1. AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate Kennel
Key Features
Wire mesh crate available in a variety of sizes
Available in one and two-door designs
Large swing-open door for comfortable entry
Constructed from durable metal wire for strength, ventilation, and visibility
Features a divider panel, allowing you to reduce the crate’s size
Can be folded flat and reassembled in a matter of minutes, without tools
The first crate to make it onto our list is the folding metal dog crate by Amazon Basics. It comes in a variety of sizes, making it the ideal choice for practically any breed. The single swing-open door offers a large opening that makes for easy and comfortable entry. This opening also makes it easy to clean and arrange bedding. It’s held in place with two slide-bolt latches for a secure fit.
The crate is constructed from durable metal wire, lending it strength and rigidity without compromising on ventilation. The open wire design also ensures great visibility for your pooch. The crate also features a useful divider panel, which allows users to adjust the crate’s size to match your puppy as they grow. The crate can also be folded flat in a matter of seconds, without the need for tools. This handy feature makes it really easy to store and transport, and it’s just as effortless to reassemble too. Users say the crate is a great option for both cats and dogs, is easy to set up, and features a secure build. For extra convenience, Amazon also offer a two door version of the crate.
2. Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier
Key Features
Pet travel crate available in six sizes
Sturdy plastic shell for stability and durability
Wire vents and door allows ventilation and visibility for your pet
Four-way vault door for excellent security
Includes clip-on bowls for food and water provision on the go
Includes 2 ‘Live Animal’ stickers and 1 ID sticker
Features a carry handle for convenient transportation
Petmate’s Sky Kennel was designed with pet travel specifically in mind. The sturdy plastic shell protects your dog during transit, while its wire vents and door allow for ventilation and visibility. The four-way vault door offers the security you need during travel, and stays in place even on bumpier journeys, keeping pets safely where they should be.
To keep pooches comfortable on longer stints, the crate also includes clip-on bowls where food and water can be safely provided. Two ‘Live Animal’ stickers, and one ID sticker are also included. As well as this, the puppy crate features a useful handle on its top, to facilitate secure and convenient carrying. If your pet needs to travel by air, you’re covered too, since the crate is approved by most airlines. Head over to our review of airline approved pet carriers here.
3. ProSelect Empire Dog Cage
Key Features
Heavy duty dog crate for large, strong, and anxious pooches
Constructed from extremely tough 20 gauge steel
Reinforced with half-inch steel tubes
Features a removable floor grate tray
Easy to clean and maintain
Removable casters make for great portability
Single door closed with a sturdy bold mechanism
Possibly the toughest crate on the market
The next item to make our list is this heavy-duty dog crate by Pro Select. It’s constructed from 20-gauge steel, and reinforced with half-inch steel tubes, making it the strongest and sturdiest dog crate on the market right now. Thanks to a removable floor grate tray, it’s easy to clean and maintain, while removable casters that attach to the bottom make for easy mobility.
With this crate’s heavy-duty design, even the largest and heaviest dogs won’t be able to damage their space. It’s a great option for anxious dogs who may hurt themselves trying to work their way out of a lighter crate, or do damage being left alone in the house. The crate can be securely closed with a simple but sturdy sliding bolt mechanism, and offers dogs a safe, secure space no matter their size and strength. Users say the crate is the toughest around, so if sturdiness is your key requirement in a crate, this could be the option for you.
4. Casual Home Wooden Dog Crate
Key Features
Stylish wooden crate doubles up as an end table
Available in 4 different colors and sizes
Blends in with most interiors
Single door design with slats for ventilation
Solid, sustainably sourced wood makes for great durability
Perfect cozy space for dogs experienced with crates
For pets and owners with a stylish bent, Casual Home’s attractive wooden crate could be the perfect option. The crate, available in four different sizes and colors, doubles up as a neat end table, so your pet can sit nearby when you relax together.
