Crash-Tested Dog Car Crates: Safety Ratings & UK Options (2025)
Folkestone Groomers Team
12 December 2025
12 min read
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Crash-Tested Dog Car Crates: Safety Ratings & UK Options (2025)
There's a good chance your dog travel crate won't protect them in an accident. Most carriers and crates sold in the UK look sturdy enough, but when it comes to an actual crash, they simply aren't designed to handle the forces involved.
Crash-tested dog crates are independently verified to protect your dog during front, rear, and rollover collisions. They use specialised construction—often including crumple zones and reinforced walls—that standard crates lack. In the UK, options from brands like MIM Variocage, 4pets PRO, Thule Allax, and TransK9 have all undergone rigorous testing to recognised standards.
This guide covers why crash testing matters, which standards to look for, and the best options currently available to UK dog owners in 2025.
Legal Reminder: UK Highway Code Rule 57
The Highway Code states that dogs must be suitably restrained in vehicles to prevent driver distraction and injury.[1] Failure to properly restrain your dog could result in a fine of up to £5,000 if you're taken to court, plus potential penalty points and invalidated insurance claims.[2]
Why Crash Testing Matters
An unrestrained dog becomes a projectile in an accident. Even a relatively minor crash can exert devastating forces that standard crates simply cannot withstand.
The Physics of Impact
The numbers are startling. A 20kg dog in a crash at just 30mph generates the same force as a 500kg weight.[3] For larger dogs, the figures get worse—a 35kg gundog in a 30mph impact can hit with over a ton of force.[4]
That's not just dangerous for your dog. An uncontained dog in the boot can hurtle forward into the back seats, injuring passengers. In front-seat scenarios, an 80-pound dog in a 30mph crash becomes a 2,400-pound projectile.[5]
What Happens to Standard Crates
Most traditional crates fail in predictable ways during a collision:
Wire crates - Often collapse or distort on impact, offering no containment
Soft-sided carriers - Provide no crash protection whatsoever
Standard plastic crates - May fracture and shatter, creating sharp edges that can injure your dog
The problem extends to marketing too. Some products claim to be "crash tested" but may only have been tested in-house by the manufacturer, or only tested for the smallest dog size. Independent verification from recognised organisations is the only reliable proof of safety.
Beyond Crash Protection: Preventing Distraction
Unrestrained dogs cause accidents. Emergency vets report that around 2% of their cases involve incidents caused by dogs distracting drivers.[6] A dog jumping between seats, climbing into your lap, or reacting to something outside the window can take your attention off the road at the worst possible moment.
A secure crate addresses both issues—keeping your dog contained to prevent distraction, and protecting them if the worst happens.
Understanding Crash Test Standards
Not all crash tests are equal. Look for crates tested by independent organisations using recognised protocols, not manufacturer self-testing.
Center for Pet Safety (CPS) – USA
The Center for Pet Safety is an independent non-profit research organisation in the United States that conducts rigorous crash testing for pet products.[7] Their tests use specially designed crash test dog dummies and simulate real-world collision scenarios.
A 5-Star CPS rating is the gold standard for independent verification. Products earning this rating have demonstrated they can contain and protect dogs during a crash. Gunner Kennels became the first brand to earn 5-star ratings in both crate and carrier categories.[8]
Worth noting: CPS is US-based, so most 5-star rated crates (like Gunner and Rock Creek) are primarily marketed in North America. Importing them to the UK is possible but adds significant cost. However, their standards serve as a useful benchmark when evaluating any crate's safety claims.
Safe Pet Crate Test (SPCT) – Sweden
In 2009, the Technical Research Institute of Sweden (SP) in Borås developed the Safe Pet Crate Test (SPCT), a rigorous European testing standard.[9] This protocol tests crates for front, rear, and rollover collisions—going beyond many manufacturer tests that only check frontal impacts.
The SPCT standard also incorporates ISO testing requirements and ECE Government Automotive Industry crash test standards. MIM Variocage crates are the primary products tested to this demanding protocol.
