![Stacked dog crates we recommend displayed on a wooden floor](https://www.thesprucepets.com/thmb/A8NkMxBDbp8ApCjwaZLZADHWn9M=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():strip_icc()/Web_1500-SPR-Group-DogCrates-tamara-staples-117-3f675f5c44b4402ca9778cc46f880e64.jpg)
The Spruce / Tamara Staples
The right dog crate offers a comfortable den-like space where a dog can go to feel safe. It should also be easy for you to clean and make it easy for you to access your dog. If you have a puppy, a crate is a valuable tool for potty training because dogs instinctually do not want to soil their home.
We conducted hands-on testing of 20 dog crates in our New York lab to find the best options, evaluating different styles of crates, including traditional wireframes, foldable soft-sided models, and hybrid crates that serve as functional side tables.
Our overall favorite is the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door and Double Door Dog Crate, which is large enough to support a growing puppy and includes a crate cover, dog bed, and two detachable food bowls.
Thoughtful, simple design
Easy to clean
Useful double doors
Door bent under pressure
Our best overall pick is the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door and Double Door Dog Crate because of its easy assembly, thorough features, and easy-to-clean tray. While many of the other crates that we tested also scored well for their easy-to-clean surfaces, the additional divider in this crate kit set it apart from the rest. Plus, this crate’s plastic tray slides out easily, making it simple to clean if any major accidents happen. We also love that this crate has rubberized rolling buffers to protect hardwood, vinyl, or tile flooring.
This crate from MidWest Homes for Pets passed our lab tests with perfect scores in ease of setup, use, and cleaning. Its basic aesthetic may not win any beauty contests, but it's certainly functional. We especially love the double door model, which makes it a cinch to access the crate from the front or side, adding significantly to the iCrate's flexibility.
The practicality of this crate coupled with its easy-to-collapse and easy-to-clean design can't be beat. The setup is as simple as pulling the top of the crate up and snapping the hooks into place. Removing the plastic tray is also easy, as there is a slot for it to slide out from the bottom of the crate. A security hook also ensures that the tray stays in its place when your pup is on top of it.
The only downside we found is the door does bend slightly when it’s pulled on, not significant enough for a dog to bust through the door, but it’s still a worthy concern for any owners with especially excitable or high-strung pooches. Despite this one design concern, we’d still recommend this crate as a reliable and basic option that’s sure to last you multiple years and withstand pet wear and tear over time.
Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 16 inches (extra-small), 24 x 18 x 19 inches (small), 30 x 19 x 21 inches (medium), 36 x 23 x 25 inches (medium/large), 42 x 28 x 31 inches (large), 48 x 30 x 33 inches (extra-large) | Material: Metal, plastic | Attributes: Collapsible, divider included, double door, removable pan, carry handle, water-resistant
The Spruce Pets / Tamara Staples
The Spruce Pets / Jessica Juliao
The Spruce Pets / Jessica Juliao
The Spruce Pets / Jessica Juliao
The Spruce Pets / Jessica Juliao
The Spruce Pets / Jessica Juliao
Best Budget
Amazon Basics Soft Dog Travel Crate
Durable construction
Foldable, streamlined design
Four sizes
Mesh windows
Some nooks and crannies might be difficult to clean
Finding a dog crate that doesn’t break the bank but still does its job well can be challenging, but we were very impressed with this crate from Amazon Basics, which has a PVC frame with polyester and mesh fabric cover, all for a very affordable price.
This crate has three openings (one at either end of the crate and one on the top) that are secured by zippers. They can also be rolled up and fastened to the top of the crate. This crate is super lightweight, making it a great option for travel, but it doesn’t have a carrying handle.
Overall the crate is very durable and designed to endure—it didn’t budge or break when a sandbag was thrown on top of it and at the front of it. Long term maintenance and cleaning will likely require the use of a handheld vacuum to target the smaller nooks and crannies within the crate’s frame.
Dimensions: 25.98 x 18.11 x 18.11 inches (small), 21.3 x 29.9 x 21.3 (medium), 36 x 24 x 24 (large), 42 x 31 x 31 inches (extra-large) | Material: PVC frame, polyester, mesh | Attributes: Folds flat, mesh windows, zippered entry
![Amazon Basics Foldable Soft-Sided Dog Crate](https://www.thesprucepets.com/thmb/07eCXlAqpCN8yVAkMQsKOAcVG4k=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():strip_icc()/Web_1500-Amazon-Basics-Portable-Folding-Soft-Dog-Travel-Crate-Kennel-soft-sided-for-travel_1061-Jessica-Juliao-7e46dfce71f7436f91bd135983b12b5a.jpg)
The Spruce / Jessica Juliao
Best Splurge
Diggs Revol Dog Crate
User-friendly design and durable construction
Removable tray included
Easy to clean and set up
Not very compact when collapsed
If you’re looking for a luxurious and incredibly durable dog crate, we recommend the Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate. This crate collapses when you twist the top handle, and the sides lift up, offering multiple access points for your pet.
