Our **dog cages** are designed with a focus on robustness, durability and smart features such as ventilation, easy cleaning and a secure locking mechanism. Our car cages for dogs in particular are designed to fit optimally in the car's trunk and provide superior protection in the event of a collision, making them the safest solution for transporting dogs in a car . Explore Zoostar's range and discover how a **dog cage** can simplify your everyday life, make travel safer and give your dog its own, safe haven both at home and on the go.

In this guide, we will delve into the importance of using **dog crates**, highlight the differences between different types, and provide comprehensive advice on how to choose the perfect **car crate** for your dog and car model. We will also share tips for training your dog to love their crate, as well as how crates integrate with other Zoostar dog transport & travel products, such as crates , dog bags and backpacks , and dog gates , to ensure a comprehensive solution for all your needs.

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Why a Dog Crate Is More Than Just a Can – Especially in the Car

A **dog crate** is an investment in your dog's quality of life and safety, with particular emphasis on car transportation. Its importance cannot be overstated.

1. Unbeatable Safety for Car Travel:

• Crash protection: A crash-tested dog carrier is designed to absorb the force of a collision and protect your dog from serious injury. A loose dog or a dog secured only by a harness in the back seat is at risk of being thrown around and seriously injured, and can also injure passengers.
• Prevents Distraction: A **dog in a car** that moves freely is a major distraction for the driver. A crate keeps the dog safely in place, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Legal requirements: In Sweden, it is a law that dogs must be secured during transport. An approved **car carrier for dogs** best meets these requirements.
• Protection during Panic Braking: Even in the event of sudden braking without a collision, a dog without a safety device can be thrown forward and injured.

2. Safe Place & Stress Reduction:

• Personal Sanctuary: For many dogs, the crate becomes a safe and quiet place, a kind of "cave" where they can retreat and rest. This is especially important during travel where the environment can be stressful.
• Reduces Motion Sickness: A confined and stable environment in a **dog crate** can help prevent or alleviate motion sickness in sensitive dogs.
• Handling of Unexpected Events: In the event of an accident or an unexpected stop, a caged dog can be handled more safely by rescue personnel, and the risk of the dog running away is minimized.

3. For Home Use & Training:

• Housetraining: A crate can be an effective tool for housetraining puppies, as dogs instinctively do not want to soil their sleeping area.
• Safe Place During Care: If your dog is recovering from surgery, a **dog crate** can provide a controlled and safe environment for rest.
• Boundary: In situations where the dog needs peace and quiet, or when you cannot have full supervision, the cage can serve as a safe boundary.

Choosing the right **dog cage** from Zoostar.se is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. It is an investment that will provide both you and your dog with security and comfort for many years to come.

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Types of Dog Crate: Finding the Perfect Solution

Zoostar.se offers a variety of **dog cages**, each designed for specific purposes and situations. Understanding the differences is key to choosing the right one.

1. Car Cages (Crash Tested Dog Cages):

• Description: These are specially designed to maximize safety in the trunk of a car. They are often made of sturdy aluminum or steel, with slanted walls to optimally fit the contours of the car. Many are crash-tested dog cages to strict standards.
• Advantages: Unbeatable safety in the event of a collision, excellent ventilation, stable placement, often with an escape hatch at the back. Available as a single-cage dog and double-cage dog .
• Areas of use: Primarily for safe car transport of dogs , especially on longer trips or for dogs that spend a lot of time in the car. They are the absolute safest solution for transporting **dogs in cars**.

2. Collapsible Metal Cages (Grid Cages):

• Description: Made of sturdy metal grilles, designed to easily fold flat for storage or transport. Often have multiple doors for flexible access.
• Pros: Very versatile, provides excellent ventilation and your dog can see around. Easy to set up and fold.
• Areas of use: Ideal as a stationary cage in the home, as a sleeping place, at shows or as a temporary transport cage in a car (where they do not provide the same crash safety as a dedicated car cage). Good for housetraining.

3. Indoor Cages & Designer Cages:

• Description: These cages focus on being an integral part of the home decor. They can be made of wood, combinations of wood and metal, or be more aesthetically pleasing versions of wire cages.
• Advantages: Blends better into the home, can function as furniture (e.g. side table). Gives the dog a permanent, safe and aesthetically pleasing place.
• Uses: Permanent sleeping and resting place in the home, a safe place when you cannot have full supervision, or to confine puppies.

