How to Safely Travel With Multiple Dogs in a Car: Crate Tips for Road Trips

Traveling with one dog in tow might feel like a lot, but what about traveling with multiple dogs? That, my friends, is a whole new level of coordination, preparation, and safety planning. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re setting off for just a weekend getaway, a cross-country move, or just popping in for a family visit; knowing how to safely travel with multiple dogs in a car is essential for your pups and your peace of mind.

From choosing the right crates to organizing your vehicle, we will walk you through everything you need for a safe, smooth, and enjoyable trip with your pack.

Why Safety Matters Even More With Multiple Dogs

When you have more than one pup sharing the same travel space, the risk of distraction and injury will, of course, naturally increase. Your pups might start shifting around, crowd each other, or react differently to movement, noise, or unfamiliar environments. Even the calmest pups can become nervous during those longer drives. 

So, we have three words for you: Containment, structure, and predictability. Crates can reduce risks like:

• Driver distraction

• Dogs interfering with controls

• Injury during sudden stops

• Dogs escaping when the doors open

• Conflicts between dogs in tight spaces

Well-planned setups give your pups each their own secure, den-like area where they can settle in and relax. 

Choose the Right Crate Setup for Your Vehicle

Not all crates are equal, especially when you’re transporting more than one pup. So, keep the following in mind as you shop around to find the best crate setup.

Use Crash-Tested, Vehicle-Secure Crates

Hard-sided crates made of aluminum materials or reinforced steel provide you with the most protection. They can keep your dogs contained during sudden stops and can reduce the risk of collapse during an accident. 

This is where the Rock Creek Stationary Crate really stands out. These crates are engineered for durability, ventilation, and vehicle security. If you’re learning how to safely travel with multiple dogs in a car, investing in a crate like a Rock Creek Crate ensures you’re prioritizing the highest level of safety. 

Measure Your Dogs and Your Car

The next step: measurements. You want to be sure that each pup is able to stand, turn around, and lie down fully and comfortably. So, you need to measure your cargo area, trunk, or backseat to figure out what you need:

• Two single crates

• A double crate divided into two compartments

• Stacked crates (for SUVs or vans only)

Snug, well-fitted layouts keep the crates from shifting during travel. 

Properly Secure the Crates

Even the best crate can be dangerous if it’s not anchored into the vehicle properly. You want to make sure to always use ratchet strap tie-downs, cargo straps, seatbelt loops, or built-in anchor points in your vehicle. Most high-quality crates, including Rock Creek Crates, include anchoring options.

Before Packing, Plan the Layout

When you travel with multiple pups, the crate layout really is your starting point. Forget the luggage for now; that comes later.

Think about all of this when it comes to the layout:

• Accessibility (which crate opens first?)

• Ventilation (avoid blocking airflow)

• Temperature exposure (away from sun-blasted windows)

• Entry and exit strategies

You should be able to reach each dog independently. This helps when it comes time to feed them, water them, and take breaks without creating a ton of unnecessary chaos. Once you have all of this figured out, you can find spots for that luggage.

Introduce the Crates Before the Trip

If your pups are only in crates for travel, they might feel stressed and confined. Instead:

• Place the crates in your home weeks ahead of your trip

• Feed your pups inside their crates

• Offer them treats and toys

• Create positive associations with the crates

• Start with short drives

Assign Each Pup Their Own Space

When planning out your trip with safety as a goal, shared space is rarely a thing that should pop into your head. Even dogs that live harmoniously at home can become extra irritable when they’re confined together during a trip. 

Individual crate spaces help prevent guarding behaviors, reduce stress, eliminate competition, support safe entry and exit, and make feeding time easier. 

If you have a bonded pair of pups that work well together, a divided double crate might still be appropriate, as long as each section of the crate is securely separated.

Packing Essentials for Multi-Dog Road Trips

The checklist grows exponentially when you have more than one pup going on that trip with you. Here’s a list of what you should consider taking along on your next road trip with the furry family.