The variety of colors allow the crate to blend in with most interiors, and it’s simple to assemble in no time. The lockable grate at the crate’s front allows pets to see out, and enables proper ventilation while keeping them safely in place. The solid wood construction makes for great durability, and it’s sustainably sourced too for your peace of mind. Because this wooden model allows less visibility than a standard wire crate, it’s not a great option for pooches who aren’t already crate trained. For dogs who’ve been in crates before, though, it provides a cozy and secure space for relaxation and sleep.
5. MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate
Key Features
Wire mesh crate available in 7 sizes
Features 2 strategically positioned doors, for easy access
Includes a divider panel, allowing you to adjust the crate’s size as your puppy grows
Includes roller feed to protect your floors
Features a convenient carry handle
Easy to assemble and collapse without tools
Folds flat for easy storage
Patented side clips round out corners for reduced injury risk
The next metal wire crate to grab our attention is this simple but effective solution by MidWest Homes for Pets. The crate is available in seven different sizes, making it ideal for every pooch from pugs to Great Danes. The crate has a double door design- one on its front and one on the side. This ensures your pet will be able to easily access their safe space no matter where you position it in the home.
Each crate includes a free divider panel, tray, and carrying handle, as well as four roller feet designed to protect your floors. The divider allows you to adjust the crate’s size to fit your needs, so your pet can use it comfortably from puppyhood onwards. The durable design, comprised of metal wire, is strong enough to offer your pet security without compromising on ventilation and visibility. It’s quick to assemble and collapse without tools, and because it folds flat, it’s really easy to stow it away when not in use. MidWest have designed the crate to be as safe as possible for humans, too – its patented side clips round out sharp corners and prevent injury should someone walk into it.
6. AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Dog Crate
Key Features
Budget-friendly pet carrying crate
Features a mesh door on the front, and a hatch on the top
Perfect for transporting pets safely from A to B
Includes screws for an extra secure fit on top and bottom
Wire mesh door and ventilation holes keep things cool and comfortable inside
Front hatch features a spring loaded latch system
In their second entry on our list, Amazon Basics present this budget-friendly but highly versatile pet crate. The clever top-load design allows pets to be placed in the crate from the top, or to walk in from the front, making it ideal for both providing a safe space for your pooch and transporting them from A to B.
The screws included with every crate can be used to further secure the top and bottom, for additional reinforcement that’s perfect for traveling, while the durable plastic of the crate ensures that it lasts and lasts. A wire mesh front door and ventilation holes in the sides of the carrier keep air moving through so your pooch stays cool and comfortable throughout your journey. Securing the front hatch is easy and smooth, thanks to a spring-loaded latch system. Dog owners report that, overall, it provides a safe and comfortable space for small pets to relax or travel.
7. Petnation Port-A-Crate Indoor and Outdoor Dog Crate
Key Features
Collapsible fabric and steel dog crate
Available in 5 sizes
Assembles and collapses in a matter of seconds
Perfect for traveling with pooches in your car or RV
Made from lightweight but durable polyester and steel
Honeycomb mesh windows on the side of the crate ensure ventilation and visibility
Features handy storage pockets on its back
The next dog crate to earn itself a spot on our list is Petnation’s collapsible Port-a-Crate design. As its name suggests, the crate is easy to transport, making it the perfect option for pooches on the go. If you take the dog on the road with you during RV or camping trips, this could well be the perfect solution for you.
It’s made from lightweight but durable polyester, which can be assembled or folded away in mere seconds. The crate is versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor use, thanks to the durability of the fabric and steel frame. Soft-sided with honeycomb mesh windows that provideproper ventilation, this is one comfy and cool pet crate. It also features two doors, allowing pooches to move in and out with zero hassle. The crate is also easy to clean, thanks to its wipe-down fabric, and features two handy storage pockets on its back, making it easy to keep a bottle of water and snacks at hand during your travels.
