What Size Dog Crate Do I Need for My Car?

What Size Dog Crate Do I Need for My Car? (The Complete Variocage Sizing Guide)

If you've ever tried to buy a dog crate for your car and felt completely overwhelmed, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions we hear from customers, and it makes sense because getting this right requires two completely separate measurements that most people have never thought about at the same time.

You need to measure your dog. And you need to measure your vehicle. And both measurements have to work together before you order.

Get one of them wrong, and you're either looking at a crate that doesn't fit your cargo area, a dog that can't stand up comfortably, or a return that could have been avoided with twenty minutes and a tape measure.

This guide walks you through the exact process we use with every customer who calls us, step by step, so you can feel confident before you order.

Why Sizing Matters More Than You Might Think

Before we get into the how-to, it's worth understanding why proper sizing matters beyond just comfort.

The proper fit of your dog in its kennel is a key part of safety in the event of an accident. A more snug fit between your dog and the kennel works much in the same way seatbelts and airbags do, helping slow down the dog before a stop.

In other words, a crate that's too large isn't just wasteful. It can actually reduce the level of protection it provides. The farther the distance a dog has to travel before coming into contact with the kennel wall, the greater the force generated in the collision with the kennel itself.

At the same time, a crate that's too small creates real comfort and welfare issues, especially on longer trips. Your dog needs to be able to stand, turn around, sit, and lie down without restriction.

The goal is a fit that's purposeful: snug enough to be safe, roomy enough to be comfortable.

And then there's the vehicle side of the equation. Guessing on the crate size instead of measuring both the dog and the SUV is one of the biggest mistakes pet owners make. This kind of guesswork often leads to returns, or worse, unsafe travel conditions.

Let's make sure that doesn't happen to you.

Step One: Measure Your Dog

This is where most people start, and it's the right place to begin. You'll need a soft measuring tape and ideally a second person to help keep your dog still.

Measurement A: Length

Measure from the tip of your dog's nose to the base of the tail (not the tip of the tail, the base where it meets the body). Once you have that number, add 3 inches. This gives your dog enough room to turn around comfortably without the crate feeling hollow and unstable.

Measurement B: Height

Measure from the floor to the top of your dog's withers, that's the high point on the back, just above the shoulders. Then add 3 inches. This ensures your dog can stand fully upright without hunching.

A few practical tips that make this easier:

• Hold the measuring tape in one hand and place the free end at the tip of your dog's nose, pulling it straight back to the base of the tail. Keep the tape level and your dog standing naturally.

• For height, place the tape at the top of the shoulder and measure straight down to the floor.

• If your dog tends to move around, have someone offer a treat to hold their attention while you measure.

A note on puppies: If you're ordering for a dog that's still growing, measure for their expected adult size using breed standards rather than their current dimensions. The Variocage Double has an optional center divider that lets you reduce the usable space temporarily while your dog grows into the full crate, so you don't have to buy a second one later.

When in doubt, go larger. If your dog's measurements fall right between two sizes, always choose the larger option. A slightly roomier fit is far better than one that's too tight.

Step Two: Measure Your Vehicle

This is the step most people skip, and the one that generates the most calls and returns in the industry.

The Variocage is an adjustable, telescopic crate, which means it has meaningful flexibility in length. But it still needs to fit your specific cargo area, and every vehicle is different. Take fifteen minutes to do this properly before you order.

You'll need three measurements:

Measurement A: Width

Measure the narrowest usable width across the floor of your cargo area. In most SUVs and wagons, the narrowest point is either between the rear wheel wells or at the bottom of the cargo door entrance. Use that number, not the widest point.

Measurement B: Length (Depth)

Measure the usable length of the cargo floor from the back of the rear seat to the door sill. This tells you how much depth you're working with.

One important detail: the Variocage is angled toward the top on both the front and rear of the crate, similar to the slope of a rear car seat. This means the total length at roof level is approximately 12 inches shorter than the floor length. That's by design, and it's what allows the crate to integrate naturally with the shape of most cargo areas.

Measurement C: Height

Measure from the cargo floor to the lowest point at the top of the cargo door entrance. Pay close attention here, the lowest point is often at the sides of the cargo entrance, not in the middle. Measuring from the center can give you a false reading that leads to a crate that won't clear the opening.

One more thing to check: Does your vehicle have a raised sill at the rear cargo entrance? If so, you'll want to account for that height difference. A flat board or rigid foam insulation panel under the crate can level the floor and allow the crate door to open correctly without obstruction.

