Best Dog Crates for Car Travel in 2023: A Comprehensive Review
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Traveling with your furry friend can be a fantastic experience, but ensuring their safety during car trips is paramount. To make your journey worry-free, we’ve researched the best dog crates for car travel in 2023. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into our top picks, the Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate Dog Crate and Impact Dog Crates High Anxiety Crate, to help you make an informed decision for your canine companion.
Introducing Our Top Picks
When it comes to the best dog crates for keeping your dog safe and secure during car travel, the Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate Dog Crate and Impact Dog Crates High Anxiety Crate stand out as the best options. Both crates have undergone rigorous testing and boast impressive crash test ratings, ensuring your pet’s safety in case of an accident.
The Gunner Kennels G1 is an airline-approved dog travel crate and dog kennel, also known as a gunner kennel, with the following features:
- 5-star crash test rating from the Center for Pet Safety (CPS)
- Reversible door
- Ventilation holes
- Two size options to accommodate medium-sized dogs.
On the other hand, the Impact Dog Crates High Anxiety Crate is designed for dogs weighing up to 110 lbs and has a 5-star CPS crash test rating. This heavy-duty crate can help manage anxiety and behavioral issues while providing safety and comfort during car trips.
In-Depth Review: Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate Dog Crate
Price: $599.99 Specifications:
- Airline-approved
- 5-star crash test rating from CPS
- Reversible door
- Ventilation holes
- Two size options
Pros:
- Exceptional safety features
- Durable construction
- Easy to clean
- Secure tie-down points
Cons:
- Does not come with seat belt clips
The Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate Dog Crate is a top choice for those seeking a reliable and safe option for car travel. Its features include:
- Robust construction, including a double-walled crate and reinforced aluminum frame
- Ensures your pet’s safety during car rides
- Durability and impressive safety features
As a dog owner, I have personally used the G1 crate for my dog Sitka and can attest to its reliability and safety.
The crate has been tested extensively, with the G1 boasting a 5-star crash test rating from CPS. Its features include:
- Solid construction that can withstand the rigors of car travel with very little damage
- Wide base and non-slip bottom for stability
- Tie-down pins and straps for compatibility with seat belts
These features enhance the crate’s safety and provide peace of mind for pet owners.
Pros and Cons of Gunner Kennels G1
The Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate Dog Crate stands out for its durability and safety features, making it an excellent investment for car travel. Some of the significant benefits of the G1 crate are:
- 5-star crash test safety rating, ensuring your pet’s protection in case of an accident
- Solid construction
- Easy-to-clean design
- Secure tie-down points
These features make it a popular choice among dog owners.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. The G1 crate does not come with seat belt clips, which means you’ll need to use the secure tie-down points to attach it to your vehicle’s seat belts. This is a minor inconvenience, but it’s worth noting for those who prioritize car safety.
User Experience with Gunner Kennels G1
Real-life users of the Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate Dog Crate have praised its sturdiness, safety features, and solid construction. The crate’s simple maintenance and secure tie-down points are appreciated by dog owners who have opted for the G1 to keep their pets safe during car travel. Its 5-star crash test safety rating gives users confidence in the protection it offers their pets.
When selecting the appropriate size and fit for a dog carrier for car travel, it is important to provide the dog’s measurements and weight to the manufacturer to determine the most suitable option. In my experience, the G1 crate has been an excellent choice for my medium-sized dog, Sitka, providing him with a secure and comfortable environment during our road trips.
In-Depth Review: Impact Dog Crates High Anxiety Crate
Price: $1,099.00
Specifications:
- Accommodates dogs weighing up to 110 lbs
- Injection-molded reversible door
- Heavy-duty locking latch
- 5-star crash test rating from CPS
Pros:
- Heavy-duty construction
- Secure locking system
- Comfortable interior with padded floor and walls
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to other crates
The Impact Dog Crates High Anxiety Crate features:
- Heavy-duty steel construction for a robust and secure crate
- Locking system for your pet’s safety
- Comfortable interior with padded floor and walls to help reduce anxiety
Users report that the High Anxiety Crate:
- is easy to assemble
- offers a secure and comfortable environment for their pets
- the locking mechanism provides peace of mind, ensuring that their pets are safe and secure during car travel
While the price may be higher compared to other crates, the High Anxiety Crate’s durability and effectiveness make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a reliable option for their anxious pets.
Pros and Cons of Impact Dog Crates High Anxiety Crate
The Impact Dog Crates High Anxiety Crate offers a secure and comfortable environment for dogs struggling with anxiety or behavioral issues. Its features include:
- Heavy-duty steel construction for durability and reliability during car travel
- Secure locking system for your pet’s safety
- Comfortable interior with a padded floor and walls to help reduce stress and anxiety in your pet.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. The High Anxiety Crate has a relatively high cost compared to other crates, which may be a concern for some dog owners. Additionally, the smaller air holes and front door may reduce visibility for the dog and may not be suitable for all dogs’ needs and lifestyles.
