Traveling with your dog, or any pet, in a truck can be a challenge. Whether they are a working dog who needs to travel from site to site, or a companion that accompanies you wherever you go, your pet deserves the best. So, if you are hoping to find the best dog kennels for pickup trucks, keep reading to find the most convenient and durable cages that will keep your dog safe and happy.
The Best Dog Crate for Truck Bed
The 4×4 North America dog transport kennel has been carefully designed with your dog’s safety in mind. It is the only dog transport cage on the market at the moment to have passed the front, rear, and roll-over crash tests. Meaning you know your four-legged friend will be protected should you have a need to swerve, or have the terrible luck of getting into an accident. It is constructed using high-quality, extra-strong, powder-coated steel with a built-in crumple zone to absorb any impact.
The safety features don’t stop there, however. 4×4 North America has thought of everything, including the addition of an emergency escape hatch. The purpose of the escape hatch is to do exactly what it says on the tin, provide your little buddy with a way to exit the vehicle should they become trapped. Additionally, the gas hydraulic motion springs in the locking mechanism ensure that this transport kennel stays locked and secure during the journey, so no worrying about your canine buddy making a break for it on the freeway.
The only dog transport cage to pass rear, front. & roll-over crash tests.
14 adjustable sizes.
High-quality steel construction with powder coating.
Gas hydraulic motion springs for door locks.
Emergency escape hatch for extra safety.
Available in 6 sizes from small to XX-large.
- Brand: 4×4 North America
- Model: 00378
- Weight: 00378
UWS has created a strong, reliable, durable dog box perfectly suited for camping, hunting, and weekends away. The 2 sided ventilation in the truck bed crate means your pooches will have proper airflow whilst you travel. Making it the ideal box for those dog owners that live in warmer climates. This does however mean that it may not be suited to those that live in snowy, or especially cold climates. The ventilation even extends to the central divider between boxes, meaning not only are they both getting equal airflow, but they can see each other too. Both dogs being able to see one another can help to alleviate travel anxiety and make the journey less lonely for them.
The UWS dog travel box is made from extremely strong, corrosion-resistant aluminum. The corrosive-resistant metal means you will get plenty of use out of this box over many years. Additionally, they have designed it with a solid tie-down rail, which works with their storage chest box. The tie-down rail feature helps you to make full use of your truck bed space, especially seeing as it can easily hold 200lbs. As we said, it’s of very sturdy construction. For added security and peace of mind, they have even installed two key-operated, stainless steel T-handles, so your dogs can’t make an escape any time soon.
A duel crate with a divider to hold two dogs at once.
Made of corrosion-resistant aluminum construction.
The top tie-down rail easily holds 200lbs.
3-sided ventilation for better airflow whilst traveling.
Stainless steel, key-operated T-handles provide dependable security.
Can be used alongside the UWS storage chest box.
- Brand: UWS
- Model: DB-4848
- Weight: 0.01 ounces
Many customers have likened this hunting kennel to the well-known brand Gunner. Its one-piece mold provides durability, as there are no weak points in the design, such as welding spots. The olive-green coloration of the Primos Hunting travel kennel making using it with a hunting dog much simpler. It can be easily lifted from the van, as it only weighs 37lbs and has heavy-duty handles, and placed on the ground, with its color allowing it to blend into the environment. Primos Hunting has used stainless steel hardware, aluminum tie-downs, and heavy-duty rubber feet to ensure the stability of this crate when it is in use.
The Primos Hunting Kennel is also equipped with adjustable ventilation. This makes it suitable for a wide range of weather conditions, meaning it can be used year-round. And the in-build draining system helps to make kennel clean-out time much quicker and simpler. They have also included the detail of a reversible name place on the front of the door which can store customizable information. The door itself is also reversible, to suit a wide variety of storage needs.
One-piece roto-molded housing for strength & durability.
Weighs 37lbs for easy single-person lifting and loading.
Stainless steel hardware & Integrated aluminum tie-downs.
Built-in clean-out drains.
Heavy-duty rubber feet for stability.
Adjustable ventilation to suits all weather.
- Brand: Primos Hunting
- Model: 69100
- Weight: 2.2 Pounds
Keep it simple and affordable with Owens Dog Box. A single compartment without storage, this dog crate is best as a no-nonsense, value truck bed dog crate without compromising on the most important things. It has a durable and secure aluminum casing, with a plastic corrugate lining, and fantastic all-season ventilation windows that are able to be opened and closed to ensure your pet remains comfortable throughout the year.
