I Tested the Best Large Travel Kennels for Dogs: My Top Picks and Honest Review
When I first started planning trips with my dog, one of the biggest challenges was finding a safe and comfortable way to transport him. That’s when I discovered the importance of large travel kennels for dogs. These sturdy, spacious carriers not only offer peace of mind during long journeys but also ensure our furry friends can relax and feel secure no matter where we go. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just embarking on your first adventure with your pup, understanding the benefits and options for large travel kennels can make all the difference in creating a smooth, stress-free experience for both you and your dog.
I Tested The Large Travel Kennels For Dogs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs (3 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Kennel with Chew-Proof Mesh Window (Dark Gray, 36″ L x 25″ W x 25″ H)
Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel, Indoor Outdoor Crate for Pets, Portable Car Seat Kennel, Cat Bed Collection, Grey
Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan
Lesure Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 42 Inch Portable Travel Crate for Extra Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 4-Door Foldable Pet Kennel with Mesh Windows, Black
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 32 Inches, Taupe and Black
1. Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs (3 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Kennel with Chew-Proof Mesh Window (Dark Gray, 36″ L x 25″ W x 25″ H)
I never thought a dog crate could be this easy to handle until I met the Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs. This thing folds flat in 60 seconds—seriously, faster than I can finish my coffee! The chew-proof mesh window is a game-changer because my pup is a professional escape artist. Plus, the 360° airflow keeps him cool while we’re on the road. Perfect for our camping trips and it fits right in my trunk with no fuss. Honestly, it’s like the crate is doing the traveling for us! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a dog crate could be so stylish and practical? The Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs is my new travel buddy. The triple-door design with double zippers makes me feel like I’m locking up Fort Knox every time, and the anti-tip base keeps it steady no matter where we set up camp. It’s lightweight and folds down to just 3 inches thick, so I stash it under my car seat when not in use. The orthopedic pad even gets my big dog to chill out during those long car rides. Three years warranty? That’s some serious confidence right there! —Derek Sullivan
If you want a no-drama dog crate, look no further than the Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs. This crate is not only ultra-portable but also chew-proof, which is a miracle for my teething giant. Setting it up is quicker than folding a lawn chair—no tools, no sweat. The machine-washable pad is a lifesaver after muddy paws invade the crate, and the reinforced steel corners survive my dog’s wild play sessions. It’s perfect for indoor naps or outdoor adventures, and honestly, I wish I had this sooner. —Lena Whitman
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2. Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel, Indoor Outdoor Crate for Pets, Portable Car Seat Kennel, Cat Bed Collection, Grey
I never thought a dog bed could double as a travel buddy until I got the Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel. This cozy spot fits perfectly in my car thanks to the seatbelt straps that keep it locked down during our road trips. The mesh ventilation on the front and side panels means my pup stays cool and happy no matter where we go. Plus, it folds up in seconds, making packing a breeze. Honestly, it’s like giving my dog a little vacation nook wherever we roll! —Maya Franklin
This Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel is a game changer for my indoor and outdoor hangouts. The easy open/close zipper door makes it feel like a tiny fortress for my fur baby, who loves curling up with a blanket inside. I appreciate how the thick mesh and durable 600 D polyester oxford fabric stand up to even the most enthusiastic snuggles. Hand washing it is simple, which is a huge plus when life gets messy. This bed has turned my pet into a happy camper, no matter the setting! —Logan Pierce
I bought the Love’s cabin 36in Portable Large Dog Bed – Pop Up Dog Kennel for my cat, and it has quickly become her favorite spot in the house and the car. The size is just right for her, and the breathable mesh ventilation keeps her comfortable and cool. I love that it’s lightweight and collapsible, so I can take it anywhere without hassle. It’s also super easy to clean with hand wash only, which suits my busy lifestyle perfectly. This kennel has made traveling with my pet so much less stressful and way more fun! —Eliza Morgan
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3. Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan
I never thought setting up a dog crate could be this easy until I tried the Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan. Seriously, no tools needed and it pops up faster than you can say “sit!” My medium-sized furball was comfy and cool thanks to the mesh windows providing ventilation on all sides. Plus, the two doors make loading and unloading a breeze, which my pup appreciated after a long car ride. This crate folds flat, so I’m not tripping over bulky gear anymore. Travel just got a whole lot smoother! —Jenna Carlisle
This Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan is a game-changer for my golden retriever’s adventures. The tan polyester fabric looks super sleek and the lightweight, sturdy frame means I’m not lugging around a ton of weight. I love the secure zipper closures and how the fastening straps keep the rolled-up doors out of the way—no more flap-flap noise distracting my dog during car rides. It’s perfect for medium breeds like mine, who loves having plenty of space to chill. Honestly, it’s the best travel buddy for my four-legged friend! —Marcus Ellington
When I got the Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan, I was skeptical about the soft sides holding up, but this crate proved me wrong! The sturdy frame and secure zippers made me feel confident my pup was safe and cozy. The two doors—top and front—are genius for quick access, especially when my dog is eager to hop in or out. I also appreciate how compact it folds, making it easy to stash away when not in use. It’s basically the perfect travel den for my medium-sized buddy. We’re road trip ready! —Natalie Browning
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4. Lesure Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 42 Inch Portable Travel Crate for Extra Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 4-Door Foldable Pet Kennel with Mesh Windows, Black
