Gunner G1 Kennel
Gunner G1 Kennel earns the top spot for crash-tested vehicle carriers due to its double-walled, rotationally molded shell and bolt-together hardware that deliver superior impact management and long-term durability. Although it is typically the most expensive option on this list, its technical advantages provide the highest level of enclosure protection compared with softer carriers and booster-style restraints, making it the best choice for owners prioritizing maximum crash protection and longevity.
Tank tough
Weatherproof armor
Tank tough
Weatherproof armor
Review Summary
"Users consistently praise the Gunner G1 for its military-grade, crash-tested durability, waterproofing and insulation; the most common complaints are its high price and heavy weight for carrying. Owners report it holds up exceptionally well over years of travel and airline use."
Lock-down latches
Rotomolded double-wall construction for high impact resistance and waterproofing.
Lock-down latches
Rotomolded double-wall construction for high impact resistance and waterproofing.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Gunner G1 Kennel earns the top spot for crash-tested vehicle carriers due to its double-walled, rotationally molded shell and bolt-together hardware that deliver superior impact management and long-term durability. Although it is typically the most expensive option on this list, its technical advantages provide the highest level of enclosure protection compared with softer carriers and booster-style restraints, making it the best choice for owners prioritizing maximum crash protection and longevity.
Tank tough
Weatherproof armor
Lock-down latches
Rotomolded double-wall construction for high impact resistance and waterproofing.
Independently crash-tested for vehicle and airline travel to protect dogs in major impacts.
Tank tough
Weatherproof armor
Lock-down latches
Rotomolded double-wall construction for high impact resistance and waterproofing.
Independently crash-tested for vehicle and airline travel to protect dogs in major impacts.
$700-1,200 CAD
Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed
The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed combines independently crash-tested safety with home-and-car versatility, offering a soft, familiar sleeping surface that also performs well in collisions for small dogs. Compared with rigid crates like the Gunner G1 it sacrifices some absolute impact resistance for greater comfort and everyday use, delivering a mid-tier financial and practical compromise for owners who want a single product that works as both bed and travel carrier.
Cloud-like nap
Seatbelt-ready
Cloud-like nap
Seatbelt-ready
Review Summary
"Buyers like the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed for its comfortable, multi-use design and high-quality construction with crash-aware engineering for vehicle travel; critics note it is bulky, relatively expensive, and some fabrics can show wear with heavy use. Overall it’s favored by owners who prioritize comfort and car-safety integration."
Convertible comfort
CPS crash-tested design that secures with a vehicle seat belt to reduce forward movement.
Convertible comfort
CPS crash-tested design that secures with a vehicle seat belt to reduce forward movement.
Increased Safety & Security
The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed combines independently crash-tested safety with home-and-car versatility, offering a soft, familiar sleeping surface that also performs well in collisions for small dogs. Compared with rigid crates like the Gunner G1 it sacrifices some absolute impact resistance for greater comfort and everyday use, delivering a mid-tier financial and practical compromise for owners who want a single product that works as both bed and travel carrier.
Cloud-like nap
Seatbelt-ready
Convertible comfort
CPS crash-tested design that secures with a vehicle seat belt to reduce forward movement.
Plush, convertible bed that doubles as a car booster and travel carrier for small dogs.
Cloud-like nap
Seatbelt-ready
Convertible comfort
CPS crash-tested design that secures with a vehicle seat belt to reduce forward movement.
Plush, convertible bed that doubles as a car booster and travel carrier for small dogs.
$200-300 CAD
Sleepypod Clickit Sport
The Sleepypod Clickit Sport is the market-leading crash-tested harness solution, designed to distribute collision forces across the dog’s body for certified restraint without the bulk of a kennel. It is generally more affordable and easier to install than a hard-shell crate and is ideal for owners who want a proven restraint system rather than full enclosure protection, though it won’t provide the physical barrier of a rigid kennel.
Crash-tested fit
Tool-free adjust
Crash-tested fit
Tool-free adjust
Review Summary
"Reviewers repeatedly praise the Sleepypod Clickit Sport for excellent, crash-tested protection, secure fit and straightforward vehicle installation; common negatives are the premium price and the need to size carefully for a proper fit. Long-term users report it provides reliable restraint and peace of mind on drives."
Quick-release buckles
CPS-certified crash-tested harness engineered to distribute impact forces across chest and back.
