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When traveling with dogs, the type of pet carrier (crate) should reflect the method of travel as well. Each mode of travel (airplane, train, automobile) requires different features in terms of safety. What is ideal for an auto trip may not be acceptable for airline cargo, and what is acceptable in the overhead bin on an airplane may be completely inadequate for a long highway trip.
Below are our recommendations broken down by each method of travel. This allows you to select the best crate based on the trip you will take.
Our Top Picks by Travel Mode
Petmate Sky Kennel, Small (For Cabin/Small Dog Air Travel): This kennel is designed to meet IATA airline regulations, which means it will fit your dog that weighs up to 15 pounds. It comes with an ID sticker as well as a food and water cup, and also has an absorptive pad. If you’re planning on traveling by air with your small dog, this is a reliable option. View on Amazon →
Petmate Sky Kennel, Large (For Checked/Cargo Air Travel): The large version is part of the same trusted line, built for dogs weighing 70 to 90 pounds and fully compliant with airline cargo regulations. It includes 360-degree airflow and tie-down strap holes so it can also be used securely for car travel. View on Amazon →
Diggs Revol Collapsible Crate (For Car Trips and Hotel Stays): The Diggs Revol Collapsible Crate is our top pick for road trips and multi-stop travel, where airline certification isn’t the priority. It folds flat with wheels to fit in your trunk, sets up in under a minute, and is significantly sturdier overall than a basic wire crate. View on Amazon →
Traveling by Car
For long car trips, it’s best to use a strong, pet-safe crate that has been independently tested for crash-worthiness, certified by a third-party organization such as the Center for Pet Safety, which tests crates for their ability to protect pets in a simulated crash. This kind of testing gives you a higher level of assurance than simply relying on a manufacturer’s own claims. It’s also essential to secure the crate so it can’t shift during travel, using tie-down points attached to the crate and cargo straps, positioned against something solid, like the back of a seat, for extra stability.
Ventilation and visibility matter for longer drives too, since a dog who can see outside and breathe freely typically travels more calmly than one confined in an enclosed space without adequate airflow.
Traveling by Plane
Of all travel modes, air travel has the most restrictive crate requirements. Crate sizes for small dogs traveling in the cabin are determined by how much space is available under the seat in front of you, so it’s essential to check with your airline before purchasing a crate what their current size requirements are. Crates for checked or cargo travel must meet IATA standards and be approved by the airline.
It’s also important to book pet travel arrangements well in advance, since some airlines limit the number of animals allowed on a single flight. Giving your dog time to get used to the crate at home beforehand also helps, so the flight experience isn’t compounded by an unfamiliar crate.
Traveling by Train
Traveling by train with your dog varies greatly from one country to another, and even between rail operators. Depending on which operator you use, you may need to keep your dog in a carrier for the entire trip, while other operators allow well-behaved leashed dogs into certain cars. Where a carrier is required, a soft-sided carrier that fits comfortably under the seat is typically sufficient for smaller dogs, since train travel doesn’t carry the same crash-risk considerations as car travel.
Always check the specific rail operator’s pet policy in advance, including any size or weight limits and whether advance booking or a pet ticket is required.
Paperwork and Planning Before You Go
Whichever mode of transport you’re using, a good crate is only half the equation, the paperwork often trips people up more than the gear does. Most airlines require a health certificate from your veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel, and some states and countries add their own import requirements on top of that, so it’s worth checking well before you book anything. If you’re crossing an international border, look into whether your destination requires a pet passport, a microchip on file, or specific vaccination timelines, since some countries have waiting periods after rabies vaccination before a dog is allowed to enter.
For road trips, plan on stopping roughly every two to three hours so your dog can drink water, relieve themselves, and stretch outside the crate in a securely leashed area. Feeding a light meal a few hours before departure, rather than right before you leave, helps cut down on motion sickness for dogs that aren’t used to long drives. And regardless of the trip length, get your dog comfortable spending time in the actual travel crate at home first; the first time your dog sees the crate shouldn’t be the morning you’re loading the car or heading to the airport.
Conclusion
Matching your crate to your specific trip, rather than buying one crate and expecting it to work everywhere, is the single best way to avoid a stressful travel day. The Petmate Sky Kennel line covers air travel reliably in both small and large sizes, while the Diggs Revol is our pick for road trips and hotel stays where flexibility matters more than airline certification.
Whatever you choose, give your dog time to get comfortable with the crate well before travel day arrives.
Related Reading
crash-tested crate picks, our complete travel crate buying guide, foldable crate options
FAQs
Can I use the same crate for both car and plane travel?
Sometimes, if it meets both crash-safety and specific airline cargo requirements, but always verify the exact airline specifications before relying on a single crate for both.
Do all airlines allow dogs in the cabin?
No, policies vary greatly by airline, dog size, and destination country, so always check directly with the airline well before booking.
Is a soft carrier ever appropriate for a long car trip?
Soft carriers offer very little crash protection compared to hard-sided or crash-tested crates, so they’re best reserved for short trips or small, calm dogs.