Traveling with your dog can be a great adventure, but it also comes with serious safety concerns. In the event of an accident, an unsecured dog can become a dangerous projectile, putting both your pet and other passengers at risk. That’s why investing in a crash-tested dog crate is crucial for responsible pet owners who frequently travel by car.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top crash-tested dog crates that ensure your pet’s safety while on the road. We’ll also break down what to look for in a crash-tested crate and why it’s essential for your peace of mind.
Why Crash-Tested Dog Crates Are Important
Standard dog crates are not designed to withstand the forces generated during a car crash. Even crates that appear sturdy may collapse or fail under impact, resulting in injuries or escape.
Benefits of Crash-Tested Dog Crates:
- Safety for Your Dog: Prevents injuries during sudden stops or collisions.
- Safety for Passengers: Prevents your dog from becoming a projectile.
- Peace of Mind: Travel confidently, knowing your dog is secure.
- Enhanced Durability: Built to withstand impacts and rough handling.
- Compliant with Safety Standards: Some models meet or exceed crash-test certifications.
What to Look for in a Crash-Tested Dog Crate
When shopping for a crash-tested crate, keep the following features in mind:
1. Crash-Test Certification:
- Look for crates that have been independently tested and certified for crash safety.
- The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) is a reliable organization that evaluates pet travel products.
2. Sturdy Construction:
- Material: Choose aircraft-grade aluminum or reinforced plastic.
- Reinforced Joints: Welded or riveted connections prevent breakage.
- Secure Latches: Tamper-proof locks to keep the door from flying open.
3. Proper Ventilation:
- Ensure the crate has ventilation on multiple sides to keep your dog comfortable.
4. Secure Installation:
- Tie-Down Points: Allow the crate to be secured with seat belts or straps.
- Non-Slip Feet: Prevents sliding during sudden movements.
5. Ease of Access:
- Front and Side Doors: Make loading and unloading easier.
- Quick-Release Mechanism: For emergencies.
Top 5 Crash-Tested Dog Crates for Safe Travel
1. Impact Collapsible Dog Crate
Best for: Maximum Safety and Portability
- Material: Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
- Certification: Crash-Tested
- Features:
- Collapsible design for easy transport and storage
- Reinforced door with tamper-proof latches
- Noise-dampening features to reduce stress
- Ventilation holes on all sides for airflow
- Collapsible design for easy transport and storage
- Sizes: Medium to XXL
Why It’s the Best:
The Impact Collapsible Dog Crate is not only crash-tested and durable but also lightweight and easy to transport. Its aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures your dog stays safe even in a high-impact collision. The noise-dampening design makes travel more comfortable for anxious dogs.
2. Gunner G1 Kennel
Best for: Heavy-Duty Safety and Versatility
- Material: Double-Walled Rotomolded Plastic
- Certification: Center for Pet Safety (CPS) Certified
- Features:
- Stainless steel door frame and hardware
- Secure, reinforced latch system
- Non-slip rubber feet to stabilize the crate
- Drain plug for easy cleaning
- Stainless steel door frame and hardware
- Sizes: Intermediate to XXL
Why It’s Great:
The Gunner G1 Kennel is the only CPS-certified dog crate, making it one of the safest options on the market. Its double-walled construction absorbs impact energy, while the secure door system prevents breakouts. Perfect for rugged travel and long road trips.
3. Ruff Land Performance Kennels
Best for: Lightweight and Durable Travel
- Material: Rotomolded Polyethylene
- Certification: Crash-Tested
- Features:
- One-piece molded design for strength
- Stackable and interlocking for multi-dog households
- Ventilation on all sides
- Tie-down points for securing in the vehicle
- One-piece molded design for strength
- Sizes: Multiple sizes available
Why It’s Reliable:
The Ruff Land Kennels are lightweight yet extremely durable, making them ideal for both home and car use. They are designed to withstand impacts and feature ample ventilation, keeping your dog comfortable during long trips.
4. Zinger Winger Heavy-Duty Aluminum Crate
Best for: Escape Artists and Strong Breeds
- Material: Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
- Certification: Crash-Tested
- Features:
- Reinforced corners and welds for added strength
- Ventilated panels for airflow
- Marine-grade locks to prevent escapes
- Lightweight yet highly durable
- Reinforced corners and welds for added strength
- Sizes: Medium to XXL
Why It Works:
The Zinger Winger Aluminum Crate combines lightweight portability with heavy-duty protection. Its reinforced construction keeps even the strongest dogs secure, while the marine-grade locks ensure they can’t manipulate the door.
5. Variocage Crash-Tested Dog Crate
Best for: European Safety Standards
- Material: Powder-Coated Steel
- Certification: Crash-Tested to European Standards
- Features:
- Adjustable length to fit various vehicles
- Crumple zone technology to absorb impact
- Emergency escape hatch
- Ventilation on all sides
- Adjustable length to fit various vehicles
- Sizes: Multiple sizes for different breeds
Why It’s Unique:
The Variocage Crate is designed with a crumple zone, similar to car safety features, to reduce the force of impact on your dog. It’s one of the few crates that meet European crash safety standards, offering advanced protection.
Why Impact Dog Crates Are the Top Choice
When it comes to crash-tested crates, Impact Dog Crates consistently outperform the competition. They are designed to handle high-impact collisions without bending or breaking. Here’s why they’re the ultimate choice:
1. Unbeatable Durability:
- Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring long-lasting strength.
- Chew-proof and resistant to impacts.
2. Maximum Safety Features:
- Tamper-Proof Locks: Prevents escape attempts during travel.
- Reinforced Welded Joints: Handles strong impacts without failing.
- Noise Reduction: Calms anxious dogs during transit.
3. Designed for Comfort:
- Perforated panels maintain good ventilation.
- Smooth, rounded edges to prevent injuries.
Real-Life Story: Max’s Safe Road Trip
Max, a German Shepherd with a tendency to chew and push his way out of standard crates, found safety and comfort in the Impact Collapsible Dog Crate. On a cross-country road trip, Max stayed secure and relaxed the entire time, thanks to the quiet, reinforced design. When an unexpected brake check happened, the crate remained stable, and Max was unharmed—proving the value of a crash-tested crate.
Final Thoughts: Safety First, Always
Traveling with your dog doesn’t have to be stressful—especially when you choose a crash-tested dog crate designed to keep them secure in any situation. Whether you’re planning a short drive or a long road trip, investing in a high-quality crash-tested crate is essential for your dog’s safety and your peace of mind.For the ultimate in travel safety, durability, and comfort, Impact Dog Crates are the clear winner. Don’t take chances with cheap, untested options—protect your dog with the best. Secure your pet with Impact Dog Crates and enjoy worry-free travel every time.
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