9 Best Dog Travel Crates in 2026
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The best dog travel crate we found is the Petmate Two-Door Dog Carrier, a lightweight hard-sided carrier with top and front doors that make loading a small dog easy at the airport. For larger dogs flying in cargo, the SportPet Designs X-Large Travel Kennel offers removable wheels and IATA compliance. Travelers who need an under-seat option will appreciate the Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier.
The real challenge with travel crates is matching the crate to the travel method. A wire crate that works fine in the car may get rejected at the gate, and a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat won’t hold up on a road trip with an anxious chewer. Size limits, airline rules, and how the crate secures in a vehicle all matter more than brand names.
We put this guide together by combing through manufacturer specs, airline compliance lists, and patterns in owner feedback across the most popular travel crate styles. The result is nine picks that cover air travel, car travel, and everyday portability for dogs from toy breeds up to 70 pounds.
Top 9 Dog Travel Crates in the Market
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The Best Dog Travel Crates, Reviewed
Petmate Two-Door Dog Carrier
What We Like
- Two doors for top and front loading
- Easy-squeeze steel door latches
- Stay-dry moat directs fluids away
Trade-offs
- Only fits pets up to 15 lbs
- No wheels for rolling through airports
This crate weighs 5.0 pounds, making it light enough to carry with the foldable handle while keeping your small dog secure in a hard-sided shell. The two-door design, top and front, gives you options for loading a nervous pet or reaching in to offer reassurance without unclipping the main door. Ventilation holes provide fresh air and 360-degree visibility for your pet. It is designed for small dogs and cats up to 15 pounds, with room to stand, turn, and lie comfortably, and includes a stay-dry moat that directs fluids away from pets.
Weighing just 5.0 pounds, this crate is light enough to carry one-handed through a terminal, and the foldable handle makes it easier to maneuver. It gives a 15-pound pet room to stand, turn, and lie down, so a small dog or cat travels without feeling cramped. For owners who need a hard-sided carrier for air travel, this is a practical choice.
SportPet Designs X-Large Travel Kennel
What We Like
- IATA airline compliant design
- Removable wheels for airport transport
- Collapsible for compact storage
- Reinforced metal hardware and locking latch
Trade-offs
- At 26.3 lb, heavy to carry without wheels
- Requires airline confirmation before booking
The interior is sized for dogs up to 32 inches long and 23 inches tall, so an XL breed like a Labrador Retriever can stand, turn, and rest comfortably during travel. That full-size fit, combined with IATA compliance per the 51st Edition standards, makes this crate the one to reach for when you need to fly a large dog. The removable wheels let you roll through terminals instead of lugging a 26.3-pound box. The two top carry handles make quick lifts through security or into the car straightforward. Hard-sided plastic with reinforced metal hardware and a locking door latch gives the kind of secure containment airlines require, while the included food bowls and Live Animal labels save you a last-minute trip to the pet store.
The trade-off is weight: at 26.3 pounds, this is a substantial crate even before you add the dog. So if you regularly travel solo or have mobility concerns, the Petmate Sky Kennel at 2.2 pounds is far easier to handle for smaller pets. But for large breeds that need to fly, the SportPet Designs X-Large gives you the interior space and safety features that smaller, lighter carriers simply cannot offer. Just remember to confirm your airline’s current requirements before booking, because acceptance varies by carrier and destination.
Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier
What We Like
- Patented spring wire frame compresses for under-seat fit
- Escape-proof locking zippers on all entries
- Removable, machine-washable cozy base liner
- Includes luggage strap and shoulder strap
Trade-offs
- Only fits pets up to 22 pounds
- Soft sides offer less crash protection than hard kennels
- No wheels for rolling through airports
At just one pound with a spring wire frame that collapses at the rear, this carrier squeezes under airline seats without sacrificing interior space for your dog. The top and side entries let you load a nervous pet from whichever angle feels safest. Mesh panels keep air moving, and the waterproof base liner means accidents don’t soak through to your bag.
Soft-sided carriers like this one offer less structural protection in a car crash than a hard plastic kennel such as the Petmate Two-Door Dog Carrier. And at 22 pounds max, it won’t work for a sturdy corgi or any medium breed. But if your travel routine is mostly flights and short car trips with a small dog, the Sherpa’s light weight and collapsible frame make it easier to carry through a terminal than a heavier hard crate.
Petmate Sky Kennel Dog Crate
What We Like
- IATA compliant for air travel
- 360-degree ventilation keeps pets cool
- Includes travel stickers and absorbent pad
- Made in USA from recycled materials
Trade-offs
- At 2.2 lb, very light but less rugged
- Only fits dogs up to 30 lbs
- Single door limits loading options
The Petmate Sky Kennel meets IATA requirements for live animal transport, which means it satisfies most airline cargo specifications for flying with your pet. It’s designed for dogs between 20 and 30 pounds, like a Pomeranian, and the interior gives enough room to walk and rest comfortably. The 360-degree ventilation keeps air moving, and the included ‘LIVE ANIMAL’ stickers, ID stickers, food and water cup, and absorbent pad cover the basics for travel prep.
