truly protecting their dog in case of an accident. It’s a big concern, and finding reliable information can be tough. You might be wondering which crates are actually tested and proven to keep your dog secure.
That’s where we come in! In this post, we’ll break down what “crash-tested” really means for dog crates. We’ll explore why this testing matters so much and what to look for when you’re shopping. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a crate that offers top-notch safety for your beloved companion, making every journey a worry-free adventure.
Our Top 5 Crash Tested Dog Crates Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Lucky Dog Kennel | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
 |
Lucky Dog Kennel | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
 |
Crash-Tested Dog Car Carrier (Test with FMVSS 213b – 5 Star Safety Certified by CPS) | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
 |
Ferplast Atlas Vehicle SUV Dog Crate | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
 |
Thule Allax Dog Crate S | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Crash Tested Dog Crates Detailed Reviews
1. Lucky Dog Kennel
Rating: 9.4/10
The Lucky Dog Kennel, Durable Crash Tested Portable Dog Crates, Intermediate, Tan offers top-notch safety and convenience for your furry friend. This crate is built tough and designed with your dog’s well-being in mind, whether you’re traveling or just need a secure space at home.
What We Like:
- CRASH TESTED: It has a 5-star crash test rating. This means it’s proven to keep your dog safe in a car.
- DURABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: The patented design is strong but not too heavy. You can carry it easily.
- MADE IN THE USA: This kennel comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s built to last.
- EASY DOOR ACCESS: The injection molded door flips quickly. You can reverse it in seconds and open it with just one hand.
- COMFORT AND SAFETY FEATURES: Special ventilation holes keep your dog cool. The pitched floor helps water drain away. It also has tie-downs, non-slip feet, and strong handles.
- FAMILY BUSINESS COMMITMENT: Lucky Duck is a family business that cares about dog safety and comfort. They believe in loyalty going both ways.
What Could Be Improved:
- SIZE RECOMMENDATION: While the intermediate size is great for dogs up to 50 pounds for travel, the company suggests going up a size for home use. This might mean buying a different crate if your dog spends a lot of time in it at home.
This Lucky Dog Kennel is a fantastic option for dog owners who prioritize safety and durability. Its crash-tested design and thoughtful features make it a reliable choice for travel and home use.
2. Lucky Dog Kennel
Rating: 8.7/10
The Lucky Dog Kennel Uplander (Orange) is a tough and safe portable crate for your furry friend. It’s designed for travel and home, keeping your dog secure and comfortable. This crate is built to last and made right here in America.
What We Like:
- It’s crash-tested with a 5-star rating, meaning it’s super safe for your dog.
- The design is strong but also light enough to carry easily.
- The door is easy to use. It flips open in seconds and you can open it with just one hand.
- There are special holes for air to flow, keeping your dog cool.
- The floor is sloped so water runs away from your dog into channels.
- It comes with tie-downs, non-slip feet, and strong handles for lifting.
- Lucky Dog is a family business that really cares about dog safety and comfort.
- It has a lifetime warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Intermediate” size is best for travel. For home use, it’s recommended to get a bigger size.
- While durable, the plastic might show scratches over time with heavy use.
This Lucky Dog kennel offers excellent safety and thoughtful features for your dog. It’s a solid choice for pet owners who prioritize their dog’s well-being.
3. Crash-Tested Dog Car Carrier (Test with FMVSS 213b – 5 Star Safety Certified by CPS)
Rating: 8.6/10
Traveling with your furry friend just got a whole lot safer and more comfortable with the Crash-Tested Dog Car Carrier. This innovative 3-in-1 product acts as a secure car seat, a convenient portable carrier, and a cozy enclosed bed for your small dog or cat. It’s designed to give you peace of mind on every journey.
What We Like:
- Unmatched Safety: This carrier is the real deal! It passed rigorous crash tests by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) with a 5-star rating, meeting the FMVSS 213b standard. It barely moved in tests, showing it can handle serious forces.
- Superior Design: Unlike most open car seats, this one has a secure top cover. This stops pets from being thrown around or hitting the car during accidents. It uses the car’s seatbelt system for protection, not just a flimsy inner leash that can break. It can handle over 750 lbs of force!
