Going on holiday with your dog is a joy. But the journey can quickly become a headache: how do you ensure their safety in the car, their comfort during breaks, and provide a familiar space for them at your destination? The foldable dog crate stands out as the smartest solution, combining the security of a rigid kennel with the convenience of soft-sided luggage.
In this guide, we break down the essential criteria for making the right choice and present our selection of the best models. Our goal? To help owners of small and medium-sized dogs find the ideal travel companion for their four-legged friend.
To ensure you make the best choice for both you and your dog, several criteria should be considered.
This is the golden rule: your dog must have enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down without feeling cramped. To do this, measure them from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail (length) and from the floor to the top of their head (height). Add a few centimetres to these measurements to find the ideal internal dimensions.
For example, for a French Bulldog or a Corgi (weighing 7 to 11 kg), a 60x42x42 cm transport crate is an excellent starting point. Don't overlook the little extras that make all the difference, like a cosy, removable, and machine-washable mat.
A good soft-sided transport crate must be both lightweight and sturdy. Models with a steel frame combine stability with ease of handling. For the fabric, opt for a durable material like 600D Oxford, a reliable choice for its longevity and resistance to scratches.
The folding mechanism is, of course, crucial. A quality foldable travel kennel should assemble and disassemble in a flash, with no tools required. Once folded, it should be as flat as possible to easily slide into your car boot or a cupboard.
The perfect model is one that isn't just for the car. It should transform into a reassuring den at a hotel, campsite, or a friend's house. For this, ventilation is essential. Make sure it has several mesh windows: they ensure good air circulation and allow your dog to keep an eye on their surroundings, which is crucial for reducing stress. A car transport crate that checks all these boxes quickly becomes indispensable for long journeys.
We have selected a few models that stand out from the crowd thanks to their smart design and perfect suitability for the needs of travelling dogs.
This model from SONGMICSHOME is a remarkably complete solution for dogs weighing 7 to 11 kg.
Why we chose it
This model strikes the perfect balance between sturdiness and portability. Its steel tube frame provides excellent stability, while the Oxford fabric and mesh windows ensure durability and ventilation. But its key advantage is its ultra-simple folding mechanism: once folded, it's only 8 cm thick, making it a dream to store. The side pockets and removable fleece mat are the small details that make all the difference in practice.
Key features
Who is it for? Ideal for owners of small to medium-sized dogs (Toy Poodle, French Bulldog, Pembroke Corgi) looking for an all-in-one solution: for car journeys, camping, or as a secure secondary bed at home and on holiday.
Available in several colours:
| Colour | Image | Link | | :--- | :---: | :---: | | Grey |
| View product | | Black |
| View product |
A good transport crate is one thing, but a reliable leash is just as crucial for breaks at motorway service areas.
Why we chose it
This leash was designed for walks in unfamiliar territory, combining safety and practicality. Its 8-metre length gives your dog real freedom of movement at rest stops. Its key safety feature? A 50 cm steel cable at the end, which is chew-proof. The integrated waste bag dispenser is the kind of detail that makes life easier when travelling.
Key features
Who is it for? For anyone who wants to complete their travel kit with a sturdy, well-designed leash, perfect for roadside breaks and outdoor explorations.
If our recommendations don't perfectly match your dog's size or your needs, don't worry. Every pet is unique, and the most important thing is to find the crate that is perfectly suited to them.
Feel free to explore our full collection to discover a wider range of sizes, materials, and features.
? Discover Our Full Range of Pet Transport Crates
1. How do I get my dog used to their new transport crate?
The key is a gradual and positive approach. Leave the crate open in your living room with its mat and a few toys inside. Encourage your dog to enter on their own using treats. Never force them in, and at first, only close the door for a few seconds while you stay nearby. The goal is for them to associate the crate with a safe and pleasant refuge.
2. Is a soft-sided crate as safe as a rigid one?
The two aren't in the same league. A soft-sided crate with a metal frame focuses on comfort and convenience. It's perfect for car trips (when properly secured in the cabin) and as a secondary den. A rigid plastic crate, on the other hand, offers superior protection in the event of an impact and is the only option approved for air travel in the cargo hold. For daily use, car travel, and holidays, the soft-sided model is often more comfortable and easier to manage.
3. What size crate for a French Bulldog?
The French Bulldog is a compact but sturdy dog: they need a good amount of room. A model around 60 cm long, 42 cm wide, and 42 cm high is often a good benchmark. But the most important thing is to measure your own dog, as sizes can vary. The golden rule: they must be able to stand up without their head touching the top and turn around easily.