As a pet parent, you know one of the best parts is being able to take your pup with you on road trips. Whether you’re heading out on a weekend camping trip, a quick vet visit, or a drive out to the park, your pet’s safety should always come first. A sturdy and well-fitted dog crate can keep your pup comfortable and secure, while also giving you peace of mind behind the wheel.
But there’s a tricky part to all this, too. SUVs come in different shapes and sizes, and so do dog crates. Choosing the wrong crate can leave you with a poor fit, wasted money, or worse, an unsafe situation for your furry companion. That’s where this dog crate for SUV size guide comes in.
We will break down how to measure your SUV, how to size your crate properly, what materials matter most, and why investing in a premium brand like Rock Creek Crates is worth every penny you spend.
Step One: Measure Your SUV Cargo Space
Before you shop for the best crate for your pup and SUV, you want to start by measuring the cargo area. This step ensures the crate will fit without blocking visibility or leaving your dog cramped.
Measure the Depth: From the back of the rear seats to the liftgate
Measure the Width: Across the cargo area at the narrowest point (often near the wheel wells)
Measure the Height: From the cargo floor to the lowest point of the roof
When taking your measurements, you also want to be sure to take into account things like a sloping roof, interior trim, or speakers that might cut into your usable space. SUVs are all different, so remember, what might fit in one might not fit in the next.
Another tip? Always leave at least a few inches of clearance so the crate can slide in and out easily without scratching your car.
Step Two: Measure Your Dog
Just as important as measuring your SUV is measuring your dog. Believe it or not, but this is an often-overlooked step. You want to stop the guesswork, though, and find a crate that allows your pup to comfortably stand, turn, and lie down.
To size your pup for a crate, do the following:
Length: Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Add 2-4 inches.
Height: Measure from the floor to the tallest point (usually the ears or head). Add 2-4 inches.
Weight: Check your dog’s weight and compare it to the crate manufacturer’s recommendations.
Crates that are too small will feel cramped, and one that’s too big might not give your pup the sense of security they need while traveling.
Step Three: Consider the Crate Materials
Dog crates aren’t all built the same. You will find during your hunt for the perfect crate that there’s a big difference in safety, durability, and comfort.
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Wire Crates: These are lightweight and affordable but often flimsy and not crash-tested.
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Plastic Crates: These are airline-approved, but can be bulky and harder to clean
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Soft-Sided Crates: Might be good for temporary travel, but not durable or safe for road trips
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Aluminum Crates: Strong, lightweight, easy to clean, and often crash-tested. This makes them ideal for SUVs.
If safety and long-term durability are your priorities, then an aluminum dog crate like those from Rock Creek Crates is the winner.
Step Four: Know Your SUVs Layout
Some SUV cargo areas have third-row seats that can fold down flat, while others don’t have this feature. Some models have split rear seating, sloping tailgates, or cargo compartments that can affect the crate placement.
With all that being said, here are a few of the more popular SUV models and common crate fits.
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Toyota 4Runner: Typically fits a medium to large crate, but you want to watch the slope of the roof
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Subaru Outback: Best for small to medium crates because a larger one might block your visibility
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Honda CR-V: This is a compact SUV, so crates under 40” in length are ideal
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Jeep Grand Cherokee: These offer generous cargo space and can easily fit a large dog crate
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Ford Explorer: These are wide enough to have two crates side by side
Step Five: Factor in Safety
You should know by now that dog crates aren’t just about convenience. They are also all about protection. In the event you have to suddenly brake or there’s an accident, a durable dog crate can end up saving your pup’s life.
When looking for the best crate for your pup and SUV, look for crates that:
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Are crash tested or built to withstand impacts
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Have reinforced doors or latches to prevent escapes
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Include ventilation holes for improved airflow
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Offer non-slip flooring for even more stability
Rock Creek Crates combine strength, ventilation, and comfort, making them one of the most trusted brands for SUV travel.
Why Choose Rock Creek Crates?
When it comes down to safety and quality, Rock Creek Crates really shine. These crates are made from high-grade aluminum, making them lightweight but still extremely durable.
Here are just a few of the reasons pet owners love them:
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Crash Tested Durability: Built to protect your pup during an accident
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Lightweight Design: Easy to load in and out of your SUV without any straining
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Easy to Clean: Flooring is removable for quick clean-ups
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Custom Sizes: There are options for small to giant breeds
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Ventilation and Comfort: Keeps your dog cool and comfortable during travel
Rock Creek Crates are more than just crates. They’re an investment in your dog’s safety and your peace of mind while traveling.
Tips for Traveling With a Crate in Your SUV
Even if you find the right crate, there are a few more steps you can take to help ensure each ride is smooth and safe.
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Properly Secure the Crate: Use tie-down straps or anchor points in your SUV to secure the crate. When left unsecured, the crate can shift when there are sharp turns or sudden stops.
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Add Soft Bedding: A padded mat, blanket, or crate liner can help prevent pressure points during a long ride. You want to find machine-washable items that are easy to clean.
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Pack a Travel Kit: You want to make sure that all of your essentials are in easy reach for when you need them, like water, collapsible bowls, waste bags, and treats.
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Use a Spill-Proof Water Bowl: Make sure your pup stays hydrated, especially in warmer weather. A spill-proof water bowl makes sure they stay hydrated without any water puddles soaking the crate.
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Plan Rest Breaks: Stop every two to three hours for bathroom breaks and a chance for you and your pup to stretch. Puppies and older dogs might need you to stop a bit more frequently.
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Keep Steady Airflow: Crates with ventilation are great, but you also want to make sure that your SUVs climate control reaches the cargo area.
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Desensitize Your Pup Before the Trip: Let your dog spend some time in their crate at home before you put it in the SUV so they can see it as a safe space.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While choosing and using a crate in your SUV might seem pretty straightforward to you at first, you might run into some pitfalls. Avoiding these mistakes can save you time, money, and loads of stress.
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Guessing on the crate size instead of measuring the SUV and dog is one of the biggest mistakes pet owners make. This kind of guesswork often leads to returns, or worse, unsafe travel conditions.
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Overlooking the SUVs features. This includes things like sloped rear doors, speaker boxes, or shallow cargo space is another mistake often made. These seemingly small details can actually make or break a proper fit.
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Choosing budget over safety. While a wire or soft-sided crate might be cheaper, they don’t provide any real protection in a crash.
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Failing to secure the crate. Even the best crate can become a big hazard if it slides around your cargo space. You want to ensure it’s always strapped down and secure.
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Ignoring ventilation needs. Did you know that dogs can overheat faster than we can? Poor airflow can make your trip dangerous.
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Not crate training your dog. Dogs forced into a crate only during travel time can make them feel anxious. Early crate training at home helps them associate their crate with safety and comfort and makes it less scary.
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Blocking emergency exits. Some pet owners wedge the crate too tightly into the SUV. This makes it harder to remove it if there’s an emergency. You always want to allow for some clearance so you can have fast access.
By keeping these mistakes in mind, you can set yourself and your pup up for safe and stress-free adventures every time you hit the road.
Choosing the Right Dog Crate for Your SUV
Finding the perfect dog crate for SUV size guide isn’t just about convenience. It’s about ensuring your pup’s safety, comfort, and happiness while traveling. By measuring your SUV and dog, choosing the right material, and investing in a trusted brand like Rock Creek Crates, you can take road trips with confidence.
You and your dog deserve the best. With the right crate, every journey into adventure becomes safer, smoother, and so much more enjoyable for everyone.