We like the intuitive design and the heavy-duty crate is hard to budge once in place, even with 45 pounds of force directed at the door in our lab testing environment. Throwing multiple sandbags at the crate also did not impact its structure or appearance.
This crate’s tray is removable so that you can easily clean it, and it has a raised edge to prevent any leakage if accidents do happen while your pet is inside the crate. The crate’s door is secured by a latch that's released by pressing a button, so it’s much more secure than other crates that only have a sliding bolt. But the crate is not very compact, even when it’s collapsed, so it may not be easily stored under certain pieces of furniture or in small closets. While the price point on this crate is certainly a splurge in anyone’s budget, we do believe the price fairly reflects this crate’s high quality and unique design.
Dimensions: 25 x 17 x 19 (small), 32 x 20 x 22 inches (medium), 39 x 25 x 28 (intermediate), 44 x 28 x 30 (large) | Material: High grade aluminum, steel mesh wire, reinforced plastic | Attributes: Collapsible, removable tray
![Person holding Diggs Revol Collapsible Crate](https://www.thesprucepets.com/thmb/e2ZwzWlpwXZYCTUL7PPRJkPjUBY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():strip_icc()/Web_1500-Diggs-Revol-Collapsible-Dog-Crate-collapsible_0564-Jessica-Juliao-96b65165d3c74cca828749955e3c9903.jpg)
The Spruce / Jessica Juliao
Best for Small Dogs
Fable Pets Crate
Doubles as side table
Durable
Metal or acrylic door option
Two wood finishes to choose from
No removable tray
Door jiggles when closed
The overall design of the Fable Pets Crate easily double as a bedside table or end table in a family room. The dual function crate is relatively easy to put together out of the box, similar to the labor intensity of Ikea furniture.
The crate is made out of bentwood and comes in two wood finishes, signature (lighter) or walnut (darker), with the choice of a clear acrylic door or white metal door. Both door options have square-shaped cut-outs for visibility and airflow. If your dog tends to paw at the door of their crate, you might find the metal door option to be more durable.
This crate has rubber pads that prevent it from scratching hardwood and vinyl floors, but there is no carrying handle, which could make it difficult to move from room to room. That said, we recommend finding a designated spot and sticking with it to make it feel more den-like for your dog. This crate also does not have a removable tray, so you must crouch down to reach inside for any cleaning needs.
Overall, this crate is a great option for anyone looking for lockable crate blends into decor while still being very functional.
Dimensions: 26 x 20 x 23 inches (extra-small/small), 34 x 24 x 25 inches (medium), 42 x 29.5 x 34.4 inches (large) | Material: Bent wood, metal or acrylic door | Attributes: Windows, side table
Best for Travel
Petmate Pet Kennel
Lightweight
Secure latch
Easy to assemble and use
Does not support dogs over 15 pounds
If you like to take your dog on road trips, you should check out the Petmate Two Door Pet Kennel. It’s easy to attach the top and bottom pieces together, and the door is incredibly secure. Plus, the front and top openings allow for easy cleaning and access to your pet. In our lab testing, this crate’s door did not budge when pulled with 33 pounds of force and was not affected by the impact of a sandbag.
The top carrying handle also makes this crate a great option for city dwellers who commute to their vet's office or groomers. While we love how convenient this crate would be for extra-small to small dog breeds, we wish it was just slightly bigger to accommodate dogs within the 20-pound range. Nonetheless, this crate is a great, lightweight option for any travel situation for owners of small dogs.
Dimensions: 24.05 x 16.8 x 14.5 inches | Material: Recycled plastic | Attributes: Top handle, two doors with secure latches
![Woman looking in PetMate Travel Crate](https://www.thesprucepets.com/thmb/Xod7lc7mryJ91Xa8ZoOdxaUXmlE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():strip_icc()/Web_1500-DOGCRATES_TESTING_06082022_Petmate-Two-Door-Pet-Kennel-for-Pets-up-to-15-Pounds_0057-Jessica-Juliao-04dc73e2d27d4292bcf94ea82fe6aca7.jpg)
The Spruce / Jessica Juliao
Best for Flights
Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel
ID tags and detachable bowls included
Secure door latch
Meets most airline standards
Not portable with large dogs
If your dog is a frequent flier with you, then you’ll want a crate with a reliable closure and durable frame. The Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier offers crate sizes for all dogs up to 120 pounds, and it comes with two “live animal stickers,” ID tags, and detachable food bowls.