At just 2.2 pounds, this kennel is easy to tote around, but it’s made from EcoTEC plastic with 90% pre-consumer recycled material, which may not withstand heavy chewing. The single front door limits loading options compared to a two-door carrier. If your travel is mostly by plane and your dog fits the size range, this is a purpose-built crate. For dogs that need a heavier-duty option, consider a larger plastic crate.
Sherpa Delta Airlines Pet Carrier
What We Like
- Locking zippers prevent escapes
- Spring wireframe compresses under airline seats
- Built-in seat belt strap doubles as luggage handle
- Reinforced mesh panels for airflow
Trade-offs
- Too small for dogs over 16 pounds
- Soft sides offer less impact protection than hard kennels
Weighing just 2.5 pounds, this carrier is easy to carry through a terminal without straining your shoulder. It fits pets up to 16 pounds and 16 inches long, and the patented spring wireframe compresses to slide under an airline seat. Locking zippers and reinforced mesh panels keep your pet secure and ventilated, while the built-in seat belt strap doubles as a luggage handle for easy maneuvering through crowds.
Soft-sided carriers offer less impact protection than hard kennels. If you need a crate for car travel where a hard shell might be preferred, the Petmate Two-Door Dog Carrier offers a plastic shell, though it weighs 5.0 pounds and won’t fit under a seat. This Sherpa is the right call when your top priority is airline compliance and a lightweight carrier that fits under the seat, not when you need a hard-sided crate for a larger dog.
Skudo by MidWest Travel Carrier
What We Like
- Tool-free snap-lock assembly
- Durable hard plastic shell
- Front and back storage compartments
- Swivel handle folds flat
Trade-offs
- At 19 lb, heavy to carry far
- No wheels included (sold separately)
Snap-lock buckles let you go from box to road-ready in under a minute without hunting for a screwdriver. That tool-free assembly is the whole point here. MidWest designed the Skudo for people who want a hard-sided carrier that doesn’t fight back when you set it up. It fits medium dogs up to 40 pounds, with a 29-inch interior length. The front and back storage compartments keep treats, waste bags, and a leash organized so you are not digging through a duffel at the rest stop.
Weight is the main drawback. At 19 pounds empty, this thing is not light, and MidWest sells wheel casters separately rather than including them. If you are hauling it through an airport or up stairs, you will feel it. Compare that to the Petmate Sky Kennel at 2.2 pounds for smaller dogs, the Skudo trades portability for rugged hard-plastic durability and that quick assembly. Best for owners who want a sturdy crate that stores flat and sets up fast, but budget for the optional wheels if you plan to roll it any distance.
Product photos
MidWest iCrate Single Door Dog Crate
What We Like
- Divider panel adjusts crate size for puppies
- Leak-proof tray with rubber feet
- Slide-bolt latches with Paw Block prevent escapes
- Folds flat with carry handle for travel
Trade-offs
- At 22 lb, heavier than soft-sided travel crates
- Wire design offers less privacy than plastic kennels
- Single door limits placement flexibility in tight spaces
The trade-off for that durability is weight and visibility. A 22-pound wire crate is stable once set up, but if you’re hauling it in and out of a car every weekend, you’ll feel it. The single door means you can’t slide it against a wall and still have a front opening, while a two-door design like the Petmate Sky Kennel offers both top and front access. For home use and occasional road trips with a dog that doesn’t need airline approval, the iCrate provides sturdy construction and safety-tested latches that keep your dog secure.
Product photos
Henkelion Airline Approved Pet Carrier
What We Like
- Weighs only 2.0 pounds
- Airline approved soft-sided design
- Four-side mesh for ventilation
- Collapsible for easy storage
Trade-offs
- Max pet weight 15 lb limits larger dogs
- Soft sides offer less crash protection than hard kennels
- Dimensions require pet smaller than 15 x 9 x 9 in
At just two pounds, this carrier is one of the lightest in the guide, so you can manage it alongside your own luggage and a restless pet through the terminal. The soft-sided polyester body with mesh on all four sides keeps air moving for your pet and lets you check on them without opening anything. It’s designed for pets up to 15 pounds, meaning small dogs and cats that fit within roughly 15 by 9 by 9 inches of interior space. The two connecting loop handles help you carry it evenly or secure it with a seat belt or luggage strap, and the adjustable shoulder strap lets you go hands-free when needed.