TÜV SÜD Certification – Germany
TÜV SÜD is a respected German testing organisation that certifies a range of products for safety. Several European dog crate manufacturers, including 4pets and Thule, submit their products for TÜV crash testing.[10]
TÜV certification provides independent verification that a crate has passed front, rear, and rollover crash tests. For UK buyers, this is often the most relevant standard as these products are readily available in Britain.
What Are Crumple Zones?
The best crash-tested crates borrow a concept from automotive safety: the crumple zone. Just as your car's body is designed to absorb impact and protect passengers, certain dog crates are engineered with areas that deform in a controlled way during a collision.
This controlled compression slows your dog's movement more gradually than a rigid structure would, reducing the peak forces they experience. Think of it like the difference between landing on concrete versus landing on a mattress.
The MIM Variocage, 4pets PRO, and Thule Allax all incorporate some form of crumple zone technology.[11] It's one of the key features that separates crash-tested crates from standard metal or plastic options.
Crash-Tested Crates Available in the UK (2025)
These are the main independently crash-tested options you can buy in Britain. Prices reflect the engineering required for genuine safety—expect to pay significantly more than standard crates.
MIM Variocage (Steel)
The MIM Variocage is widely regarded as one of the safest dog crates available. Manufactured in Sweden, it's tested to the SPCT standard for frontal, rear, and rollover collisions—making it one of the few crates verified for all three crash scenarios.[9]
Key features:
Built-in crumple zone - Absorbs impact energy to protect your dog
Rear emergency escape hatch - Allows access if the boot is blocked after an accident
Adjustable depth - Can be expanded or contracted to fit different boot sizes
Powder-coated steel construction - Durable and resistant to rust
Available models include the Single (one dog), Double (two dogs side by side), Compact (for smaller boots), and MiniMax (for hatchbacks). Prices typically range from £400 to £900 depending on size. Available from UK stockists including specialist pet travel retailers.
MIM Variocage
SPCT crash-tested Swedish crate with crumple zone and emergency escape hatch
Made in Switzerland, the 4pets PRO range uses an aluminium frame with a patented Impact Protection System (IPS). This rear panel is specifically designed to flex and absorb kinetic energy during a crash.[10]
The crates are TÜV SÜD approved, meaning they've passed independent German crash testing. Evidence from both testing and real-world accidents shows the aluminium poles deform in a controlled manner, demonstrating genuine energy absorption.
Key features:
Anodised aluminium frame - Lighter than steel alternatives
Thule, known for their roof boxes and cycling accessories, entered the dog crate market with the Allax range. These are TÜV SÜD crash tested for front, rear, and rollover scenarios.[12]
Key features:
Innovative crumple zone design - Protects both passengers and your dog
Escape hatch - Emergency access point
10 size options - From XXS to XXL
Adjustable depth - Fits a wide range of vehicles
Lockable door - Added security
The Allax range is relatively new but benefits from Thule's engineering reputation. Weights vary from 15.5kg (XXS) to 27.3kg (XXL), so they're substantial pieces of kit. Prices typically start around £450 and rise to £800+ for larger sizes.
Thule Allax
TÜV-tested crate with innovative crumple zone design and 10 size options
TransK9 is a British manufacturer that designs vehicle-specific dog crates and transit boxes. Their crates have been independently crash tested at the University of the West of Scotland.[13]
Key features:
Made to fit specific vehicles - Custom sizing for your exact car
Rear emergency escape door - Standard feature on most models
10-year structural warranty - Confidence in build quality
UK-based customer service - Easy to get support
Because they're made in Britain to fit specific vehicles, TransK9 offers a good balance of crash protection and convenience for UK owners. Pricing varies by vehicle and model, typically ranging from £350 to £600+.
TransK9
UK-made vehicle-specific crates with 10-year warranty and crash testing
If you have a smaller dog that travels on the back seat rather than in the boot, there are crash-tested carriers designed specifically for this scenario.
