Many pet owners like to travel with their dogs wherever they go. Some people take their pets even on a truck ride, which does not provide any virtual protection.
The American Veterinary Medical Association warns that uncaged dogs riding in the bed of pickup trucks could suffer from severe injuries. Over 100,000 dogs are reported to die every year when they fall off pickup trucks or jump from them. If the dogs are fortunate to survive, they can suffer from injuries, including fractures, bruises, severe cuts, or abdominal trauma.
In many states of the US, it is forbidden by the law to travel with an unsecured dog in the back of the truck bed. Luckily there are dog crates as a solution that protects dogs from accidents.
This blog post will discuss the best dog kennels and their types that allow dogs to have a safe and secure ride in the truck. Stay tuned for more info!
Product
Details
Product Details
Best For Comfort
UWS Northern 2-Door Deep Dog Box
- MATERIAL: PLASTIC
- WEIGHT:30 POUNDS
- LENGTH:48IN
Best For Safety
Owens Dog Box (55015)
- MATERIAL:PLASTIC
- WEIGHT:40 POUNDS
- LENGTH:20IN
Escape Proof
Gunner G1 Kennel
- MATERIAL:STAINLESS STEEL
- WEIGHT:30 POUNDS
- LENGTH:25IN
Easy To Adjust
4X4 North America Dog Transport Kennel
- MATERIAL:ALLOY STEEL
- WEIGHT: 59.60 LBS
- LENGTH:32.28IN
Durable & high Quality
Impact Collapsible Aluminum Dog Crate
- MATERIAL: ALUMINUM
- WEIGHT:50 POUNDS.
- LENGTH:35IN
Best For Durability & Strength
Primos Hunting Kennel
- MATERIAL: OTHER
- WEIGHT:1KG
- LENGTH:1IN
Suitable For Large Dogs
ASPEN PET Fashion Dog Kennel
- MATERIAL:PLASTIC
- WEIGHT:51 LBS
- LENGTH:48IN
7 Best Dog Crates for Truck Bed
Here we have compiled the top 6 dog crates available in the market. After testing them, we review the products to help you make the best choice for your fur baby. Let’s get started!
UWS Northern kennel is the best choice for the owners having two dogs. This crate features two compartments with separate doors and a non-removable divider. The box is made of durable and rustproof aluminum with stainless steel handles that come with secure key locks.
This heavy-duty dog crate comes with an insulated lid that retains heat to keep your dog safe and warm in the cold climate inside the box. You can put your dog’s essentials on the top rack of the box. It is well ventilated for the dog’s comfort in the warm weather.
The dimensions of the truck bed dog kennel are 48 x 48 x 31.25 inches. So whether you go for camping or hunting with your furry friend, the UWS Northern dog crate will be your priority.
Best Features
- Two dog apartments
- Non-removable divider
- Stainless steel T- handles
- Durable corrosion resistance
- Rustproof aluminum construction
- Top tie-down rack
Pros
- Pet lovers recommend this highly functional, durable, and easy to clean kennel for those having two dogs.
- Many buyers are pleased to have this top-notch kennel for their hunting dogs.
Cons
- Some owners find it pretty expensive as compared to other kennels.
UWS Northern 2-Door Deep Dog Box
The price of “UWS Northern 2-Door Deep Dog Box” varies, so check the latest price at
If you are looking for a simple, sturdy, and pocket-friendly dog box, Owens dog box is ideal for you! It is the best choice for owners having small dogs. It is designed with rugged diamond tread construction, adjustable ventilation panels, and locking T-handles.
This truck bed dog crate is equipped with a slam latch door that provides complete protection to your pup. In addition, a removable storm door and plastic corrugated insulation panels keep dogs comfy in inclement weather.
The dimensions of the dog kennel are 20 x 30 x 24 inches. Have a hassle-free ride by keeping your dog safely inside the Owens truck bed crate!
