Does the idea of leaving your dog home alone fill you with worry? Many dog owners feel anxious about their furry friends when they can’t be there. You want a safe, cozy spot for your dog, but the world of pet crates can feel overwhelming. Plastic, wire, fabric—which one is truly best for your pup?
Choosing the wrong crate can lead to stress for both you and your dog. Maybe you fear your dog will chew through it, or perhaps you worry it won’t be comfortable enough for long periods. Finding a crate that fits your home, your dog’s size, and your training goals seems like a puzzle with missing pieces.
But don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the essential factors you need to consider. You will learn exactly how to pick a crate that becomes your dog’s favorite den, not a prison. Get ready to discover the perfect sanctuary for your beloved canine companion.
Top Pet Crates For Dogs Recommendations
- IDEAL FOR 21-40 LB DOGS: Measures 30.5 x 19.25 x 21.5 inches – perfect for French Bulldogs, Welsh Terriers, Dachshunds & similar breeds. For dogs near 40 lbs, consider sizing up to our 36-inch model so they have plenty of room to get comfortable.
- WE DON'T CUT CORNERS, WE PERFECT THEM: Precision welding, rounded corner clips & slide-bolt latch with Paw Block mitigate snags, cuts & escapes. With rigorous safety testing, iCrate provides peace of mind knowing your dog is safe while you're away.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a protective black e-coat finish, the iCrate resists rust and everyday wear. Complete with leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly, it's ready for years of use.
- SUPPORTS CRATE TRAINING: A divider panel lets the crate grow with your dog, from puppy kennel to full-size crate. Large openings and low thresholds ease the crate training process and help your dog feel more at home.
- LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
- IDEAL FOR 41-70 LB DOGS: Measures 36.5 x 23.25 x 24.75 inches – perfect for Bulldogs, Beagles, Whippets & similar breeds. For dogs near 70 lbs, consider sizing up to our 42-inch model so they have plenty of room to get comfortable.
- WE DON'T CUT CORNERS, WE PERFECT THEM: Precision welding, rounded corner clips & slide-bolt latches with Paw Block mitigate snags, cuts & escapes. With rigorous safety testing, iCrate provides peace of mind knowing your dog is safe while you're away.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a protective black e-coat finish, the iCrate resists rust and everyday wear. Complete with leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly, it's ready for years of use.
- SUPPORTS CRATE TRAINING: A divider panel lets the crate grow with your dog, from puppy kennel to full-size crate. Large openings and low thresholds ease the crate training process and help your dog feel more at home.
- LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
- 36-inch dog crate for pets under 32 x 21 inches (LxH), like a Corgi, Brittany, Cocker Spaniel, or French Bulldog
- Durable metal wire construction with manual door locking mechanism for secure containment. Sets up quickly and folds down flat for easy transport or compact storage; top handle for comfortable carrying. 1 door and a divider for adjusting the internal space
- Removable plastic base tray for easy cleaning. Metal hook at the bottom of the crate to prevent plastic tray from moving out. Please lock the hook well after installing the tray every time in daily use.
- Product Dimensions: 36 x 23 x 25 inches (LxWxH)
- Please read all safety instructions prior to use. Note: Your dog should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably while in the crate. Measure from nose to base of tail when standing, and from top of head to floor. Add 4 inches to those measurements to confirm optimal crate height and length.
- 【Durable Construction】Our dog crate is made of sturdy, rust-resistant metal wire, making it durable and able to handle energetic puppies. Its durable design makes it resistant to deterioration, giving it a dependable option for extended usage.Dog cage dog crate dog kennel
- 【Leak-Proof Plastic Tray】This dog crate features a detachable, leak-proof plastic tray that runs the length of the crate, making cleanup simple in the event of an accident. For dog dishes that won't slip, look for a textured surface.Dog cage dog crate dog kennel
- 【Double Door Convenience】There are two ways to enter our dog crate: the front entrance and the side door. Numerous ways to enter and exit this dog kennel are available. When putting the crate in confined areas where a front door can be blocked or for anxious dogs who might prefer a side entry, this is really useful.Dog cage dog crate dog kennel
- 【Easy To Set Up】Any dog lover should own one of these crates. You don't want to be spending a lot of time while on vacation, therefore it's crucial that our puppy playpen is easy to put together and take down. Metal dog cage canine kennel with handle for dogs.Dog cage dog crate dog kennel
- 【After-Sale Service】Please feel free to contact our customer service if you have any questions or have any issues with the dog crate while using it. We guarantee that you will receive the finest solution and the most expert technical assistance. Dog cage dog crate dog kennel
- 22-inch dog crate for pets under 18 x 11.5 inches (LxH), like a Toy Poodle or Yorkshire Terrier
- Durable metal wire construction with manual door locking mechanism for secure containment
- Sets up quickly and folds down flat for easy transport or compact storage; top handle for comfortable carrying
- 1 door and a divider for adjusting the internal space
- Removable plastic base tray for easy cleaning
- Hard sided pet carrier with 2 doors for front and top entry; suitable for cat or medium size dog weighing 12 - 20 pounds
- Durable plastic construction with steel wire doors; screws keep the top and bottom sections securely connected
- Spring load latches ensure easy one-handed door opening and closing; top door swings open to the left or right and includes a top carry handle
- Plenty of air ventilation on the sides, top, and back of the carrier
- Note: Be sure to measure the size of the pet when choosing carrier size
- 30-inch dog crate for pets under 26 x 17 inches (LxH), like a Beagle, Dachshund, Shih Tzu, or Chihuahua
- Durable metal wire construction with manual door locking mechanism for secure containment
- Sets up quickly and folds down flat for easy transport or compact storage; top handle for comfortable carrying
- 1 door and a divider for adjusting the internal space
- Removable plastic base tray for easy cleaning
- IDEAL FOR 12-20 LB DOGS: Measures 24.5 x 17.5 x 19.5 inches – perfect for Fox Terriers, Pugs, Chihuahuas & similar breeds. For dogs near 20 lbs, consider sizing up to our 30-inch model so they have plenty of room to get comfortable.