8. SMONTER Heavy Duty Dog Crate
Key Features
Durable, heavy-duty dog crate available in 3 sizes
Constructed from a sturdy, rust-resistant steel frame
Equipped with strong latches
Easy to assemble with just a screwdriver
Features wheels for easy movement around the home
Provides a safe and secure space for anxious pets
Smonter’s durable dog crate is the second heavy-duty option on our list – and for good reason. With a durable steel frame and single door design that is equipped with super-strong latches, even the heaviest and wiliest dogs are guaranteed to be kept safe inside.
It’s straightforward to assemble using only a screwdriver, and features four wheels for quick and easy transportation to wherever you need it. The crate also features a detachable tray for quick and easy cleaning, and stands up against rust and other corrosion for a long, useful lifetime. Overall, this solid option provides a sturdy, safe, and comfortable space for stronger dogs to feel secure and relax. Because of its weight, it’s not a great option for transportation, but around the house, it can be a safe space that more anxious dogs need.
9. Merry Pet 2-in-1 Configurable Dog Crate
Key Features
Crate doubles up as both a pet gate and end table
Made from lightweight MDF with an attractive wood veneer
Design affords your dog excellent visibility and ventilation
Can be assembled in just a few minutes
Not suitable for highly anxious dogs or chewing puppies
Last, but not least, is Merry Pet’s two-in-one pet crate. This clever crate offers pets not only a secure and cozy space to relax, but can also be unfolded to create a pet gate for your home. This function is ideal if you need to keep pets in one part of your home, and could also work well for keeping dogs away from the driver in smaller RVs. Its frame is made from MDF with a solid wood veneer, for a lightweight but attractive finish. Metal bars comprise the rest of the crate, allowing your pooch to see what’s happening around them, and feel the benefit of good ventilation.
The crate takes just a few minutes to put together, and is made to a high standard of quality. When in crate mode, it even doubles up as an attractive end table, adding yet another function to its repertoire. Be warned, though – this design isn’t suitable for anxious dogs and chewing puppies who will likely be able to escape and chew away the wood veneer. Despite this, the versatile and stylish design is a great addition to any space where calm pooches reside.
Best Dog Crate Buying Guide & FAQ
Whether you’re shopping for a small puppy crate or something big and heavy-duty for your large breed dog, we’re confident our list has you covered. To help you choose the crate that best meets the needs of you and your dog, we’ve compiled this handy buying guide below.
Here, we discuss what you should bear in mind when purchasing a dog crate, how to choose the correct size for your pooch, tips for crate training a dog, and more. By answering some commonly asked questions about these products, we hope to offer the guidance that you and your pet need to get the most out of whichever option you choose.
Take a look at our review of Dog Crate Pads for more options.
Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Crate
Exactly which crate works best for you and your dog will depend on several factors. Below, we discuss some of the most important issues to bear in mind:
- Your Dog’s Size
First and foremost, it’s important to consider the size of your pet when purchasing a crate. We’ll discuss this in more detail later, but it bears repeating here - measure your dog and ensure the crate is large enough to accommodate them before you make a final decision.
- Material
The next thing to bear in mind when buying a dog crate is what construction material you want. There are a few different crate materials to choose from: wire mesh, heavy duty steel, plastic, wood and fabric. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each in more detail later on.
- Portability
The next factor to bear in mind when choosing a dog crate is how easy it will be to transport it. If you need to use the crate on the go, consider a plastic or fabric option, and look out for a collapsible, lightweight design, and carry handles.
- Appearance
Most owners keep their dog’s crate in the home, so its appearance can be quite important. If you want to place the crate in your living area, consider a wooden design that doubles up as an end table, such as options featured on our top list.
- Security
Another important factor to bear in mind when choosing a dog crate is how well it’ll contain your dog. Unless your dog is destructive or anxious, this will be more of an issue for travel crates than one designed for use in the home. The strongest crates tend to be the heavy duty steel designs, which often feature especially strong latch bolts. For travelling, plastic crates tend to offer the best security. Soft-sided crate models, on the other hand, are great for relaxing. For a wider selection of choices, check out our dog travel crates guide.
