Whether you are heading on holiday, visiting the vet or flying, a travel crate keeps your dog safe and calm. The best crates are easy to carry, easy to clean and strong enough for the journey.
We have compared five travel crates currently available at Amazon UK, from an airline-approved carrier to a lightweight fabric crate.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Ferplast Medium Carrier (IATA) | Airline and long-distance travel | £58-64 | 3.6/5 |
Ferplast Atlas Dog Carrier (Medium) | Car journeys and vet trips | £42-46 | 4.1/5 |
Savic Dog Residence Hammer Tone | Folding metal crate for holidays | £105-115 | 4.5/5 |
Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Travel Crate | Lightweight, easy packing | £28-32 | 4.5/5 |
Ellie-Bo Standard Folding 2-Door Crate | Sturdy budget crate | £30-35 | 4.5/5 |
The Best Dog Travel Crates Reviewed
Ferplast Medium Dog Carrier (Airline Approved IATA)
Best for: airline and long-distance travel
A rigid, airline-approved carrier is the safest choice for flying. The Ferplast Medium is IATA approved for dogs up to 20kg and is built with a rigid shell and secure door.
It costs around £61 and averages 3.6 out of 5 across 76 ratings. Petmate’s Sky Kennel, previously listed here, is currently unavailable.
What we like:
- IATA airline approved
- Rigid shell and secure door
- Easy to clean
Worth knowing:
- Mixed review score
- Bulky and does not fold
Specifications:
- Type: rigid plastic carrier
- Approval: IATA
- Max weight: 20kg
- Brand: Ferplast
Ferplast Atlas Dog Carrier (Medium)
Best for: car journeys and vet trips
The Ferplast Atlas is a clamshell carrier with a metal grille door, quick assembly and a design that is easy to clean. It is a staple of UK vet waiting rooms and works well in the car.
The Medium costs around £44, and more than 2,300 ratings average 4.1 out of 5.
What we like:
- Easy assembly
- Hard-wearing plastic shell
- Trusted brand
Worth knowing:
- Larger sizes are awkward to carry alone
- Does not fold flat
Specifications:
- Type: hard plastic clamshell carrier
- Size: Medium
- Door: metal grille
- Brand: Ferplast
Savic Dog Residence Hammer Tone Crate
Best for: holidays, where a crate needs to fold flat
The Savic Dog Residence is a coated wire crate that folds flat for transport and gives your dog excellent airflow and visibility. It suits car journeys and holiday stays.
The 76cm version costs around £111 with a 4.5 out of 5 average from 38 ratings. Savic’s Mobile model was not available to verify, so this is the closest in-stock alternative from the same brand.
What we like:
- Folds flat
- Good airflow and visibility
- Sturdy coated wire
Worth knowing:
- Not suitable for air travel
- Heavier than fabric crates
Specifications:
- Type: folding wire crate
- Size: 76 x 52 x 57cm
- Finish: hammer tone
- Brand: Savic
Amazon Basics Portable Soft-Sided Folding Travel Crate
Best for: lightweight packing and settled travellers
This soft-sided travel crate has multiple doors, folds flat and is very light. It suits calm dogs on car journeys and stays away from home.
At around £29 with a 4.5 out of 5 average across more than 14,700 ratings, it is the best-value option here. Soft crates are not suitable for dogs that chew or are anxious.
What we like:
- Very affordable
- Folds flat and light to carry
- Huge base of reviews
Worth knowing:
- Not chew-proof
- Not for anxious dogs
Specifications:
- Type: soft-sided folding crate
- Doors: 4-door design
- Material: fabric with mesh panels
- Brand: Amazon Basics
Ellie-Bo Standard Folding 2-Door Dog Crate
Best for: a sturdier alternative to soft crates
For a stronger frame than a soft crate, a folding metal crate offers better durability. The Ellie-Bo has two doors and a metal tray, and folds for storage.
The small 24-inch costs around £32 with a 4.5 out of 5 average across more than 14,000 ratings. Ellie-Bo’s fabric crate was not available to verify, so this metal model replaces it.
What we like:
- Strong, sturdy frame
- Two doors for flexible placement
- Very high review count
Worth knowing:
- Heavier than fabric crates
- Less den-like than a soft crate
Specifications:
- Type: folding metal crate
- Size checked: Small, 24 inch
- Doors: two
- Includes: metal tray
No products found.
Dog Travel Crate Buying Guide
What to look for when buying a dog travel crate
Consider how you will travel. Flying needs an airline-approved rigid carrier. Car journeys suit plastic or folding crates. Holidays suit crates that fold flat.
Dog travel crate types explained
Hard plastic crates are the strongest and easy to clean. Folding metal crates fold flat and give excellent airflow. Fabric crates are lightest but suit calm dogs only.
Size guide
Add around 10cm to your dog’s nose-to-tail length and around 8cm to their standing height to give them room to stand, turn and lie down.
How much should you spend?
£25-£35 buys a light fabric or basic metal crate. £45-£110 buys a mid-range plastic or folding crate. Airline-approved carriers cost £60 and above.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an airline-approved crate to fly?
Yes. Airlines set strict requirements, so check the airline’s own rules before buying.
Is a soft crate safe in the car?
Soft crates suit calm dogs on short trips but offer less protection than rigid options.
How do I get my dog used to a travel crate?
Introduce it at home with treats and familiar bedding, then build up to short trips.
Can I use a home crate for travel?
A folding metal crate can work, but a dedicated travel crate is usually lighter and easier to carry.
Conclusion
For air travel, choose the airline-approved Ferplast carrier. For car journeys and vet trips, the Ferplast Atlas is a trusted choice.
The Savic suits holidays where a crate must fold flat, and the Amazon Basics soft crate is the best value for calm travellers.