Quick-release buckles
CPS-certified crash-tested harness engineered to distribute impact forces across chest and back.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Sleepypod Clickit Sport is the market-leading crash-tested harness solution, designed to distribute collision forces across the dog’s body for certified restraint without the bulk of a kennel. It is generally more affordable and easier to install than a hard-shell crate and is ideal for owners who want a proven restraint system rather than full enclosure protection, though it won’t provide the physical barrier of a rigid kennel.
Crash-tested fit
Tool-free adjust
Quick-release buckles
CPS-certified crash-tested harness engineered to distribute impact forces across chest and back.
Low-profile, padded design with straightforward in-vehicle seat-belt installation.
Crash-tested fit
Tool-free adjust
Quick-release buckles
CPS-certified crash-tested harness engineered to distribute impact forces across chest and back.
Low-profile, padded design with straightforward in-vehicle seat-belt installation.
$150-220 CAD
ZuGoPet Rocketeer Pack
The ZuGoPet Rocketeer Pack is a lightweight, travel-focused carrier that uses reinforced panels and an integrated vehicle tether to offer an affordable, crash-tested soft-carrier option for small dogs. Compared with premium hard crates and full-body harnesses on this list, it prioritizes portability and packability for active owners, delivering reasonable crash performance for shorter trips while keeping purchase and storage costs low.
Hands-free hikes
Breathable pouch
Hands-free hikes
Breathable pouch
Review Summary
"Customers appreciate the ZuGoPet Rocketeer Pack for its portability, ventilation and convenience for short hikes and travel, but note it is not a rigid, crash-tested crate and has limited capacity for larger dogs. Reviews commonly mention good comfort for small pets but recommend it only for low-impact travel."
Rocket-style zip
Backpack-style carrier offering hands-free travel with front and top entry options.
Rocket-style zip
Backpack-style carrier offering hands-free travel with front and top entry options.
Recreational Enjoyment
The ZuGoPet Rocketeer Pack is a lightweight, travel-focused carrier that uses reinforced panels and an integrated vehicle tether to offer an affordable, crash-tested soft-carrier option for small dogs. Compared with premium hard crates and full-body harnesses on this list, it prioritizes portability and packability for active owners, delivering reasonable crash performance for shorter trips while keeping purchase and storage costs low.
Hands-free hikes
Breathable pouch
Rocket-style zip
Backpack-style carrier offering hands-free travel with front and top entry options.
Lightweight frame, breathable mesh panels, and padded base for pet comfort.
Hands-free hikes
Breathable pouch
Rocket-style zip
Backpack-style carrier offering hands-free travel with front and top entry options.
Lightweight frame, breathable mesh panels, and padded base for pet comfort.
$120-180 CAD
Kurgo Skybox Booster Seat
The Kurgo Skybox Booster Seat is a budget-friendly, elevated seat with padded walls and a built-in tether that provides basic crash-tested restraint and improved visibility for small dogs. It doesn’t match the impact management of heavy-duty kennels or full harness systems, but its low price, easy installation, and everyday convenience make it a strong value option for short drives and owners seeking a simple, portable solution.
Window views
Elevated perch
Window views
Elevated perch
Review Summary
"Buyers value the Kurgo Skybox Booster Seat for its affordability, easy installation and giving small dogs a better view; some users say it lacks the structural crash protection of hard kennels and can be cramped for bigger dogs. It’s frequently recommended as a budget-friendly option for calmer, smaller pets."
Machine washable
Elevating booster seat that gives small dogs a window view while riding securely on the seat.
Machine washable
Elevating booster seat that gives small dogs a window view while riding securely on the seat.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
The Kurgo Skybox Booster Seat is a budget-friendly, elevated seat with padded walls and a built-in tether that provides basic crash-tested restraint and improved visibility for small dogs. It doesn’t match the impact management of heavy-duty kennels or full harness systems, but its low price, easy installation, and everyday convenience make it a strong value option for short drives and owners seeking a simple, portable solution.
Window views
Elevated perch
Machine washable
Elevating booster seat that gives small dogs a window view while riding securely on the seat.
Attaches with the vehicle seat belt and includes an internal tether to clip to a harness (harness sold separately).
Window views
Elevated perch
Machine washable
Elevating booster seat that gives small dogs a window view while riding securely on the seat.
Attaches with the vehicle seat belt and includes an internal tether to clip to a harness (harness sold separately).