The trade-off for that light weight is straightforward: soft-sided carriers don’t offer the same rigid protection a hard plastic kennel provides, especially if a bag gets tossed in an overhead bin or knocked off a seat. The Henkelion is a travel carrier, not a crash-rated crate. So it’s best for trips where your pet stays with you in the cabin. For owners who fly frequently with a small pet and want to keep their carry-on weight minimal, this carrier makes the logistics simpler. Just measure your dog first, because the interior room is snug for anything near the 15-pound limit.
Product photos
Pet Gear Insta-Fold Soft Crate
What We Like
- Push-button Insta-Fold sets up in seconds
- Three zippered doors for easy access
- Removable waterproof liner simplifies cleaning
- Folds flat for compact storage and portability
Trade-offs
- 29.5-inch length limits use to smaller dogs
- Soft-sided design not for determined chewers
Push-button Insta-Fold technology collapses this crate flat in seconds with no tools required, so you can go from trunk to setup fast. Three zippered doors give you multiple access points, and the removable waterproof liner makes cleanup straightforward after accidents. The crate is designed for indoor or outdoor use, which means it can serve as a travel crate or a home base.
With a 29.5-inch length, this crate accommodates small to medium breeds comfortably. For owners who prioritize quick setup over heavy-duty construction, the push-button Insta-Fold technology allows the crate to fold flat in seconds without any tools. Reviewers note that the three zippered doors provide easy access from multiple sides, and unzipped doors roll up and secure out of the way. The removable waterproof liner simplifies cleaning after muddy paws or accidents. This design makes it practical for both indoor and outdoor use, especially when speed and portability matter more than the brute strength of a plastic or wire crate.
Product photos
How We Evaluated Dog Travel Crates
Our evaluation is research-based. We started by pulling specifications from every major crate manufacturer, weight limits, door configurations, materials, and claimed airline compliance. Then we cross-referenced those specs against IATA guidelines and the published carry-on size limits for major US airlines.
Three criteria drove every ranking decision. First, airline compatibility, does the crate meet the dimensional and ventilation requirements for either cabin or cargo travel? Second, weight and portability: a crate you can’t easily carry through a terminal isn’t a travel crate. Third, durability and security, locking mechanisms, zipper quality, and latch strength matter when your dog is nervous in a new environment.
An honest evaluation has limits. Not every crate on this list is owned, and they are not put through crash testing in a lab. What can be shared is what the specifications say about fit and compliance, and what patterns in owner feedback reveal about real-world latch failures, zipper blowouts, and airline gate checks.
What To Look For In Dog Travel Crates
Not every crate labeled “travel” actually works for the trip you’re planning. Focus on three things: the airline or vehicle rules your crate must satisfy, the weight and size of your dog, and how much you’re willing to carry.
Choose a crate that matches your travel method first, your dog’s size second, and your own tolerance for lugging a heavy box third. A crate that fails at the check-in counter is not a bargain at any price.
Airline Compliance and Size Limits
Airlines have hard size limits for both cabin and cargo travel. Cabin crates must fit under the seat in front of you, typically around 18 x 11 x 11 inches for most domestic carriers. Cargo crates must meet IATA standards for ventilation, door hardware, and the ability for the dog to stand and turn.
If you fly frequently, start with airline-approved carriers that specifically list which airlines they’ve been tested against. The Sherpa Original Deluxe and the Petmate Sky Kennel both appear on airline acceptance lists, but always confirm with your specific carrier before booking.
For cargo travel, the SportPet Designs X-Large Travel Kennel is one of the few hard-sided crates that includes removable wheels, a feature that makes a heavy kennel manageable through a terminal. Without wheels, a heavy kennel becomes a two-person job.
Material and Crash Protection
Soft-sided crates are lightweight and compressible, making them ideal for cabin travel. But they offer minimal protection in a car accident. Crash-tested crates with rigid frames and reinforced attachment points are the safer choice for vehicle travel, though they tend to be heavier and more expensive.
Hard-sided plastic kennels (like the Petmate Two-Door and the Skudo by MidWest) strike a middle ground. They’re rigid enough to contain a dog during a sudden stop but not certified to the same standard as dedicated car crates. For road trips, consider a safe car crate that can be strapped down with the vehicle’s seatbelt system.
Portability and Setup
A travel crate you dread carrying will get left at home. Weight ranges from 2 pounds (Henkelion Airline Approved) to over 26 pounds (SportPet X-Large). If you’re flying solo with a dog, every pound matters.
Collapsible crates and fold-flat designs like the MidWest iCrate and the Pet Gear Insta-Fold make storage and setup easier, but they often sacrifice rigidity. The Skudo by MidWest solves this with a snap-lock assembly that creates a hard shell without tools, a good option for car travelers who want durability without wrestling with screws.