User Experience with Impact Dog Crates High Anxiety Crate
Users of the Impact Dog Crates High Anxiety Crate have praised its effectiveness in protecting their pets during accidents and managing anxiety. The crate’s secure locking system and comfortable interior have been highlighted as key features that ensure safety and comfort for their pets during car travel.
One user shared their experience with the High Anxiety Crate after being involved in a rear-end collision with a truck. Despite suffering injuries themselves, the user found their dog to be completely unharmed and the crate undamaged, demonstrating the crate’s ability to protect pets during accidents. The user stated they wouldn’t consider using any other crate for their pet, emphasizing the confidence they have in the High Anxiety Crate’s durability and safety.
Choosing the Right Dog Crate for Car Travel
Selecting the right dog crate for car travel involves considering factors such as:
- Size
- Fit
- Material
- Crash-testing
It’s crucial to find a crate that not only keeps your pet secure but also provides a comfortable environment.
The subsequent subsections will explore these factors in detail, aiding you in making an informed decision to find the ideal crate for your furry friend.
Size and Fit Considerations
The size and fit of your dog’s travel crate should be determined based on your pet’s measurements and dog’s weight. By giving this information to the manufacturer, you can ensure a crate that suits your dog perfectly, providing them with a safe and comfortable travel experience. It’s important to remember that having extra space inside the crate can be dangerous in the event of an accident, so it’s advised that the crate should not exceed six inches in length than your dog.
Beyond the crate’s size, the placement of the crate within your vehicle is also a key factor to consider. Some crates, like the Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate Dog Crate, are designed to be placed in the rear seat of your car, while others may be more suitable for the cargo area. Be sure to select a crate that fits well within your vehicle and provides a secure and comfortable space for your pet.
Material and Durability
When selecting a dog crate for car travel, the crate’s material and durability should be given significant consideration. A crate made from high-quality material ensures the safety and comfort of your pet while traveling, and a strong and durable crate will be able to withstand the rigors of car travel, keeping your pet secure.
A single piece of molded polyethylene is the optimal material for a dog travel crate due to its:
- Strength
- Durability
- Lightweight nature
- Ease of cleaning
It’s recommended to avoid plastic, wood, and metal materials, as these materials are not as robust and resilient as polyethylene and may not be suitable for the demands of car travel. The Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate Dog Crate and Impact Dog Crates High Anxiety Crate are excellent examples of crates made from high-quality materials that provide safety and comfort for your pet during car travel.
Importance of Crash-Testing
When choosing a dog travel crate for car travel, the importance of crash-testing cannot be overlooked. It verifies that the crate is secure beyond brand claims and prioritizes crates with established safety records. In the event of a car crash, a crash-tested crate can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury to your pet, as well as prevent them from escaping and distracting the driver.
When evaluating dog travel crates, look for those that have passed the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) tests. This provides assurance of the safety of your dog and other passengers in the car in the event of a crash. Both the Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate Dog Crate and Impact Dog Crates High Anxiety Crate have 5-star crash test safety ratings from CPS, making them excellent choices for ensuring your pet’s safety during car travel.
Summary
In conclusion, the Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate Dog Crate and Impact Dog Crates High Anxiety Crate are the top choices for safe and comfortable dog crates for car travel in 2023. By considering factors such as size, fit, material, and crash-testing, you can find the perfect crate to keep your furry friend secure during your journeys together. Prioritize the safety and comfort of your pet by investing in a high-quality, crash-tested dog travel crate that will provide peace of mind and help create memorable adventures for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of crate is best for a car?
For best protection in the case of a crash, a molded polythene crate with air holes and strong connection points is the ideal choice for cars.
Is it OK to crate your dog in the car?
It is OK to crate your dog in the car for safety reasons. Crates are a safe way to transport your dog, and being in one can reduce motion sickness. For optimal safety, secure your dog in a travel-rated crate or carrier and provide them with enough water and toys for comfort. If your dog isn’t already crate trained, it is recommended to train them for car travel.
Is a dog crate better than a harness?
Dog crates are a better option than car harnesses for pet owners, as they offer more protection and safety, prevent driver distractions, provide a comfortable space for your pet to rest, and are easier to clean and maintain.
Are wire dog crates safe in the car?
Wire dog crates are not safe to use in the car, as they do not provide enough protection for your dog in the event of a car crash.
What is the importance of crash-testing for dog travel crates?
Splitting the user provided text into paragraphs: Paragraph 1: Crash-testing is a key factor when assessing the safety of pet travel crates, ensuring your pet is protected from injury in the case of an accident. Paragraph 2: Rigorous testing verifies security and prioritizes crates with established safety records.
