What vehicle (van or SUV) can fit a dog crate in it plus 4 passengers?

kcoley2126

I am going to be renting a car to drive to the beach for a weekend with my family. It's a surprise trip for my mom and we will be bringing her dog along. We need to bring his crate so we can leave him at the beach house while we go out to dinner. He will not necessarily be traveling in the crate on the trip down to the beach. So I just need a car that is big enough to hold the crate in addition to having seating for 4 adult passengers.

I was thinking a mini-van and hoping that stowing the 3rd row of seating would give me enough room for the crate. Does this seem reasonable. I am waiting on the exact dimensions of the crate, but right now I am estimating that it is 54x35x45.

I would appreciate information on specific cars that you have been able to fit crates into and if you think I will need to go up to an SUV (vs. a minivan) to have enough room.

Thanks!

Answer
A SUV will be more comfortable for all of you - In addition to the dog crate, you'll also have luggage.

Hertz rents Ford Expeditions - That would be nice and roomy for all of you and all of your stuff.

The crate is actually the BEST place for the dog when traveling. In case of an accident, he will be less likely to be seriously injured (Same concept as a seat-belt - Make sure you strap down the crate) and can't escape onto the highway in case of broken windows.

Dog crates and car travel?

Michele

We are looking at getting a new car soon - it will be a 4WD or SUV type vehicle with an enclosed tray, large enough to sleep in as we love camping.

We are fairly new dog owners (of 5 months or so), so haven't ever been camping with dogs before. I was looking at getting two crates to go in the back of the car so the dogs would be safe, but I know virtually nothing about crating dogs. In Australia (where I'm from) crating is almost unheard of. However, from what I see on YA, it seems pretty big in the States though. So can you give me some advice?

What do I need to know about crating dogs?
How do I train them to enjoy the crate?
How do you transport your dogs when you travel with them?
Has crating worked for you?

I know nothing!! Please inform me!

Oh and by the way this is what I was looking at:
http://www.petsplus.com.au/pet-shop.asp?id=659
Any good?

Answer
If you plan on transporting your dog in the crate, you need to use a non-folding molded plastic airline-style crate (http://www.dog.com/prodimages/P2627.jpg) or a rigid aluminum crate (http://www.gundogsonline.com/Img/EStore/Products/11606.jpg) for safety reasons.

Collapsible crates and wire crates are not safe for car travel. Collapsible crates, if impacted in car accidents, can fold down on your dog. Wire crates, if impacted, can come apart at the welds, the wire can bend inwards or break, and your dog can be injured or escape.

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Dogs in Cars?????????????????

Lyndz

What do you do with your dog in the car? I crate my dog, but she HATES it she barks the whole car ride it gets annoying because we go for lots of rides she comes everywhere with me, are there any other options for traveling with your pet, I want to try something new...thanks!
sorry I should've added what kind she is she's a 4 month old puggle so she is pretty small right now.

Answer
You can get a seat belt, or if you have a hatchback, wagon, SUV or van you can get a barrier.

Some crate questions. ?

Bree

It's me again - more questions in preparation for my coming rotti pup.

I have yet to choose a crate.

I've read that it's not good to get rid of or stop using a crate, even after it's served it's purpose as a training tool. This makes sense to me, of course - the crate is supposed to serve as a safe, den-like space. However, my dogs have always been right up in the bed and/or furniture with me, which is where I like them to be. I've found that dogs who are crated, at least those I've met, continue to prefer their crate as a resting area, rather than beside their owner. So, question one for those of you who do or have crated their dogs. If they aren't confined to the crate at night (after house broken, of course), do they stick near you or choose the crate? And during the day when they're out?

Another thing I'm having trouble deciding is plastic or wire. My cats often climb up onto the rabbit and ferret cages and sleep there. I suspect they'd do the same on a wire crate, and I'm uncertain if this would bother the dog. However, with where I will be putting the crate, no light will get into the crate through the sides and possibly not much through the front, and wonder if it would bother to dog to be in the dark like that. Also, my room can be somewhat warm, as I house my reptiles in there as well. With the wire crate, there'd be more ventilation and I don't think it would be unusually warm where it would be situated. With the plastic, it seems like there would be less air flow and I worry about it getting uncomfortably warm. What sort of setting is your crate in during the day?

It's going to cost around a hundred dollars or more, whichever crate I get. Obviously, the pup is going to grow quite large, and if I'm going to continue making the crate available after he's housebroken, I'll need something much bigger than what he'd use as a puppy. Rather than buy two, I was wondering if there's a good way to divide a large crate, so that I can buy one big enough to last. This question is more for those with large dogs - did you start with a smaller crate, or a large? Why?

Some say not to put food or water in the crate, some say do, and some say just one or the other. Which is it? The longest he will be in the crate, besides at night, is just over three hours (I leave at quarter to nine and get back around five after twelve for lunch, at which time he will be immediately taken out). I would obviously remove anything at night, but am uncertain about the best choice for during the day. Do you make food or water available in your crate? Have you always done that? Why/why not?