4. Soft-Crates:

• Description: Made of durable fabric with mesh windows, lightweight and foldable. Technically more of a **transport cage** than a pure **dog cage** intended for safety in the car.
• Advantages: Extremely portable, easy to carry and store. Gives a cozy feeling.
• Uses: Temporary resting place at shows, camping, or very short, quiet car trips as a boundary (not for crash safety). Not suitable for dogs that chew or for air freight. These are more often found under our dog transport cage or dog bags category.

No matter what type of **dog cage** you choose from Zoostar.se, make sure it meets your specific needs. For car travel, a dedicated **dog car cage** is always the safest option.

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Choosing the Right Dog Crate: Dimensions, Safety & Car Adaptation

Choosing the most suitable **dog carrier**, especially a **car carrier**, requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure both your dog's safety and comfort as well as the carrier's fit in your vehicle.

1. Dog Dimensions & Cage Size:

• Basic rule: The dog should be able to stand upright without hitting the ceiling, turn around comfortably and lie stretched out on its side in a natural sleeping position. A cage that is too narrow is uncomfortable, a cage that is too large reduces safety in the event of a collision.
• Measure Carefully: Measure your dog's height (paw to head/ear tip), length (nose to tail base) and width. Add a few centimeters for freedom of movement.
• Growing Puppies: If you are buying a **dog crate** for a puppy, consider adult size. Some crates have dividers that can be removed as the puppy grows.

2. Car Dimensions & Cage Adaptation:

• Measure the Trunk: This is the most important step for a **carrying dog**. Measure the width, depth, and height of your trunk. Take into account any slopes on the back seat backrests or tailgate.
• Optimal Fit: A **car cage** with slanted walls is often designed to maximize space in a car's trunk, which is rarely perfectly rectangular. It should fill the space well to minimize movement while driving.
• Escape hatch/Doors: Consider a cage with an escape hatch in the back in case the tailgate is blocked in an accident. Double cages may have a removable divider.
• Anchorage points: Check if the cage has brackets to be secured to the car's load securing eyes for extra stability.

3. Materials & Safety:

• Aluminum/Steel: These materials are robust and durable, which is crucial for a safe **car dog crate**. Aluminum is lighter, steel is usually stronger.
• Crash-Tested Dog Crate : If safety is your top priority (which it should be for car transport), choose a crate that has been officially crash-tested and certified to recognized standards (e.g. SPCT/Safe Pet Crate Test). This ensures that the crate is designed to protect in the event of a collision.
• Ventilation: Adequate grilles or air holes are critical for good air circulation, especially on hot days.
• Locking mechanism: Robust and secure locks that your dog cannot open from the inside.

4. Extra Features & Comfort:

• Bottom mat: A soft, non-slip bed mat or dog blanket makes the cage more comfortable and contributes to a calmer journey. Some have a drainage bottom.
• Easy Cleaning: Choose a cage with smooth surfaces or removable bottoms that are easy to wipe down or rinse out.
• Quiet Construction: A well-built **car cage** should not rattle while driving.

By carefully considering these points, you can choose a **dog cage** from Zoostar.se that not only meets legal requirements but also gives your dog the absolute best and safest journey.

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Train Your Dog to Feel Safe in the Crate

For a **dog crate** to become a positive and safe place for your dog, patience and positive training are required. Never force your dog into the crate; this can create fear and aversion.

1. Start at Home:

• Place the Crate Strategically: Place the **dog crate** in a quiet and inviting place in the home, where the dog often rests or is. Leave the door open at first.
• Make It Inviting: Add a comfortable bedding mat , a favoritepillow , or a blanket that smells safe. Sprinkle some treats just outside and then inside the cage.
• Reward Voluntariness: Praise and reward every time the dog approaches, sniffs, or voluntarily enters the crate. Avoid pushing it in.
• Short Closed Door Periods: Once your dog is comfortable going inside, close the door for short periods (just a few seconds) and reward. Gradually increase the time.

2. Positive Associations:

• Meals in the Crate: Feed the dog in the crate. Start with the door open, and once the dog is comfortable, close the door during the meal. This associates the crate with something positive.
• Toys and Chews: Give your dog long-lasting chews or interactive toys that they only get when they are in their crate.
• Rest and Sleep: Encourage your dog to rest or sleep in the crate. Throw in an extra blanket to make it extra cozy.

