Traveling with your canine companion can be an incredibly rewarding experience, forging unforgettable memories and strengthening your bond. However, for owners of large dog breeds, the logistics of travel can present unique challenges. One of the most crucial pieces of equipment for ensuring a smooth and safe journey is a Large Dog Travel Crate. This isn’t just an accessory; it’s an essential tool for responsible pet travel, whether you’re embarking on a cross-country road trip or a short drive to the park.
My own early experiences traveling with dogs were… let’s just say, educational. Picture this: two energetic shepherd puppies, no dog crates in sight, a winding mountain road, and a small, inquisitive child in the mix. What could possibly go wrong? Well, plenty. That trip taught me a valuable lesson: regardless of your experience level with dogs, a travel crate is non-negotiable. Even if you don’t plan to use it for every leg of your journey, having a large dog travel crate readily available is a sign of responsible pet ownership and can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations.
A spacious and portable folding nylon travel dog crate, ideal for large breeds and convenient storage during trips.
The Day the Puppies Took Charge (of the Car)
Back in the early 2000s, my family decided to welcome a Shiloh Shepherd puppy into our lives. This magnificent breed, known for its gentle nature, intelligence, and loyalty, seemed the perfect fit. We arranged for our new pup to be flown to us, and in a surprising turn of events, we agreed to temporarily care for his littermate as well. The breeder assured us both puppies would arrive in separate, airline-approved dog crates, accompanied by a chaperone.
Excitement filled the air as we drove to the Atlanta airport, armed with water bowls, leashes, and chew toys. We were prepared for puppies, but perhaps not fully prepared for puppies in crates. Upon arrival, it quickly became apparent that the “airline-approved” crates were substantially larger than anticipated – necessary for growing Shiloh Shepherd puppies, who already weighed a hefty 40 pounds at just four months old. Adult Shilohs, we knew, could reach a formidable 150 pounds, resembling giant German Shepherds.
Dog Travel Tip #1: Measure Your Vehicle for a Large Dog Travel Crate Beforehand
The reality hit us hard in the airport parking lot. There was absolutely no way two of these large dog travel crates would fit side-by-side in the back of our brand new Discovery, a vehicle we’d specifically chosen with dog-friendliness in mind. In a moment of hasty improvisation, we disassembled the bulky crates and settled the two bewildered puppies, Teddy Blue and Merlin, onto the back seat, flanking our six-year-old son in his booster seat. It was a comical, if slightly chaotic, tableau: two enormous, fluffy puppies and one overjoyed little boy, all crammed together.
Our kind chaperone, sensing potential chaos, handed me a box of ginger snaps. “For car sickness,” he advised, echoing the breeder’s earlier warning. Despite my growing unease, he reassured me, “They were perfectly fine in their dog crates during the flight. They’ll be alright.” And surprisingly, for the initial three-hour drive home on straight interstate highways, they were. “Traveling with two Shiloh Shepherd puppies and a six-year-old? We’ve got this,” I naively thought.
Mountain Roads and Puppy Mishaps: The Crate Lesson Learned
A week later, we planned a trip to our mountain cottage in western North Carolina, inviting Merlin’s new family to meet us there. What should have been a simple change of location turned into a masterclass in poor travel decisions. Instead of a straightforward interstate route, we faced a network of winding, two-lane mountain roads with dramatic elevation changes. We told ourselves we were prepared, equipped with travel bowls and leashes, ready for frequent stops.
Dog Travel Tip #2: Thoughtful Trip Planning is Crucial
Looking back, our biggest mistake wasn’t just the twisty roads, but the cumulative effect of poor choices. We compounded the challenging route by deciding to drive through the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest – arguably the most serpentine and narrow road imaginable. While breathtakingly beautiful, this forest road offered few safe pull-over spots for puppy breaks. Bad decision number two.
A collapsible dog travel crate, highlighting its space-saving design for car journeys and easy storage when not in use.
It wasn’t long before the puppies started drooling – a telltale sign of impending car sickness, ginger snaps or not. Then it happened. And it kept happening. Everywhere. Seats, floor, door panels, even the speakers. (Did I mention the car was brand new?) And then, the ultimate blow – all over our son, who understandably lost his enthusiasm for puppy cuddles. The sheer volume a 40-pound Shiloh Shepherd puppy can produce when car sick is astounding, let alone two of them. We were trapped in a metal box, navigating hairpin turns, with two nauseous dogs and a now-screaming child.
Dog Travel Tip #3: Always Prepare for the Worst-Case Scenario, Especially Car Sickness
And where were those disassembled dog crates? Still neatly stacked and utterly useless in the back of the car. We hadn’t even considered obtaining smaller, more manageable travel crates in the days since the airport. Bad decision number three, and perhaps the most impactful.
We eventually reached our mountain cottage, shaken but intact, after battling a torrential downpour and seeking refuge in a roadside inn during a thunderstorm that terrified the poor puppies. The cleanup was extensive, and the car never quite felt the same.
Merlin’s family arrived the next day, overjoyed to finally meet their puppy. Saying goodbye to Merlin was bittersweet, Joyce Kilmer incident notwithstanding. As they prepared to leave, we helped them set up his dog crate in their car. And, with a knowing smile, we handed them a box of ginger snaps.
Why Invest in a Large Dog Travel Crate?
My chaotic puppy travel story underscores the critical importance of being prepared, and a large dog travel crate is paramount in that preparation, especially for larger breeds. Here’s why it’s an essential investment:
- Safety and Security: In the event of sudden stops or accidents, a large dog travel crate keeps your dog contained and prevents them from becoming a projectile, protecting both them and human passengers. It also prevents driver distraction, ensuring safer driving conditions.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: A crate provides a secure and den-like space, offering comfort and reducing anxiety for dogs, especially those who are nervous travelers. A familiar crate can be a calming sanctuary amidst the unfamiliarity of travel.
- Car Sickness Prevention (or Management): While not a cure, a crate can help minimize car sickness by limiting movement and providing a more stable environment. It also contains any mess, making cleanup significantly easier (trust me on this one!).
- Protection of Your Vehicle: Dogs, especially large breeds, can unintentionally damage car interiors with their claws, shedding fur, and potential accidents. A large dog travel crate protects your car seats and interiors from scratches, tears, and messes.
- Airline and Accommodation Requirements: Many airlines and pet-friendly accommodations require dogs to be crated, making a travel crate essential for air travel and staying in hotels or rentals.
Choosing the Right Large Dog Travel Crate
Selecting the appropriate large dog travel crate is crucial for your dog’s comfort and safety. Consider these factors:
- Size Matters: The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure your dog while standing and lying down, and add a few inches to ensure adequate space. Too small is inhumane; too large can be less secure in a vehicle.
- Material and Durability:
- Plastic Crates: Sturdy, durable, and often airline-approved. Good for both car and air travel.
- Wire Crates: Offer good ventilation and visibility. Collapsible wire crates are convenient for travel and storage.
- Soft-Sided Crates (Nylon/Fabric): Lightweight and portable, ideal for car travel and as a den-like space in hotels. Choose durable, well-ventilated nylon.
- Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is vital, especially for larger dogs who can overheat easily. Ensure the crate has sufficient openings for airflow.
- Portability and Storage: Consider collapsible or folding crates for ease of storage when not in use and for portability during travel. Wheels and handles can be helpful for larger crates.
- Safety Features: Look for secure latches, sturdy construction, and non-slip bottoms. Airline-approved crates will meet specific safety standards.
Tips for Using a Large Dog Travel Crate
- Introduce the Crate Positively: Make the crate a positive space at home long before your trip. Feed your dog in the crate, place treats and toys inside, and let them explore it at their own pace.
- Crate Training is Key: Gradually acclimate your dog to spending time in the crate, starting with short periods and gradually increasing duration. Never use the crate as punishment.
- Comfort is Crucial: Line the crate with comfortable bedding, like a familiar blanket or dog bed. Include a favorite toy or chew item to make it feel more like home.
- Secure the Crate in Your Vehicle: Use seatbelts or straps to secure the crate in your car to prevent it from sliding or shifting during travel.
- Frequent Breaks: Even with a crate, plan for regular stops for potty breaks, water, and short walks. Large dogs need opportunities to stretch their legs and relieve themselves.
Investing in a large dog travel crate is an investment in your dog’s safety, comfort, and your peace of mind. Learn from my early, crate-less misadventures and make your next journey with your large breed dog a positive and stress-free experience for everyone involved. Happy travels!
