For many of us, dogs are more than pets, they’re family. They ride along on school runs, countryside walks, weekend adventures and holidays. Yet while most drivers would never think twice about securing a child with a properly tested car seat, millions of dogs still travel in cars with little or no real protection. That’s changing - and for good reason.

As awareness around dog travel safety grows, more dog owners are recognising the importance of using a properly crash-tested dog crate rather than relying on unsecured travel, flimsy cages or products that haven’t been independently safety certified.

The reality of car travel with dogs

Most dog owners travel regularly with their pets. Research from Hartpury University found that many UK owners drive with their dogs between two and five days per week. Yet despite Highway Code guidance, Go.Compare found that more than one in five dog owners admitted they do not restrain their dogs at all while driving.

The UK Highway Code is clear:

Dogs should be “suitably restrained” so they cannot distract the driver or injure themselves or passengers during sudden stops.

That restraint matters far more than many people realise.

In a collision, an unrestrained dog becomes a projectile. Even at relatively low speeds, the forces involved are enormous. At 50 km/h, an unrestrained 30kg dog can generate 750kg of force. That puts not only the dog at risk, but everyone else in the vehicle too.

Why “any crate” isn’t enough

A common misconception is that any dog cage or boot barrier automatically provides protection. Unfortunately, that isn’t true.

Many products marketed for pet travel are designed only for containment, not crash protection. Independent crash testing has shown that some travel harnesses and crates can fail under impact conditions, allowing dogs to be thrown forward or escape during a collision.

A crash-tested crate is different because it has been engineered and independently assessed to withstand the forces generated in an accident. That distinction matters enormously.

A properly designed crash-tested crate helps to:

• Reduce movement during sudden braking or collisions
• Protect dogs from impact injuries
• Prevent dogs becoming dangerous projectiles
• Reduce the likelihood of escape after an accident
• Improve overall safety for passengers

It’s the difference between simply transporting your dog and actively protecting them.

Safety standards matter

Not all “tested” claims are equal. When choosing a dog crate, independent certification is one of the most important things to look for. Genuine crash-tested products are assessed against recognised safety standards under controlled testing conditions.

The Travall Dog Crate is independently certified by TÜV SÜD and tested to ECE R17 and ECE R129 standards, the same safety framework used for child car seats. That means it has been engineered to provide genuine crash protection, not just containment.

The crate was tested at 50 km/h under forces up to 25 times the dog’s bodyweight, a level of impact that demonstrates the extreme stresses generated during a collision.

Calm dogs are safer dogs

Safety isn’t only about collisions. A stressed, unsettled or anxious dog can become a major distraction while driving. In fact, research has found that many owners avoid taking their dogs in the car altogether because of barking, pacing, distraction or unsettled behaviour during journeys.

That’s why the best travel crates focus on comfort as much as protection.

Dogs naturally seek den-like spaces where they feel secure. A well-designed crate can help reduce overstimulation and anxiety, creating a calmer environment that allows dogs to relax during travel.

The Travall Dog Crate has been thoughtfully designed with:

• Excellent airflow
• A noise-free build
• Breed-conscious sizing
• A removable comfort mat

Together, these features help dogs travel more calmly and comfortably, whether it’s a quick trip to the park or a long-distance holiday journey.

Built for real life with dogs

Dog owners know that daily life can be messy, energetic and unpredictable, so that’s why durability matters too.

The Travall Dog Crate combines premium anodised aluminium bars, reinforced connectors, self-lubricating hinges and a secure burst-proof DoubleDock locking system designed to withstand heavy use and impact forces.

Unlike bulky industrial-style cages, it’s also designed to complement modern vehicles with a sleek black and navy finish that looks at home in your boot.

Peace of mind on every journey

The truth is, nobody expects to have an accident. But safety products exist for the moments we don’t see coming, sudden braking, unexpected collisions or emergency manoeuvres. A crash-tested dog crate helps ensure your dog has protection when it matters most, and it gives owners peace of mind every time they set off together. Dogs trust us completely to keep them safe, and they deserve nothing less.

About the Travall Dog Crate

The Travall Dog Crate combines independently certified crash protection with premium comfort and everyday practicality.

Key features include:

• TÜV SÜD certified crash-tested safety to ECE R17 and ECE R129 standards
• Tested at 50 km/h with forces up to 25x bodyweight
• Noise-free construction with excellent airflow
• Chew-proof build
• Burst-proof door latch
• One-hand door operation
• Reversible door hinge
• Removable design for flexibility
• 2-year warranty

It’s designed to keep dogs safe, secure, and protected, on every journey!

The Travall Dog Crate is currently only available to purchase on travall.co.uk