A loose dog in the car is a danger to everyone on board. A properly fitted car crate keeps your dog contained and secure, and helps reduce distractions while you drive.
We have compared five car crates currently available at Amazon UK, from a premium crash-tested aluminium crate to budget folding options.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Thule Allax Car Dog Crate | Style and safety, SUVs and estates | £560-580 | 4.6/5 |
Ferplast Atlas Car Scenic 80 | Mid-range, hatchback travellers | £105-115 | 4.4/5 |
Pet World Sloped Car Dog Crate | UK boot shapes | £130-140 | 4.5/5 |
CADOCA Foldable Travel Crate | Occasional trips, budget buyers | £45-50 | 4.5/5 |
MidWest Ovation Double Door Crate | Home and car use | £70-75 | 4.4/5 |
Our Top Picks
Thule Allax Car Dog Crate
Best for: design-conscious owners with SUVs and larger estates
The Thule Allax is a crash-tested aluminium car crate that looks as smart as it is safe. It slots into the boot with a clean profile and is designed to keep your dog contained and protected on the road.
It is a premium buy, with the small size at around £570, and a 4.6 out of 5 average from 40 ratings. Only ten were left at the time of checking.
What we like:
- Crash-tested aluminium build
- Sleek profile fits neatly in the boot
- Multiple sizes available
Worth knowing:
- Very expensive
- Fewer reviews than mainstream crates
Specifications:
- Type: aluminium car crate
- Model: Allax
- Size checked: S
- Brand: Thule
Ferplast Atlas Car Scenic 80 Dog Carrier
Best for: mid-range, hatchback travellers
The Ferplast Atlas Car Scenic 80 is a plastic carrier with double sliding doors and a design aimed at giving your dog maximum visibility on the journey. It is easy to clean and lighter than a metal crate.
At around £110 it sits in the middle of the price range, with a 4.4 out of 5 average across 430 ratings. Only four were left at the time of checking.
What we like:
- Double sliding doors
- Good visibility for your dog
- Easy to clean plastic shell
Worth knowing:
- Not crash-tested like the premium options
- Limited stock
Specifications:
- Type: plastic car carrier
- Model: Atlas Car Scenic 80
- Doors: double sliding
- Brand: Ferplast
Pet World Sloped Car Dog Crate
Best for: UK boot shapes on a budget
Pet World’s crate is designed for hatchback, estate and 4×4 boots, with a sloped rear that follows the shape of the rear seats. It is a folding metal design that fits many UK cars.
The Large 36 inch costs around £135 with a 4.5 out of 5 average across 46 ratings. Check your boot dimensions before ordering.
What we like:
- Sloped shape designed for hatchbacks and estates
- UK-designed
- Folding metal build
Worth knowing:
- Priced above many folding crates
- Fewer reviews than well-known brands
Specifications:
- Type: folding metal car crate
- Size checked: Large 36 inch
- Design: sloped rear
- Fits: hatchback, estate, 4×4
CADOCA Foldable Travel Dog Crate Carrier
Best for: occasional trips and budget buyers
If you only travel with your dog now and then, a foldable travel crate is a simple way to keep them safe and contained. The Cadoca folds for storage and comes with a bowl.
At around £47 and with a 4.5 out of 5 average across more than 7,300 ratings, it is one of the best-value options here.
What we like:
- Very affordable
- Folds away when not in use
- Huge base of positive reviews
Worth knowing:
- Not crash-tested
- Not suited to dogs that chew
Specifications:
- Type: foldable travel crate
- Size checked: XL
- Includes: bowl
- Colour: Anthracite
MidWest Ovation Double Door Crate
Best for: versatile home-and-car use
The MidWest Ovation has a wide side door that opens upwards and lies flat on top, which makes it easier to load and unload a large dog. It works as a home crate as well as a car crate.
The Intermediate 91cm costs around £72 and has a 4.4 out of 5 average from more than 300 ratings. Only three were left at the time of checking.
What we like:
- Door design gives easy access
- Works at home and in the car
- Folds flat
Worth knowing:
- Not crash-tested
- Limited stock
Specifications:
- Type: folding metal crate
- Size checked: Intermediate 91cm
- Doors: front and side
- Brand: MidWest
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Car Crate
What to Look For
Check the internal size against your dog and the crate’s exterior against your boot. Safety certification matters if you want the highest protection, while folding crates suit occasional trips.
Types of Dog Car Crate
Aluminium crash-tested crates offer the most protection. Metal folding crates are versatile. Plastic carriers are lighter and easy to clean. Soft crates suit calm dogs on short trips.
Size Guide
Your dog should be able to stand, turn round and lie down. Measure your dog from nose to tail base and from floor to head height, then add a few centimetres for comfort.
How Much Should You Spend?
Foldable crates cost £30-£80. Mid-range plastic and sloped crates cost £100-£150. Crash-tested aluminium crates cost £300 or more.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a crash-tested crate?
A crash-tested crate offers the highest protection, but any secure crate is safer than a loose dog.
Will the crate fit my boot?
Measure your boot width, depth and height and compare it with the crate’s exterior dimensions before buying.
Can my dog travel in a plastic carrier?
Small dogs often do. Larger dogs are better suited to a metal or aluminium crate.
How do I get my dog used to a car crate?
Introduce the crate at home first, with treats and a bed, then take short trips.
Conclusion
The Thule Allax is our top pick for safety and design, while the Pet World and Ferplast crates are well-suited to hatchbacks and estates.
The Cadoca is the best-value crate for occasional travel, and the MidWest Ovation is a versatile choice for home and car.
