5 Questions To Ask When Choosing A Dog Crate For The Car

One of the most common reasons people think about buying a dog crate is so they can be able to transport them inside their car. Most people go so many places with their dogs, and just as seat-belts are essential for humans, dogs also need a way of being kept safe and secure - whether it is during a short trip to the vet or an extensive road trip across the country.

Quite a lot of people let their dog roam free within the car, or even let them sit on their lap while they're driving. Not only is this illegal in some countries, it can become a big distraction and in extreme cases may lead to an accident. Dog harnesses are one way you can keep your dog contained during car travel, though they don't offer some of the same benefits to keeping them in a crate. Here are a few important considerations you should make when looking for the right crate for the car.

1. How Big?

The size of your dog is the first thing you should think about for any crate you buy. In the case of choosing a crate for the car it can mean the difference between buying a specialized crate for the front passenger-side seat or purchasing one that can fit across the back seat (or in the back of a hatchback or station wagon). The dog should be able to comfortably turn around but not have so much space that they're tempted to go to the toilet on one side.

2. How Much Ventilation?

Dogs with more hair (especially like a Pekingese) can overheat easily and need more ventilation. Most crates do have some holes in the side to provide this, though hairier dogs will need more and perhaps even a fan to keep them cool in warmer months.

3. How Much Protection?

Not all crates offer a dog the same protection, and some will offer very little if you were involved in even a minor accident. Soft crates in particular will not do much to protect your dog in this scenario, so if safety is your priority it's best to stick with a harder plastic crate.

4. How Easily Cleaned?

You should always aim to give a dog regular breaks to relieve themselves while traveling, or if they cannot be let out for an extended period of time it's best to give them a good amount of exercise beforehand. Occasionally there might be mishaps, however, and it's reassuring to know that these can be easily cleaned. Thankfully, most crates are designed this way, but crates with a more open construction do give you more access to clean them out. Odors can also be easily trapped inside a dog crate, so even if the need to clean is as simple as this it can easily be achieved.

5. How Much Viewing Space?

One of the more common reasons dogs may get anxious when inside a crate is because they can't see much outside of it. Particularly when they're in the car and they don't know where you're taking them. A wire crate with an open construction usually offers the most comfort in this regard, as they can see their surroundings easily and apart from being unable to move it's almost as if they weren't in a crate.

Though practically all dog crates make it possible to take your companion with you inside the car, some are better suited to the task than others. Wire crates are a good all-purpose crate that come in sizes to suit nearly every breed of dog, and if you put a crate bed or pad inside they can offer a similar level of cushioning to soft crates. If safety is your priority, though, plastic crates are the best choice for small to medium-sized dogs and give you that extra peace of mind when traveling with them.