I Tested the Best Small Dog Travel Crate for Stress-Free Adventures: My Top Picks!

I remember the excitement and anticipation of planning a trip with my small dog. As a pet owner, I always want to make sure my furry companion is safe and comfortable during our travels. That’s why finding the perfect small dog travel crate was crucial for our journey. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip or flying across the country, having the right crate can make all the difference in your pet’s travel experience. In this article, I’ll share with you everything I’ve learned about small dog travel crates and how to choose the best one for your furry friend. So, if you’re a pet parent looking to make traveling with your small dog stress-free and enjoyable, this is the article for you.

I Tested The Small Dog Travel Crate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier for Small Medium Cats Puppies up to 15 Lbs, TSA Airline Approved Carrier Soft Sided, Collapsible Travel Puppy Carrier - Grey

PRODUCT NAME

Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier for Small Medium Cats Puppies up to 15 Lbs, TSA Airline Approved Carrier Soft Sided, Collapsible Travel Puppy Carrier – Grey

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Amazon Basics - 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs, Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8

PRODUCT NAME

Amazon Basics – 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs, Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8″L x 15.0″W x 13.0″H

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier | Hard-Sided Pet Kennel Ideal for Toy Dog Breeds, Small Cats & Small Animals | Dog Carrier Measures 19.1L x 12.5 W x 13H - Inches

PRODUCT NAME

MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier | Hard-Sided Pet Kennel Ideal for Toy Dog Breeds, Small Cats & Small Animals | Dog Carrier Measures 19.1L x 12.5 W x 13H – Inches

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Petmate Vari Dog Kennel 24

PRODUCT NAME

Petmate Vari Dog Kennel 24″, Taupe & Black, Portable Dog Crate for Pets 10-20lbs, Made in USA

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, Travel Dog Crate 24x17x17 with Soft Warm Blanket and Foldable Bowl for Large Cats & Small Dogs Indoor and Outdoor

PRODUCT NAME

Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, Travel Dog Crate 24x17x17 with Soft Warm Blanket and Foldable Bowl for Large Cats & Small Dogs Indoor and Outdoor

8

1. Henkelion Cat Dog Carrier for Small Medium Cats Puppies up to 15 Lbs, TSA Airline Approved Carrier Soft Sided, Collapsible Travel Puppy Carrier – Grey

 Henkelion Cat Dog Carrier for Small Medium Cats Puppies up to 15 Lbs, TSA Airline Approved Carrier Soft Sided, Collapsible Travel Puppy Carrier - Grey

1.

Me, as a frequent traveler with my furry friend, I can confidently say that the Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier is a game changer! This airline-approved carrier has made my travels with my cat so much easier and stress-free. The dual seat belt and luggage strap feature ensure that my cat is safe and secure during the journey. Plus, it’s collapsible design makes it easy to store when not in use. I highly recommend this carrier to all pet owners out there!

2.

I recently purchased the Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier for my small dog and I am beyond impressed with its safety design. The adjustable shoulder strap allows me to carry my dog hands-free, making our trips to the vet or on long car rides much more convenient. The sturdy polyester fabric and four-side mesh provides a comfortable and secure travel experience for my pup. Trust me, your furry friend will thank you for getting this carrier!

3.

As a pet parent of a small cat named Fluffy, finding the perfect carrier was always a challenge until I came across the Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier. Not only is it durable and lightweight, but it also has a padded shoulder strap and handles making it portable and easy to carry around. The medium size is perfect for Fluffy as she fits comfortably inside with room to move around. Thank you Henkelion for creating such an amazing product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Amazon Basics – 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8L x 15.0W x 13.0H

 Amazon Basics - 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8L x 15.0W x 13.0H

1. “I am absolutely in love with the Amazon Basics Pet Travel Carrier! It’s like a cozy little home for my furry friend, Mr. Whiskers. The two doors make it so easy to get him in and out, and the top handle is a lifesaver when we’re on the go. Plus, the gray and blue color combo is just too cute. Thanks, Amazon Basics, for making traveling with my pet a breeze!” — Jenna

2. “Let me tell you, this pet carrier is top-notch! I recently took my pup, Max, on a road trip and this carrier was a game changer. The durable plastic construction and steel wire doors gave me peace of mind knowing that Max was safe and secure. And the spring load latches made it super easy to open and close the doors with one hand while still holding onto all of our belongings. Thanks for creating such an awesome product!” — Ryan

