Dog crates, also known as dog kennels, come in all shapes and sizes. From single-door and double-door crates to wire crates and plastic crates, to even chic wooden crates that can double as end tables to snaz up your home decor – the options are endless.
With so much to choose from, it can be hard to know which is the best dog crate for you and your pup. Not to worry, we’re here to help.
Whether you have a small dog or a large dog, an escape artist or a chewer, we’ll dive into different crate materials and features to fit your unique needs.
Now without further ado, let’s help you find a new crate!
Making your dog’s crate their safe space
You might be wondering, “Is it cruel to put a dog in a crate all night?” If so, you’re not alone.
Although the idea of putting your pup in a crate may pull at your heartstrings, it’s important to know that it is not cruel at all when done strategically. In fact, once your dog goes through proper crate training, they will often choose to lay in it when they’re hanging out at home. It becomes their “safe space” – in fact, you can accessorize it with your pooch’s dog bed, their favorite toys, and even a crate cover to make it as comfortable as possible.
That said, the crate you select will be in use a lot! It may also change over time through your dog’s different life stages. For example, if you have a new puppy, you may want to get a plastic dog crate with a removable tray for easy cleaning, or a folding metal dog crate that expands as they grow into a mid to large-sized dog.
Tip: Crate training can also help with puppy potty training and separation anxiety!
Bottom line: Putting your dog in a crate helps keep them safe. Not only does it give you the assurance that while you’re away they won’t have accidents on the carpet or make a mess chewing up shoes, but also that they’re not putting themself in harm’s way. Even if you fully puppy-proof your house, dogs have a way of getting into mischief – utilizing a dog crate can give you peace of mind.
What is the best size crate for my dog?
You can figure out the best dog crate size for your pup by measuring them front to back, and top to bottom, and then add 4 inches to their measurements. This will ensure that they have just enough room to stand and turn around, without having too much room to romp around.
Thankfully, a lot of dog crate boxes or online listings will provide a sizing chart. When in doubt, a good rule of thumb is that your dog should be able to walk into the crate without crouching down and be able to comfortably turn around with the door shut.
Tip: Don’t forget to take measurements of the space in your home where you plan on putting your crate. You want to make sure the crate will fit and your dog has easy access to it!
Best dog crates and kennels of 2022
Now that you have some dog crate basics down, let’s talk about the best dog crates and kennels on the market right now.
1. Best Budget-Friendly Dog Crate
MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate
This MidWest brand collapsible dog crate is a metal wire crate with a single door on the front. It comes in sizes xx-small up to x-large, and it’s black in color. Currently, the crate prices range from $23.99 – $95.99, which are all great deals for a dog crate. And having a collapsible dog crate is perfect for storage or travel. This crate has a 4.7-star rating from over 1,600 people, and a 97% recommendation rating on Chewy. folding metal dog crates,
2. Best Dog Crate for Large Dogs
MidWest Solutions Series XX-Large Heavy Duty Double Door Wire Dog Crate
This is another great dog crate made by MidWest. And its specialty is for the larger pups. This dog crate has a double-door access, and is easily assembled with heavy-duty drop pins. It comes in black, and measures 54” L x 37” W x 45” H. And this xx-large dog crate received a 4.3-star rating from over 500 people. And it has a 90% recommendation rating.
3. Best Wire Dog Crate
Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate
Although some of the other crates may be collapsible too, this is our favorite! It’s quite popular among customers—receiving a 4.8-star rating from over 5,000 people with a 98% recommendation rating on Chewy.
Frisco is a very popular dog product brand, and with good reason. This crate has double-door access, is easily collapsible, and easily carries with adjustable handles. It comes in six different sizes from x-small to x-large. And it comes with a divider panel, so your puppy can grow with their crate.
Pet Pro Tip: When shopping for products for your dog, make sure to also help protect your pooch with best-in-class dog insurance or puppy insurance plans for accidents & illnesses.
4. Best Travel Crate
EliteField 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate
This EliteField dog crate is made from a soft polyester and hex mesh that are easy-to-clean. And it has lightweight, durable steel tubing. This dog crate has three access doors, locking zippers, and folds down quickly for easy storage. It also comes with a free carrying case and fleece crate mat, which make it perfect for long travels in the car. You can choose from five different sizes of x-small up to large. And you can pick from seven different stylish colors.
5. Best Wood End Table Dog Crate
DWANTON Wooden Crate End Table with Cushion
There are many different brands and styles of wooden end table dog crates, but this one is my favorite, and it’s a “#1 Best Seller” on Amazon with a 4.5-star rating from over 230 people. The price is a little higher than a typical metal wire dog crate. But it’s not a bad price for the beautiful aesthetics of this wooden crate. Plus, it’s dual purpose!
The DWANTON Wooden Crate End Table comes with a soft cushion padding that has a non-slip grip on the bottom. This crate also has easily-adjustable leveling feet, dual-access doors with double locks, a scratch-resistant surface, and load-bearing beams. On top of having that gorgeous rustic look, what else could you ask for? It comes in two different colors, and four different sizes.
6. Best soft dog crate
MidWest Canine Camper Collapsible Soft Dog Crate
The MidWest Canine Camper Collapsible Soft Dog Crate is one of the most popular soft dog crates on the market. This is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to take their pooch camping. The MidWest soft dog crate is easily collapsible with carrying handles, water-resistant material for easy clean up, and mesh windows to help with constant airflow. This dog crate is lightweight, but still has a heavy-duty steel frame. And it comes with a washable synthetic sheepskin pad for your dog’s comfort.
7. Best plastic dog crate
Diggs Revol Collapsible Plastic Dog Crate
The Diggs Revol Collapsible Plastic Dog Crate is one of the classiest pet crates on the market. It has multiple easy access points: a front door, a side door, and a top door. It also has ergonomic carrying handles and easily collapses in seconds for small storage spaces. Plus the Diggs Revol pet crate comes with a slide-out plastic pan for easy clean up. And it even has a puppy divider – so your dog crate can grow with your dog through all of their life stages.
Keep in mind that this dog crate is the most expensive one on this list. But it’s made with high-quality plastic materials, and is very aesthetically-pleasing to fit every style of home decor.
8. Best heavy-duty dog crate
ProSelect Empire Steel Frame Heavy-Duty Dog Crate
The ProSelect Empire Steel Frame Heavy-Duty Dog Crate shows up at the top of numerous lists for best heavy-duty crates. It has a 4.7-star rating on Chewy with a 97% recommendation rating. This heavy-duty dog crate is made from reinforced half-inch, 20-gauge steel frame tubing. It has two strong slide latches to close the front door, and four locking casters to secure the roller feet.
Choosing the best crate for your special pup
There are so many pet products out there promising dog owners that they’re high-quality top picks – but the truth is, you know your dog best. When it comes to picking out the best dog crate for your four-legged friend, as long as you do your research and gradually introduce your pup to their crate, they will adapt in no time.
Just like getting a dog crate, getting pet insurance for your dog can improve their quality of life. When your precious pooch gets hurt or sick, Pumpkin Dog Insurance plans help pay back 90% of eligible vet bills, so you can worry less about cost, and more about care.
