Starting your search for the perfect home for your pet?
You’ve come to the right place!
We know how important your dog’s happiness and safety are, so we’ve looked everywhere to find crates that are not only strong but also cozy and welcoming for your dog.
No matter if your dog is small or large, our choices are great for all types and sizes, making sure your pet has a peaceful spot to relax.
Let’s dive into the best of the best dog crates, combining top-notch quality with comfort, giving you peace of mind and making your dog completely happy.
1. MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate
The MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate proved to be an excellent choice for us.
It features great airflow, folds up conveniently for storage or travel, and is lightweight enough to transport with ease.
Its adaptable divider panel also allows it to accommodate both large dogs and smaller puppies effectively.
This crate, whether in its single or double door version, is crafted for the comfort and safety of larger breeds and puppies alike. Its sturdy metal construction includes smooth-rolling feet to protect your floors.
Key highlights:
- Smooth, rounded corners for safety
- Easy fold-and-carry configuration
- Constructed from durable metal
- Dimensions: 44 x 30 x 45 inches
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
What stands out to us:
The folding mechanism of the MidWest Crate is particularly impressive, offering remarkable ease for transportation or storage. The cleverly designed divider panel is a boon for puppy owners, adapting as your pet grows.
Points of concern:
The design could pose risks to smaller puppies who might hurt themselves on sharper edges or potentially escape due to the door inadvertently opening.
Overall, the MidWest iCrate stands out as a versatile and convenient option for dog owners, making it a top pick for both travel and home use, suitable for puppies and large dogs alike.
2. Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Dog Crate
The Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Dog Crate is a fantastic choice for pet owners, offering versatility for both large dogs and puppies. Its streamlined design is ideal for both in-home use and travel.
Main features:
- Available in various sizes
- Divider panel included for puppies
- Easy to fold and transport
- Waterproof and resistant plastic tray
What we appreciate:
The Frisco double-door crate stands out for its user-friendliness. It requires no tools for setup, and its large doors provide easy access for pets.
Our concerns:
The durability of the crate is a bit disappointing. It appears that a strong dog might easily damage or break out of the crate.
This crate is ideal for peaceful dogs, featuring two spacious doors that facilitate easy entry and exit, perfect for those leisurely walks in the park.
3. AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate
The AmazonBasics dog crate is a straightforward, foldable metal crate that is suitable for both puppies and adult dogs.
It offers versatility as a travel cage, a cozy spot for rest, or as an aid in training your furry friends.
Highlights include:
- Option for a front-entry single door or a double door
- Secure double slide-latch locks
- Easily collapsible design for convenience
- Includes a divider and a plastic composite tray
- Constructed from metal
What we appreciate:
We appreciate the AmazonBasics crate for its secure double latch system, providing an extra level of security. The front-entry design ensures there are no weak spots for dogs to exploit.
Areas for improvement:
A downside to the AmazonBasics crate is the wire thickness, which we found to be on the thinner side. A lively dog could potentially damage them quickly.
The AmazonBasics crate is a great value for those with crate-trained dogs.
Yet, it may not be the best choice for more determined or untrained dogs, who might find it easier to escape.
4. Petmate Two Door Top Load Dog Kennel
Petmate’s two-door top load dog kennel features an innovative top-loading door that simplifies the process of placing your dog inside the crate. Its durable plastic construction ensures that your pet remains securely enclosed.
Key attributes:
- Suitable for air travel
- Available in various colors
- Convenient top-load access
- Constructed with a wing-nut and bolt mechanism
- Made from heavy-duty plastic
What stands out:
The crate’s ample ventilation is a highlight for us. The numerous air holes not only improve visibility but also ensure a well-ventilated environment, helping your dog or puppy stay relaxed during travels.
Areas of concern:
However, the safety of the dog is a notable issue. The Petmate two-door top load kennel presents a risk with its rough and sharp edges, which could potentially harm dogs.
Overall, this kennel offers a practical and robust solution for pet transportation, featuring a top-load door for effortless access to your pet.
It’s well-ventilated, ensuring a comfortable journey for your pet.
5. ProSelect Empire Dog Cage
For those in search of a reliable enclosure for their larger dogs, the robustness of the 20-gauge steel used in this cage is a compelling feature. Its door design and locking mechanism are both strong and trustworthy.
Main features:
- Constructed from 20-gauge steel
- Includes a tray with the floor crate
- Designed for large breeds
- Casters can be added for mobility
What appeals to us:
The Guardian Gear ProSelect Empire Dog Cage boasts a solid construction with 20-gauge steel, ensuring durability. It’s spacious enough to comfortably house large dogs and features removable casters for ease of movement.