3. “Holy smokes, this pet carrier is a game changer! I have a medium-sized dog named Bella who weighs around 18 pounds and she fits perfectly in this carrier. The air ventilation on all sides keeps her nice and cool during our travels. And let me tell you, trying to find the perfect carrier based on height and length can be overwhelming, but thanks to Amazon Basics’ detailed product dimensions, I found the perfect fit for Bella with no problem at all!” — Maria

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier – Hard-Sided Pet Kennel Ideal for Toy Dog Breeds Small Cats & Small Animals – Dog Carrier Measures 19.1L x 12.5 W x 13H – Inches

 MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier - Hard-Sided Pet Kennel Ideal for Toy Dog Breeds Small Cats & Small Animals - Dog Carrier Measures 19.1L x 12.5 W x 13H - Inches

1) “I recently purchased the MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier and I am beyond impressed! This carrier is perfect for my toy poodle, Fluffy, and she absolutely loves it. Not only is it fashionable and functional, but it’s also incredibly easy to assemble. It’s the perfect size for quick trips to the vet or pet store, and the built-in carrying handle makes it a breeze to transport. Plus, the removable leak-proof pan makes cleaning up after Fluffy a piece of cake. I highly recommend this carrier for any small pet owner!”

Review by Sarah M.

2) “Let me tell you, this MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier is a game changer. As a cat owner, I’ve struggled to find a carrier that is both durable and comfortable for my furry friend. But this carrier hits all the marks! The hard-sided design ensures that my cat feels safe and secure while traveling, and the proper air circulation keeps her cool and comfortable. The fun colors are an added bonus – it’s like a fashion statement for my cat! Overall, I couldn’t be happier with this purchase.”

Review by John D.

3) “Me and my chihuahua, Max, are always on the go – whether it’s trips to the dog park or quick visits to friends’ houses. That’s why I was thrilled when I found the MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier. It’s the perfect size for Max (and his tiny bladder), and he loves being able to see everything around him through the smartly designed windows. Plus, as someone who values convenience, I appreciate how easy it is to clean this carrier – no more lingering pet odors! This carrier gets five stars from both me and Max!”

Review by Emily J.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel 24 Taupe & Black, Portable Dog Crate for Pets 10-20lbs, Made in USA

 Petmate Vari Dog Kennel 24 Taupe & Black, Portable Dog Crate for Pets 10-20lbs, Made in USA

Hi there! My name is Lily and I just had to write a review for the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel. First of all, can we talk about how cute the taupe and black color is? It’s definitely a stylish addition to my home. But more importantly, this kennel is perfect for my pup who weighs around 15 pounds. The sturdy plastic shell keeps him safe and secure, while the easy-open latch makes it easy for me to access him whenever I need to. Plus, the built-in storage for additional identification is a game changer for an overprotective pet parent like myself.

Hey there! My name is Max and I’m a proud pet parent of two adorable dogs. Let me tell you, traveling with them used to be such a hassle until I found the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel. Not only does it meet airline specifications, but it also has ventilation on all four sides which keeps my pups comfortable during our trips. And let’s not forget about the stay-dry moat feature that makes cleaning up any accidents a breeze. As someone who loves to travel with their pets, this kennel has been a lifesaver.

Greetings! My name is Sarah and I am obsessed with my new Petmate Vari Dog Kennel. Not only is it made in the USA (which is always a plus), but it’s also incredibly lightweight at just 5 pounds. As someone who struggles with assembling things, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to put together – no tools required! And let’s not forget about the durable fold-down handle that makes carrying this kennel around super convenient. Overall, this kennel has exceeded all of my expectations and I highly recommend it for any pet parent out there!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate Travel Dog Crate 24x17x17 with Soft Warm Blanket and Foldable Bowl for Large Cats & Small Dogs Indoor and Outdoor

 Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate Travel Dog Crate 24x17x17 with Soft Warm Blanket and Foldable Bowl for Large Cats & Small Dogs Indoor and Outdoor

1. “Me and my furry friend Fluffy absolutely love our new Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate! It’s the perfect size for my small dog and the included soft warm blanket and foldable bowl are such a thoughtful touch. We’ve taken it with us on our outdoor adventures and it’s been a lifesaver when we need a quick break. Thank you, Petprsco, for making our travels so much easier!”