- Your Budget
Finally, as with any purchase, you’ll need to bear in mind what budget you’re working with. Luckily, a good quality wire dog crate can be had for as little as $30, although wooden and heavy duty steel options will set you back considerably more, with prices for the latter ranging from $300 to $1,000.
Benefits of Using a Dog Crate
Keeping a dog crate on hand at home or on the go comes with a number of benefits - below are some key advantages to bear in mind:
- Crates prevent anxious dogs from causing destruction in your home
- Using a crate can help to toilet train your puppy - they won’t go in their sleeping space
- Keeping dogs safe from household hazards at times you can’t supervise them
- Crates can provide a safe, secure, and comfortable space for your dog to relax
- Using a crate replicates wild dogs’ natural behavior: they sleep in cozy dens for up to 16 hours a day!
- Crates can be a great time-out space for when puppies are naughty
- Having a crate in your home gives your dog a space to retire to when they don’t want to be bothered
- Crates are a versatile travel solution for pets
- Dog crates are often easy to disassemble and store
- Many crates are designed to be attractive and look good in your home. Find out more about dog crate furniture here.
- Dog crates are available for every budget
Types of Dog Crates
When it comes to selecting your crate, you’ll have plenty of options! Below we’ve categorized these different types by the material they’re made from - as you’ll see, each has its pros and cons:
- Metal Wire
Metal wire is the most common material for pet crates to be made from. Wire crates are cost-effective, sturdy, and provide your pet with plenty of ventilation and great visibility. They often come with a carry handle too, for easy transportation. Bear in mind that this type of cage might not be tough enough for particularly wiley pets, and doesn't blend in well with home interiors compared to other materials on the market. Another con for this type of the crate - they tend to be difficult to store. However, you can get a folding metal dog crate model if storage is of utmost importance.
- Steel
For strong heavy dogs, or pooches who are known escape artists, a crate constructed from heavy-duty steel could be the best solution. These dog crates tend to be heavy and can be difficult to move, but many are equipped with small wheels at each corner to make things easier. They also tend to be the most expensive options, because of the high-quality material.
- Fabric and Metal Frame
These crates tend to be the most lightweight options, making them ideal for RVs, camping, and dogs on the go in general. The fabric often features mesh ‘windows’ so your canine companion can see out and keep cool. They’re easy to collapse and assemble, too. Many fabrics are easier to clean than wire frame options, because of their wipe-down fabric, and they’re often suitable for both inside and outside use. Consider getting a soft-sided crate if all you need is a comfy, safe place for your dog to relax in.
- Wood or MDF
Wooden crates are another option you might choose. They’re designed to look attractive and blend in with the other furniture in your home, but don’t tend to be very portable and can be pricey if you choose one made from solid wood. Another thing to note about wooden crates - they're not suitable for chewers and dogs who are not crate trained.
- Plastic
Most plastic crates are designed for traveling. Plastic is lightweight and rigid, making it perfect for this purpose. Plastic crates tend to be equipped with a carry handle and ventilation holes on the side. They’re perhaps the least attractive option and don’t tend to be large enough for everyday use in the home.
Our Top Pick
These 10 options are the best dog crates around. Of these products, our top pick has to be Amazon Basics’ durable and affordable folding metal dog crate. This is a single door model, but a double door crate is available too, and so are six different crate sizes, so pooches of every breed and shape are covered. The manufacturers even offer an optional divider panel that lets you adjust the size of the crate as your puppy grows.
The two slide-bolt door latches ensure your pet is held securely when required, while the sturdy wire mesh design offers a safe and durable space for them to call their own. The crate is convenient to use and store too, as it folds flat in a matter of minutes for storage, and features a well-placed carry handle for easy transportation. On the crate’s bottom is a detachable plastic tray, which prevents any dirt your dog tracks in from making it onto the carpet, and can be easily removed for fast and convenient cleaning. Overall, this versatile crate is a great option for the majority of dogs and owners; it offers pets a safe, sturdy space, and owners a convenient, long-lasting crating solution.
