How to choose a dog crate for your car

Living an active life with your dog is great in so many ways! You get to spend time together, and the exercise is beneficial both for you and your dog. In this article, you can learn more about dog trailers and dog crates - products that make your time with your dog easier and more fun.

Why You Should Use a Dog Crate in Your Car

Dog crates, especially those that are crash-tested, are a crucial component for safeguarding your furry friends during travels. They serve multiple roles from enhancing safety to providing comfort, making them an indispensable accessory for any pet owner on the move.

Why buy crash tested dog crates?

Firstly, crash-tested dog crates act as effective barriers against potential distractions while driving. Dogs, being naturally curious creatures, might try to explore the car or seek your attention, leading to potential hazards on the road. By securely housing your pet, a dog crate helps you keep your focus on the road, reducing the risk of accidents due to distractions.

Create a safe space for your dog

But their benefits extend far beyond simply reducing distractions. Crash-tested dog crates are specifically designed to shield your pet in case of sudden stops or accidents. Similar to the purpose of seat belts for humans, these crates are engineered to withstand strong forces, ensuring that your pet remains safe even in adverse situations. Given that not all crates are created equal, it's vital to choose one that has been crash-tested to provide optimal protection.

Moreover, a dog crate can offer a sense of comfort and familiarity for your pet. When properly introduced, a crate can become your dog's personal den. It provides a secure and soothing environment that is uniquely their own. This sense of consistency can greatly alleviate travel anxiety and stress, making journeys a more pleasurable experience for your pet.

Another crucial aspect is the role a crate plays in managing your pet's overall well-being. A crate keeps your dog away from potential dangers, such as consuming harmful objects in the car or even escaping during stops. These concerns are especially significant if you're making frequent stops or traveling in unfamiliar territories.

In addition, crates can also help maintain hygiene during travel. Accidents can happen, and a crate makes clean-up much easier and more manageable. Some crates even have specially designed floors that are easy to clean and won't soak up any mess, keeping your pet and your vehicle clean.

In conclusion, investing in a crash-tested dog crate is not just about compliance with safety regulations. It's about taking a proactive step towards ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of your pet during travels. It's a decision that every responsible pet owner should consider seriously.

Which dog crates are crash tested?

All Thule dog crates are crash tested and follows the recommendations of The Swedish Board of Agriculture.

You should always prioritize crates that have been crash-tested and offer robust security features, including secure door latches, or reinforced walls, or a crumple zone that keeps the dog and the passengers safe. The sturdier the crate, the better it will protect your dog during an accident.

Which Dog Crate for Your Car?

Choosing the right size dog crate is critical for your dog's comfort, safety, and well-being during travel. The crate should provide enough space for your dog to sit, stand, turn around, and lay down in a natural position. However, it shouldn't be so large that your dog can slide or be tossed around during travel, which can lead to potential injury.

Measure your dog

You need to measure your dog's length, height, and sometimes even the width to make sure that the crate you buy will be the right size.

1. Ensure your dog is standing squarely, with feet directly underneath them.
2. Locate the withers: Feel along your dog’s spine to find the highest point, which is right above the shoulder blades.

Measure your dog's wither height

Use a tape measure to find the height from the ground to the top of your dog's withers (shoulder blades).

Match wither height to crate size

• XS: For dogs with wither heights up to 35 cm.
• S: For dogs with wither heights up to 45 cm.
• M and M Compact: For dogs with wither heights up to 51 cm.
• L and L Compact: For dogs with wither heights up to 55 cm.
• XL and XL Compact: For dogs with wither heights up to 58 cm.
• XXL and XXL Compact: For dogs with wither heights up to 62 cm.

How to make sure the dog crate fits your car

When choosing a crate for your car, you'll also need to consider the size and layout of your vehicle.

• Width: Measure the narrowest point across the trunk or cargo space. This is typically between the wheel wells. Make sure to take this measurement at the height of the crate to account for any narrowing due to the wheel wells.
• Depth: Measure from the back of the rear seats to the furthest point back in the trunk. If you have a hatchback or SUV, you may want to measure to where the trunk door begins to slope - if the crate is too tall, it may not fit under a sharply sloping rear door.
• Height: Measure from the floor of the trunk to the lowest point on the trunk door, hatch, or ceiling of the cargo area. Some trunks have a lip at the entrance, so ensure your crate can clear this lip.

How to choose the size of your Thule Allax

Thule Allax is available in ten different sizes in order to optimize space in the car and find the perfect fit for your dog to stand up and turn around while in transit. The reason for having different versions of the same size - such as Large and Large Compact - is to make sure that there is a version that will fit your car no matter what roof shape it has. The Compact versions are identical to the regular versions, except for the depth measurement, which is around 10 cm shorter, depending on the model.

