1. Dog fit
When official interior crate dimensions are available, the tool compares them with the dog’s measured body length, standing height, and shoulder width. The current allowance adds 4 inches to length, 4 inches to height, and 2 inches to width. If interior dimensions are unavailable, dog fit is reported as unknown rather than guessed.
2. Vehicle fit
The crate exterior is checked against tailgate opening width and height, plus usable cargo width, depth, and height. The narrowest usable measurements should be entered. Maximum crate height, including fixed handles where listed, is used.
3. Orientation and clearance
The calculator tests the crate lengthwise and sideways. It selects the orientation with the largest minimum clearance. A result is comfortable only when every checked dimension meets the clearance chosen by the user; zero or positive clearance is a physical fit, and any negative clearance is a failed fit.
Limitations
The calculation models rectangular dimensions. It cannot model hatch curvature, insertion angle, hinges, tie-downs, ventilation, temperature, visibility, restraint strength, or crash performance. Recheck the physical setup before travel.