These probably sound a bit silly, but I've never even considered crating a dog before. Those I know who do crate their dogs have had little success in other areas (the dogs jump, chew, and/or have poor obedience skills), so I don't want to rely on their answers either. I'll probably be back with more questions, but this is all that's come to mind right now.

Answer
My dogs were all crate-trained and they still use them. I'll crate them when I'm gone for more than an hour or so, and will crate any dog that I don't trust not to get into things when I'm not around. They'll go into their crates when the doors are open to snooze or to get away from the other dogs as well. All, however, are still more than happy to snuggle with us, lie on the couch, and sleep next to the bed.

I use wire crates in my home and at shows. They're easy to clean, easy to see into, and look nicer than the plastic ones. If a particular dog likes a more enclosed area, I'll cover the top or even the sides with a sheet or crate cover and leave the front open. They also fold well for travel, carrying up stairs, etc. I also have two fabric crates for hotel rooms or when visiting friends when I don't want to carry a heavy crate along.

My dogs are in heavy-duty plastic Vari-Kennels in the car. PetPorter from Wal-Mart used to be decent, but the plastic is cheap and weak now. If you want a plastic crate, go for the Vari-Kennel. I've seen dogs survive some horrific car crashes in a plastic crate-- it flexes and is more secure. A wire crate in a car accident will crumple and can crush or even skewer the dog on broken wires. I have two plastic crates that live permanently in the back of my SUV. When the dogs are in the car, that's where they ride. I also like the plastic crates for young puppies being introduced to crating. They tend to feel more secure, and are much less likely to get a toe or foot caught and injure themselves while learning to accept being confined. Once they're comfortable with the idea, they will graduate to a wire crate. If you choose a plastic crate and feel there isn't enough airflow, set a box fan ahead of it in hot weather.

I don't put food or water in a crate for a puppy-- they'll spill it, and some pups have drowned if they happen to get caught in the water. A puppy shouldn't be crated long enough to require food and water in the crate. For my older dogs, I'll hang a 1 or 1.5 quart stainless steel bucket (find them in pet supply catalogs, online, or at dog shows) with a carabiner clip with the hinge to the outside so the dog can't catch a lip on it. All dogs in crates have collars removed.

Needless to say, I have more crates than dogs. Right now I have two smaller crates for puppies that are in the basement unused, three wire crates for in the house, three more in storage for shows, three Vari-Kennels, 2 heavy-duty fabric crates, and an x-pen.

Crates are invaluable for house training and keeping your dog safe, as well as providing your dog with his 'own space.' Good luck with your future puppy!

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What is a good dog travel kennel for the SUV?

dog crates suv image

wyeliab200

Looking to buy a travel kennel for our lab to have in the suv while he is a puppy and was wondering what others have used that have worked well for you?

Answer
Most of the collapsible dog crates are fin efor in the car, but it might be best that the crate you buy has two door (some only have one). that way if you are in an accident and one door is blocked, you have an alternative way of releasing the dog.

I would also reocmmend that you do not get one too big for the dog. Yes you want to give the dog ample space, but a crate that is too big can result in the dog being thrown agaisnt the side of the crate in an accident, causing nasty injuries.

There is also a more expensive option, and that is to have a custome made crate built. This woyuld make the most of any available space in your car, where a normal crate may waste some space.

You could also have a tialgate and grille(guard) as opposed to a full crate if you are sure oyur dog would not be destructive.

Is it illegal to leave a dog in a car unattended in New York City?

KL

I don't normally do this and have only done it once for about 10 minutes, with windows slightly open and moon roof slightly opened for air at night in a busy parking lot of a pathmark.

So I'm just wondering if it is illegal IN NEW YORK to leave a dog in the car unattended.

Please don't leave any rude comments, READ CAREFULLY before you answer or else I will considered reporting. Thank You :)

Answer
Yes it is, I live in NY and if someone sees the dogs in car alone they can and will call police.
It takes about 3 mins in 80 plus weather for dogs to die. UKC GSD breeder just lost her 2 UKC GSDS when someone closed the windows on her cab.
Personally I had to take 2 to vet yesterday .
I put on in a crate and left suv door fully opened. Locking it with leash full window open and all other windows WIDE open. Took dog one in, mean while sitting in from of window watching other dog. jacked up A/c , parked in shade.
Then when I had to put dog 2 in .
I started car locked windows in half down position and locked doors windows they could not open with paws.
Put a/c on and they both had water
ran inside and said here is my CC got to go.
i do not travel with dogs in summer other than shows or vet or beach. When we stop at fast food husband comes in places order and than goes back into car to be with a/c . if cooler under 65 we park car where i can see them at all times.
I had smoking so my hubby gets to smoke as many times as he checks on dogs and lets say thats allot.
Sun roof should not be open unless NO sun is out. IT bakes my car I hate the thing.

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