3. Getting used to the car:

• Place the Crate in the Car: Once the dog is comfortable with the crate at home, place the **car crate** in the car. Let the dog explore it there.
• Short Car Trips: Start with very short car trips. Start the engine, drive a short lap in the driveway, or just around the block. Gradually lengthen the trips.
• End Positively: Always end a cage trip with something positive, like a walk, play, or a treat.

Remember that patience is key. All dogs are individuals and some need more time. A well-trained dog that feels secure in its **dog crate** will experience travel as a natural and stress-free part of life, and your **safe car transport of your dog** will become a matter of course.

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Dog Cages in Zoostar's Total Range for Transport & Travel

Zoostar's commitment to your dog's safety and comfort extends across our entire range of dog products . **Dog cages**, especially dog car cages , are a cornerstone of our transport & travel category and are complemented by several other important products.

• Dog products : As part of our extensive range of dog products , our cages contribute to a safer and more comfortable everyday life for your dog.
• Transport & Travel : This category is the hub for all mobile solutions for dog owners, with **dog cages** offering the highest level of safety for car travel.
• Dog Cages : Here you will find our specialized range of **dog cages**, including **car dog cages**, single cages , double cages and crash-tested options for maximum safety in the car.
• Dog transport cages : In addition to the pure car cages, we offer a wide range of more versatile **dog transport cages** in plastic or fabric, suitable for flights (IATA approved) or shorter trips where you may not need the crash safety of a dedicated car cage.
• Dog Bags & Backpacks : For smaller dogs or puppies that need to be carried close to you, our dog bags and backpacks offer a practical and comfortable option for shorter trips and public transportation.
• Dog gates : As a complement to or alternative to a closed cage in the car, a dog gate can secure a larger area in the trunk and prevent the dog from jumping into the passenger compartment.

At Zoostar.se we are dedicated to providing you with the best solutions for your dog's well-being. Our **dog cages** are designed to offer the ultimate in security, whether you are on the road or resting at home. Invest in a **dog car cage** to protect your beloved friend during every journey!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Cages (FAQ)

Which dog crate is safest for car travel?

The safest dog carrier for car travel is a **crash-tested dog carrier** that is specifically designed to fit in the trunk of a car. These carriers are made of sturdy materials such as aluminum or steel, have angled walls to fit the shape of the car, and have undergone tests to ensure they protect your dog in the event of a collision. A car carrier dog is superior to other transportation solutions in terms of crash safety.

Do I have to have a dog cage in the car according to Swedish law?

According to the Swedish Board of Agriculture's regulations, dogs must be secured during transport in a car. This means that the dog must either travel in an approved **dog cage** (often a car cage ), a transport cage, or with a crash-tested safety harness intended for dogs, attached to the seat belt. A loose dog in the car is not allowed because it poses a danger in the event of an accident or sudden braking.

How do I choose the right size dog carrier for my car?

Start by carefully measuring your car trunk: width, depth (from the back seat to the tailgate) and height. Take into account any slopes in the seat or tailgate. The dog should be able to stand upright, turn around and lie down comfortably in the crate. It is important that the crate fills the space as well as possible to minimize movement while driving. Many **car crates** have slanted walls for an optimal fit.

Can a metal dog cage (mesh cage) be used in the car?

Yes, a collapsible metal cage can be used in the car as a way to keep your dog contained and calm. However, a standard cage does not offer the same crash safety as a specially designed and crash-tested aluminum or steel car cage . For maximum safety, a dedicated **car dog cage** is recommended that is designed to withstand the forces of a collision.

How do I get my dog used to a new dog crate?

Start with positive reinforcement at home. Leave the cage open with a soft blanket and treats inside. Reward your dog every time he approaches or goes in voluntarily. Practice closing the door for short periods. Feed your dog in the cage and give him long-lasting chew bones there. Gradually increase the time in the cage. Never force your dog in, as this can create a negative association. Patience is key.

Are there dog cages for multiple dogs?

Yes, there are so-called double dog crates that are designed to accommodate two smaller dogs, or to be divided by a divider. These are often car crates that are wider to fit in larger trunks. Double crates are an excellent choice for households with multiple dogs, as they offer a safe and efficient transport solution for both at the same time.