What Size Car Box Do You Need for Your Dog?

Do you tend to travel frequently with your dog? You may already know that a crate in the vehicle is the best way to transport your pet safely, but what size should the animal box be? It’s important to select the right size so your dog is safe and secure, but not cramped.

Travel crates are designed to keep your pet happy and safe during travel, so they are not to be measured the same way as a home crate. You want something that will work well with your vehicle, but also remain comfortable for your dog.

Measure Your Dog

Don’t guess at the size of your dog. It’s easy to make a mistake this way and end up with a transit box that won’t work for them. The simplest option is to use a bit of string to measure from the floor to the tops of the ears, from nose to tail, and from shoulder to shoulder. Once you’ve checked each length, then measured with a ruler, you can write these measurements down.

The crate will need to be at least twice as wide as your dog’s shoulders and just above your dog’s head for height. As for length, you want the length of your dog (nose to tail), plus 15 cm.

This will give you a box that is snug, but still comfortable. Your dog should be able to stand, sit, and turn around, but without much extra space. Keep in mind that if your dog has a flattened nose, they need a larger box, so add 10% to all measurements.



Choosing a Transit Box

Security is the biggest concern when choosing a transit box for your dog. Make sure the crate is sturdy and well built. If there is an accident, you don’t want the crate to break apart and cause injuries.

Built-in boxes may be the best choice for your vehicle if you travel frequently with your dog. However, this isn’t practical for everyone. If you choose a transit crate that needs to be put into the vehicle, be sure to secure it well with straps to prevent movement. It’s much like a car seat for a child and you don’t want it shifting around.

Ideally, the crate should be specifically designed for a vehicle, with extra features to keep your pet safe. This may require having a custom vehicle conversion to ensure your dog is as safe as possible.

Be sure to choose a company that is renowned for its high-quality boxes. They can aid you in selecting the best crate for your pet.

Need a pet crate for travel? Animal Transit Boxes has the perfect options for your pet.