Top 10 Dog Crates
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Dog Crates give dogs a defined place to rest, travel, and practice calm behavior while helping with housetraining. The right crate should fit your dog’s body, temperament, and intended use, not a breed label. I compared construction, doors, dividers, cleaning, portability, storage, travel use, and limitations. These picks span wire, premium collapsible, hard-sided, and soft crates for different dogs and routines.
| Product | Best for | Key feature | Main limitation | Price category | Overall recommendation |
| MidWest iCrate 36 | Everyday use | Divider and two doors | Bulky when open | Budget | Best overall |
| Amazon Basics Wire 36 | Value | Folding metal design | Basic finish | Budget | Best budget |
| LifeStages 36 | Puppies | Divider panel | Heavier wire style | Mid-range | Great for growth |
| Precision Provalue 36 | Secure access | Five-point locking | Utilitarian design | Mid-range | Strong security pick |
| DIGGS Revol Medium | Premium homes | Wheels and collapsible frame | Expensive | Premium | Best premium |
| Petmate Two-Door 24 | Small dogs | Top and front entry | Limited size | Budget | Excellent compact pick |
| Petmate Pet Porter 36 | Hard travel crate | Rigid shell | Bulky storage | Mid-range | Best specialized |
| Lesure Soft 42 | Camping | Four-door soft design | Not chew-proof | Mid-range | Great portable choice |
| EliteField Soft 42 | Comfort | Three mesh doors | Fabric needs care | Mid-range | Versatile soft pick |
| Amazon Basics Soft | Easy setup | Tool-free folding frame | Not for escape artists | Budget | Simple travel option |
1. MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch Double Door iCrate — Best for Everyday Crate Training
Overview: This 36-inch folding wire crate suits medium-large dogs and offers puppy-friendly adjustability.
Key Features: Two doors, divider panel, removable tray, folding frame, carrying handle.
Pros: Flexible placement; easy cleanup; divider supports growing dogs.
Cons: Wire styling is utilitarian and takes considerable floor space.
Best For: Owners wanting a dependable first crate for training or daily rest.
Verdict: Its useful features and simple design make it the strongest all-around choice.
2. Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, 36 Inch — Best for Budget Buyers
Overview: This 36-inch wire crate covers the fundamentals without premium extras.
Key Features: Double doors, divider, removable plastic tray, folding frame, top handle.
Pros: Straightforward setup; adjustable interior; compact storage when folded.
Cons: Styling is basic, and standard wire is not for determined escape behavior.
Best For: Cost-conscious owners who need a conventional indoor crate.
Verdict: It delivers core household features at the value end of the category.
3. LifeStages by MidWest 36-Inch Double Door Folding Dog Crate — Best for Growing Puppies
Overview: LifeStages emphasizes adjustable space and two-door access.
Key Features: Divider panel, two doors, removable tray, folding construction, floor-protecting feet.
Pros: Useful through puppy growth; flexible room placement; easy-to-clean base.
Cons: It remains a large metal crate when heavier construction is unnecessary.
Best For: Puppy owners who want one crate to adapt as their dog grows.
Verdict: The divider and robust format suit beginners planning ahead.
4. Precision Pet Products Two Door Provalue Wire Dog Crate, 36 Inch — Best for Secure Wire-Crate Access
Overview: The Provalue emphasizes door security in a familiar folding-wire format.
Key Features: Two doors, five-point locking system, 36-inch frame, removable pan, divider.
Pros: Multiple access points; security-focused latch design; practical for home layouts.
Cons: Its functional appearance and wire design will not suit every décor or anxious dog.
Best For: Owners prioritizing secure everyday access from more than one side.
Verdict: Its locking arrangement distinguishes it from basic wire competitors.
5. DIGGS Revol Collapsible Dog Crate with Wheels, Medium — Best Premium Crate
Overview: The Revol is a premium indoor crate focused on portability and convenient access.
Key Features: Collapsible frame, wheels, carrying handle, three access points, removable tray.
Pros: Easy to move; polished design; multiple entry options.
Cons: Premium cost and a heavier build than soft travel crates.
Best For: Owners willing to pay more for design, mobility, and home-friendly usability.
Verdict: It earns the premium spot by combining collapsibility with uncommon convenience features.
6. Petmate Two-Door Plastic Pet Kennel, 24 Inch — Best for Small Dogs and Vet Trips
Overview: This compact hard-sided kennel uses front and top access for small dogs.
Key Features: Plastic shell, top door, front door, ventilation openings, carrying handle.
Pros: Convenient top loading; rigid sides; compact footprint.
Cons: The 24-inch format serves fewer dogs than larger household crates.
Best For: Small dogs needing a portable kennel for short trips or veterinary visits.
