Dog and cat crates and cages

Transport crate and cage: the format that protects, for dogs as well as cats

The transport crate is the oldest format, and the one you choose when the priority is no longer lightness but protection. A rigid shell or frame, walls that do not sag, easy cleaning: it is the format for the car, long journeys and animals that need to feel sheltered.

This page brings together rigid and semi-rigid models, for dogs as well as cats. If you are looking for a soft model to carry instead, see cat carriers or dog carriers.

Transport cage or transport crate: is there a difference?

No, and that is the first thing to know before comparing models. "Transport cage" and "transport crate" refer to the same object: a rigid, closed container with a wire door. Both words are used side by side by vets, airlines and manufacturers, and neither is more correct than the other.

The only nuance is usage. People say transport cage more readily for models with a metal door and visible bars, often the largest sizes intended for dogs. And rather transport crate for moulded plastic shells, especially those approved for the hold. In both cases it is the same product, and the selection criteria are identical.

Do not confuse them, however, with an indoor cage or pen, which is used to house an animal at home or outside. That is not what you will find here: this page covers transport only.

Rigid, semi-rigid or soft: what sets them apart

People often pit rigid against soft, but there is an in-between option that solves many cases.

The rigid crate absorbs impacts, does not lose its shape and can be washed down thoroughly. It is the safest format in the car and the only one accepted in the hold for flying. On the other hand it is heavy, bulky, and fits nowhere when stored.

The semi-rigid model – a fabric bag on a frame or with a stiff base – keeps its shape without the weight of a plastic shell. It is carried over the shoulder, folds partly down, and suits short and medium trips very well.

The soft model is lighter and better ventilated, but offers little protection against impacts, and a low-end model sags under the animal.

What a crate really brings

Protection in an impact. That is its decisive advantage: a rigid shell absorbs what fabric cannot hold.

A feeling of shelter. A worried cat or dog looks for a small, dark, covered space – exactly what they do at home when they squeeze under a piece of furniture. A crate that is opaque on most of its sides reassures more than a bag wide open to the world.

Cleaning. Stress causes accidents. A shell can be rinsed; fabric washes and dries poorly.

Stability. It does not tip when the animal moves, which matters more than you might think on a long journey.

The most important point: securing it

This is the least often discussed subject, and the most serious.

An unsecured crate becomes a projectile under hard braking. Its mass and rigidity, which are its strengths, turn against everyone if it is not held in place. It must be strapped in with the seat belt or wedged on the floor behind a seat, never left loose on the back seat.

Our models designed for the road are grouped in car carriers.

Getting the size right

The stated load tells you what the structure can take, not whether the animal fits inside. Measure it standing: length from the nose to the base of the tail, height from the floor to the top of the head. Compare with the interior dimensions, not the exterior ones.

The rule applies to every species: it must be able to stand up, turn around completely and lie down stretched out. If it cannot turn around, the crate is too small. Between two sizes, take the larger one – except for a very anxious animal, which feels safer in a snug space.

For a large dog, the size increases quickly: above 15 kg, you look for an XXL transport cage and, very often, wheels. See large dog transport.

What to check

• Ventilation on several sides, not just a front grille. A closed shell traps air and heat more than fabric.
• A door that really locks, with a mechanism the animal cannot operate from inside.
• A top opening if possible: you lower the animal in, you do not push it. That is the difference between thirty seconds and a quarter of an hour of struggling.
• A removable, washable mat, essential on a long journey.
• Anchor points or loops for the seat belt.
• Decent handles: a full crate is heavy, and a thin handle cuts into your hand.

The alternatives by use

For carrying over a long time, the crate quickly reaches its limit: a wheeled model will spare your arms. See wheeled bags.

For town and public transport, a backpack keeps your hands free and slips through more easily. See cat backpacks and dog backpacks.

For the aircraft cabin, a rigid crate will not fit under the seat: you need a soft model in your airline's dimensions. See air travel.

Our guides

• Dog transport crate: buying guide and advice
• Cat carrier: soft or rigid?
• Transporting your dog safely by car
• Dog carrier: bag, backpack or crate?
• How to get your cat used to its carrier

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a transport cage and a transport crate?

None: both words refer to the same product. "Cage" is used more often for models with a metal door and large sizes, "crate" for the plastic shells approved for the hold. The selection criteria are the same.

Rigid crate or soft bag?

The crate for the car, long journeys and animals that feel safer sheltered. The soft bag for everyday use, short trips and the aircraft cabin. In both cases, the base must be firm.

How do you secure a transport crate in the car?

Strapped in with the seat belt, or wedged on the floor behind a seat. Never left loose on the back seat: when you brake, it becomes a projectile.

What crate size should you choose?

Measure the animal standing and compare with the interior dimensions. It must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down stretched out. Do not rely on the stated load in kilos.

Is a crate accepted on a plane?

In the hold, yes, with an approved model. In the cabin, no: the bag must slide under the seat, which a rigid shell cannot do. Always check your airline's rules.