Best Features
- Single compartment
- For small dogs ride
- Durable material
- Lockable slam latch door
- Budget-friendly
- Made in the USA
Pros
- Many dog owners are pleased with the heavy-duty construction and all-season vents of the dog box.
- The ventilation windows are a plus point as they can be opened and closed according to the weather’s requirements.
- Owens dog box comes with D-rings to keep your dog safe.
Cons
- A few customers felt difficulty storing their stuff as it has no storage rack.
- Large dogs can’t fit into the one compartment Owens dog box.
Owens Dog Box (55015)
The price of “Owens Dog Box (55015)” varies, so check the latest price at
If you are looking for a small yet sturdy and comfortable dog crate, the Gunner G1 Kennel is the ideal crate. The heavy-duty portable travel crate is designed to facilitate the dogs up to 30 lbs. The double-wall construction helps you keep your pet secure against the harsh weather, while the escape-proof door keeps the little pup inside the dog’s crate.
This truck bed kennel features a paddle latch door with powder-coated steel locks and an aluminum frame. In addition, the Gunner Kennel is equipped with a draining plug and system for easy cleaning.
This truck bed dog crate offers some additional features, including in-line rear wheels for easy transportation and the Kayak-grade carrying handles for lifting the crate easily.
Moreover, the crash-tested certification of the dog crate by ‘Pet Travel Carrier’ and ‘Pet Travel Crate’ for truck beds makes it the best choice for dog travelers.
Best Features
- For a small dog up to 30 lbs.
- Stainless steel hardware
- Double-wall construction
- Escape proof door
- Dual crash test certified.
- Four-sided ventilation
- Kayak-grade handles
Pros
- Dog lovers are delighted with the Gunner Kennels as they have all the safety features to protect dogs.
- Buyers appreciate the dog crate for its sturdiness, good ventilation, and insulation.
- The tie-down pins of the crate make it easy to keep it in place.
Cons
- The Gunner Kennels must be assembled after delivery which can be tricky for some owners.
- These truck bed kennels are made of plastic instead of metal.
Gunner G1 Kennel
The price of “Gunner G1 Kennel” varies, so check the latest price at
4 x 4 North America Dog crates won the title of ‘first crash-tested transport kennel’ by passing the rear, front, and roll-over crash tests. This large dog crate for truck bed is formulated to provide as much protection as possible even when an accident happens.
The kennel is constructed from extra-strong, powder-coated steel, featuring a built-in crumple zone to absorb any impact. Additionally, the kennel’s locking mechanism is equipped with gas hydraulic motion springs, so your canine family member will be safe and secure on your journey.
In case of an accident, a caged dog can escape through the emergency escape hatch for added security.
Best Features
- Single compartment
- Crash tested
- 14 adjustable sizes
- Crash tested dog kennels
- High quality steel construction
- Ventilated sides
- Emergency escape hatch
Pros
- Experts like the kennel for the sturdy construction and the adjustability of keeping it in place after being strapped in.
- Many dog owners recommend the dog box for providing extra protection from accidents.
Cons
- The dog crates for truck beds require assembly, which is challenging for some dog parents.
- There is no written instructional guide that comes with the dog crates for quick understanding.
4X4 North America Dog Transport Kennel
The price of “4X4 North America Dog Transport Kennel” varies, so check the latest price at
Impact Collapsible Dog Crate is a durable dog kennel made with aluminum rustproof construction and comes with crush-proof corner caps. It collapses into a compact size of fewer than eight inches in minutes, making it convenient for transportation.
The Impact Dog Crate comes with four-sided ventilated walls that provide a comfortable environment for your fur baby. In addition, this dog crate features a slam latch door to keep the dog secure while traveling. It also comes with airline rail storage slots and spring-loaded handles.
In addition, the drain holes allow easy cleaning while the carrying handles on each side help the owners to carry the dog crates. These dog kennels are 100% dog-friendly and free of any harmful chemicals.
