Searching for the best travel crate for a German Shepherd?
Perfect! You’re in the right place.
In this Digdoggy.com guide you’ll learn:
- The top 5 travel crates for German Shepherds
- How to choose the best travel crate
- Differences in travel crates for GSDs
And much more!
Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to read more in-depth reviews on the top dog crates for GSDs.
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Our Top Pick | Our Top Pick | Petmate VARI Kennel Taupe
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| View on Amazon |
Best Budget | Best Budget | Amazon Basics Folding Soft Portable Pet Crate
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| View on Amazon |
Best high-End | Best high-End | Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier
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| View on Amazon |
SportPet Designs Rolling Travel Dog Crate
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| View on Amazon | ||
Petmate 41036 Compass Plastic Pets Kennel
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| View on Amazon |
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On January 8, 2022
The comfortable and secure Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel keeps your German Shepherd safe.
On the rear, there are air holes for additional ventilation.
Upon delivery, the crate comes in two halves (bottom and top) that can be screwed together (by hand) without the need for tools.
You may find a few of the pre-drilled holes come unpierced, however, they’re easy to pierce by pushing screws through them.
The crate also has tie-down holes that allow you to fixate it l to the ground if needed.
Dimensions are 48” L x 32” W x 35” H and will hold easily contain German Shepherds, Golden Retriever, or Great Pyrenees.
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Our Top 5 Best Travel Crates For German Shepherds
In a hurry? Check out our top 5 German Shepherd travel crates! Keep reading to discover more about our top picks.
What Are The Different Types of Travel Crates For German Shepherds?
The different types of dog crates for German Shepherds include:
- Hard Plastic Travel crates
- Soft Crates
Hard Plastic Travel Crates
A travel crate meets all the specifications of airline and airport regulations.
Travel crates are usually tougher than regular crates and carry ratings for crash testing.
Crates of this type will usually feature hard plastic shells, wire ventilation, and metal screws for the safest construction and comfort.
Unfortunately, when you’re buying dogs as big as a German Shepherd, a crate large enough will come at the cost of weight.
Crates for this breed will average 50lbs in weight which is a lot heavier than a regular household wire crate at 17 lbs.
Soft Crates
Soft crates are a portable, convenient option for keeping your dog cozy when you are not at home.
This type of crate weighs less than wire or plastic crates and can be stored in much smaller spaces.
You will not be able to take this on airlines or cruises but they are great for traveling in a car and temporary accommodation.
Being fabric, they naturally require a well-trained dog as a determined dog will not have difficulty escaping.
Read Also: >> What type of nail clippers are best for GSDs?
What Should You Look For In A high-Quality Travel crate For German Shepherds?
The process of finding the perfect crate for your GSD is not as simple as it may seem. When selecting the perfect crate, here are a few things to watch out for:
- Portability And Easy Assembly
- Good Ventilation
- Durability
- Size
Portability And Easy Assembly
Select a crate that can be assembled easily and quickly without needing any extra tools.
At the same time, it also needs to be able to fold flat and have a handle for carrying. Rolling feet also help prevent floor scratches.
Good Ventilation
Your dog will spend a lot of time in this habitat. The size already limits them to restricted movement and space so it’s nice to have air holes all around.
Wire ventilation and air holes on all sides are nice to have. And you can always warm it up inside if needed with blankets.
Durability
A large German Shepherd will require a truly robust crate made of hard plastic or metal. For safety, ensure that the corners are rounded, particularly if you have small children.
Size
The crate of your GSD needs to be large enough for him to turn, lie down with outstretched paws or stand.
Accommodate your Police Dog’s growth by getting a cage that is 40″ big or above.
Our Reviews Of The Best travel Crates For GSDs
Pick #1: Petmate VARI Kennel Taupe
This is a heavy-duty all-around ventilated dog crate that offers huge amounts of space for a travel crate.
German shepherds will comfortably fit inside this crate and have enough room to turn around 360°.
There is a security latch for locking the door made to be opened using one hand.
The crate comes in 2 halves, bottom, and top with one inside the other. You also get the instruction manual and screws.
Assembly is made easy as you simply place the top half over the bottom half, insert the wire door then place it in the metal bolts.
NOTE: You will NOT need any tools for assembling this product.
The 17 screw-on nuts have twisty tops that allow you to tighten up the fasten them to the bolts without the need for tools.
Smart manufacturing if you ask me!
Pros
- 15 minutes to assemble
- Super spacious for German Shepherds
- Solid construction
Cons
- Some predrilled holes came unpierced
- Manufacturer does not offer replacement doors
Pick #2: Amazon Basics Folding Soft Portable Pet Crate
Enjoy dynamic options for carrying with the shoulder strap and top handle.
On the sides and top, there are accessory pockets for storing toys and treats.
Included in this folding soft portable pet crate by Amazon Basics is a fleece-covered plush pet bed for a comfortable road trip anytime.
Made with PVC materials and durable polyester, this soft-sided crate for carrying pets is collapsible for easy storing.