4pets Caree
The 4pets Caree is a TÜV-approved carrier designed for small dogs and cats up to 15kg. It sits on the vehicle seat and is secured via the seatbelt or, for even easier use, via optional ISOFIX hooks (suitable for pets up to 8kg with ISOFIX).[14]
The design creates a protected "cave" that's cosy for anxious or older pets who might otherwise slide around on the seat. It has doors on both sides for easy access and a removable bed for washing.
4pets Caree
TÜV-approved carrier for small dogs up to 15kg with ISOFIX compatibility
For very small dogs (typically under 7kg), several Sleepypod models have earned 5-Star ratings from the Center for Pet Safety.[15] These include the Sleepypod Atom, Mobile Pet Bed, and Mini when used with the PPRS Handilock system.
These carriers are secured using the car's seatbelt and are designed for cats and small toy breeds. They're more readily available in the US but can be purchased from some UK retailers or imported.
Amazon US Recommendation (Import Option)
For very small dogs, the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed has earned 5-Star CPS crash testing certification. Available for import from Amazon US for toy breeds under 7kg.
A Note on Standard Carriers
Standard soft-sided carriers and basic plastic pet carriers—the kind you might pick up from a pet shop—have no crash protection. In Center for Pet Safety testing, many popular carriers failed completely, with the dog dummy being fully or partially ejected during the simulated crash.[7]
If you have a small dog that travels on the seat, investing in a crash-tested carrier is worthwhile. The 4pets Caree, in particular, offers TÜV certification and is readily available in the UK.
Choosing the Right Size and Placement
A crash-tested crate only works properly if it fits your dog correctly and is positioned appropriately in your vehicle.
Sizing for Safety
Your dog needs enough space to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. But too much extra space actually reduces safety—in a crash, your dog will travel further before being stopped by the crate walls.
Think of it like a seatbelt: a snug fit slows you down gradually, while a loose belt lets you build up speed before catching you suddenly.
How to measure your dog:
Length - Measure from the base of the neck (collar line) to the base of the tail, then add a few inches
Height - Measure from the ground to the top of the shoulder, then add 2-5 inches depending on whether it's a hard or soft carrier
Always follow the manufacturer's specific sizing guide. Crash test ratings are only valid for dogs within the tested weight range—using a crate rated for 30kg with a 45kg dog means the protection may not hold.
Where to Position the Crate
Boot/cargo area: This is where most dog crates sit. However, be aware that the rear of many vehicles is designed as a crumple zone—the area that deforms in a rear-end collision to absorb impact. Position the crate as far forward in the boot as practical, ideally against the back seat rather than right up against the tailgate.
Back seat: Carriers secured on the back seat keep your dog away from front airbags and closer to you, which can reduce anxiety. Use the seatbelt to secure the carrier, or ISOFIX points if available and compatible with your carrier.
Front seat: Not recommended. Front airbags can injure or kill a dog in a collision, and the passenger seat is generally the least safe position.
Securing the Crate Properly
A crash-tested crate that isn't secured to the vehicle offers far less protection. The crate itself could become a projectile, even if it contains your dog.
Most crash ratings are only valid when using the manufacturer's recommended anchoring system. For example, Gunner Kennels' 5-Star CPS rating requires the use of their strength-rated tie-down straps.[8]
Options for securing boot crates:
Manufacturer tie-down straps - Often required to maintain the crash rating
Vehicle anchor points - Many cars have cargo tie-down hooks in the boot
Non-slip mats - Help prevent sliding but don't replace proper anchoring
What About Standard Wire or Plastic Crates?
Budget-friendly crates from brands like Ellie-Bo, PawHut, and Streetwize are common in UK pet shops and online retailers. These serve a purpose—they prevent your dog from wandering around the car, which satisfies the Highway Code requirement for suitable restraint.