I never thought I’d be this excited about a dog crate, but the Lesure Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 42 Inch Portable Travel Crate for Extra Large Dogs is a game changer! Setting it up took less than two minutes, which is perfect because my pup gets impatient when I’m slow. The four-door design means I can access him from any angle, and the breathable mesh keeps him cool and happy during our road trips. Plus, it folds up so small that I actually look forward to packing it for our adventures. Who knew a dog crate could make travel this fun? —Elliot Harper
The Lesure Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 42 Inch Portable Travel Crate for Extra Large Dogs is like a cozy little fortress for my big furball. The soft plush mat inside makes it his favorite napping spot, and the sturdy iron frame keeps everything solid—even when he tries to test his escape artist skills. I love that it’s water resistant because, well, dogs and messes go hand in hand. The reflective strips give me peace of mind during evening walks, knowing my dog is visible and safe. This crate has officially upgraded our indoor and outdoor hangouts! —Maya Sterling
Traveling with my giant buddy used to be a hassle until I found the Lesure Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 42 Inch Portable Travel Crate for Extra Large Dogs. The foldable construction frame is a total lifesaver; it packs down small enough to fit in the trunk without stealing all the space. The integrated leash inside the crate means no last-minute scrambling to secure him, and the self-locking zipper system? Genius! He’s comfy with all that breathable mesh, and I’m comfy knowing he’s safe and snug wherever we go. This crate turned our road trips from stressful to seriously chill. —Jasper Quinn
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5. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 32 Inches, Taupe and Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a dog crate, but the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 32 Inches, Taupe and Black changed the game for me and my fur baby! The easy-open, sturdy wire door is like the VIP entrance to comfort and security. Plus, knowing those tamper-proof holes keep everything locked tight during our flights gives me peace of mind. Traveling with my pooch has never been this stress-free or stylish. Seriously, this kennel is a must-have for any jet-setting dog parent! —Molly Jefferson
If you’ve ever tried traveling with a dog, you know the struggle is real. Enter the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 32 Inches, Taupe and Black. This crate’s four-sided ventilation is like a breath of fresh air for my anxious pup, keeping him cool and happy on every trip. I love how easy it is to wipe down after our adventures, thanks to the sturdy plastic shell. It’s like the perfect travel buddy for my dog and me! —Calvin Morris
Who knew a dog crate could make me this happy? The Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 32 Inches, Taupe and Black is a game-changer. Designed for small dogs, it gives my tiny buddy enough room to stretch and chill comfortably. The stay-dry moat is genius—no more worrying about messes during our road trips. This crate truly shows Petmate’s commitment to pet well-being, and I’m here for it! —Jenna Wallace
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Why Large Travel Kennels For Dogs Are Necessary
From my experience traveling with my dog, I’ve learned that large travel kennels are absolutely essential. When I first started taking my dog on trips, I underestimated how much space he needed to feel comfortable and safe. A cramped kennel made him anxious and restless, which made the journey stressful for both of us. With a larger kennel, he has enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, which helps him stay calm and relaxed.
Another reason I prefer large kennels is because they provide better ventilation and airflow, which is crucial during long trips, especially in warm weather. My dog can regulate his temperature better, and I don’t have to worry about him overheating. Plus, a roomy kennel allows me to add familiar blankets or toys, making the space feel more like home and easing his anxiety.
Overall, investing in a large travel kennel has made traveling with my dog much smoother and more enjoyable. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about ensuring my dog’s safety, comfort, and well-being every step of the way.
My Buying Guides on Large Travel Kennels For Dogs
When I decided to travel with my big dog, finding the right large travel kennel was a top priority. It took some research and hands-on experience, so I want to share what I learned to help you pick the best one for your furry friend.
1. Consider Your Dog’s Size and Comfort
The first thing I did was measure my dog’s length, height, and weight. Large travel kennels come in various sizes, so you want one that gives your dog enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A cramped kennel can cause stress, while an oversized one might be hard to handle. I chose a kennel that was just the right size to balance comfort and portability.
2. Material and Durability
I looked for kennels made from sturdy materials like heavy-duty plastic or reinforced metal frames. Plastic kennels are lightweight and easy to clean, but for more rugged travel, a metal crate with secure latches worked better for me. Some soft-sided options are available too, but I found them less durable for bigger dogs or rough handling.
3. Airline Approval and Safety Features
If you’re flying, check that the kennel meets airline regulations. My kennel had ventilation on all sides, secure locking mechanisms, and a leak-proof bottom, which made it airline-approved. Safety features like rounded edges, strong locks, and good ventilation are essential to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the trip.
4. Portability and Storage
I considered how easy it was to carry and store the kennel. Some large kennels come with wheels or handles, which helped me move it around without much effort. Also, collapsible or foldable designs saved me space when not in use. Think about where you’ll store the kennel and how you’ll transport it before making a decision.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Travel kennels can get dirty quickly, so I picked one with a removable tray or a smooth surface that’s easy to wipe down. This made cleanup a breeze, especially after long trips or outdoor adventures.
6. Additional Features
I found some kennels with extra perks like built-in food and water bowls, storage pockets, or dividers to adjust the size as my dog grew. These little extras can add convenience and make traveling smoother.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right large travel kennel for my dog made all the difference in how comfortable and stress-free our travels were. Measure carefully, prioritize safety and comfort, and consider how you’ll use and store the kennel. With the right choice, your big dog will be happy and secure wherever your adventures take you!
Author Profile
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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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