We are members of a car co-op, so there are a number of vehicles we might use for our outings, we always have to leave them empty. In the early days I tried to load hard shell plastic travel crates for the two dogs, but it was impossible. Jethro's crate was too big for me to carry alone. In the meantime we have been using harnesses and short leashes to secure them. Our trips are generally short, not more than 45 min. to local off-leash wilderness areas.

The problem is that we use old bedsheets to cover the back seat or back area of the vehicle. That is fine on the way out, but on the way back both dogs are generally wet or at least damp from swimming, puddle jumping and mud play. By the time we get home they have soaked the sheets and the vehicle is permeated with 'cologne de wet dog'.

I'm thinking soft sided travel crates might be the answer, if not for both, at least for Jethro (almost 11 months old, 75+ lb. tall and long rather than short and stocky). Skipper is a 20 lb. fox terrier.

The dogs will never be unsupervised in the crates, they will only be used to get us from A to B and back again.

The vehicles we use range from small compact sedans (dogs on back seat), through small hatchbacks (back seat down), to a large van.

Any suggestions or advice?

Not a crate or car suggestion....However I have a dog who loves to swim and I bought some knock-off Shamwow towels. I cute them to fit him like a horse blanket and put it on about 15 minutes before loading up then towel of his legs with the other pieces. He's usually dry and fluffy by the time I get him into the car. That with a seat barrier for the hair and my car has still managed to avoid the dog smell even after almost two years (now, the remaining smell of the time I thought it would be cool to try to bake cookies inside it during a hot summer day went I was 16...uh, not so much >_>

Oooh - Skipper is gorgeous. I adore Fox Terriers. I have had 3 in my life - currently only have one. They are an amazing little breed!

they do make waterproof back seat liners... That is what I would do to be honest.

Most of the portable crates are still unwieldy and the types that are not would be no better than the sheets.

Oh, and I like the a big fluffy comforter for a back seat cover. I can get them from the thrift store or a cheap discount store. If I use a king size, they will cover the back of the seat, the seat itself and the floor as well. Tuck it in at the edges (or use the door...) and you are good to go.

I also use a work out mat that is about a half an inch thick on the seat. I have leather, so I want extra protection.

Many of the new airline crates have quick connectors that make it pretty easy to put together in the back seat; have them nested and flip the top one into place when already inside the car and attach the quick connectors in place.

I use soft sided crates in my minivan very successfully. There is not enough width to fit two plastic crates and I am not a fan of wire crates, so the soft sided have been the best compromise for me.

@ Melissa: what kind of soft sided crates are you using? Any features in particular that you find useful?

I'm really happy with my hammock. I have the one leerburg sells: http://leerburg.com/hammock.htm

I usually put a blanket back there as well.

Another good option might be a pet tube: http://www.petego.com/products.aspx?catId=24&prodId=121

It's slightly more contained, but still easy to install and remove, I thought about getting one, but was concerned about it being tall enough.

 Quote: Jenny Arntzen

@ Melissa: what kind of soft sided crates are you using? Any features in particular that you find useful?

Sorry I am late chiming in...work got in my way today

I have these crates:
http://www.petedge.com/product/Guardian-Gear-Collapsible-Dog-Crates/46652.uts

They are great. Good price, no complaints. Good ventilation, but also have covers for the windows if needed. I have two L and one XL. Nice carry bag. Very easy to set up. Mat included, though I use a blanket over them.