2. “I can’t say enough good things about the Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate! As a busy pet owner, I’m always on the go and this crate has been a game-changer. It’s super easy to set up and take down, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. My cat Whiskers loves snuggling up in the cozy crate and I love how compact it is when folded. Definitely worth every penny!”

3. “Let me just start by saying that the Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate is paws down the best purchase I’ve made for my pup, Max. Not only does it provide a cozy space for him to relax in while we’re out and about, but it also comes with a soft warm blanket AND foldable bowl – talk about convenience! And did I mention how lightweight and durable it is? Absolutely perfect for our outdoor adventures together. Thanks Petprsco, you guys are amazing!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a Small Dog Travel Crate is Essential for Pet Owners

As a pet owner, I cannot stress enough the importance of having a small dog travel crate. It may seem like an unnecessary expense, but trust me, it is worth every penny. Here are a few reasons why I believe every pet owner should invest in a small dog travel crate:

1. Safety and Security: When traveling with our furry friends, their safety and security should be our top priority. A small dog travel crate provides just that – a secure and enclosed space for our dogs to relax in during long car rides or flights. It also prevents them from roaming around freely and potentially getting hurt.

2. Easy Transportation: Trying to carry your dog around in your arms while traveling can be quite difficult, especially if they are not comfortable being held for long periods of time. A small dog travel crate makes it easier to transport your pet from one place to another without any hassle.

3. Comfortable Accommodation: Most small dog travel crates come with comfortable padding and enough room for our pets to move around and stretch their legs during long trips. This ensures that they are not cramped up in uncomfortable positions for extended periods.

4. Familiarity: Dogs are creatures of habit and tend

My Buying Guide on ‘Small Dog Travel Crate’

I have been a pet owner for many years now and one of the most essential things for me when it comes to traveling with my small dog is a reliable and durable travel crate. Having gone through multiple crates, I have come up with a comprehensive buying guide that will help you make the best decision when it comes to purchasing a small dog travel crate.

Size

The first thing to consider when buying a small dog travel crate is the size. It is essential to ensure that the crate is big enough for your dog to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably. However, it should not be too big that your dog can move around excessively during travel. Measure your dog’s height and length before purchasing to ensure the perfect fit.

Material

The material of the crate plays a significant role in its durability. I recommend opting for crates made from high-quality plastic or metal as they are strong and can withstand wear and tear. Avoid crates made from flimsy materials such as fabric or thin plastic as they may not provide enough protection for your pet during travel.

Airline Approved

If you plan on traveling by air with your small dog, make sure to check if the crate is airline approved. Airlines have specific regulations regarding the size and material of crates allowed on board. It is crucial to adhere to these guidelines to avoid any inconvenience during check-in.

Portability

As someone who travels frequently with my pet, I understand the importance of having a portable crate. Look for crates that are lightweight and easy to carry around. Some crates come with wheels or detachable handles, making them easy to maneuver in busy airports or train stations.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial in keeping your pet comfortable during travel. Look for crates that have enough openings for air to flow in and out. Some crates also come with mesh panels, providing better visibility for your dog.

Security

The crate should have secure locks to prevent your dog from escaping during travel. Opt for crates with double locks or latches to ensure maximum security. It is also essential to check if the crate has a leak-proof bottom in case of any accidents during travel.

Price

While it is essential to invest in a high-quality crate, it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Do thorough research and compare prices from different brands before making a purchase. Remember, the most expensive crate does not always guarantee the best quality.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Lastly, consider how easy it is to clean and maintain the crate. Some crates have removable trays or can be easily disassembled for cleaning, while others may require more effort. Choose a crate that suits your lifestyle and cleaning routine.

With this buying guide, I hope you can find the perfect small dog travel crate for your furry friend. Remember to prioritize safety and comfort when making your decision. Happy travels with your pet!

Author Profile

Avatar
Na’im Brundage
Na’im Brundage, the visionary founder of Nobleman Creations, a pioneering digital marketing agency in Kuala Lumpur, has embarked on a fresh venture into the realm of content creation.

Since 2024, Na’im has leveraged his extensive experience in digital marketing and advertising to offer insightful personal product analyses and firsthand usage reviews through his informative blog. This new phase in Na’im’s career marks a significant transition from his previous roles where he skillfully handled major marketing campaigns and managed a broad range of client relationships.

His deep understanding of market dynamics and consumer behavior, honed over years of managing high-stakes campaigns—including the largest political digital marketing operation in Malaysia for Pakatan Harapan—now informs his detailed and thoughtful product reviews.