Summer travel season is here, and if you’re planning adventures with your dog, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right carrier or travel crate.
After years of traveling with my own dogs, I’ve learned that the best travel setup isn’t just about convenience. It’s about emotional comfort, safety, airflow, stability, and helping dogs feel secure in unfamiliar environments. And honestly, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
A tiny, nervous dog flying in an airline cabin has very different needs than a large dog riding in the back of an SUV on a long road trip. Temperament matters, too. Some dogs prefer visibility and stimulation, while others feel calmer in more enclosed spaces.
Here are some of the best options I’ve found for summer travel with dogs, along with what I personally think matters most when choosing travel equipment.
What I Look for in a Good Dog Carrier or Travel Crate
Before buying any travel setup, I recommend focusing on:
- ventilation and airflow
- emotional comfort for the dog
- stability during movement
- easy cleaning
- enough room to stand and turn comfortably
- secure closures
- portability
- crash safety for vehicle travel
- airline compatibility if flying
And perhaps most importantly, remember that carrier confidence starts before the trip. Dogs should gradually learn that crates and carriers are safe, calming spaces long before travel day.
Best Overall Airline Carrier for Small Dogs
Sherpa Original Deluxe Travel Carrier
The Sherpa carrier has been popular with travelers for years, and for good reason. It’s lightweight, flexible enough to meet airline requirements, and comfortable for many small dogs on flights and road trips. I used one for my cat Cyd when she was part of the A-cat-amey Awards celebration for Pedigree Pet Food!
I especially like soft-sided carriers for anxious dogs (or cats) because they often feel less intimidating than hard plastic kennels. The mesh ventilation also helps dogs feel less enclosed during longer travel days.
Best Expandable Carrier for Nervous Small Dogs
Expandable carriers can be wonderful for dogs who become stressed during confinement because they provide extra resting space during airport waits, hotel stays, or long road trips.
The extra ventilation panels also help during warmer summer weather.
Best Rolling Carrier for Airports
If you’ve ever sprinted through a busy airport with a nervous dog on your shoulder, you understand the appeal of rolling carriers.
These can be especially helpful for older travelers, small dogs that tire easily, or during long airport layovers.
Best Backpack Carrier for Active Travelers
For hiking trips, outdoor adventures, and busy airports, backpack carriers can make travel much easier. I especially like them for dogs who enjoy staying physically close to their person. I wish they made these back in the day when Baldwin had TPLO surgery after he tore his cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), which is the canine equivalent of the human ACL.
That said, not every dog enjoys being carried this way, so gradual introduction and short practice sessions are important.
Best SUV Travel Crate for Large Dogs
Ferplast Atlas Vehicle SUV Dog Crate
For larger dogs traveling by vehicle, stability and airflow matter enormously. I prefer SUV-specific crates because they are often designed to fit more securely in hatchbacks and SUVs, reducing sliding during turns and braking.
Large dogs also tend to travel better when they feel physically stable rather than constantly shifting while moving.
Best Crash-Tested Travel Crate for Large Dogs
Variocage Double Crash-Tested Crate
If safety is your top priority, crash-tested crates are worth serious consideration. They are significantly more expensive, but many dog owners find the added protection and engineering worthwhile, especially for frequent travelers or families with multiple large dogs.
Best Foldable Travel Crate for Road Trips
Snagle Paw SUV Travel Dog Crate
One of the challenges with large travel crates is storage. Foldable options can make life much easier when not traveling.
This setup can work well for road trips, temporary hotel stays, or for families who frequently travel with larger dogs. You’ll see them on the agility field and other dog sports.
My Honest Thoughts on Flying Dogs in Cargo
People ask me about this constantly. Years ago, Waltham Pet Food sponsored my dogs, Baldwin and Bliss, to attend the World Dog Games in Mexico City. Because they flew cargo, I spent considerable time preparing them emotionally for confinement, vibration, unfamiliar sounds, and travel-related stress.
That’s how I know preparation matters enormously. Dogs should never experience a crate for the first time on travel day. They need gradual exposure, positive reinforcement, and emotional confidence long before they board a plane.
That said, some dogs tolerate air travel better than others. Age, health, anxiety level, and breed all matter. Ultimately, the best carrier or travel crate is the one that helps your dog feel emotionally safe.
Travel should not be about getting from one place to another. It should foster trust, confidence, and comfort for both of you.
Dogs do not need perfect vacations. They need to feel secure beside the people they love. 🐾
This is the 2nd post in a new summer series for dog lovers!!!
Coming soon:
• water safety essentials
• outdoor beds and cooling cots
• summer grooming products
• dog beach and pool gear
• first-aid and emergency supplies for summer adventures
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