- Measure your dog’s height and length while standing and lying down, then compare to the crate’s interior dimensions, not the exterior.
- Check that all zippers or latches can be operated from outside the crate.
- Look for a removable, washable base pad or liner for accidents.
- Confirm the crate has ventilation on at least three sides.
- Test the latch mechanism for one-handed operation if you’ll be managing a dog and luggage.
The lighter the crate, the more you’ll use it. The sturdier the crate, the safer your dog will be. Decide which matters more for your trip.
Dog Travel Crates Compared
The table below compares all nine crates side by side, so you can see weight limits, door configurations, and airline compliance at a glance.
| Product | Weight | Dimensions | Material | Pet Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petmate Two-Door Dog Carrier | 5.0 pounds | 24.1 x 16.8 x 14.5 in | Durable plastic | Up to 15 lbs |
| SportPet Designs X-Large Travel Kennel | 26.3 pounds | 35.5 x 23.8 x 26.8 in | Durable hard-sided plastic | Up to 32"L x 23"H |
| Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier | 1.0 pounds | 19 x 11.8 x 11.5 in | Soft-sided with spring wire frame | 22 pounds |
| Petmate Sky Kennel Dog Crate | 2.2 pounds | 24.2 x 18.2 x 19.5 in | EcoTEC Plastic (90% recycled) | 15 to 30lbs |
| Sherpa Delta Airlines Pet Carrier | 2.5 pounds | 17 x 11 x 10.5 in | Soft-sided, mesh panels | 16 pounds |
| Skudo by MidWest Travel Carrier | 19.0 lb | 36.2 x 24.9 x 16.5 in | Hard plastic | 40 lbs |
| MidWest iCrate Single Door Dog Crate | 22.0 lb | 37.6 x 23.8 x 3.2 in | Sturdy metal wire | 41-70 lb |
| Henkelion Airline Approved Pet Carrier | 2.0 lb | 17.0 x 11.0 x 11.0 in | Polyester fabric | 15 lb |
| Pet Gear Insta-Fold Soft Crate | N/A | 29.5 x 22 x 24 inches | N/A | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dog travel crate do I need for flying?
For cabin travel, your dog must fit inside the carrier and be able to stand and turn without touching the top or sides. Most airlines require the carrier to slide under the seat, typically 18 inches long by 11 inches wide by 11 inches high. For cargo, the crate must be large enough for the dog to stand at full height, turn around, and lie down naturally.
Are soft-sided dog crates safe for car travel?
Soft-sided crates offer less crash protection than hard-sided or wire crates. They are best for cabin air travel where weight and compressibility matter most. For car travel, a hard-sided crate secured with seatbelts or tie-downs provides better containment in a sudden stop. Some owners use soft crates for short trips around town, but they are not designed to withstand collision forces.
Can I use a wire dog crate for air travel?
Most airlines do not accept wire crates for either cabin or cargo travel because they lack the solid walls and ventilation patterns required by IATA standards. Wire crates are better suited for car travel and home use. If you fly, choose a hard-sided plastic kennel or a soft-sided carrier that meets the airline’s size and material requirements.
How do I measure my dog for a travel crate?
Measure your dog from the floor to the top of the head or ears (whichever is taller) while standing, and from the nose to the base of the tail. Add 2 to 4 inches to both measurements for clearance. For cargo crates, IATA requires that the dog can stand, turn, and lie down without touching the walls or ceiling. For cabin crates, the dog must fit comfortably within the carrier’s interior dimensions.
What is the difference between IATA-compliant and airline-approved?
IATA compliance means the crate meets the International Air Transport Association’s design standards for ventilation, hardware, and construction. Airline-approved means a specific airline has reviewed and accepted that crate for travel on its flights. A crate can be IATA-compliant but not accepted by every airline. Always check with your carrier before booking a flight.
The Bottom Line
For most dog owners who fly, the Petmate Two-Door Dog Carrier is the best overall pick. It combines airline-approvable dimensions with two doors for easy loading and a moat system that keeps fluids away from your pet. It’s light enough to carry through a terminal and simple enough to use without fumbling with hardware. Just know that it only fits dogs up to 15 pounds.
If your dog is larger than 15 pounds, the award picks give you better options. The SportPet Designs X-Large Travel Kennel is the right choice for big dogs flying in cargo, and the MidWest iCrate Single Door works well for medium-large dogs traveling by car. For small-dog owners who want the lightest possible cabin carrier, the Henkelion Airline Approved carrier weighs just two pounds and collapses flat for storage.
The single most important factor in choosing a travel crate is whether it fits your specific trip. A crate that works for air travel may be too flimsy for the car, and a sturdy car crate may be too heavy for the airport. Match the crate to the journey, and your dog will travel safer and calmer every time.
