When traveling with your dog, having the right travel crate is essential to ensure their safety, comfort, and security. Whether you’re planning a road trip or air travel, choosing the perfect crate can make all the difference. In this blog post, we’ll review three top-rated dog crates: AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Crate, Petmate Sky Kennel, and MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate. We’ll compare these options in terms of portability, comfort and durability, so you can make an informed decision on the best travel crate for your furry friend.
1. AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Crate
The AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Crate is a popular choice for those who need a lightweight and portable option for road trips. Made with a sturdy PVC frame and durable polyester fabric, this crate is designed for easy transport and comfort during short-term travel.
Key Features:
- Portability: One of the standout features of this crate is its foldable design. It collapses easily and can be stored flat, making it ideal for car travel or temporary indoor use. It’s also lightweight, so carrying it around is hassle-free.
- Comfort: The soft fabric sides provide a cozy environment for your dog, and the mesh windows offer excellent ventilation, ensuring your pet stays cool and comfortable. However, since this crate is soft-sided, it’s more suitable for well-behaved dogs who won’t try to chew or scratch through the material.
- Durability: While the AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Crate is durable for short-term use, it may not hold up well to dogs that are more active or anxious during travel. It’s best suited for calm dogs who are used to crates.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Good ventilation through mesh panels
- Folds flat for storage
Cons:
- Not suitable for destructive or anxious dogs
- Limited durability compared to hard-sided crates
Best For: Road trips and dogs that are crate-trained and calm during travel. If you’re looking for a travel crate that’s easy to carry and store, this is a great choice, but keep in mind it may not stand up to heavy wear and tear.
2. Petmate Sky Kennel
The Petmate Sky Kennel is a hard-sided travel crate that’s one of the top choices for air travel. It’s designed to meet most airline requirements and is known for its durability and security—essential for long-distance trips where your dog needs to stay safe and contained.
Key Features:
- Portability: Although it’s bulkier and heavier than soft-sided options, the Petmate Sky Kennel is designed with air travel in mind. It has a sturdy plastic shell, a strong metal door, and plenty of ventilation, making it a solid choice for flights. While it’s not the easiest crate to carry around, its wheels (sold separately) make transport easier.
- Comfort: The ventilation slots on all four sides ensure your dog stays cool during long journeys. The plastic build provides a sense of security, and there’s enough space to add a comfortable mat or blanket to make it cozier for your dog. However, it’s not as soft and cushioned as fabric crates, so extra padding is recommended for longer trips.
- Durability: This is where the Petmate Sky Kennel really shines. Its robust construction is built to last and can withstand bumps and knocks during transport. It’s perfect for larger dogs or those prone to being more restless in their crate. The metal door and wing-nut fasteners add extra security, ensuring your pet stays safe inside.
Pros:
- Approved by most airlines for air travel
- Extremely durable and secure
- Good ventilation on all sides
Cons:
- Bulkier and harder to transport for road trips
- Heavier compared to other crates
Best For: Air travel and larger or more active dogs. If you need a secure, durable crate for flights, this is one of the best options available. Its sturdiness also makes it a great choice for dogs that need a strong, secure environment during travel.
3. MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate
The MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate is a wire crate that’s popular for its versatility and ease of use. It’s a durable option for both home use and road trips, and while it’s not airline-approved, it offers a solid combination of portability and comfort for car travel.
Key Features:
- Portability: The MidWest crate is foldable and can be collapsed flat for easy transport and storage, making it a convenient choice for road trips. However, it’s a bit heavier than soft-sided options like the AmazonBasics crate. Its collapsible design makes it easy to set up and break down, but keep in mind that it’s still a wire crate, so it’s not the lightest option.
- Comfort: The wire structure allows for excellent airflow, and you can easily add a crate mat or bedding to make it more comfortable for your dog. It also has a divider panel, which is useful if you have a growing puppy, as you can adjust the space as they grow.
- Durability: Built with durable metal wire, the MidWest crate can withstand the wear and tear of travel. It’s a great choice for active dogs or those who tend to chew or scratch, as the metal frame is sturdy enough to handle it. However, it’s not as secure as a hard-sided crate for air travel and isn’t designed for use on planes.
Pros:
- Foldable and easy to store
- Durable metal construction
- Great airflow and visibility for your dog
Cons:
- Not approved for air travel
- Heavier than soft-sided crates
Best For: Road trips and dogs that need a durable crate for travel. The MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate is ideal for dog owners who want a sturdy, foldable crate for car travel and occasional use at home.
Comparing the Crates: Portability, Comfort, and Durability
Portability
- AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Crate: Lightweight and easy to carry, ideal for car travel and temporary indoor use.
- Petmate Sky Kennel: Bulky and heavier, but designed for air travel, with optional wheels for easier transport.
- MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate: Foldable for easy storage but heavier than soft-sided crates, making it less convenient for frequent transport.
Comfort
- AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Crate: Soft fabric sides and mesh windows offer comfort, but not suitable for anxious or destructive dogs.
- Petmate Sky Kennel: Hard-sided but spacious and secure, with good ventilation. Adding extra bedding makes it more comfortable for long trips.
- MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate: Wire structure allows for airflow and visibility, with plenty of space for bedding. Not as cozy as soft-sided crates but durable and secure.
Durability
- AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Crate: Suitable for calm dogs but less durable against chewing or scratching.
- Petmate Sky Kennel: Extremely durable, built to withstand the rigors of air travel, and offers maximum security.
- MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate: Strong metal wire construction, durable for road trips and home use, but not as secure as a hard-sided crate for air travel.
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel crate for your dog depends on your specific travel needs and your dog’s temperament. The AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Crate is a lightweight and portable option, perfect for car trips with calm dogs. The Petmate Sky Kennel is the best choice for air travel, providing maximum durability and security for long flights. Meanwhile, the MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate is a versatile and durable option for road trips and home use, offering great value for active dogs.
Consider your travel plans, your dog’s behavior and the level of comfort and security you want when making your choice. With the right crate, your dog can enjoy safe and stress-free travels, whether on the road or in the air.