However, they shouldn't be confused with crash protection. Standard sloping metal boot cages and wire crates will contain your dog for normal journeys but haven't been verified to protect them in an accident. If genuine collision protection is your priority, a crash-tested option is necessary.
The analogy here is child car seats. You wouldn't use a standard booster seat on the motorway and assume it offers the same protection as an ISOFIX-secured, crash-tested seat. The same principle applies to dog travel.
Is a Crash-Tested Crate Worth the Cost?
Crash-tested crates are expensive—there's no getting around it. Prices from £350 to £900+ put them well above standard alternatives. But consider what you're paying for:
Engineering and testing - Crash testing to recognised standards is expensive
Quality materials - Steel, aluminium, and reinforced plastics that can withstand impact forces
Design features - Crumple zones, emergency escape hatches, and secure door mechanisms
Longevity - These crates typically last for the life of your dog and often come with extended warranties
If you regularly travel with your dog—whether that's daily commutes, weekend trips, or holiday drives—a crash-tested crate provides genuine peace of mind. It's a one-time investment that could save your dog's life and prevent serious injuries to human passengers.
For occasional, local journeys at lower speeds, the risk calculation is different. But if you're frequently on motorways or A-roads, crash protection becomes more meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I legally need a crash-tested crate in the UK?
No, the law doesn't specifically require crash testing. Rule 57 of the Highway Code requires dogs to be "suitably restrained" to prevent distraction and injury, but doesn't mandate crash-tested products. A standard crate or harness technically satisfies the legal requirement. However, only crash-tested products have been verified to actually protect your dog in a collision.
Are crash-tested harnesses as safe as crates?
For most dogs, a crash-tested crate offers better protection than a harness. While harnesses like the Sleepypod Clickit Sport have earned 5-Star CPS ratings, they work differently—restraining the dog rather than containing them in a protected space. Crates also prevent secondary impacts (hitting seats or doors) and keep the dog enclosed, which can help prevent escape after an accident. That said, a crash-tested harness is far better than an untested one.
Can I buy Gunner Kennels in the UK?
Gunner Kennels are primarily sold in the United States. You can import them through third-party resellers or directly from the US, but shipping costs and import duties add significantly to the already high price (starting around $600 USD). For most UK owners, the MIM Variocage, 4pets PRO, Thule Allax, or TransK9 are more practical options with established UK stockists and support.
What if my dog doesn't fit in a crash-tested crate?
Most ranges include sizes for very large dogs. The MIM Variocage Double, for example, can accommodate two large dogs. TransK9 makes custom crates for specific vehicles, including options for giant breeds. If you have an unusually large dog, contact manufacturers directly—some offer bespoke sizing.
How long do crash-tested crates last?
With proper care, a quality crash-tested crate should last 10+ years. TransK9 offers a 10-year structural warranty, which gives an indication of expected lifespan. The main concerns are rust (on steel models) and damage from rough use. Clean and inspect your crate regularly, and replace it if you notice structural damage or if it's been involved in a collision.
Final Thoughts
A crash-tested crate is the closest thing to a child car seat for your dog. It's specifically engineered not just to contain them, but to manage and absorb the forces of a collision—protection that a standard crate or carrier cannot offer.
For UK dog owners, the most accessible options are the MIM Variocage (SPCT tested in Sweden), 4pets PRO and Thule Allax (TÜV certified in Germany), and TransK9 (independently tested in Scotland). All represent serious investments, but they're built to last and designed to keep your dog as safe as possible. Beyond crate safety, our comprehensive guide to must-have travel accessories for UK dog owners covers other essential safety gear including crash-tested harnesses, water bottles, and first aid kits for safer journeys.
If you travel regularly with your dog, particularly on faster roads, a crash-tested crate is worth considering. It's one purchase you'll hope you never need—but if you do, you'll be glad you made it. For those planning trips around Kent with proper safety equipment installed, check out our guide to best dog-friendly weekend getaways near Folkestone featuring beaches, walks, and pet-friendly accommodation options.