- Versatile Use: It’s not just for the car. Use it as a cozy bed at home for your pet to relax in. The mesh cover also makes it a great cat carrier, helping nervous cats feel more secure during vet visits or travel.
- Portable and Convenient: Take it anywhere! It’s easy to carry for short trips to the vet, overnight camping, or just to have a familiar, safe space for your pet at home.
- Cat-Friendly Features: Cats often feel safer inside this enclosed carrier, especially with the mesh window for them to see out. Using it as a bed at home first can reduce their travel stress.
What Could Be Improved:
- Weight Limit: While rated for up to 18lbs for optimal safety, some larger small dogs might be close to or exceed this limit.
- Limited Color Options: The product might come in a limited range of colors, which could be a drawback for some style-conscious pet owners.
This crash-tested carrier truly prioritizes your pet’s safety and comfort, making it an excellent investment for any pet owner who travels.
4. Ferplast Atlas Vehicle SUV Dog Crate
Rating: 9.1/10
The Ferplast Atlas Vehicle SUV Dog Crate is designed to keep your furry friend safe and comfortable on car rides. This crate fits perfectly in the back of SUVs and hatchback cars. It’s a great way to travel with your dog.
What We Like:
- It’s made especially for SUV cargo areas.
- The size (32L x 20W x 24H inches) is good for small to medium dogs up to 35 pounds.
- It has excellent ventilation with metal mesh and vented sides. This keeps the air flowing.
- Strong handles make it easy to move around.
- You can take it apart completely for easy storage or carrying.
- The front door slides sideways, which saves space in your car.
- The door has a secure lock to keep your dog safe.
- It comes with a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to measure your SUV’s cargo space before buying to make sure it fits.
- The doorway size (11.25W x 17.32H inches) might be a bit tight for some dogs, even within the weight limit.
This crate offers a secure and well-ventilated travel solution for your pet. It’s a solid choice for many pet owners.
5. Thule Allax Dog Crate S
Rating: 9.4/10
The Thule Allax Dog Crate S is designed with your dog’s safety and your convenience in mind. This crate has undergone rigorous crash testing, simulating front, rear, and even rollover accidents. Its innovative design includes a special crumple zone to offer extra protection during rear-end collisions. You can easily check on your furry friend through the crate’s windows and openings. The door opens and closes gently thanks to a gas damping mechanism, making your daily routine smoother. Plus, the escape hatch lets you open the crate from the backseat, adding another layer of security.
What We Like:
- The crate is crash-tested from the front, rear, and in a rollover scenario, offering superior safety.
- An innovative crumple zone adds extra protection during rear collisions.
- The gas damping mechanism on the door provides a gentle open and close action.
- Windows and openings allow you to easily see your dog at all times.
- An escape hatch enables opening the crate from the backseat for added convenience.
- Thule’s Fit Assistant helps you find the perfect size crate for your dog.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “S” size might be too small for larger breeds, so checking the dimensions carefully is important.
- While the escape hatch is a great feature, some dogs might try to exploit it if not properly trained.
This Thule Allax Dog Crate S offers excellent safety features and thoughtful design for pet owners. It’s a solid choice for keeping your dog secure during travel.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Crash-Tested Dog Crates for Safety and Peace of Mind
When it comes to keeping your furry friend safe, especially during travel, a crash-tested dog crate is a top priority. These aren’t your average wire cages. They are specifically designed and tested to withstand impact, protecting your dog in the event of a car accident. This guide will help you choose the best crash-tested crate for your canine companion.
Key Features to Look For
1. Strength and Durability
The most important feature is how strong the crate is. It needs to be built to absorb impact and prevent your dog from being injured by shifting objects or the crate itself breaking apart. Look for crates made from robust materials that don’t bend or buckle easily.
2. Secure Locking Mechanism
A strong lock keeps your dog safely inside. The latch should be sturdy and difficult for even a determined dog to open. It should also be easy for you to operate.
3. Proper Ventilation
Good airflow is crucial. Your dog needs to breathe comfortably. Look for crates with plenty of openings or vents that allow air to circulate freely. This prevents the crate from getting too hot or stuffy.