The intuitively designed crate has a secure latch that's virtually impossible for a dog to open, even if you have a Houdini-like pup in your home. This kennel also meets most airlines’ standards for pet carriers, but be sure to consult with your preferred airline before making any flight plans with your pup.
If you have an especially reactive pup, keep in mind that the door to this crate may bend slightly with excessive force. While testing with roughly 68 pounds of force pulled against it, the door showed a slight bend, but overall we were impressed by the door’s durability and latch strength. This crate does not have a removable tray, but its plastic interior still make it relatively easy to clean, except for a few tight corners.
While Petmate does offer carriers with handles for their two smallest sizes (21-inch and 28-inch crates), the larger kennels may be more difficult to carry and maneuver through an airport, especially with a larger dog inside.
Dimensions: 24.5 x 18.25 x 19.5 inches; 32 x 22.5 x 24 inches; 36 x 25 x 27 inches; 40 x 27 x 30 inches | Material: Plastic, steel wire | Attributes: Side vents, wire door with latch, top handle (small sizes only)
Best Soft Crate
EliteField Soft Folding Dog Crate
Dual zipper flaps on sides and top
Removable, machine washable bed included
Easy to carry with side pockets for storage of small accessories
Fabric is not chew proof
For overnight stays outside of your home, the EliteField Soft Folding Dog Crate is lightweight and easy to fold.
The alloy steel frame is covered in breathable nylon that is available in various colors. Three dual zipper flaps, one on top and two on each side, enable flexibility and convenience for checking on your dog and getting them safely inside. There are also two storage pockets on the exterior for small accessories, like a leash and a collapsible bowl. Inside you'll find a removable, machine-washable bed. The crate is durable, but not chew-proof so we do not recommend it for a teething puppy. Spills and accidents can be spot cleaned as needed.
Dimensions: 20 x 14 x 14 inches (extra-small), 24 x 18 x 21 inches (small), 30 x 21 x 24 inches (medium), 36 x 24 x 28 inches (medium/large), 42 x 28 x 32 inches (large) | Material: Alloy steel, nylon | Attributes: Mesh windows, top handles, carrying bag, three zippered doors
![Elite Field Crate on a living room floor](https://www.thesprucepets.com/thmb/XDug72WnFXfaXGL1ORCURdzgDFg=/6260x0/filters:no_upscale():strip_icc()/SPR-EliteField-Soft-Folding-Dog-Crate-tamara-staples-067.jpg-f115a8480e2945ceb0ab99826f927341.jpg)
Tamara Staples
Best Hybrid
Casual Home Pet Crate End Table
Four wood finishes: white, espresso, black, and walnut
Space to place a padded mat
Latch on door keeps it securely shut
Top surface used as end table can support up to 120 pounds
Not chew proof
Latch can be tricky to maneuver and secure
Crate pan and dog bed sold separately
The Casual Home Pet Crate End Table is available in four wood finishes to complement your home decor while providing a cozy den for your dog. The smallest size of this crate can accommodate dogs up to 18 pounds inside and the top surface, used as an end table, can support up to 120 pounds. The extra-large version can fit dogs up to 90 pounds and support 200 pounds on top.
To secure the door shut, the latch has a three-step process: pull out, move up, and then push down into place. We found it a little difficult to maneuver which then made it easier for our dog to get out. If you have a dog that is determined to get out, this crate is not the right choice, but if you have a dog that enjoys their den space, then this is a suitable option.
The crate pan and dog bed designed for the crate are sold separately, but you can also put a blanket or mat that your dog already loves inside to help them feel comfortable in their new space. Assembly is required, but it comes together easily with clear instructions provided.
Dimensions: 20 x 27.5 x 24 inches (small), 36.5 x 24 x 29.25 inches (medium) | Material: Wood | Attributes: Lockable door, windows
![Casual Home Crate on a living room floor](https://www.thesprucepets.com/thmb/IO265zfDbcXo66joB5vgjiW_W4g=/6497x0/filters:no_upscale():strip_icc()/SPR-Casual-Home-Pet-Crate-End-Table-tamara-staples-099.jpg-f169a0aefa3842d7bc541a4e0aac5e56.jpg)
Tamara Staples
Best Budget, Metal Wire
Amazon Basics Metal Wire Dog Crate
The crate maintained shape when picked up via handle on top with a 70-pound dog inside
Durable plastic tray is easy to remove for cleaning
Two doors and an optional divider
Door latches can be difficult to maneuver
The Amazon Basics Foldable Crate Metal Wire Dog Crate is sturdy and low maintenance. We tested the two-door style with one door on the short side of the rectangular shape and the other on the long side. The door latches are difficult to maneuver at first but loosen over time with use. If you are buying this crate for a puppy, a dividing gate is provided which gives you the option to expand the interior space they have access to as they grow. A durable plastic tray sized proportionally for each crate is easy to remove for cleaning with soap and water and dries quickly.
