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9 Best Dog Crates That Will Keep Your Pup Comfortable and Secure

Our top pick is MidWest Homes for Pets' folding metal dog crate.

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best dog crates

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Many dog owners love crates because they can keep your pup safe and secure when you're away or unable to supervise, but they can also help them feel more comfortable and relaxed even when you're at home.

Recommended by both dog trainers and veterinarians, crate training can also be a valuable tool for house-training puppies and managing undesirable behaviors like excessive barking. (That said, crates should always be used responsibility and never as a form of punishment.) They can also make great travel carriers, offering your pup a familiar and secure space in a new environment.

If you decide to crate train your dog, you've got a few options when it comes to finding the best dog crate for your needs. An open-sided wire crate works well if you plan to set it up and keep it in one place, and they provide good airflow and visibility. Closed-sided crates, on the other hand, can easily be used while traveling, provided you purchase one that's properly rated for transit. The same goes for soft-sided crates, although they may not last as long as heavier-duty options.

As for size, when shopping for a crate, you want to ensure your dog can stand up and turn around comfortably inside. Measure your pup from the end of their nose to the tip of their tail, then add two to four inches for the proper length, Preventive Vet advises. Then, when they're sitting down, add two to four inches to the top of their head. If you plan to transport your pup in the crate, check weight restrictions, too.

Based on our research, the best option is Midwest Homes for Pets' iCrate, which collapses for storage and travel and features a slide-out tray for easier cleaning, but there are several other recommendations on this list for every type and size of pet. Read more about our top picks below, and be sure to explore our guides to the best dog toys, the best dog car seats and the best dog beds, too.

1
Best Overall

MidWest Homes for Pets Single-Door and Double-Door iCrate

Single-Door and Double-Door iCrate

Pros

  • Plastic slide tray design makes it easy to clean
  • Conveniently collapses
  • Divider allows crate to grow with your dog

Cons

  • Not particularly stylish

This folding metal dog crate is durable enough to last and because it comes with a divider, it can grow with your dog, too. A slide-out bottom tray makes for easy cleaning, and it comes in a range of sizes to fit Chihuahuas and Great Danes alike. A sturdy plastic handle is also included to attach when needed for transport, and rubber feet are included to help protect your floors.

If you like the versatility of two doors, MidWest also offers the iCrate with that option. Similar to the single-door model, it features a slide-out tray that makes it easier to clean up any messes, sturdy wire designed to prevent bending and online reviewers say it breaks down easily for transport.

Dimensions47.76" x 31.7" x 29.6" (Extra Large)
Sizes7
MaterialWire, Plastic
CollapsibleYes
2
Best Value

Amazon Basics Single Door Folding Metal Dog Crate

Single Door Folding Metal Dog Crate
Credit: Amazon Basics

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Conveniently collapses
  • Divider allows crate to grow with your dog

Cons

  • Not the most durable, say reviewers

For a standard metal folding option that won't break the bank, try this one from Amazon's in-house brand. The metal isn't quite as thick as our top pick's, but that shouldn't make a difference unless your pup is a real bruiser. It does include a plastic tray, a divider and an option for double doors, but it doesn't have any protective feet on the bottom, so consider placing it on a small rug if you don't want to scratch your floors. Ultimately, this is a great pick if you only use a crate every now and then or are looking for a crate to take on the go.

Dimensions22" x 13" x 16" (Extra Small)
Sizes6
MaterialMetal
CollapsibleYes
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3
Best Crate With Cover

MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Double-Door Starter Kit

iCrate Double-Door Starter Kit
Credit: MidWest Homes for Pets

Pros

  • Price includes cover, bed and bowls
  • Wide range of sizes
  • Conveniently collapses

Cons

  • Not particularly stylish

If this is your first crate and you're looking to get your new furry friend all set up, you can't go wrong with this starter kit from one of our favorite crate manufacturers. It comes with the crate, two bowls that snap right to the door, a comfy fleece bed, a plastic tray, divider panel and a cover that wraps around to create a cozy den. It's available in a variety of sizes for small, medium and large dogs, too.

Dimensions22" x 13" x 16" (Extra Small)
Sizes6
MaterialMetal, Polyester Cover
CollapsibleYes
4
Best for Travel

Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel

On Sale
Ultra Vari Dog Kennel

Pros

  • Ideal for travel
  • Wire door and side panels for ventilation
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Bulky to store
  • Only two sizes include a handle

If you intend to travel with your pet, or want a den that feels more enclosed, a hard-sided crate might work for you. While plastic crates aren't always the best choice for at home, they are lighter than metal crates, which makes them ideal for travel and easy to clean. This heavy-duty recycled plastic one meets most airline specifications and features holes that allow for tying it down with straps for transport. Side vents and a wire door provide ventilation to keep your pup comfortable, too.