Best Features
- Single compartment
- Aluminum construction
- Ventilated Four sides
- No toxins, dyes, or chemicals
- Rust-resistant design
- Airline rail storage slots
- Made in the USA
Pros
- Our testers are excited to see that the dog box can conveniently collapse in seconds without any hassle.
- Many pet parents are satisfied with the dog’s safety features provided by the truck bed dog crates.
Cons
- A buyer shows concern about the latches’ difficulty placing into proper shape.
Impact Collapsible Aluminum Dog Crate
The price of “Impact Collapsible Aluminum Dog Crate” varies, so check the latest price at
The Primos Hunting Kennel is a popular choice among pet parents who want to go along with their dogs on hunting. This dog kennel is made of single-walled, roto-molded construction with a reversible locking door for different entries. The lightweight dog kennel weighs about 37 lbs. that is easy for a person to carry.
The removable vents at the backside of the kennel allow additional airflow, while the side vents are adjustable according to the weather condition. In addition, the dog crate features aluminum tie-down pins for added security, a heavy-duty carrying handle, a built-in drain for cleaning purposes, and rubber feet for stability.
The Primos Hunting Kennel has the interior dimensions of 24. 5″H x 21. 5″W x 34″ D.
Best Features
- Single compartment
- One-piece roto-molded construction
- Reversible locking door
- Adjustable vents
- Sturdy handles
- Integrated tie-downs
Pros
- Dog trainers like the product as it is lightweight with sturdy construction, and the adjustable vents work according to the climate.
- Testers are pleased with the hunting kennel with aluminum tie-down and rubber feet for safety.
Cons
- Few buyers find an issue with the door lock as the dog can escape from it.
- Some users claim that this hunting kennel is not worth buying for the quality they offer. Also, it is an expensive dog crate.
Primos Hunting Kennel
The price of “Primos Hunting Kennel” varies, so check the latest price at
ASPEN PET Dog Crates features a heavy-duty plastic shell that provides durability and metal screws for the security of dogs. The doors can be easily opened and closed with the latching system. In addition, this dog crate has built-in ventilation windows that allow dogs to ride comfortably in the truck bed crate.
The lightweight design helps the owner to clean the kennel easily. The dog kennel meets most airlines’ cargo specifications and weighs about 3 lbs. It can easily carry a small pet that weighs 10 lbs.
ASPEN PET Dog Crate offers various sizes and colors; thus, it is a good choice for the fashionable pup!
Best Features
- For small pets
- For both cats and dogs
- Airline cargo
- Quick latch door
- Four-sided ventilation
- Available in a variety of colors
Pros
- Many buyers are thrilled with the affordable price tag of this dog box.
- The dog kennel is easy to assemble, which is a plus point.
Cons
- Few users find it an average dog crate because of the cheap quality material.
ASPEN PET Fashion Dog Kennel
The price of “ASPEN PET Fashion Dog Kennel” varies, so check the latest price at
Different Types of Crates for Truck Beds
The market is full of different dog crates for truck beds. While keeping the purpose of buying in your mind, select one that fulfills your dog’s needs.
Metal Panel Crates
Metal panel crates are the most popular and safe crates for the dog. They help provide a shield against the weather elements. In addition, they are more secure than the plastic panel and metal wire dog crates.
These crates are more heavy and expensive than the other crates. But they offer many features which make them a good choice for dogs.
Metal Wire Crates
Metal wire crates are much similar to the traditional wire dog crates. However, these have thicker wires fence and have no control over the weather elements like dust, heat, etc. The metal wire crates do not provide as much protection as needed while riding a truck. These are the least escape-proof crates for active dogs like Houdini.
Plastic Panel Crates
Plastic panel crates are an escape-proof design that protects the dog from environmental changes. These crates feature a double-wall design and insulation against extreme heat and cold. However, they may not be the best choice in case of an accident.