4. Size and Fit
The crate must be the right size for your dog. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A crate that is too small is uncomfortable and unsafe. A crate that is too large might not offer enough protection in an accident because your dog could be thrown around inside.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Accidents happen. A good crate should be easy to wipe down and clean. Removable trays or smooth surfaces make this much simpler.
Important Materials
The materials used in crash-tested crates are vital for their safety and longevity.
- High-Strength Aluminum: Many top-rated crates use aircraft-grade aluminum. It’s lightweight but incredibly strong, offering excellent protection without adding too much weight to your vehicle.
- Reinforced Steel: Some crates incorporate steel in their construction for added rigidity and impact resistance.
- Durable Plastics: While less common for the primary structure of high-end crash-tested crates, some might use heavy-duty plastics for components like latches or floor trays. However, for the main body, metal is generally preferred for crash safety.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a crash-tested crate better or worse.
Quality Enhancers:
- Independent Testing Certifications: Look for crates that have undergone rigorous testing by independent organizations (like the Center for Pet Safety). This means they’ve been proven to work.
- Welded Seams: Strong, welded seams on metal crates prevent weak points where the crate could break.
- Reinforced Corners: Extra reinforcement in the corners adds significant strength.
- Non-Toxic Materials: Ensure all materials are safe for your dog and don’t off-gas harmful fumes.
Quality Reducers:
- Cheaply Welded or Bolted Joints: These can be weak points.
- Flimsy Materials: Thin metal or brittle plastic won’t offer much protection.
- Poorly Designed Latches: Latches that are hard to secure or easily bypassed compromise safety.
- Sharp Edges: These can injure your dog.
User Experience and Use Cases
User Experience:
Owners often report feeling much more at ease when traveling with their dogs in a crash-tested crate. They describe their dogs as feeling secure and calm inside. Setting up and securing the crate in the car is usually straightforward for most models. Cleaning is typically manageable. Some users appreciate the versatility, using the crate for travel and as a safe den at home.
Use Cases:
- Car Travel: This is the primary use case. Whether it’s a short trip to the vet or a long road trip, these crates offer the best protection.
- Air Travel: While IATA-approved crates are the standard for air travel, some very robust crash-tested crates may be suitable for cargo hold if they meet specific airline requirements. Always check with your airline.
- Home Den: Many dogs find comfort and security in their crate, making it a great place for them to relax and sleep when not traveling.
- Veterinary Visits: For anxious dogs, a familiar and secure crate can make vet visits less stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crash-Tested Dog Crates
Q: What does “crash-tested” actually mean for a dog crate?
A: It means the crate has been put through specific safety tests that simulate a car crash to see how well it protects a dog. These tests check if the crate holds together and shields the dog from harm.
Q: Are all dog crates crash-tested?
A: No, only a specific type of crate is designed and tested for crash safety. Most standard crates are not built to withstand impact.
Q: How do I know if a crate is truly crash-tested and safe?
A: Look for crates that have been tested by reputable organizations like the Center for Pet Safety. They often provide certifications or detailed test results.
Q: What size crate should I get for my dog?
A: Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside. Measure your dog from nose to tail and from floor to the top of their head.
Q: Can I use a crash-tested crate for flights?
A: Some robust crates might be suitable for cargo holds, but always check with your airline for their specific requirements. IATA-approved crates are standard for most air travel.
Q: Are crash-tested crates heavy?
A: They can be heavier than regular crates because they use stronger materials. However, many are made from aluminum to keep the weight manageable.
Q: Is it difficult to install a crash-tested crate in my car?
A: Most are designed for easy installation. They often have straps or tie-down points to secure them safely in your vehicle.
Q: What if my dog tries to chew through the crate?
A: Crash-tested crates are built with very strong materials that are difficult for most dogs to chew through. However, if your dog is a persistent chewer, it’s always good to supervise them.
Q: How do I clean a metal crash-tested crate?
A: Most can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Some have removable trays that make cleaning even easier.
Q: Are crash-tested crates worth the extra cost?
A: For dog owners who travel frequently or want the highest level of safety for their pet, yes, they are definitely worth the investment. They provide peace of mind and superior protection.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!