Also made in the USA, this dog kennel has a lockable slam latch door that will keep your pet securely inside the crate, even if they are a bit of an escape artist. It can be secured easily to a wide variety of truck beds using its D-rings. This option may be best for owners with more than one truck as its great value has made it convenient for some people to buy several crates to secure semi-permanently to their multiple truck beds, saving them the time they would otherwise spend moving one crate from truck to truck.
Aluminum with plastic corrugate lining
All-season vents
No storage compartment
Single compartment
Dimensions 20″ x 30″ x 24″
- Brand: Owens
- Model: 55015
- Weight: 40 pounds
Owens also has options for truck owners with multiple dogs. You can check out this double compartment crate that makes a great dog crate for pickup truck enthusiasts. This truck kennel not only has space for two dogs, but comes with a storage unit that can be locked to protect your valuable tools and gear. Each doggie door is also lockable and is fitted with slam latches.
Your companion will be very comfortable and safe as it is made with study aluminum with plastic corrugate lining, and it is well ventilated with air holes on the center dividers that allow cross ventilation. Handles are fitted for your convenience that are rattle-free and spring loaded. You can secure this dog crate to a variety of truck beds using the useful D-rings.
Double compartment allows you to transport two dogs at a time
Lockable top storage unit
Durable aluminum casing with plastic corrugate lining
Rattle-free spring loaded handles for easy carrying
Dimensions: 48″ x 45″ x 26″
- Brand: Owens
- Model: 55006
- Weight: 110 pounds
Best Dog Crate for Truck Bed Buying Guide
Getting a dog crate for any purpose can be a huge challenge. Your dog will have a variety of needs that must be considered, including protection, material, size and cost. Finding a great dog box for truck enthusiasts can be even harder, you may already have dog crates suitable for indoor use or car travel, but a truck bed kennel needs to be secure and safe on your specific truck. You can’t have them dangerously sliding around in the back.
Dog crates can be a serious investment, and you want one that is tough, yet cost effective. This requires a lot of research and work, but, as time is money, we want to help you out with this dog carrier for truck bed buying guide. We’ll speed up the process by showing you why you may need a truck bed dog crate, what dogs need out of a good crate, and which type of crate is best for your situation. Join us as we explore all the important details related to dogs, crates, and truck beds. Hopefully, we can teach you more about transporting your best friend, and help you to make the best decision for your pet.
What to Look for in a Truck Bed Dog Kennel
If you are knee-deep in dog crates, looking for the perfect fit for you and your best friend, you may be at a loss. How do you know what you are looking for? What makes a great crate? You probably have a pretty good idea of what your specifications are and why you are in need of the crate, but you probably aren’t an expert and you could miss something crucial if you aren’t careful. If you are looking for a quick checklist, consider the crate’s suitability for:
- Your environment
Crates have to suit the needs and challenges of your environment. If you live in a hot climate, you will need to ensure there is a lot of ventilation on the side or the door, but if you live in a very cold, rainy climate, you need a sturdy roof and minimal, protected ventilation.
- Your truck
Some crates may not fit in every truck. Make sure to check the specifications of your truck bed, and your own usage of it. If you frequently need the space for equipment, tools and other items, you probably need a crate that is easily removed, or that comes with built-in replacement storage space.
- Your dog
Big dogs will need big crates, small dogs will need small crates, and puppies will need crates they can grow in. Some boxes have double compartments for owners of multiple dogs, and there are a variety of locks to suit different escape artist personalities.
Once you are certain of what you are looking for, the most crucial is thing is safety. Strong, lightweight metals like aluminum can protect your pets in an accident, and strong, steel locks can keep your dog safely inside the box until you reach your destination. Some boxes come with strong harnesses and clips to secure them to the truck bed, but you may also have to buy your own. Your box needs to come with the appropriate hooks and rails to allow for attachment, and you should check that any paints and chemicals are non-toxic and safe for your dog to gnaw on. You should also keep your dog safe by removing all harnesses, leads, and clothing before they get into the crate as these things can catch on the various vents, hooks and lock systems that make the crate so secure in the first place.
Read here our guide on Heavy Duty Dog Crates.