We placed our 70-pound dog inside the largest size of this crate (48 inches) and they had sufficient space to lay down. Using the handle on top, we were able to pick up the crate for a moment. The structure remained intact and supported our dog's weight.
Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 16 inches; 24 x 18 x 20 inches; 30 x 19 x 21 inches; 36 x 23 x 25 inches; 42 x 28 x 30 inches; 48 x 30 x 32.5 inches | Material: Metal, plastic | Attributes: Double door, foldable, removable tray
![Amazon Basics Crate on a wood floor](https://www.thesprucepets.com/thmb/BfcJgrSCHrW5FRInRKTdqky6JQk=/6301x0/filters:no_upscale():strip_icc()/SPR-Amazon-Basics-Foldable-Metal-Wire-Dog-Crate-with-Tray-tamara-staples-039.jpg-f5dafecc7d814b82ae0deee0076b7963.jpg)
Tamara Staples
Best Heavy Duty
Rock Creek Crates Stationary Dog Crate
Crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety
Appropriate for daily crate use and airline travel
Soft, removable pad included
10-year guarantee from manufacturer
Does not fit in all cars
The Stationary Dog Crate from Rock Creek Crates is designed to keep a dog secure and calm, even while in motion. The aluminum dog crate earned a five-star rating from the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a non-profit organization based in the United States that conducts automobile crash tests on travel products designed for dogs. We also tested this crate with a real dog in a real life setting, and our participating canine quickly felt at ease using the crate as their main den. The crate was also used to transport our participant dog more safely in an SUV.
The crate arrives fully assembled with a removable pad inside. It's easy to wipe clean inside and out, and has non-slip feet. The front door has a lock and key and butterfly latches to securely lock your dog safely inside for roadtrips and flights. It comes in a variety of colors and four sizes: medium (30), large (36), x-large (42), and xx-large (48). To find the right size for your dog, you should measure your dog's height and length while standing on all four paws. The medium size (30) is recommended for dogs up to 22 inches tall, and the xx-large (48) is recommended for dogs under 32 inches in height.
Depending on which crate size works for your dog, you should also double check that it will fit in your car. We found the crate to be too large to fit in a smaller hatchback, but it was easy to fit in a standard sized SUV. In addition to size, the crate on its own is heavy, so you'll need at least two adults to lift and carry. It's also more expensive than other crates on our list, but it comes with a 10-year guarantee from the manufacturer.
Dimensions: 30.5 x 20 x 22.5 inches (30/medium); 36.5 x 23.5 x 27.75 inches (36/large); 42.5 x 28.5 x 32.5 inches (42/x-large); 48 x 32.25 x 35 inches (48/xx-large) | Material: Aluminum | Attributes: Lockable door, windows
The Spruce Pets / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm
The Spruce Pets / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm
The Spruce Pets / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm
Final Verdict
For a dependable dog crate that accommodates dogs of all shapes and sizes, we recommend the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door and Double Door Dog Crate. It's lightweight yet durable and folds down for easy transport and storage. If you're looking to splurge on a crate with more features, check out the Diggs Revol Dog Crate. Designed with safety in mind, it has an open, inviting feel that your pup will love.
How We Tested the Dog Crates
We tested 20 dog crates in The Lab in Industry City, Brooklyn. After setting up each crate, we conducted multiple strength tests on the crates to rate their durability. We asked each tester to place a 25- and 10-pound sandbag inside the dog crate and then apply 40 pounds of pulling pressure onto the door of the crate with a luggage scale. Testers then rated (out of 5) the crates on whether the door popped open, warped, or broke from the pressure of the scale. We also asked testers to throw a 25-pound sandbag at the side of each crate (this test was skipped for soft-sided crates) and rate its appearance and durability after the impact of the sandbag.
In addition to these strength tests, our testers also made judgments on each crate’s overall appearance, ease of use, and ease of cleaning. We also asked our testers to consider which categories or scenarios each crate would be best suited for and, finally, asked them to consider the crate’s overall value.