• Food and Water

• Pack at least two to three extra days of food

• Use spill-proof water bowls (avoid open dishes)

• Bring bottled or filtered water

When traveling with your pups, avoid any sudden dietary changes or new water sources unless you want the mess of the impending stomach upset. 

Leashes and Harnesses

You want to have one leash or harness per dog, along with a spare. Try to avoid using retractable leashes and instead go with a four to six-foot standard leash or a secure, well-fitted harness. You want to maintain a strong sense of control during any rest stop visits and transitions.

Comfort Items

Familiar blankets, small toys, safe chew toys, and cooling mats for hotter weather can all comfort your pups and even reduce anxiety and promote rest. 

Health and Emergency Supplies

• Vaccination records

• Medications

• First aid kit

• Vet contact info

• Car safe cleaning wipes

• Extra poop bags

You want to be overprepared so you’re not scrambling later. 

Keep a Consistent Temperature Inside the Vehicle

If you have more than one pup, they’re going to generate more heat. Even cooler days can cause rapid temperature increases while they’re inside their crates. Here are some tips for better temperature control on your next road trip with the pups:

• Use windshield reflectors during breaks

• Crack the windows or use ventilation fans

• Avoid leaving your pups unattended for long

• Run the AC or heat as needed

• Place the crates out of the line of direct sunlight

Prevent Motion Sickness and Anxiety

Dogs might experience some nausea or restlessness during longer trips. To prevent this:

• Feed them small meals a few hours before you leave

• Keep the fresh air circulating throughout the vehicle

• Use pheremone sprays or calming collars when necessary

• Offer breaks every two to three hours

If one of your pups is prone to car sickness, ask your vet whether medications or supplements would be appropriate. 

Plan Structured Breaks

Breaks are so important, especially when you have multiple dogs. Every two to four hours, you’ll want to take the dogs out to potty. Allow water breaks, offer light stretching, and keep their exercise controlled. 

When using rest areas, find those with safe pet zones, avoid letting multiple dogs exit simultaneously, and maintain space between dogs if they get overstimulated. To be safe, leash one pup at a time. If you’re traveling with another adult, it might be a good idea to assign one handler per pup, if possible.

Feeding Your Pups During Long Road Trips

When you know how to safely travel with multiple dogs in a car, feeding becomes so much easier for you to manage.

• Feed your pups only once you’ve parked

• Keep the meals light

• Feed one pup at a time to avoid any tension

• Remove the bowls before you continue driving

You never want to feed your pups while the car is in motion because this is how spills, choking, and fighting can happen. 

What About Nighttime or Multi-Day Road Trips?

If you are going to be traveling for several days at a time, here are a few more tips you might want to keep in mind. 

• Choose Dog-Friendly Accommodations: Find hotels or rentals that allow pets, especially multiple dogs. Always call ahead to confirm limits and fees. 

• Maintain Your Crate Routine: Even when you use accommodations, let your pups sleep in their travel crates. This provides them with consistency and prevents late-night mischief in an unfamiliar place.

• Repack and Reorganize Daily: When you have multiple pups to keep track of, things can get messy and disorganized pretty quickly. Try tidying up every morning to prevent confusion and lost items.

Plan for Behavior Differences Between the Dogs

Since every dog handles travel differently, you want to take note of your pup’s behavior. Some are excited, while others tend to be more nervous. You might even have one that sleeps the entire trip while others pant, bark, or whine. 

If you’re traveling with a puppy, make sure you pencil in more frequent stops. Senior dogs will need a little extra padding and joint support, and a reactive dog might do better if you use a high-quality crate cover on the trip. High-energy dogs? Some pre-trip exercise will do them (and you) wonders.

Understanding the individual needs of each of your pups helps prevent conflict and can improve the entire experience for all of you.

Make Safety and Comfort Your Priorities

Learning how to safely travel with multiple dogs in a car really comes down to thoughtful planning, crate safety, and organization. When each dog has its own secure space, structured routine, and consistent comfort, you’ll have smoother sailing.

And when you invest in high-quality travel crates like those from Rock Creek Crates, you’re choosing reliability, safety, and durability while protecting your pups when it matters most.