Benefits of a Dog Crate for Truck
Why do you need a dog crate for your truck? What is the purpose of a specialized dog box? It may be tempting to use your existing indoor dog kennel on the bed of your truck, or to keep your dog with you inside the vehicle, but there are some serious advantages of having the right kind of crate for your pup to be as comfortable and safe as possible. Most crucially, you must be aware of the safety implications, as your dogs deserve the best when it comes to their health.
- Dangers of the front seat
At the moment, you may be traveling with your dog in the driving compartment with you. A loose dog is, obviously, very dangerous. Hazards can include suffocation from air bags, distracted driving, sudden stops, crashes, and more. Many of these hazards are improved by placing your dog in a crate, so make sure to use one if you are going to travel with a dog inside your truck. But, even with a crate, all dogs that are in the front seat can be a distraction. Barking in your ear, whining, and generally causing a bit of mayhem can make you take your eye off the road. This is a hazard not only to you, but to everyone on the road.
- Dangers in the truck bed
Some dog owners put their dog in the back of their trucks without any security or protection. This is a huge danger to your pet’s life. Even at slow speeds, there is a danger your dog can jump out into traffic, and high speed travel is incredibly dangerous. Normal crates are a step in the right direction, but the major benefit of a crate designed for truck beds is that they are fitted to be secured to the bed. A cage that slides around is still very dangerous for your dog, so make sure you get a crate that can be fastened firmly in the back of your truck.
- Space in the vehicle
A small pup may not seem like much of an imposition inside your vehicle, but their doggie box may be. Once they grow, it can be even more difficult to travel with them in the front of your truck. What happens when you need to travel with friends and family? Where does your dog fit then? You won’t always have enough space inside your truck for your dog, and it is better to be prepared with a suitable, secure box for the back of your truck.
- Ventilation and comfort
Last, but not least, is comfort. Different kennels are suitable for different circumstances, and using the wrong one for the wrong situation can be very uncomfortable for your dog. The construction of a kennel may include ventilators for hot days, metal for durability, and can handle different dog sizes and weight. A crate that is specifically designed and fitted for your truck will provide a much more pleasant journey for your dog.
Check out our article on Dog Crate Beds and Pads.
Different Types of Truck Bed Dog Crates
There are a number of different options that you can consider when you are trying to find the perfect dog crate. They suit all sorts of circumstances, from strong, semi-permanent additions to your truck to light-weight coverage that will protect your dog at all sorts of fun events, from barbecues to tail gates. Familiarize yourself with all the different types before you commit to your own crate.
Take a look at our guide on Home Dog Gates.
- Aluminum Dog Boxes
The strongest and most durable form of box, they are very large and spacious crates that fit on the back of your pickup. They often come with ventilation vents and a lockable door. While they are removable, they are the least portable box due to their size and weight, particularly if they have double compartments or additional storage compartments. This makes them great if you are installing them semi-permanently in order to regularly transport a dog in all weather conditions, such as to work or for regular hunting trips.
- Collapsible Dog Crates
On the other hand, if you usually need all the space on your truck bed, a more portable alternative to large, metal dog boxes are collapsible dog crates. Many of them are still very strong and durable with a steel lock door, but are easier to install and uninstall as you need. This is particularly useful if you often have to haul a lot of cargo for work, and don’t have the space for a semi-permanent dog box.
- Dog Canopies
The most light-weight option is a dog canopy as it is usually made of high-quality fabrics that protect your dog from a variety of weather conditions when stationary. However, canopies are usually open on one side without a lockable door. Although not necessarily safe for transporting a pet, they can be fastened securely to the bed of your pickup semi-permenantly, or can be easily and quickly installed as and when you need them at fun events.
Our Top Pick
Of all the great crates that you could buy, our recommended dog crate for pickup truck owners is the K9 Canopy. It is a brilliantly adaptable canopy that provides shade for a wide variety of energetic and hard working dogs. Specifically designed for truck beds, it is made of durable, yet breathable materials that can protect your dog from harsh sunlight. It will survive securely on the back of your truck between usages, even through high winds and harsh weather, and, perhaps most importantly, it can be moved and cleaned easily when it does get soiled. It is an adaptable and convenient option for many pet owners.
Source:
- Dogs Traveling in Truck Beds, American Veterinary Medical Association
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