Best Dog Crates for Tesla Model Y 2026 (Tested for Fit & Safety)
Key points
- Our experience: I’ve tested more than 10 dog crates in my Tesla Model Y after purchasing the car in 2023.
- Best fit overall: The Gunner G1 Kennel is my top recommendation for a secure fit and crash-tested protection.
- Best for anxious dogs: The Impact High Anxiety Crate is a worthy alternative if you’ve got a destructive or severely anxious dog.
- Best for portability: If you want a crate you can store away easily when its not in use, the Impact Collapsible Dog Crate is a good choice.
- Important to know: Not every crate featured has been crash tested.
Finding a dog crate that fits the Tesla Model Y trunk can be difficult. I’ve reviewed over 10 different crates to find ones that would fit despite the car’s sloped trunk.
Quick verdict
After testing more than 10 dog crates in my Tesla Model Y, the Gunner G1 Kennel is my top pick. The small and medium sizes have passed crash-safety testing to give peace of mind and the tie-down pins make it easy to secure. You could consider the Impact Collapsible Crate and the Impact High Anxiety Crate as durable alternatives.
As someone who bought a Tesla Model Y in 2023, I noticed little information online about the best crates for this model.
With two Alaskan Klee Kai dogs, it was a challenge to find a dog crate that would be big enough to fit Skye and Copper, and fit inside my Tesla Model Y trunk.
However, I’ve been constantly testing and updating this article to reflect new crates I’ve come across that fit within the dimensions of my Tesla’s trunk.
In this guide, I’ll break down the top four crates I’ve personally acquired and tested in my Tesla Model Y trunk to help other Tesla owners with dogs.
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Watch Our Tesla Model Y Dog Crate Video Review
My Dog Crate Recommendation For Tesla Model Y: Gunner G1 Kennel
Some of the standout features, when I reviewed the kennel, were the kayak-grade handles, a doubled-walled kennel for extra protection, a paddle-latch to make opening and closing effortless, added locks at the top and the bottom of the door for added safety and an aluminum door system.
The G1 Kennel has window vents to allow plenty of airflow for Copper and Skye when they’re in the trunk of my Tesla Model Y. Interestingly, Gunner has a drainage system, which I thought was a great inclusion because Copper and Skye shed a lot, so it was easy to clean.
My favorite feature is the integrated tie-down pins, which make it easy to use the straps and secure the crate in the back of your Tesla without hassle. But I also like how the Gunner G1 Kennel comes assembled, so I could immediately use it in my Tesla.
It is heavy, and my wife struggled to lift it to the car. So, if you’re planning to use the G1 Kennel in different situations, you may find it awkward to move around a lot. If you’re planning to keep it in your Tesla trunk, you won’t have to worry about this.
Copper and Skye felt comfortable in the G1 Kennel, so it was Klee Kai approved. It had a den-like feel, which put them at ease whenever we used it in the back of the Tesla.
We’ve had the G1 Kennel for the past two years, and it’s my preference for long road trips with my Klee Kai because it offers extra security with tie-down pins and crash-safety certifications.
Pros
- 5-star crash-test certified: Verified by the Center for Pet Safety, offering impact protection in rear cargo hatch.
- Built-in tie down pins: Integrated stainless-steel tie-down pins make strapping the Kennel straightforward.
- Double-walled rotomolded shell: Provides superior insulation and impact absorption.
Cons
- Heavy and awkward: Could be difficult to lift in and out of high cargo lip alone for some pet owners.
- Rigid footprint: It does not collapse; which makes it hard to store out of the way when not in use.
- Price: While it isn’t as expensive as some crates, the small G1 Kennel still starts at around $550.
Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate
The Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate is a great option for pet owners with anxious dogs, like Copper and Skye. Impact has designed the crate to feel like a den rather than a dog cage. So , your dog should feel comfortable and safe in the crate.