It may take a few attempts to assemble the support rods, as instructions are somewhat difficult to understand.
Pros
- Pretty easy to pop up once you read instructions
- Great features include a water bottle holder
- Lightweight, easy to carry
Cons
- Mesh makes it difficult to see your dog inside
- Zipper broke
Pick #3: Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier
The Petmate Sky Kennel travel crate is adaptable to airlines.
This means that it meets most specifications of airline cargo for safe, easy travel.
Of course, you still need to check with your own specific airline about their own regulations and measurement requirements if you plan to travel with your German Shepherd.
All included are ID stickers, clips on bowls, and two stickers that say Live Animal for easy modifications when traveling.
Your Police Dog will enjoy extreme safety from the heavy-duty protection, interlocking door, extra strong steel wire, and non-corrodible wing nuts.
The durable plastic shell is constructed for heavy-duty traveling wear and tear.
This 40-inch dog crate is for pets that weigh between 70 lbs and 90 lbs and weigh 25 lbs.
It’s good to note that the sizing chart on the website provides an incorrect method for measuring your dog compared to requirements for airlines.
You should in fact measure from the top of the head to the floor when sizing up your dog.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Spacious
- Sturdy
Cons
- Mesh makes it difficult to see your dog inside
- Arrived damaged
Pick #4: SportPet Designs Rolling Travel Dog Crate
This travel dog crate by SportPet Designs is approved by the IATA.
Included in your purchase are four live animal stickers, two dishes, metal nuts, and bolts.
The product also includes bungee tie-down holes that are required by airlines.
The thick plastic construction feels sturdy (weighing 26.25 lbs) and can be easily pulled along via the top handles.
You can snap the wheels off or on, depending on what you need. The weight limit of this kennel is 140 lbs, more than enough for your GSD.
Our only concern would be the strength of the wheels and handles that would easily break in the event of tugging.
Pros
- Meets Alaska Airline specifications
- Great quality for the price
- Thick solid plastic housing construction
Cons
- Not United Airline approved
- Wheels break easily
Pick #5: Petmate 41036 Compass Plastic Pets Kennel
This portable kennel by Petmate has durable latches on the door for secure traveling.
There is a carrying handle for easy transportation and the carrier meets most specifications for airline cargo.
Measuring 40-inches large, this kennel is perfect for German Shepherds weighing between 70-90 lbs.
Assembly was made difficult as the top and bottom half did not correctly align due to the package arriving warped and cracked. Customer services were happy to send a replacement.
Conversely, you are able to open the wire door from either side as there are latches and hinges on both the left and right.
Pros
- Love the door latches that open on either side
- Simple assembly process
Cons
- Came with cracked bottom end
- Door rattles loudly when traveling
- Difficult to close door as latch does not correctly align with grooves
What Do I Need To Do To Comply With the IATA and the USDA regulations?
The International Air Transport Association regulations plus the United States Department of Agriculture requires a crate that complies with air travel regulations:
- The kennel floor needs to be leak-proof and solid. There needs to be absorbent newpapers or towels on the crate’s bottom
- Two water dishes accessible from the exterior of the crate are required.
- Plastic side latches on the kennels are unacceptable unless extra holes are drilled to accommodate metal bolts and nuts.
- Completely assemble each kennel. The kennel also need to function properly and in good condition.
- The crate door needs to close securely and be made of metal.
- The crate itself needs to be made of wood, metal or hard plastic. The top should have no doors or ventilation and be solid.
What Should Be In The Dog Crate With My GSD For International Travel?
Make sure there are water bowls and food bowls attached to the interior of his crate door. This enables airline assistants to refill their food and water easily.
In case of layovers, delays, or long flights, tape a pack of dog food on the crate’s roof.
Shredded newspaper and pet pads should be positioned on the crate’s bottom.
Tape contact information on a piece of paper plus your dog’s photo and name for easy identification in event of escape.
Read Also: >> Are tear-free shampoos better for German Shepherds?
Our Top Pick: Petmate VARI Kennel Taupe
Our top pick is the Petmate VARI Kennel Taupe.
For the comfort and safety of your pet, kennel and crate training is vital.
This crate meets specifications for airline cargo.
The front latch is easy to open to access your dog quickly and is made with recycled heavy-duty plastic material.
Raised interiors keep your GSD comfortable and safe. There are ventilation wire vents and tie-down strap holes for extra security.
Lasting durability comes from the covered doorposts, the metal screws, plastic shell, and heavy-duty components.
Offering excellent value for money this product is a great buy for a GSD owner.
Final Thoughts On travel crates for German shepherds
Traveling abroad with your dog? find the airline requirements before traveling to ensure you buy a crate that has the right specs.
For German Shepherds, a crate of at least 40″ is recommended along with sturdy construction made up of hard plastic and metal.
All-round ventilation and wheels are an added bonus, but in some cases come at a cost to the strength of a product.
Luckily for you, we’ve covered all of the above in each of the products we reviewed!