Dimensions28" x 20.5" x 21.5" (Small)
Sizes6
MaterialMetal, Plastic
CollapsibleNo
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5
Best Wooden Crate

Casual Home Pet Crate End Table

Pet Crate End Table

Pros

  • Doubles as stylish home decor
  • Roomy enough inside for a padded mat or bed
  • Easy assembly

Cons

  • Not chew-proof

Wooden dog crates, also known in the biz as "fashion" dog crates, are designed to blend in with your home decor and can also double as end tables. While dogs who love to chew may damage a wood crate, they can be a good option for well-trained or older pups who won't try to escape. This roomy option from Casual Home offers four stylish wood finishes, including black and espresso, and features a latch on the door (though take note that some online reviewers say it can be a bit difficult to maneuver). Assembly is required, but according to online reviews, it's easy to manage.

Dimensions27.5" x 20" x 24" (Small)
Sizes5
MaterialWood
CollapsibleNo
6
Best for Small Dogs

Frisco Collapsible Wire Dog Crate

Collapsible Wire Dog Crate
Credit: Frisco

Pros

  • Conveniently collapses
  • Divider allows crate to grow with dog
  • Includes plastic pan

Cons

  • Color options only available in size small

The basic black version of Frisco's Fold and Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate comes in 7 sizes, and is a popular budget pick that's useful for travel and comes with a divider panel you can insert to adjust the size as your dog grows. It's also foldable for easy storage and comes with a removable plastic pan for easier cleanup. But if you have a puppy or smaller breed and are looking for a colorful crate that can brighten up your space, the small size of this crate also comes in pink and blue options.

Dimensions24" x 18" x 19.5" (Small)
Sizes1
MaterialMetal
CollapsibleYes
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7
Best for Large Dogs

MidWest Homes for Pets Ginormous Wire Dog Crate

Ginormous Wire Dog Crate
Credit: MidWest Homes for Pets

Pros

  • Roomy enough for dogs over 110 lbs.
  • Conveniently collapses
  • Durable construction

Cons

  • 2 people required for assembly

If you've got a super-sized best friend, they also need a space big enough for them to hang out comfortably. Many brands don't offer options large enough for tall breeds like Mastiffs, Irish Wolfhounds or Great Danes, but this aptly named "ginormous" crate will do the trick. It features three heavy-duty slide-bolt latches, rubber feet to protect your floors and a plastic pan for easier cleanup. The drop-pin construction is also made specifically to handle big dogs.

Dimensions53.75" x 36" x 45"
Sizes1
MaterialPlastic, Metal
CollapsibleYes
8
Best Soft-Sided Crate

Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Travel Crate

2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Travel Crate
Credit: Amazon Basics

Pros

  • Lightweight for travel
  • Collapsible for easy storage

Cons

  • Removable cover is washable, but may not be the easiest to clean
  • No carrying handle

When you need a crate to bring along on trips but don't plan to use it regularly, try this soft-sided pick. It sets up and breaks down in a flash according to online reviewers — and folds up small enough to store in tight spaces. Think of it like a pack-and-play for your pup! Just note that while it includes a machine-washable cover, some online reviewers say it can be difficult to clean on a day-to-day basis. It also does not include a carrying handle for easier transport.

Dimensions29.92" x 21.3" x 21.3" (Medium)
Sizes4
MaterialPolyester
CollapsibleYes
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9
Best Heavy-Duty Crate

K9 Kennel Boss Heavy-Duty Dog Crate

Heavy-Duty Dog Crate
Credit: K9 Kennel Boss

Pros

  • Extra sturdy
  • Collapsible for easy storage
  • Fully ventilated

Cons

  • Expensive

For seasoned canine escape artists or people who transport hunting or sporting dogs regularly over rough terrain, you need a crate that can really take a beating. This is designed to go the distance — plus, it's collapsible. It features a powder-coated finish that should make it easier to clean, and it's fully ventilated so you won't have to stress about your dog overheating.

Dimensions36" x 25" x 29" (Medium)
Sizes3
MaterialAluminum
CollapsibleYes
Headshot of Lizz Schumer
Lizz Schumer
Senior Editor
Lizz (she/her) is a senior editor at Good Housekeeping, where she runs the GH Book Club, edits essays and long-form features and writes about pets, books and lifestyle topics. A journalist for almost two decades, she is the author of Biography of a Body and Buffalo Steel. She also teaches journalism as an adjunct professor at New York University's School of Professional Studies and creative nonfiction at the Muse Writing Center, and coaches with the New York Writing Room.
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