Car selector

The easiest way to see which Thule Allax that fits your car is to use the car selector function on Thule.com. You will quickly and easily see which dog crates that fit!

Features to Look for in a Dog Travel Crate for Cars

Investing in a high-quality crate for car travel is essential to ensure your dog's comfort and safety. Here are five key features to look for:

• Safety Features - Prioritize crates that have been crash-tested and offer robust security features, including secure door latches, or reinforced walls, or a crumple zone that keeps the dog and the passengers safe. The sturdier the crate, the better it will protect your dog during an accident.
• Ventilation - To ensure your dog has ample fresh air during the journey, a good crate should offer sufficient ventilation. Look for designs that include multiple ventilation points.
• Ease of Use - Look for a crate that's easy to assemble and clean. Crates with doors on multiple sides allow for easy access and flexibility when positioning the crate in your car. You want a well-built, quiet crate that doesn’t rattle, with soft and quiet opening and closing door so as not to scare the dog.
• Comfort Features - A comfortable dog is a happy dog. Look for crates with features such as padded interiors, adjustable dividers for size customization, and enough space to stretch and move.
• Durability - Car travel can be tough on a crate. Look for a product made from robust, high-quality materials that can withstand regular use and resist the wear and tear of travel.

Smart accessories for your dog crate

With the right accessories, your travels with your dog can be even easier. Here are four examples of smart and practical accessories

• Thule Bumper Protector - Protect your car! An easy-to-handle bumper protector that is made of durable, water-resistant materials that protect your car. It is kept in place by the weight of the dog crate, folds easily for storage, and can be used as a sun protector.
• Thule Dog Mat - Comfort for your dog! A silicone mat designed to provide a stable grip for your dog. Its non-slip material insulates and provides stability when jumping in and out of the car.
• Thule Dog Crate Storage Bag - Bring all you need! This user-friendly dog crate storage bag is designed to keep your dog's necessities in place during travel. It attaches with velcro to the dog crate and has multiple pockets to help you and your dog to stay organized.
• Thule Leash Hook - Everything in place! This practical hook for your crate is designed to organize your dog's leash and collar and can be attached anywhere on the sides of your Thule Allax dog crate.

Short Training Tips for Introducing Your Dog to a Car Crate

• It's crucial to ensure your dog views the car crate as a positive space. This process requires patience and can be done with these steps:
• Make it Familiar - Introduce the crate to your dog in a non-threatening, familiar setting before using it for car travel. Allow them to explore the crate freely with the door open and reward them for positive interactions with the crate.
• Positive Reinforcement - Create positive associations with the crate by using treats, praise, and toys. You can feed them their meals in the crate or hide treats for them to find.
• Gradual Introduction - Start with short journeys and gradually increase the duration. This will help your dog adjust to the motion of the car while in the crate.
• Comfortable Environment - Make the crate comfortable and inviting with familiar items such as blankets or toys.
• Safety Precautions for Using a Dog Crate in Your Car - While using a dog crate significantly improves safety, it's essential to take these additional precautions:
• Secure the Crate - The crate should be securely fastened to your car to prevent it from moving or tipping over during travel.
• Proper Ventilation - Ensure the crate has proper ventilation and is not covered with objects that could block airflow.
• Hydration and Temperature Control - For longer journeys, provide access to water and never leave your dog in a hot or cold car. Make sure the car's temperature is comfortable for your dog at all times.
• Regular Breaks - Long journeys can be stressful for dogs. Plan for regular stops to let your dog stretch, hydrate, and relieve themselves.
• Ensure Comfort - Check that the crate has no sharp edges or corners that could harm your dog. Make sure your dog is comfortable before starting your journey.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Crates for Cars

Is it legally required to crate my dog during car travel?
While it's not legally required in most jurisdictions, many experts recommend using crates due to the increased safety they provide.

What size crate should I get for my dog?
The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand, turn, and lay down comfortably but not so big that they can slide around during travel.

Can I use a crate for other types of travel?
Yes, dog crates can be used for all types of travel, including air travel, but check with your airline for specific regulations.

My dog doesn't like the crate, what should I do?
Use positive reinforcement to create a positive association with the crate. Start by introducing your dog to the crate in a familiar setting and gradually increase their exposure over time.

How often should I stop for breaks during car travel?
It's recommended to stop every 2-3 hours for your dog to stretch, hydrate, and relieve themselves.