Traveling with a dog is not just about comfort. Once you start driving regularly with a small dog, the real concern becomes how to manage safety without increasing risk.
I use the Melson Soft Kennel as Louie’s car seat. This was not a design-driven choice. It was a decision shaped by how dogs actually move, panic, and react during sudden stops.
1. Why I Chose a Soft Kennel Instead of a Typical Car Seat
At first, I considered padded dog car seats with safety leashes. But I kept questioning whether a single tether could truly protect a dog during an accident—or whether it could become a hazard itself.
Hard kennels were the next option. However, if a rigid structure cracks or breaks during impact, the fragments themselves can cause injury.
That left soft kennels as the most balanced choice. They absorb movement rather than resisting it violently, while still creating a defined, enclosed space.
Between the two common options, Melson and Ventra, I chose Melson. Ventra’s fully open design on multiple sides felt less secure for car use. Melson’s structure felt more controlled and predictable.
2. What Works Well in Daily Use
The Melson Soft Kennel is lightweight. Even in size 52, it can be moved easily for cleaning or repositioning. It can be carried folded, but even unfolded, the handles make lifting manageable.
Washability matters. Being able to clean the kennel itself—not just the liner—makes hygiene realistic rather than occasional.
Ventilation is excellent. Even in warm weather, airflow prevents the enclosed space from becoming stifling.
Most importantly, it functions well as a car seat. Seat belts can secure the kennel from multiple directions, which allows stable installation regardless of seating position.
3. Interior Design and Practical Details
The interior surface is waterproof. This is useful not only for accidents, but for routine cleaning—dust and hair do not cling easily.
Space is generous. The size 52 comfortably fits a small dog, and technically could fit two very small dogs, though individual kennels are safer for travel.
Zipper locks prevent accidental opening. Without securing these locks, a dog could potentially open the zipper during motion—a risk I do not take lightly.
4. How Louie Uses It During Drives
Inside the kennel, Louie remains noticeably calmer. He alternates between sitting, lying down, and quietly watching through the mesh.
On highways or faster roads, I close the top zipper to increase containment and reduce stimulation. During parked moments, he relaxes further—sometimes even falling asleep.
That stability is the entire point.
5. Folding and Storage
The folding mechanism is simple. Sliding the frame locks releases the structure, allowing the front and back panels to fold inward. Buckles then secure it flat.
This makes storage and transport straightforward when the kennel is not in use.
Reflections
Using a soft kennel as a dog car seat is not about aesthetics or trends. It is about limiting movement, absorbing shock, and giving a dog a predictable space during travel.
The Melson Soft Kennel worked for us because it balanced structure with flexibility. It does not promise absolute safety—nothing does—but it reduced the risks I was most concerned about.
For drivers who prioritize controlled containment over appearance, a soft kennel is a choice worth serious consideration.