Concerns:
However, the lack of foldability in the Guardian Gear ProSelect Empire Dog Crate is a drawback, making storage and transportation challenging. Additionally, the quality of the welds on the crate could be improved.
The Guardian Gear ProSelect stands out as a top choice for owners of larger dogs, offering both strength and security.
The inclusion of removable trays and a plastic pan at the bottom simplifies the cleaning process.
6. New World Folding Metal Dog Crate
Constructed from metal, the New World Folding Crate is an excellent choice for securely housing your larger dogs.
Its spacious and adaptable design means you can transport several puppies at once, eliminating the need for multiple crates.
Highlights:
- Equipped with single-bolt double-door latches
- Features a foldable metal cage construction
- Comes with a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer
- Durable with a protective black finish
What we appreciate:
The New World Folding Metal Dog Crate is notably roomy, providing ample space for your puppies and ensuring they receive plenty of fresh air. Its design also allows for great visibility, helping to keep your dogs calm. The crate’s robust metal framework and durable black coating guarantee longevity.
Our concerns:
The crate’s double latch system, which uses a single bolt for both doors, may not be secure enough. Intelligent dogs might manage to unlock the doors. Furthermore, the crate may not withstand the antics of very active and restless dogs.
While the New World Folding Crate offers ample space and a robust build with a durable black finish, it may struggle to contain very energetic large dogs.
7. Crown Pet Products Wood Pet Crate
The Crown Pet Products Wood Pet Crate is crafted from premium, eco-friendly hardwood, offering an elegant swing-door feature and a choice between mahogany or espresso finishes, complemented by a waterproof MDF floor.
Notable features:
- Constructed with durable hardwood
- Melamine-coated MDF floor for straightforward cleaning
- Built using mortise and tenon joints for added durability
- Available in two stylish finishes
- Offered in two sizes
What we favor:
We’re impressed by the Crown Pet crate’s straightforward assembly process, requiring minimal tools. Its wooden finish integrates seamlessly with home furnishings, enhancing the decor. The swing door not only adds aesthetic appeal but also provides ample space for your dog to relax comfortably within your home.
Concerns:
However, we note that the Crown Pet wooden crate may not be the best option for travel due to its size and construction. Additionally, while the hardwood is sturdy, it may become a target for dogs that tend to chew on wood.
The Crown Pet Products Wood Pet Crate stands out for its aesthetic appeal and practical design, making it a stylish and useful addition to any home.
What to look for in a dog crate
Some pet owners might hesitate to use dog crates, fearing they seem too much like cages.
However, this perception doesn’t fully capture the utility of crates.
They’re actually quite beneficial, facilitating easier travel with your dogs.
With the right training, your dogs can become comfortable with these crates.
As a current or future dog owner, acquiring a suitable crate for your travels is essential.
When selecting a dog crate, there are several factors to consider:
Size
Dog crates are available in a variety of sizes, and it’s crucial to choose one that fits your dog properly.
A crate that’s too small can be uncomfortable for larger dogs.
A useful guideline for selecting a dog crate is ensuring your dog can stand up and lie down comfortably without having to crouch or bend its head.
On the other hand, opting for a crate that’s too large might lead your dog to designate one end for bathroom breaks and the other for relaxation.
If you’re dealing with an oversized crate or have multiple puppies, incorporating a divider can help tailor the space to suit your dog’s size more appropriately.
Materials
Dog crates are typically manufactured from one of three main materials: wood, metal, and plastic.
Wooden crates tend to blend well with home decor and are ideal for settings where they will remain in one place, though they are on the pricier side.
Additionally, there’s a chance dogs might gnaw on the wood.
Plastic crates offer greater flexibility in use, suitable for both home and travel.
Their design often meets air travel requirements, making them a convenient option for transporting your pets on flights.
They’re known for being secure and provide a more enclosed environment compared to metal crates, making them cozier for your pet.
Metal crates are widely used due to their affordability, excellent ventilation, and visibility.
They are designed to be collapsible, making them easy to transport and store.
However, because they are made with thin wires, they may not hold up well against the strength of larger dogs.
Safety
Prioritizing your dog’s safety is paramount when selecting a dog crate.
A suitable crate serves the dual purpose of safeguarding your home against the mischief of an inquisitive dog or puppy and ensuring your pet’s well-being.
Be vigilant for any potential hazards such as sticking out wires, rough or sharp openings for ventilation, and jagged edges.
Additionally, it’s important to remove your dog’s collar before placing them in the crate to prevent any risk of choking.
