Whether you're crate training at home, road tripping to Banff, or flying from Calgary International, the right crate keeps your dog safe and secure.
Crate Types
**Wire crates:** Best for home use. Good ventilation, collapsible, allows visibility. Can be covered for a den-like feel.
**Plastic crates:** Best for airline travel and vehicle transport. IATA-approved models meet airline requirements. More enclosed, den-like.
**Soft-sided crates:** Lightweight, portable. Good for camping trips but not for dogs who chew or scratch.
Home Crate Training
Crate training is one of the most valuable things you can do for your Calgary dog. A crate-trained dog is safer during emergencies, easier to transport to the vet, and has a secure space during stressful events (thunderstorms, fireworks).
Vehicle Travel
Calgary dog owners frequently drive to Kananaskis, Banff, Canmore, and Drumheller with their dogs. A crash-tested vehicle crate is the safest way to transport your dog.
Air Travel from Calgary
**WestJet:** Allows small dogs in cabin (under 10 kg including carrier). Larger dogs travel in pressurized cargo. Restrictions on brachycephalic breeds in cargo.
**Air Canada:** Similar policies. Requires IATA-approved hard-sided crate for cargo.
Top Recommendations
1. **MidWest iCrate** — wire, collapsible, home training
2. **Petmate Sky Kennel** — IATA-approved, airline travel
3. **Gunner G1 Kennel** — crash-tested vehicle crate, premium
4. **EliteField Soft Crate** — lightweight, travel/camping