Impact describes the High Anxiety crate as “escape-proof” so you can have peace of mind that your dog is safe. It doesn’t have just one built-in safety lock. The High Anxiety crate has a zinc steel paddle latch and four additional butterfly latches for extra security. It’s constructed from 62% thicker alloy aluminum to increase the crate’s structural integrity. It’s riveted and welded.
Copper and Skye had plenty of airflow thanks to the small circle ventilation holes. They’re specifically designed to be 0.05cm thick so your dog can’t sink their teeth in or get their snout through, while still allowing airflow.
While you could get your High Anxiety crate in the rear seat, I preferred to use it in the trunk. The 30″ crate will fit the Tesla Model Y trunk when positioned to run parallel with the back seat.
I reached out directly to Impact, and they confirmed that High Anxiety hasn’t been crash-tested. So there’s no CPS crash test certification. Having said that, I read through the reviews, and lots of dog owners have spoken about how the High Anxiety crate kept their dog safe in rear-end collisions and even rollover accidents. I’d recommend checking out the reviews on Impact’s website.
I like the High Anxiety for the sheer strength of the crate. Admittedly, you do have to construct the crate using the front and back walls, the door and the ceiling. It took me nearly an hour to put together, but the instructions were easy to follow. You do need some patience!
Copper and Skye love the Impact High Anxiety Crate for its den-like feel. My Klee Kai like to feel cosy and safe, which the High Anxiety crate provided. We’ve used this crate for over three years with minimal wear. It’s stood the test of time, and we continue to use it.
The 30″ High Anxiety Crate is priced at $781.99 on Impact’s website and comes with a 10-year Dog Damage Guarantee. So if your dog damages the crate, you can get it replaced. This speaks to Impact’s confidence in the crate’s structural integrity.
Pros
- Structural integrity: Heavy-duty welded and riveted thick alloy aluminum make it less likely to collapse or give way.
- Escape-proof locking: Fitted with a zinc-steel paddle latch and four butterfly latches to keep dogs secure.
- 10-year Dog Damage Guarantee: Backed against dog damage, providing long-term value for destructive pups.
Cons
- Bulky build: Full rigid and non-collapsible, demanding a dedicated, permanent space in your trunk.
- Weight: Like the Gunner G1 Kennel, it may feel very heavy to lift over the bumper and place in the Model Y hatch.
- Premium price: One of the most expensive dog crate options on the market.
Impact Collapsible Dog Crate
I’ve already mentioned the High Anxiety but another Impact Dog Crate that I have used occasionally in my Tesla Model Y is their Collapsible Crate.
While it isn’t quite as durable as the High Anxiety in terms of the construction, the Collapsible Crate remains a viable contender because it is made from metal. It is more lightweight than welded or roto molded crates but uses aircraft-grade aluminum.
I love that you can collapse the crate and store it in your garage when you don’t need it in the back of your Tesla Model Y. It has military grade handles to make it easy to move.
It excels when it comes to portability compared to the Gunner G1 Kennel and High Anxiety Crate, both of which can be cumbersome to lug to and from your Tesla Model Y.
Copper and Skye have always been happy to use the Collapsible Crate, and we’ve certainly got a lot of use out of it over the past three-and-a-half years.
It doesn’t come with tie-down pins like the Gunner, and it hasn’t passed crash-safety testing. That’s important to note. But you can read customer testimonials on Impact’s website explaining how the Collapsible Crate has fared in accidents.
Pros
- Tool-free fold down: Collapses into a slim profile in under 60 seconds, allowing you to reclaim cargo space.
- Aircraft-grade aluminum: Easier to lift, carry and maneuver in and out of your Model Y trunk, especially collapsed.
- Air circulation: With diamond-shaped holes to allow ample Dog Model air conditioning, my Klee Kai loved it.
Cons
- No official crash-test certification: It doesn’t carry independent crash-test safety ratings like the Gunner G1.
- No dog damage guarantee: Unlike the High Anxiety, the dog damage warranty must be purchased separately.