- WE DON'T CUT CORNERS, WE PERFECT THEM: Precision welding, rounded corner clips & slide-bolt latch with Paw Block mitigate snags, cuts & escapes. With rigorous safety testing, iCrate provides peace of mind knowing your dog is safe while you're away.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a protective black e-coat finish, the iCrate resists rust and everyday wear. Complete with leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly, it's ready for years of use.
- SUPPORTS CRATE TRAINING: A divider panel lets the crate grow with your dog, from puppy kennel to full-size crate. Large openings and low thresholds ease the crate training process and help your dog feel more at home.
- LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Perfect Dog Crate
Choosing the right crate for your dog is a big decision. A good crate offers a safe den, helps with house training, and makes travel easier. This guide will help you pick the best one for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Size Matters Most: Your dog must be able to stand up fully, turn around easily, and lie down comfortably. A crate that is too small is cruel. A crate that is too big can make house training harder.
- Door Security: Look for strong latches. Cheap plastic latches break easily. Metal slide bolts offer better security, keeping escape artists inside.
- Portability and Storage: Do you need to move the crate often? Folding crates are great for travel or storage. Some heavy-duty crates do not fold flat.
- Ventilation: Good airflow is essential for comfort and safety. Wire crates offer the best ventilation. Plastic crates need many vents.
- Removable Tray: Cleaning up accidents is much easier with a removable bottom tray, usually made of plastic or metal.
Important Materials
The material of the crate affects its durability, weight, and price.
Wire Crates
These are very popular. Wire crates offer excellent visibility and airflow. They are usually very durable and easy to clean. High-quality steel wire lasts longer than thin, cheap wire.
Plastic Crrates (Airline Style)
These are often called “kennels.” They provide more security and better protection from the weather if you travel often. Plastic is lightweight, but strong plastic is necessary to prevent cracking.
Soft-Sided Crates
These are made from fabric stretched over a frame. They are lightweight and excellent for travel or indoor use where space is tight. However, dogs that chew or scratch might destroy them quickly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the price tag. Pay attention to how the crate is built.
Quality Boosters:
- Heavy-Gauge Metal: Thicker metal wires or panels resist bending and denting.
- Powder-Coating: A good powder coat on metal prevents rust and makes cleaning simpler.
- Secure Assembly: Crates held together with strong rivets or bolts are better than those held by flimsy plastic clips.
Quality Reducers:
- Thin Plastic: Brittle plastic snaps easily, especially in cold weather.
- Sharp Edges: Always check for rough spots or sharp edges where wires meet, as these can injure your dog.
- Weak Latches: If the door rattles or opens easily, the crate is low quality and unsafe.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the crate every day.
House Training: For puppies, a crate that allows you to adjust the size using a divider panel is ideal. This lets the crate “grow” with the dog, ensuring they do not soil one end while sleeping in the other.
Travel: If you fly or take long car rides, a sturdy, airline-approved plastic kennel is usually the best choice. Soft-sided crates work well for short car trips.
Containment: If you need a secure space when you are not home, a heavy-duty wire crate with a secure lock offers peace of mind. Remember, a crate should never be used for punishment.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Crates
Q: How do I measure my dog to get the right crate size?
A: Measure your dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Then measure them standing up, from the floor to the top of the head. The crate length should be 4-6 inches longer than the nose-to-tail measurement. The crate height should be 2-3 inches taller than their standing height.
Q: Should I buy a crate bigger than my dog needs?
A: No. While you want them to be comfortable, a crate too large lets the dog designate a corner as a bathroom area. This defeats the purpose of house training.
Q: Are soft-sided crates safe for dogs that chew?
A: Generally, no. Dogs that chew aggressively can easily tear through the fabric. Use wire or hard plastic crates for chewers.
Q: How often should my dog be in a crate?
A: Adult dogs should not be crated for more than four to six hours at a time during the day. Puppies need more frequent breaks. The crate is a den, not a permanent home.
Q: What is a divider panel for?
A: A divider panel is a removable piece of metal or plastic inside a large crate. It lets you use one crate for a puppy and then move the panel as the puppy grows, saving you money.
Q: How do I make the crate a positive place for my dog?
A: Always introduce the crate slowly. Put favorite toys and treats inside. Never force the dog in. Feed meals inside the crate with the door open at first.
Q: Which material is best for outdoor use?
A: Heavy-duty, powder-coated metal crates offer the best durability outdoors, but they must still offer shelter from direct sun and rain.
Q: Can I use a crate for house training a puppy?
A: Yes, crates are excellent tools for house training. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, which helps them learn bladder control faster.
Q: Do I need a special crate for air travel?
A: Yes. Airlines require hard-sided plastic kennels that meet specific IATA standards. These crates must have metal bolts, not just screws, to hold the top and bottom halves together.
Q: How do I clean a metal crate effectively?
A: Remove the tray and wash it with mild soap and water or a pet-safe disinfectant. Wipe down the wire bars. Make sure everything is completely dry before putting bedding back in.