Statistically, the more miles you drive with your dog in the car, the more likely you are to get into an accident with them. When it comes to securing your dog in the car, you generally have 3 goals, roughly in this order:
1. Prevent the dog from running away after the accident
This is the most important, as even a relatively minor accident with no injuries is terrifying for a dog and will push even the most solid dog straight into flight mode.
2. Prevent the dog from becoming a projectile and injuring you or other passengers
3. Prevent the dog from getting injured in the accident
The majority of dog crates can’t stand up to a serious impact (see the tests performed by the Center For Pet Safety). Below are the best options out there for a large dog in order of ascending price.
Rough Land Kennels
Formerly called Rough Tough Kennels (RTK). Most German Shepherd Dogs will require a XL crate. These are sold in Cabelas, so you can bring your dog there to try out the sizing. If you can get away with a Large, keep an eye on site wide sales on LL Bean’s website. They have a number of accessories available, including alternative doors and tie-down kits.
Where to buy (watch for sales!):
- LL Bean: https://www.llbean.com/llb/search/?freeText=rough+land+kennel&init=1
- Cabelas: https://www.cabelas.com/browse.cmd?categoryId=734095080&CQ_search=rough+land+kennels&CQ_zstype=REG
- Mighty Mite Dog gear: http://www.mightymitedoggear.com/mighty-mite/dog-care-travel-gear/folding-wire-puppydog-housebreaking-crate-dog-wire-crates-pens/ruff-tuff-crates
- Directly from Rough Land Kennels: https://rufftoughkennels.com/Kennels/
Kennebec Kennels
Kennebec Kennels are the only other sub $300 option that are intended to stand up in an accident. They’re also sold at Cabelas, which can help with sizing. They’re more convenient to tie down and carry because their handle is built in. Make sure to measure the dimensions of your trunk carefully for square crates, particularly in modern SUVs with slanted rear windows!
Where to buy:
- Mighty Mite Dog gear: http://www.mightymitedoggear.com/mighty-mite/dog-care-travel-gear/folding-wire-puppydog-housebreaking-crate-dog-wire-crates-pens/ruff-tuff-crates
- Cabelas: https://www.cabelas.com/product/DAKOTA-KENNEBEC-KENNEL-G-EXTRA-LARGE-KENNEL/2479042.uts?slotId=0
- Direct from Dakota 283: https://dakota283.com/collections/kennels/products/d283-framed-door-kennel
Orion Kennels
Orion Kennels are a new composite option that recently appeared on the market. Their big differentiator over the other non-metal crates is that their doors are secured using elastic straps that cushion impacts, rather than holding rigid. They come in a variety of colors and configurations, however their current largest size is likely too small for a large male GSD. Keep an eye out for new versions in the future!
Where to buy:
- Might Mite Dog Gear: http://www.mightymitedoggear.com/dog-supplies/orion-kennels
- Direct from Orion Kennels: https://oriongear.store/categories/kennels/kennels.html
Gunner Kennels
Gunner Kennels are one of only 2 companies on this list that perform actual crash tests of their crates. They don’t have quite as many configurations as the others, but they are strong and well made. As with the other metal options, these crates are fairly heavy and bulky which makes shipping expensive.
Where to buy:
- Direct from Gunner: https://gunnerkennels.com/g1large
Custom Crates from TNC Fabricating
TNC Fabricating makes custom crates in any size or shape you want, entirely out of aluminum. Pricing is based on the longest dimension, number of doors, and additional customization options you choose, starting in the low $600's.
Did I mention they have 6,500 color options? 😂 Message them via their Facebook page to ask questions or get a quick quote.
Impact Dog Crates
Impact Crates are quickly becoming a household name among the dog sports and dog show communities. They’re well made, come in several colors, and even have a collapsible option for easy storage! However all of this quality comes with a larger price tag. It’s going to be hard to get out the door below $700 for one of these once you include shipping. Make sure to measure the dimensions of your trunk carefully for square crates, particularly in modern SUVs with slanted rear windows!
Check out their website for size, style and color options.
They also have many accessories and options available, such as grooming arms and additional doors. If you’re looking for a crate for an escape artist, they have an “escape proof” option as well.
Zinger Crates
Zinger makes a series of aluminum crates in various configurations and sizes. Sold only through their own website, they’re similar in pricing to Impact Crates but they have better ventilation. Price wise, you’ll be hard pressed to get out the door for less than $700 for one sized for a GSD. Make sure to measure the dimensions of your trunk carefully for square crates, particularly in modern SUVs with slanted rear windows!
Where to buy:
- Directly from Zinger: http://www.zingerwinger.com/
Trans K9 Crates
Trans K9 crates are designed specifically to be installed into the trunk of a van or SUV. They come in a large variety of size and shape configurations, so make sure you check their website for the proper fitment for your vehicle! Pricing starts around $900.
Note that Trans K9 crates are intended to be installed and then left in more or less permanently. They are somewhat heavy and once secured properly, it may be a 2 person operation to remove them. Be sure to keep this in mind, particularly if your vehicle has its spare tire stored under the trunk!
MIM Safe VarioCage
VarioCages are by far the safest option, but you pay for it. Pricing runs between $1100–1800 depending on the size, but boy do you get a lot for your money. Unlike all of the others listed, VarioCages are actually crash tested and contain a built in energy absorption system similar to the crumple zone in a car. Additionally, they have an adjustable length, so they’re more future proof and likely to fit into the future cars you own.
Note that VarioCages are intended to be installed and then left in more or less permanently. They are somewhat heavy and once secured properly, it may be a 2 person operation to remove them. Be sure to keep this in mind, particularly if your vehicle has its spare tire stored under the trunk!
Where to buy:
