Best Dog Crate
With one of the best dog crate options on the market, you will be able to safely transport your pet, house train them, and leave them on their own anytime you need to leave the house without having to worry about them destroying your belongings.
We have endlessly researched to be able to tell you all about the features that go into making the most effective models on the market and precisely how to productively compare products to ensure that you find the best one for your furry friend.
Not only that, but we have also delivered a list of what we feel are the five best options currently available. This one-stop guide will tell you everything you could ever need to know about these all-important pet care products. There is no need to look anywhere else.
How Did We Pick the Best Dog Crate?
We constantly strive to put the interests of our readers above everything else. To make sure we do just that, we use informative and well-crafted articles to simplify the confusing maze you must navigate when choosing products to meet your needs. In a concerted effort to help you get the best from the market, we create product reviews by holistically studying the market and analyzing real customers’ feedback. In the end, you can be sure of a sincere and useful verdict from our team.
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Best Overall
AmazonBasics Single-Door & Double-Door Folding Metal Dog or Pet Crate
Key Features
- Single-door design
- Sturdy metal construction
- Optional divider panel included
- Two-slide bolt door
Why It is Better?
- Easy-to-operate locking mechanism
- Durable enough to withstand energetic breeds and chewing
- Included tray, which greatly enhances comfort
- Can be used to suit pretty much any purpose
- Why You Need a Dog Crate
- How to Pick the Right Dog Crate
- Top 5 Best Dog Crates
- 1. AmazonBasics Single-Door & Double-Door Folding Metal Dog or Pet Crate
- 2. MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate
- 3. Paws & Pals Dog Crate Double-Door Folding Metal
- 4. IRIS USA (586680) 24 4 Panel Exercise Pet Playpen with Door
- 5. Petnation Port-A-Crate Indoor and Outdoor Home for Pets
- Types of Dog Crates
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why You Need a Dog Crate
Although the function of any dog crate is usually similar, it is the wide array of circumstances for which they can be used that makes them a vital addition to your pet care tool kit. They can be used for simple and effective transportation on long journeys, short trips to the vet, or even as a training aid when it comes to ensuring appropriate behaviour within the home with or without your presence.
Made out of a wide variety of durable materials, these small homes away from home will allow you to provide privacy and comfort to your dog during situations where it might otherwise feel exposed and uncomfortable like a vet’s waiting room or someone else’s home during a first visit.
They ensure that your pet is contained within a confined space if you need to leave your dog alone for short or long periods of time and are concerned about any potential damage occurring within the home or the creation of a mess.
They are also the perfect bed and safe space during car journeys and serve to stop your dog from causing distractions on the road that could lead to potential injury. They are a great place for a new canine parent to nurse their pups in private. The list of benefits they can provide is truly endless.
Good dog crates serve as perfect indoor dog kennels that you will love because of the practicality and stress reduction offered. Your dog will love its crate because of the shelter and comfort it provides. It is a win-win product for dogs and owners alike.
How to Pick the Right Dog Crate
Whether you are looking for an airline approved dog crate or an ornate wooden one for the more discerning of dog owners, the list of features you need to evaluate when comparison shopping will always remain roughly the same if you want to find the best products.
We have compiled the key features that go into making high quality crates so that you know exactly how to compare one product to another in order to find the most effective option to meet your exact needs and those of your chosen breed.
- How durable is it? Durability is measured based on the strength of the product compared to the purpose you want to use it for. For instance, metal options can often be some of the best puppy crates because they are highly chew resistant. This also makes them great for more energetic breeds in general. Fabric-based options offer amazing warmth and comfort although they may not withstand excessive chewing. Plastic varieties are often inexpensive while still offering a good level of durability for well-behaved dogs, and wood blends a combination of benefits together including insulation and strength.
- How big is it? A large dog traveling crate will provide the perfect transportation or training solution for large canine breeds, but if you have a puppy or smaller variety like say a chihuahua or dachshund, then it goes without saying that something smaller is required for maximum comfort. If there is too much excess space, your canine companion is unlikely to feel comfortable, protected, and well insulated.
- Functionality: The best dog kennel is not always the one with the most doors and features. Sometimes it is the option that you find easiest to bring into your dog’s routine without any fuss or hassle. While some products provide multiple openings and even locks, that might be more than you need. Do you need maximum security or something really simple and accessible? Regardless of your requirements, try to go for something that you and your dog can easily understand and comfortably make use of to avoid any headaches or canine discomfort and confusion. It needs to be practical.
- Will it encourage effective behaviour? Whether you have a large dog crate or a smaller variety, the material and style and design of your product should encourage the right behaviour. If you are trying to discourage chewing for instance, then a high-quality metal product will soon make your dog realise that it cannot cause any damage. If your furry friend has been crying due to being too cold, then a wooden crate with added insulation will warm it up and encourage a state of calm. Fabric crates instil comfort and may discourage bad behaviour and separation anxiety. What type of behaviour do you want to encourage your dog to display? Getting the right crate variety will help.
- Extra features: Some extra features currently available for your dog crate are dog kennel covers, food trays, built-in bedding, and water dispensers among countless other options. Some crates actually come with these additional bonuses, so it is always worth checking what you might be getting with your purchase. If you are looking for supportive features to make your dog’s crate time more comfortable and effective, then it might be best to try and find a product that comes with some of the additional features you are looking for as standard.
- Brands: A brand name can be a really good way to ensure that you are getting a highly reputable product that is already being used with great success by thousands of people all over the world. The following manufacturers are all known to produce some of the best dog crates available anywhere: Carlson Secure, Amazon Basics, MidWest, Paws & Pals, Iris, PetNation, Petmate, and Lucky Dog. Any product purchased from the above list of manufacturers will be sure to meet your satisfaction requirements.
Top 5 Best Dog Crates
In this section we are going to present you with what we feel are the five best dog crates options currently available on the market. This is going to make your search infinitely easier if you do not want to spend hours performing comparison shopping.
All of the products below have been selected because they are particularly good at delivering in a certain area, but they are also great one-stop solutions for anyone’s canine crate needs in general too.
1. AmazonBasics Single-Door & Double-Door Folding Metal Dog or Pet Crate Review
Key Features
- Single-door design
- Sturdy metal construction
- Optional divider panel included
- Two-slide bolt door
We Like
- Easy-to-operate locking mechanism
- Durable enough to withstand energetic breeds and chewing
- Included tray, which greatly enhances comfort
- Can be used to suit pretty much any purpose
We Don’t Like
- Not the most well-insulated or comfortable crate
- Has a handle that is a little thin considering the size of the crate
This is hands down the best dog crate for those who want something that ticks every box and is super easy to use while not costing too much either. It delivers a combination of practicality and quality that will suit the needs of most owners and dogs alike. The sturdy metal construction makes for a high level of durability while the built-in floor tray means that your dog can lie in comfort without any metal parts digging into its body in the process. There are a number of sizing options to suit any breed too.
The singular entry point is easy to open, close, and secure with minimal fuss, meaning that you can get your dog in and out rapidly when required without causing stress or discomfort. The carry handle might be a little flimsy for the size of the crate, but for the price, there is a lot of quality offered here in every major area.
2. MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate Review
Key Features
- Your dog's home while you are away from home
- All-inclusive dog crate that includes a divider panel and dog tray
- Safe and secure home thanks to a heavy-duty slide bolt latch
- Small single-door folding dog crate
We Like
- No sizing headaches thanks to the wide array of options
- Additional colors make for fun alternatives
- Included handle that improves versatility
- Has a strong and long-lasting build quality
We Don’t Like
- Not as comfortable as some alternative products
- Not the nicest looking crate even with the alternative colors
This is a fantastic crate solution for anyone who wants to be able to meet the exact requirements of absolutely any dog breed with additional style options at their disposal too just in case the base black color is not exciting enough! You have everything you could ever need to discourage excess chewing here with this heavy duty dog crate featuring an all-metal build with a comfortable built-in tray to allow your dog to relax without having to worry that it will work its way through the strong housing.
The entry door is easily accessible for daily use, and the carrying handle means it can be used either in the home or for effective transportation. There is even an included warranty for peace of mind too. A diverse array of sizing and style options are really what set this product apart. No matter what breed you have, there is something here for you. Additional color options mean you can complement your home decor effectively too.
3. Paws & Pals Dog Crate Double-Door Folding Metal Review
Key Features
- Double-door design for convenient front and side entry
- Two sliding bolt latches that increase safety and security
- Sturdy metal construction
- Optional divider panel and removable plastic pan included
We Like
- Durable carry handle that makes for easy transportation
- Dual entry, which significantly enhances accessibility
- Size variety that is better than some more expensive models
- Will last for years
We Don’t Like
- Might be cold and uncomfortable for some dogs
- Looks a little intimidating compared to alternative products
This dog crate from Paws & Pals offers an amazing degree of quality and functionality for an incredibly low price tag. Some of the additional features here actually make it a more effective and versatile option than some of the more expensive offerings. The integrated carrying handle allows you to use it either in the home or when you are traveling, and the built-in tray increases the level of comfort. Due to the metal frame, chewing and bad behaviour are not going to have much impact either.
The two integrated doors offer dual entry, thus increasing accessibility, which is a welcome and rather unique feature among metal cage products in this niche. It is obviously the low price that offers the biggest standout element here. It is lower than any other option on the list. If there is a downside, it would simply be that metal cages are not the most comfortable, and it is not a cozy or nice-looking option compared to some others.
4. IRIS USA (586680) 24 4 Panel Exercise Pet Playpen with Door Review
Key Features
- Dog playpen with door
- Provides 8 square feet of play space
- Made out of durable molded plastic
- Made in the USA
We Like
- Wide opening for especially easy access
- Large space that makes extended usage periods comfortable
- Plastic housing that is chew resistant
- Will suit any breed size
We Don’t Like
- Cannot be used as a travel crate
- May not be escape-proof due to open top
With a massive 8 square feet of room for your dog to comfortably play or lie in, your canine companion definitely will not feel stressed or claustrophobic at all when using this high-quality functional option from Iris USA. The housing is made from thick plastic, which will serve to deter any repeated chewing efforts, and the easy-access door with a twistable locking mechanism makes it an absolute breeze to use whenever you need to, as well as being secure.
Due to the wide opening and interior space, you can place toys and bedding inside, and the universal design will work with any breed size without a hassle. As there is no roof, you can easily reach in to pick up your furry friend when necessary. A drawback is the fact that this is an in-home only product that cannot be used for travelling. But as in-home options go, it is easily among the best out there.
5. Petnation Port-A-Crate Indoor and Outdoor Home for Pets Review
Key Features
- Sets up and folds down in seconds
- For crate-trained dogs up to 50 pounds
- Portable and great for transportation
- Tightly woven mesh fabric panels
We Like
- Extremely comfortable option
- Highly practical and easy to use
- Stores away neatly when not needed
- Comes in a variety of sizes
We Don’t Like
- Only one color option
- Quite expensive for the basic design
This soft sided dog crate offers what is easily the most comfortable option for your canine companion to use if it suffers from stress or separation anxiety when you leave the house. The comfortable walls and base serve to soothe and alleviate tension. Not only is it a really comfortable and snug home-based option, but it is also the perfect travel crate too. It will work incredibly well in situations where your dog needs to feel as relaxed as possible like the vet’s office or any unfamiliar location that may lead to nervousness.
The outer housing has some built-in storage pockets for carrying treats or food for on-the-go feeding, and the webbed front means that your dog has maximum visibility over its surroundings for added comfort and peace of mind. It is not the most durable crate out there and is certainly a little more expensive than some alternatives, but the functionality and positive impact it offers your dog make it more than worth it.
Types of Dog Crates
We will now summarise the different types of dog crates you have available to you so that you feel completely confident about making a product decision that is going to be truly right for you and your canine companion.
- Wooden crates: These varieties are hard wearing and offer a decent level of insulation and comfort. They also offer some of the most elegant design options, making them a positive addition to your home furniture array while serving a practical purpose too. Some dog crates reviews for these varieties do claim that they might not be ideal for breeds that like to chew a lot as the wood can splinter. This is something you should keep in mind.
- Metal cages: Quite a common variety, these options provide serious durability thanks to the chew-resistant all-metal construction and will likely last for the entire lifetime of your dog. They are not the most comfortable or best-looking choice, however. But they do offer excellent practicality.
- Fabric crates: A crate made out of fabric will instil calm and comfort thanks to the soft base and walls. This will help to alleviate stress if your dog finds it particularly difficult being alone or even when visiting potentially stressful locations. This type of crate also offers a decent level of warmth and insulation.
- Plastic crate varieties: Plastic options provide a decent level of portable durability because of the solid housing that creates a respectable degree of chew resistance. They are often cheaper than other models too. The only downside is that they are not the most comfortable crates without additional bedding. They are also more susceptible to damage than metal or wooden products.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we are going to cover the five most frequently asked questions that prospective buyers have about dog crates prior to making a purchase along with the most effective answers to help provide you with total peace of mind.
Although your dog can be left for long periods of time in a crate, generally speaking, the duration should not exceed more than 8 hours.
There is no right or wrong age to crate train a dog, but it is worth noting that many will begin training at around roughly the 8-week mark. Introduction of a crate at this age has definitely been shown to have a positive impact.
High-traffic areas typically work best. Here, your dog can see you and your family regularly to instil peace of mind, security, and comfort.
Typically, if your dog is very energetic and likes to chew, then a strong material like metal or wood will be needed. For a mild-mannered dog, any material is suitable. Consider fabric should you wish to enhance comfort and relaxation.
Yes it does. The crate size should allow for freedom of movement and not lead to your dog feeling claustrophobic. Read the manufacturer’s specifications on various products for the best match with your dog size.
The most effective large dog crates will cater to even the biggest of breeds, whereas the smaller varieties will be perfect for all puppies and smaller dogs. Always try to find the best match based on your dog’s measurements.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for one of the best wooden dog crates or a common fabric type, you should now know how to effectively shop for the most optimum crate to fulfil the specific needs of your furry friend.
Although there are a multitude of benefits to using dog crates, comfort and practicality come first. By selecting any of the five options on our list, you can relax knowing that your dog feels totally secure and safe when you leave it alone or transport it to unfamiliar territory. Dog crates are a vital and hugely beneficial addition to your dog’s care accessories.