[Saragp]

Your plan is pretty much what I did when my pups were just babies. My ex-pen never collapsed, but my youngest Abby did figure out how to climb out of it. I didn't buy a cover, but made one with a large blanket and clips from Home Depot. I remember someone on YT making one themself with plastic or something like that. Once the puppy is a bit older, you can switch to a regular car seat. Especially if they are going to travel with you a lot. It can get a bit tedious having to move the kennel in and out every day.

As for the harness, that is a controversial thing on this site. I personally believe in them wearing a collar with ID no matter what. But if memory serves, there was a young yorkie that accidentally hung themself over the pen with either their collar or harness. But if you work and are gone a lot, it's comforting to know that for whatever reason, if they were to get out, they have some sort of ID. I live in CA and my biggest fear is an earthquake and my dogs running away.

Good luck!