How the Variocage Is Sized

The MIM Safe Variocage is available in multiple sizes and adjusts in length through a telescopic design. This is one of its key advantages over fixed-dimension crates, it gives you meaningful flexibility to dial in the fit for both your dog and your vehicle.

The Variocage is suitable for use in SUVs, station wagons, and minivans. The roof of the crate is shorter in length than the floor to accommodate the angle of the rear seat, and narrower in width than the floor to allow for proper fit in the cargo area.

The Variocage Single is designed for one dog, while the Variocage Double accommodates two dogs side by side, with an optional center divider that can be added to separate them or adjusted as a dog grows.

A crate that's too small can be uncomfortable for your dog, while one that's too large may move around in the car or reduce safety in a crash. The Variocage's adjustable design helps you avoid both of those outcomes by letting you find the right fit rather than forcing a compromise.

Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right intention, a few errors come up repeatedly. Here's what to watch for:

• Measuring the widest point of your cargo area instead of the narrowest. The crate has to clear the tightest point, usually the wheel wells or the door opening, not just the open center of the floor.

• Forgetting about cargo sills. A raised lip at the rear entrance can prevent the crate door from opening fully. It's easy to overlook until the crate is already in the vehicle.

• Measuring your dog based on breed averages rather than actual dimensions. Guessing based on breed rather than actual measurements, and choosing a crate that's too big, can lead to instability or anxiety. Measure the dog in front of you, not the breed standard.

• Ordering without checking in. This is the one we see most often. Customers order based on their best guess, and then discover the crate doesn't fit their specific vehicle. A quick conversation before ordering eliminates that risk entirely.

Get a Fit Guarantee Before You Order

This is something we offer that most retailers don't: a personal fit guarantee.

Before you order, contact us with your dog's measurements and your vehicle measurements, and we'll confirm the right size for your specific situation. If we provide a size recommendation and the crate doesn't fit your vehicle as a result, you're eligible for a full refund.

If you choose to order without going through the sizing process first, returns cannot be accepted, so please take the ten minutes to do this right.

You can reach us at 888-979-5566 or chat with us right now using the live chat on our site. Our team does this every day and can walk you through the sizing process quickly and confidently.

Download a copy of the MIM Safe Variocage Measuring Guide here for a visual reference.

Single vs Double: Which Variocage Is Right for Your Setup?

Once you know your sizing, the next decision is whether you need a single or double configuration.

Choose the Variocage Single if you travel with one dog and want to maximize the remaining cargo space in your vehicle. It's the most popular option for single-dog households and daily drivers.

Choose the Variocage Double if you travel with two dogs. The double includes an adjustable center divider that separates the two dogs during travel, with the option to remove it if you prefer a shared space or as your dogs adjust to the crate.

Both models are available in multiple sizes, both use the same telescopic adjustable design, and both are crash tested to the same international safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much bigger than my dog should the crate be?

For the Variocage, add 3 inches to both your dog's measured length and height. That gives enough room to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably while maintaining a purposeful fit for travel safety.

What vehicles does the Variocage fit?

The Variocage is designed for SUVs, station wagons, and minivans. It is not designed for use in sedans or vehicles without a flat cargo floor. If you're unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, contact us before ordering and we'll confirm.

Can I use the Variocage Double for one large dog?

Yes. Remove the center divider and use the full internal space for one dog. This is a good option if you have a large breed that needs more room than a single crate provides.

What if my dog is still growing?

Order for your dog's expected adult size and use the optional center divider to reduce the usable space temporarily. This way the crate grows with your dog and you don't need to buy a second one.

What if I'm between two sizes?

Always choose the larger size. A slightly roomier fit is preferable to one that's too tight. If you're unsure, call us, we'll help you decide based on your specific measurements.

Is there a way to see the sizing before I order?

Yes. Download the MIM Safe Variocage Measuring Guide for a visual diagram of all three measurements for both your dog and your vehicle. You can also call or chat with our team for personalized guidance.

The Bottom Line

Sizing a dog crate for your vehicle doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require actual measurements, not guesswork.

Measure your dog's length and height, add 3 inches to each. Measure your vehicle's width, depth, and height at the cargo entrance. Contact us with both sets of numbers, and we'll confirm the right size and give you a fit guarantee before you order.

It's a fifteen-minute process that saves a lot of frustration on the other end.

Explore the full Variocage lineup, including the single crate, double crate, and available sizes, and reach out before you order. We're here to help you get it right.