Anyone find a dog crate that fits in the rear hatch?

Hey folks! I got a Kia Soul in June 2024, and I’m loving it!

I have a 36-pound heeler/shepherd mix who loves to ride in the car but still gets a bit anxious (she’s a rescue). She really needs to be in a crate on car rides. I want to find a crate that will fit in the back hatch to save passenger space. Limiting her view outside helps with her anxiety. Has anyone found a crate that fits well and can safely hold a medium-sized dog? I’ve thought about using a barrier, but she really needs to be contained to avoid pacing and falling around. Plus, with my panoramic sunroof, most barriers won’t work.

Before anyone judges me for having an anxious dog in the car often - it’s for doggie daycare trips or to bring her to work with me. She’s not scared of the car, she hops in willingly, but she gets anxious about checking out the outside world. She does great in a crate with a blanket over it so she can just chill out.

You might not find a crate that fits comfortably back there. But maybe try a cargo tray? I have one that sits on the back seat headrest and creates a shelf. It’s like a cozy area with a blanket or bed, and it blocks out visual distractions.

@AnthonyWilson
Hmmm…good idea! I do have one of those, maybe she would be comfy back there with a bed. She’s crate trained and likes small spaces, so it might be worth testing it out on a short trip.

I removed the rear window and was amazed at how much stuff I could fit in there… until it was stolen.

OptimaPrime said:
I removed the rear window and was amazed at how much stuff I could fit in there… until it was stolen.

LOL, I bet! My dog almost ‘removed’ a window once in my last vehicle when she spotted a cow across the pasture. Herding instincts are strong!

Amazon and Chewy have a plastic crate that works great if you search ‘SUV car crate’. It’s trapezoid-shaped and fits perfectly behind the back seats. The 32x20-inch one is big enough for my 45-pound dog to lay down and turn around. I’m not crazy about the doors, though. I always take her collar off because it could get caught easily, but it’s been fine for now.

I installed a cage divider that attaches to the rear seat headrests. It worked well, but she chewed the seatbelts that attach behind the seat. I had to make a cover with a sink strainer and some zip ties.