Dog Crates & Carriers

Give your dog a secure space at home and on the move with our crates and carriers. Choose from foldable metal crates, soft carriers and travel friendly designs sized for different breeds. Ideal for training, travel and creating a safe resting spot.

๐Ÿฆด Crates + carriers

Dog crates & carriers โ€” pick the right one

A crate is a den, not a punishment. Used right, it speeds up toilet training, gives a nervous dog a safe space, and gets your dog comfortable with car travel and vet stays. Used wrong, it's cruelty. Here's how to pick the right type and size, and the sizing rule that prevents 90% of returns.

What we'll be stocking

Which type of crate / carrier?

Wire (folding)

Level
All-purpose home crate
Size
XSโ€“XXL
Habitat
Cool, ventilated; folds flat for storage

The most popular type. Cover with a blanket for den feel. Look for a divider panel so you can size-down for puppies and grow with them. Avoid the cheapest brands โ€” bars bend and latches fail.

Plastic (airline-style)

Level
Travel + dens
Size
IATA-stamped sizes
Habitat
Enclosed, less ventilation than wire

Required for airline travel โ€” make sure it's IATA-stamped (CR-82 or similar). Also great for nervous dogs that prefer enclosed dens. Heavier and harder to clean than wire.

Soft (fabric)

Level
Travel + experienced dogs
Size
Sโ€“L
Habitat
Lightweight; only for non-chewers

For dogs that already crate-trained and don't scratch/chew at the door. Brilliant for car/holiday travel. A teething puppy will destroy one in a week.

Heavy-duty (escape-proof)

Level
Anxious / reactive dogs
Size
Mโ€“XL
Habitat
Welded steel, multi-point latches

For dogs with separation anxiety that destroy regular crates. Brands like Impact + ProSelect. โ‚ฌ300โ€“โ‚ฌ800. If you need this, also work with a behaviourist โ€” the crate is a band-aid, not the cure.

Car crate / boot guard

Level
Travel safety
Size
Vehicle-specific
Habitat
Rigid frame designed for crash forces

In Ireland, dogs in cars must be restrained (Road Traffic Act). A crash-tested car crate (TรœV / Centre for Pet Safety verified) is safest. A booted dog can become a 30 kg projectile in a 50 km/h crash. Boot guards are second-best.

Sizing + safety โ€” the rules that prevent 90% of returns

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Size = standing + turning + stretching

Length: tip of nose to base of tail + 10 cm. Height: top of head when sitting + 5 cm (with ears up). Width: enough to turn around comfortably. Too big = dog uses one corner as a toilet. Too small = stress + cramped joints.

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Buy adult size + use the divider

Don't buy a small crate to "upgrade later". Buy adult-size, then use the included divider to give a puppy just enough space to lie down + turn around. Reduces toileting accidents AND saves โ‚ฌ100.

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Max time in the crate

1 hour per month of age, capped at 4 hours. Adult dogs: 4 hours during the day, overnight is fine. Puppies under 8 hours per night need a midnight wake-up. NEVER all day every day โ€” that's warehousing, not crate training.

๐Ÿช

Always positive โ€” never punishment

Feed meals in the crate. Toss treats inside randomly. Never use the crate when shouting at the dog. Frozen Kongs work miracles for crate-anxious puppies. If your dog refuses to enter, you've broken the association โ€” take a step back.

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Position = quiet + cool + visible

Not in direct sun. Not next to a radiator. Not in a hallway. Ideal: corner of the lounge during the day, beside your bed at night for puppies. Cover three sides with a blanket for den feel.

๐Ÿ“ฆ We're stocking up

Our dog crates & carriers range goes live as we vet suppliers โ€” we won't list anything we wouldn't use ourselves. In the meantime, our calculators, breed guides and AI vet tools below are free and don't need stock.

Frequently asked questions

Are crates cruel?

A crate used as a den (positive associations, appropriate time limits, big enough) is not cruel โ€” most dogs choose to nap there even when the door is open. A crate used as long-term confinement (10+ hours/day, no exercise, used as punishment) is cruel. The tool is fine; the use can be wrong.

Wire vs plastic โ€” which is better?

Wire is more ventilated and easier to clean โ€” best for home use in Ireland's mild climate. Plastic is required for airline travel and preferred by nervous dogs that want a darker den. Many owners use a wire crate at home + a plastic carrier for vet/travel.

My adult dog has never been crated โ€” too late?

Never too late. Slower process โ€” start with the door open, meals inside, no door-closing for 2 weeks. Build to short closures with rewards. Often takes 4โ€“6 weeks vs 1โ€“2 weeks for puppies. Worth it for car travel + vet stays + emergencies.

Do I legally need to restrain my dog in the car in Ireland?

Yes โ€” the Road Traffic Act 1961 (general care + control duty) requires drivers to control passengers and pets. Garda can fine for an unrestrained pet. Crash-tested car crates, harness restraints (Sleepypod, ZuGoPet) and boot guards are all accepted methods.

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