Collapsible Dog Crates
The collapsible dog crates are an excellent alternative to the enormous metal boxes. These crates are easy to install and remove when not in use. In addition, these portable dog crates can be collapsible when the need arises. Therefore, these crates are solid with stainless steel lock doors.
Dog Canopies
Dog canopies are the most lightweight options in the list of dog crates. These are easy to install and protect against the weather elements but are still not the best choice for dogs to have a truck ride.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Dog Crate for Truck Bed
There are several things to keep in mind when a buyer is looking for a dog crate. Make sure that the dog crate you buy has the following characteristics.
Security
The most important consideration is the security level of the dog kennel or crate. You must prefer the door locking system as it helps keep the dog secure in the kennel without the risk of falling out or escaping from the crate.
The dog kennel must have a latching system for security purposes. If the system is not good, there is always a risk of the kennel detaching from the truck bed and causing a safety threat to the dog.
You can put aGPS tracker on your dog to ensure its safety and presence in the back of the truck.
Suitable Size
The dog crate should be of appropriate size according to the dog’s structure. Some people purchase dog boxes with the satisfaction that their dogs comfortably fit in them. But there are some more things to be noted.
A dog crate should not be too small or too large for the dogs to make them uncomfortable. If you go for the extra-large kennel for your dog, it may get banged hard with the crates’ walls whenever the driver takes a sharp turn. It could lead the dog to have serious injuries. So, you must consider the suitable size for your pup to have a safe ride.
Insulation
Most dog crates have insulated walls to keep the dog secure from severe climate changes. The insulation in the dog crates for truck beds is the most significant factor to use in different seasons. While some cheaper dog crates do not have insulation, that can be life-threatening for dogs to travel due to extreme hot or cold. Therefore, you should avoid taking your dogs with you on long truck rides if you have a non-insulated dog crate.
Our top kennels have the proper insulation to keep the dog comfortable inside the truck bed crate.
Ventilation
Ventilated dog crate is a blessing in disguise for the dog as it keeps the airflow in and out. Some dog crates have ventilated doors, while others are fully ventilated. You must look for the four-sided adjustable ventilated dog boxes, which can be adjusted according to the weather.
Quality
The quality of the dog box matters the most, especially in the case of accidents. If this happens, the cheap plastic-made crate will not benefit the pup, while the high-quality aluminum dog crate will keep your dog safe.
The cheaper dog crates are not durable enough to withstand the climate conditions and need to be replaced with another very often. Therefore, it is essential to buy a good quality dog box for a safe experience.
Comfort
Comfort is also an important consideration to keep in mind when buying a dog crate. If the weather is hot, you can put a cooling mat inside the dog box to keep him comfortable during the truck ride. Moreover, the insulated walls and the proper size of the crate increase the dog’s comfort level.
FAQ's
It is not the safest idea to put a dog crate in the back of a truck bed. However, you can travel with your dog inside the truck bed with some safety measures, including the heavy-duty crate secured with a tether system. It would be best to avoid traveling with a pet on busy roads in an open truck. If necessary, you can use a dog crate that must be strong and sturdy to handle your pup.
The safest way to travel with your pet in the back of a truck is in a secured crate situated in the truck bed. The crate for the truck should be fastened with some belt for added security so that it stays firmly in place to avoid the risk of accidents.
It is partially safe to transport your dog in the truck bed. However, the dog’s safety depends on several factors, including the type and protection level provided by the crate, like the leash or locked doors, the truck’s speed, and the dog’s behavior (whether he tries to escape or not).
Conclusion
Dog crates are much safer to use in a truck when riding with your canine companion, but the level of safety your pup experiences may vary greatly depending on the dog crates. Make sure to buy one that contains safety locks, solid insulation, high-quality aluminum construction, and proper ventilation.
We hope this article has helped you to get the important information. If you have any queries, feel free to ask our team!