![Two pet crates on a wood floor](https://www.thesprucepets.com/thmb/ml4o-SpdU4ClB21XBs1x3APeah8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():strip_icc()/Web_1500-Fable-Pets-Crate-furniture-style_0403-Jessica-Juliao-963af7a5074f43b4adf3a463cf60ade5.jpg)
The Spruce / Jessica Juliao
What to Look for in Dog Crates
Types of Crates
Wireframe Crate: Versatile style is easy to clean, collapsible, and often includes a divider to grow along with a puppy.
Carrier Crate: A structured kennel equipped with a handle is ideal for travel and may also function as the main den for a puppy or foster dog.
Foldable Crate: Easy to fold and to setup making this style amendable to travel and temporary extended stays.
Side Table Crate: The top external surface of the crate is functional for use as a side table or end table allowing the crate to blend into a room.
Aluminum Crate: Heavy-duty structured space provides lockable gate and maximum protection for travel at high speeds.
Safety
Safety is arguably the most important factor to consider when purchasing a dog crate, but the level of safety depends on the life stage and temperament of your pup. For example, a wooden crate might be safe for more mellow dogs who don't chew, but those with puppies or chewers will want to avoid this type.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to make sure that the crate has a stable frame that won't flip over or let your dog escape. Wire mesh options can pose more safety concerns, so you'll want to go for a durable, high-gauge metal option. This will minimize any possible injuries, like getting paws stuck in the wire or breaking out of the crate entirely, and give you greater peace of mind. Plastic options generally come with fewer safety risks, but you'll still want to make sure that the crate is chew-resistant, with no detachable pieces that can be swallowed or eaten.
Size
The ideal crate size allows your pup to fully stand up and lie down, with room to stretch to his full body length without being constrained. But dogs still like a den-like experience, so make sure that the crate isn’t too big (for example, a smaller breed shouldn’t be housed in a crate intended for larger breeds).
So, when shopping for a crate, you’ll want to consult a dog crate size chart, considering your dog’s shape and size. Those needing crates for puppies might opt for a model that comes with divider panels, which allow the crate to grow with your pooch (and also come in handy for training).
Design
Apart from practical design elements like a removable tray—more on that below—you’ll also want to consider the overall look of your potential crate. Your dog’s crate is most likely something you and your family will be seeing often, after all.
While a traditional wire mesh crate is neutral enough, if you’re looking for something that will either blend in or stand out a bit more, there are plenty of options. Those with wooden furniture might opt for a wooden crate, which is perfectly suited for the living room area (though those with puppies or chewers should opt for a more durable option). And if you want something a bit more Instagram-worthy, opt for something like the Diggs Revol Dog Crate, which is just as practical as it is easy on the eyes.
Standout Features
Divider
Dividers are a great way for your crate to grow with your dog, reducing the need to buy a new crate several times a year. As your puppy grows, you can adjust the amount of living space to suit her needs. Additionally, if you have two dogs that don’t get along, you can use a divider to split up their crate. Just make sure that each pup has enough space to do its thing.
Removable Tray
Ideally, your pup won’t be in a crate long enough to have to “do their business.” But accidents again, and when they do, you’ll be glad to have a tray that you can remove for cleaning. Luckily, most crates come with this feature; if not, you can purchase a separate fabric pad that will absorb any urine or other messes.
Casters
Casters can prove super useful for at-home crate use, as they allow you to more easily move your pup’s crate from one room to another. This is particularly great for puppies; when they’re still young and potty training, you can keep the crate in your bedroom or hallway (as you would a baby), and as they get older, you can move it to your living room or kitchen area. Just make sure to lock the casters in place every time to minimize accidents or tip-overs.
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How do I find the right size crate for my dog?
Measure your dog's height (top of head to front paws) and length (nose to tail) while they are standing on all four paws. Then add 2 to 4 inches on each measurement to help guide your sizing choice. Your dog should be able to stand up, sit, lay down, stretch, and spin around, but they shouldn't have too much extra space.
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What kind of crate do I need for my dog?
For most, a wireframe crate is sufficient for home use. It can serve as your dog's main den and help with potty training. You might need more than one crate depending on your lifestyle, whether you plan to travel with your dog, and the size of your dog.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This article was originally written by dog expert Christina Donnelly, who is a writer and animal welfare advocate. When researching products to add to this article, we read dozens of customer and third-party-site reviews, keeping safety, style, and comfort in mind.
Emma Phelps, an updates writer for The Spruce, offered additional assistance in updating this article with our latest testing insights from The Lab. After reviewing our testers’ feedback on all 20 crates that were tested, Phelps and senior editors compiled the final list of crates in this roundup. She then converted our testing insights into digestible product descriptions to inform readers about the user experience with each crate and its overall value.