Verdict: Dual access helps when front-door loading is awkward.
7. Petmate Pet Porter Dog Kennel, 36 Inch — Best for Hard-Sided Travel
Overview: The Pet Porter is a rigid plastic kennel for home use and larger-dog transport.
Key Features: 36-inch shell, front door, ventilation on three sides, one-hand latch, molded construction.
Pros: Hard-sided protection; easier to wipe clean than fabric; useful for transport.
Cons: It does not fold, and airline requirements must be confirmed before flying.
Best For: Owners who prefer a rigid travel kennel over wire or fabric.
Verdict: Its rigid structure makes it the strongest specialized travel choice.
8. Lesure Soft Collapsible XL Dog Crate, 42 Inch — Best for Camping
Overview: Lesure’s 42-inch soft crate prioritizes packability and ventilation for crate-trained large dogs.
Key Features: Foldable frame, four doors, mesh panels, 42-inch footprint, indoor-outdoor design.
Pros: Packs down for travel; numerous access points; airy interior.
Cons: Fabric and mesh are unsuitable for persistent chewers or escape attempts.
Best For: Camping, road trips, and temporary setups with crate-trained dogs.
Verdict: It offers travel flexibility while providing generous resting space.
9. EliteField 3-Door Soft Dog Crate with Bed and Carrying Bag, 42 Inch — Best for Soft-Sided Comfort
Overview: EliteField combines a folding steel frame, fabric walls, mesh access, and travel accessories.
Key Features: Three mesh doors, carrying bag, removable bed, washable covers, storage pockets.
Pros: Comfortable included bed; multiple openings; folds for transport.
Cons: Soft walls require a settled dog and more cleaning than plastic or wire.
Best For: Calm, crate-trained dogs whose owners value comfort and portability.
Verdict: Its accessories and roomy format make it versatile for planned travel.
10. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Medium — Best for Simple Portable Setup
Overview: This soft crate focuses on fast setup and compact storage.
Key Features: Polyester fabric, two doors, mesh ventilation, folding frame, secure zipper closures.
Pros: Tool-free setup; folds flat; easier to carry than metal crates.
Cons: Soft materials are unsuitable for chewing, scratching, or escape behavior.
Best For: Calm dogs needing a simple crate for travel, hotels, or occasional indoor use.
Verdict: It is a practical option when convenience matters more than strength.
How to Choose the Best Dog Crates
Start with fit. Your dog should stand, turn around, and lie comfortably without enough extra room for a puppy to separate sleeping and toilet areas. Measure your dog instead of relying on breed suggestions.
Next, match material to behavior. Wire offers ventilation and visibility; plastic provides a more enclosed shell for transport; soft crates are lighter but suit dogs that do not chew or claw at confinement. A divider is useful for growing puppies, while multiple doors can solve awkward room-placement problems.
Consider cleaning and storage. Removable trays simplify accidents, while folding frames help in limited space. For vehicle or airline use, confirm the carrier’s current requirements instead of assuming any “travel” crate automatically qualifies.
Choosing the right crate is only half the job; a gradual dog crate training plan helps your dog build positive associations with the space. Never use a crate as punishment, and reassess fit as a puppy grows.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Crates
What size dog crate should I buy? Measure your dog’s standing height and body length, then choose enough room to stand, turn, and lie comfortably. Manufacturer size charts can help, but measurements matter most.
Are wire or plastic Dog Crates better? Neither is universally better. Wire crates favor airflow, visibility, dividers, and folding storage; plastic kennels feel more enclosed and are often easier to handle for transport.
Can a puppy use an adult-size crate? Yes, when the crate includes a secure divider. The divider lets you reduce usable space during housetraining and expand it as the puppy grows.
Are soft dog crates safe for every dog? No. Soft crates are best for calm, crate-trained dogs. Dogs that chew fabric, scratch doors, panic, or repeatedly try to escape need a more secure setup and behavior support.
How often should a dog crate be cleaned? Clean accidents promptly, wash bedding as needed, and wipe trays or hard surfaces regularly. Frequency depends on shedding, dirt, moisture, and how often the crate is used.
Final Verdict
Among these Dog Crates, the MidWest iCrate is the best overall for practical everyday use. Amazon Basics Wire is the budget winner, while DIGGS Revol is the premium choice for buyers prioritizing mobility and finish. LifeStages is especially beginner-friendly because its divider supports puppy growth, and Petmate Pet Porter is the specialized pick for owners wanting a rigid travel kennel.
Before buying, compare current specifications, measure your dog carefully, confirm vehicle or travel compatibility, review current warranty terms, and check the latest Amazon.com product information and availability, and make sure the crate suits your dog’s behavior.