- Costs over $700: While cheaper than the High Anxiety version, the Collapsible Crate still has a high price.
Revol Dog Crate By Diggs
If you’re looking for a collapsible crate that is easy to transport, you may want to consider the Revol. This Diggs crate has a stainless steel door, a single-piece metal frame, and an easily removable separation wall (aka puppy divider) if you’ve got multiple dogs.
The Revol is hassle-free to assemble, and you can collapse the crate in less than 60 seconds, making it simple to wheel to and from your Tesla Model Y, whether you’re using it at home or on the go.
The Revol has a solid, single-piece frame and a diamond-shaped wire mesh design to keep your pet safe in the dog crate while they’re in your Tesla.
I really liked the sheer convenience of being able to wheel the crate to and from my Tesla Model Y. While I was able to carry the Impact crates, my wife preferred to transport the Revol, as she found the other crates trickier to carry.
Unfortunately, the Revol hasn’t been put through crash tests, so that’s a negative. If you’ve got your heart set on crates with a safe pet crate test certification, then you’ll need to keep looking. While it doesn’t have an emergency escape hatch, it does have roof access, which is a bonus.
Overall, I would have more peace of mind with the Impact crates due to the sheer heavy-duty construction, but there’s no doubt the Revol provides a more flexible option for pet parents. The Revol has multiple access points, so you can access your dog from your seat in the rear from the top or side.
Copper and Skye were hit-and-miss with the Revol. They weren’t big fans of the garage-style door and the metallic sounds of the crate when being opened and closed. If you have skittish dogs like me, that could be something to consider.
The Revol has increased in price since I first reviewed their dog crate. You can buy the small size for $599 (previously $375), while the large costs $1149 (formerly $675). The medium is $799, and the intermediate is priced at $999.
Pros
- Integrated wheels and pull handle: Can be wheeled directly to and from the Tesla, depending on the surface.
- Fastest collapse mechanism: The one-hand collapse design folds down in seconds, making the process easy.
- Ceiling doors: The top hatch allows for easy checking on dogs in the hatch without having to open the main door.
Cons
- Not built for crash protection: It’s made of plastic, mesh, and wire rather than heavy-duty aluminum.
- Heigh clearance issues: Depending on the size chosen, the Revol’s frame can sit high against the sloping glass.
- Price increases: Diggs have almost doubled the prices of their crates over the past four years.
Best Dog Crates For Tesla Model Y FAQ
I’ve found that dog crates around 30 inches will fit in the Tesla Model Y. Smaller sizes will also fit. Anything bigger, such as 34 inches, could be a tight squeeze.
I discovered that the sloped trunk prevented larger crates from fitting in my Tesla Model Y, even though the depth and width weren’t an issue.
I found that placing most dog crates sideways is a better option in testing over 10 dog crates in the Tesla Model Y trunk. When placed facing outwards, I ran into issues with the trunk closing.
I prefer aluminum crates or rotomolded crates for my Tesla to give me peace of mind. For instance, the Gunner G1 Kennel uses rotomolded plastic, while the small and medium crates have passed crash-safety testing.
The Gunner G1 Kennel, in small and medium sizes, fits in the Tesla Model Y, which has passed testing. The Eventur is another example of a crash-tested kennel that fits.
Finishing Up
We’ve reached the end of our best dog crates for Tesla Model Y.
I’ve taken you through some of the things to consider before you decide to invest in a dog crate for your Telsa Model Y.
We’ve discussed what to look for, the sizes that will likely fit in your Tesla Model Y based on my tests and where you can buy the crates recommended in this guide.
My top pick would be the Gunner G1 Kennel if you want to invest in a crate that has passed crash-safety testing (small and medium sizes).
If you want an alternative, the Impact High Anxiety Crate is great choice.
Having said that, I think all four dog crates in this article would make a good consideration for a Tesla Model Y owner who wants to invest in a quality crate for their pup.